HHB FlashMic DRM85 User Manual

HHB FlashMic DRM85 User Manual

Digital recording microphone
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interstage
Phistersvej 31, 2900 Hellerup, Danmark
Telefon 3946 0000, fax 3946 0040
www.interstage.dk
- pro audio with a smile

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Summary of Contents for HHB FlashMic DRM85

  • Page 1 interstage Phistersvej 31, 2900 Hellerup, Danmark Telefon 3946 0000, fax 3946 0040 www.interstage.dk - pro audio with a smile...
  • Page 2: Date Of Purchase

    Introduction Thank you for purchasing this HHB FlashMic. This manual provides all the information you should need to use your FlashMic easily and effectively. We recommend you read through the manual carefully before using your FlashMic for the first time, and to keep it in a safe place for future reference. Product Details Owner: Company:...
  • Page 3: Safety Information

    While the HHB FlashMic has been designed to be robust in normal use, always remember that it is both a high-quality professional microphone and a delicate electronic instrument. As such, a degree of care should be exercised in its handling.
  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    Creating a Personalised Defaults File Uploading a Configuration File to the FlashMic PreRecord Buffer FlashMic File Names Filename Structure Reformatting the Memory Firmware Updates Specifications Polar Diagram and Frequency Response Curve of Microphone Head Notification Notes FlashMic User Manual Version . September 2006 En.3...
  • Page 5: Flashmic Features

    FlashMic Features Your FlashMic combines a professional-quality, omni-directional condenser microphone with an internal digital audio recorder in a single self-contained, self-powered unit. An extremely simple set of controls make it suitable for completely non-technical users; alternatively, more experienced recordists can access a wide range of additional functionality through menu-based pages on the FlashMic’s LCD display.
  • Page 6: Flashmic Description

    FlashMic Description PHONES MENU Protective basket (windshield) over mic capsule FlashMic body LCD display – see FlashMic Display Window Main operating control section REC button (G) PLAY button (H) MENU/STOP button (M) Multi-function jogswitch control - see Jogswitch Description Record mode LED (REC LED) USB connector (5 pin Mini-B) PHONES: monitor output (3.5mm 3-pole jack socket) En.5...
  • Page 7: Flashmic Display Window

    FlashMic Display Window 00: 1 2: 1 2 6-character alphanumeric display 4-segment battery status indicator REC flag – indicates FlashMic is in record mode. PLAY flag – indicates FlashMic is in replay mode. 6-segment bargraph meter – provides an indication of recording and playback level.
  • Page 8: Batteries

    Batteries The FlashMic requires two AA-size batteries. Either .5v alkaline or .v NiMH (nickel metal hydride) rechargeable batteries may be used. Batteries of at least 500mAh capacity are recommended. Do not use zinc chloride batteries. Inserting Batteries Hold the FlashMic in one hand and unscrew the rear section (the section with the display and operating controls) with the other.
  • Page 9: Using The Flashmic

    Using the FlashMic Jogswitch Description Many of the FlashMic’s operating functions are accessed via the jogswitch on the bottom panel. These include power on/off, navigation through the various internal menus, adjustment of levels, and track selection for replay. Operation of the jogswitch for each specific FlashMic function is described in detail in the section of the manual covering the function.
  • Page 10: Switching The Flashmic On

    USB cable. On switching the FlashMic on, the LCD panel displays in sequence: Note that the factory default microphone name is DRM_85 and the factory default preset is PSET_. After this sequence, the FlashMic is in its standby state – referred to in this manual as IDLE mode - and the displays are as shown below.
  • Page 11: Making A Recording 0

    Making a Recording The file format created within the FlashMic includes a record of the date and time at which the recording was made, together with textual information – entered via FlashMic Manager software – to aid later identification of recordings. Nevertheless, it is good recording practice to keep a separate written or electronic recording log during a recording session in the field, as many similar-sounding files may often be created.
  • Page 12: Record Lock

    Record Lock The FlashMic is equipped with a REC LOCK function to prevent the accidental cancelling of REC mode during a recording. Once in REC mode, press the REC button a second time, holding it down for at least  seconds, until the LCD screen displays the text Pressing the M/STOP button will now have no effect (other than to display the text LOCKED...
  • Page 13: Replaying Tracks

    Replaying Tracks A recorded track may be replayed for auditioning purposes. To replay the last track recorded, press the PLAY button (H). The PLAY flag on the LCD display illuminates. After a brief pause, the display shows the elapsed time of the track. The bargraph meter will show the level of the track being replayed.
  • Page 14: File Transfer 3

    FlashMic Manager window will turn green. There should also be some audible and/or visual confirmation on the computer that the FlashMic has been ‘recognised’. (Exactly what form this confirmation takes may vary slightly from computer to computer. Ignore any window called DRM85 that may open.) •...
  • Page 15: Direct Transfer To A Computer

