Shure FP410 User Manual

The Shure Model FP410E is an automatic microphone mixer de-
signed for use in a wide variety of multi–microphone speech pickup
applications. Shure IntelliMix is the remarkable new operational
concept behind the FP410E. It delivers flawless automatic mixing
by combining three unique functions:
Noise–Adaptive Threshold,
MaxBus , and
Last Mic Lock–On .
Noise–Adaptive Threshold distinguishes between constant
background noise (such as air conditioning) and rapidly changing
sound (such as speech).This function continuously adjusts the ac-
tivation threshold so that only speech levels louder than the back-
ground sound will activate an FP410E channel.
MaxBus eliminates the poor audio quality that results when a
talker is picked up by more than one microphone. It does this by
controlling the number of microphones that may activate for a
single sound source. With MaxBus, one talker will activate only one
FP410E channel, even if multiple microphones are "hearing" that
talker.
Last Mic Lock–On maintains a seamless audio mix by keeping
the most recently activated microphone open until a newly acti-
vated microphone takes its place. Without Last Mic Lock–On, a
long pause in conversation may allow all microphones to turn off,
and it may sound as if the audio signal has been lost. Last Mic
Lock–On ensures that background ambience will always be pres-
ent.
Multiple miking situations—with a number of talkers participa-
ting—have always presented problems for the audio technician. If
too few mics are used, the coverage of each talker may vary, with
one talker (nearest the mic) being louder and clearer than the next.
Talkers farthest from the mics will sound "echoey" and reverberant,
as very little of the direct sound from their mouths reaches the mi-
crophones. If too many mics are used, there's more background
noise and reverberation pickup, as well as less gain before feed-
back if a sound reinforcement (PA) system is used.
It's somewhat like having multiple video cameras all focused on
the same subject. If these camera signals are combined, the result
is a blurred image. When multiple microphones are open for a
single talker, the result is a blurred audio signal. But it's often not
practical for someone to turn mics on when they are needed and off
when they are not. The answer is the FP410E automatic micro-
phone mixer.
The FP410E automatically attenuates (turns down) any micro-
phone not being used, greatly reducing the excess reverberation
and feedback problems associated with the use of conventional
1996, Shure Brothers Inc.
27A8319 (PK)
Shure Brothers Incorporated
222 Hartrey Avenue
Evanston IL 60202-3696 U.S.A.
Model FP410 User Guide
multiple microphone and mixer techniques. When a new talker
starts to speak, the FP410E immediately selects and silently acti-
vates the most appropriate microphone. Shure IntelliMix electronic
signal processing enables the FP410E to provide clear, natural
voice pickup. The FP410E significantly reduces the problems of
"boomy" or "muddy" sound, insufficient sound level (because of
feedback or "howling"), and operator errors. In fact, operator errors
are virtually eliminated because the FP410E needs no operator or
technician for continual adjustment—once set up, it is completely
self–sufficient.
The FP410E has numerous applications in video production and
audio recording, broadcasting, and sound reinforcement. In any
speech pickup application where multiple microphones are re-
quired, the FP410E dramatically improves audio quality. Switching
from manual to automatic operation allows an individual talker's
voice to rise above the background noise and reverberation to be-
come clearer and more intelligible.
Each FP410E handles up to four microphones or line–level sig-
nals. Any high quality, low–impedance, balanced microphone us-
ing a dynamic or condenser* transducer (including wireless and
shotgun types) can be used. Additional FP410E mixers can be in-
terconnected using the rear–panel link jacks. Complete manual op-
eration is also available using a front–panel selector switch..
The FP410E is supplied with optional bumpers (feet) for use on
horizontal surfaces, a short cable for linking two FP410E mixers,
and a rack–mounting kit for installation in a standard 483 mm
(19–inch) audio equipment rack..
The FP410E is supplied for 230 Vac operation (line fuse 0.05 A)
and its line cord is terminated by a Schuko ac plug.
*Self–powered or operable on 14 or 48 Vdc phantom power.
Features
Reliable, quick–acting, noise–free microphone selection––auto-
matically adjusts to changes in background room noise
Front–panel channel gain and master controls operate as in con-
ventional mixers
Selectable hold time keeps microphones on during short pauses
in speech
Selectable Off–Attenuation control for seamless operation
Automatic gain adjustment as additional microphones are acti-
vated
Defeatable "Last Mic Lock–On" circuit keeps at least one micro-
phone on at all times—maintains acoustic ambiance and pre-
vents confusing background sound changes
Printed in U.S.A.