    HHB dealer. • Switch the microphone on. • Connect the FlashMic to a spare USB port on the PC, using the cable supplied. The FlashMic’s display will show You can audition the sound files recorded in the FlashMic before transferring them, if wished.
  • Page 16: Connecting A Flashmic With Low Batteries To A Computer. 5

    • Drag-and-drop the required sound files to their new location in the normal way. • Unmount the FlashMic. This action is performed by double-clicking the USB device icon in the status bar. dialogue box, in which external hardware connected to the PC’s USB ports will be listed.
  • Page 17: Flashmic Menu System 6

    FlashMic Menu System The FlashMic’s menu system allows you to adjust internal settings and select various options to suit your specific recording needs. Basic recording, playback and file transfer do not require use of the menu system. Note that some of the menus will only be available to the user if access to them was enabled in the FlashMic Manager software at the time of configuration file definition.
  • Page 18: Preset Menu 7

    Preset Menu The Preset Menu allows the user to select which preset from the FlashMic’s current configuration file is to be used. The FlashMic’s configuration file can have up to 9 presets. The configuration file is loaded into the FlashMic from a computer, using the supplied FlashMic Manager software. Each preset determines the value of various FlashMic parameters, including recording level and mode, pre-record buffer duration and the file name.
  • Page 19: Recording Mode Menu 8

    Recording Mode Menu This menu will not be available if ‘Enable Configuration changes in DRM’ was set to ‘No’ when the configuration file was defined in FlashMic Manager. The Recording Mode menu permits selection of an alternative digital recording format to that determined by the currently selected preset.
  • Page 20: Recording Level Menu 9

    Recording Level Menu This menu will not be available if ‘Enable Configuration changes in DRM’ was set to ‘No’ when the configuration file was defined in FlashMic Manager. The audio level used during recording will be that defined within FlashMic Manager for the preset being used.
  • Page 21: Hi-Pass Filter Menu 0

    Hi-pass Filter Menu This menu will not be available if ‘Enable Configuration changes in DRM’ was set to ‘No’ when the configuration file was defined in FlashMic Manager. The FlashMic’s analogue circuitry includes a hi-pass filter, to assist in the rejection of extraneous low-frequency background noises, such as air-conditioning noise or traffic rumble.
  • Page 22: Delete Menu

    Delete Menu It is often desirable to delete unwanted recordings (tracks) from the FlashMic’s memory, particularly if they have been made erroneously or are otherwise unusable. The Delete Menu permits the user to do this. Note that any track deleted in this way is deleted permanently and irrecoverably. As tracks are only referred to by their track number on the FlashMic’s LCD display, before deleting a track always ensure you know which one you are trying to delete.
  • Page 23: Clock Set Menu

    Clock Set Menu The FlashMic contains a real-time calendar/clock, which allows a date and time ‘stamp’ to be embedded in the audio file headers. This is a great aid to later accurate identification of what may be many similar-sounding recordings made in the field. The clock runs continuously whilst batteries are fitted.
  • Page 24: Flashmic Manager 3

    FlashMic Manager FlashMic Manager is the software application supplied with FlashMic. The CD-ROM that came supplied contains both PC and Mac versions. While it is perfectly possible to use FlashMic without using FlashMic Manager, you will not be using it to its full effectiveness, and will not be accessing the full range of features and functions that FlashMic offers.
  • Page 25: Installing Flashmic Manager On A Mac 4

    Manual Installation instructions. • If, for any reason, the CD does not autostart, open My Computer, and double-click the CD, which will be called FlashMic. • Find the folder titled FMM_Win and copy it to a suitable location on the hard drive. C:\Program Files is a recommended location.
  • Page 26: Using Flashmic Manager 5

    Using FlashMic Manager The user interface of FlashMic Manager opens as shown below: FlashMic Interface Running on a PC FlashMic Interface Running on a Mac En.5...
  • Page 27: Configuration Files And Presets 6

    Configuration Files and Presets Before you start exploring the features of FlashMic Manager, it is important to understand some basic terminology and the concepts behind the use of presets. Various parameters of the FlashMic’s operation can be changed with FlashMic Manager. A set of parameters is called a preset, and the FlashMic can hold up to 9 presets at any time.
  • Page 28: Flashmic Manager Window - Features 7

    These are the settings that will be found in the FlashMic when used for the first time “out of the box”. To see these parameters displayed in FlashMic Manager, click File>New (or hit CTRL+N). This will remove the greyed-out fields ready for data entry. Then click Presets>Set Default Values (or hit CTL + D).
  • Page 29 Preset Configuration Record Mode ‡ – this drop-down box lets you determine the file type and sample rate from 6 options: RECORD MODE LIN48K BWF files (uncompressed) LIN44K BWF files (uncompressed) LIN3K BWF files (uncompressed) MP48K MPEG (Layer ) files MP44K MPEG (Layer ) files LIN3K...
  • Page 30: Other Features And Functions 9

    BWF/MPEG File Info File Name ‡ - The text in this field (default text ‘TRACK’ in the example) will form part of the header of all sound files recorded in the FlashMic with this preset. This is to assist later identification.
  • Page 31 (maximum 6 characters). The factory default name is DRM85. This name forms part of the file header of each recorded sound file, so renaming the FlashMic to a unique name (e.g., that of the user) is of great assistance when multiple FlashMics are employed.
  • Page 32 Presets> Set Default Values: resets all parameter fields of the FlashMic Manager window to the factory default values determined by the file Defaults.cfg, for the currently selected preset ( – 9). Any existing set of preset values is overwritten, but the configuration file to which they belong is unchanged.
  • Page 33: Connecting The Flashmic

    Connecting the FlashMic When connecting the FlashMic to the computer running FlashMic Manager, always ensure the FlashMic is powered and in IDLE mode first. Connect to the computer with the USB cable supplied. If the FlashMic is in Record mode the USB connection will be ignored, and will time out. In this case, the connector will need to be removed and reconnected after recording has finished for the USB connection to be made successfully.
  • Page 34: Creating A New Configuration File

    Creating a New Configuration File To create a different preset (or presets), you must first create a new configuration file. Click File>New (or enter CTL + N). This clears all the data entry fields and • enters ‘New’ as the Current Configuration file name. •...
  • Page 35: Uploading A Configuration File To The Flashmic

    FlashMic has been ‘recognised’. (Exactly what form this confirmation takes may vary slightly from computer to computer. Ignore any window called DRM85 that may open.) FlashMic Manager will display the parameter values of the FlashMic’s currently selected preset.
  • Page 36: Flashmic File Names

    FlashMic File Names Frequently, the number of sound files to be downloaded from a FlashMic may be quite large. Furthermore, the FlashMic may have been used in several different locations, and/or by different journalists/recordists. Thus it is important to identify sound files at the time of recording so that their identity and origin can be correctly attributed.
  • Page 37: Reformatting The Memory

    In the example, several files are in the FlashMic’s AUDIO folder. The first of these is named MIC_0_JOHN_TRK00.wav. In this filename, MIC_01 is the FlashMic name that was set in FlashMic Manager for the configuration file loaded into the FlashMic. JOHN –...
  • Page 38: Firmware Updates

    The FlashMic will be identified in the directory tree as an additional drive (the drive letter will vary from machine to machine). • Drag-and-drop the DRM85.bin file to the FlashMic root (not into any of the three folders AUDIO, CONFIG or FIRMWARE it contains). •...
  • Page 39: Specifications

    48kHz, 44.kHz and 3kHz. Selection by FlashMic Manager or on DRM85. Bit Resolution (Linear) 6 Bit Audio Formats Linear PCM or MPEG  Layer . Selection by FlashMic Manager software or on DRM85. 6 mode settings. Bit rates (MPEG) 9, 60, 8 kbps Electronics Frequency 0 Hz - 0 kHz ±...
  • Page 40: Polar Diagram And Frequency Response Curve Of Microphone Head

    Polar Diagram and Frequency Response Curve of Microphone Head 60° 90° 120° kHz and below 1.000 1.000 FlashMic Frequency Response Curve 0° 30° 330° 10dB 15dB 20dB 25dB 150° 210° 180° FlashMic Polar Diagram 10.000 10.000 kHz 300° 4kHz 270°...
  • Page 41 FlashMic’s LCD display. Specifications All specifications are as the omni-directional DRM85, with the exception of: Microphone capsule Polar Diagram and Frequency Response Curve...
  • Page 42: Notification

    Notification PRODUCT REGISTRATION Please register ownership of your FlashMic now at http://www.flashmic.info. Registration will enable you to receive software updates and other important FlashMic product news. EC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY This equipment conforms to the requirements of the EMC Directive (89/336/EEC) relating to electromagnetic compatibility by the application of:- EN5503:00 and EN5500:00.
  • Page 43: Notes

    Notes En.4...
  • Page 44 Notes En.4...
  • Page 45 HHB Communications Ltd 73-75 Scrubs Lane, London NW10 6QU, UK T +44 (0)20 8962 5000 E sales@hhb.co.uk W www.hhb.co.uk In the USA, Central & South America: Sennheiser Electronic Corporation T 860 434 9190 E HHB-Sales@sennheiserusa.com W www.hhbusa.com In Canada: HHB Communications Canada Ltd T 416 867 9000 E sales@hhbcanada.com W www.hhbcanada.com interstage Version 2.0 - September 2006...
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