Page 1
Studio Microphone System User Guide System comprises: - SPS422B Microphone - SPS422B Rackmount Control Unit - 1U - Microphone Stand Adapter - Part No. MSA-245 - 20m 12 Pin Microphone Cable (mic to c/unit) - Part No. NN2884 - Mains Lead...
Getting started Controls Using M/S Mode Surround Sound recording B-Format, how does it work? Recording B-Format with the SPS422B for surround post-production with the SP451 surround processor Interfacing the SPS422B with the SP451 surround processor for live surround recording Optional Accessories...
The SoundField SPS422B Issue 1.7 User Guide IMPORTANT HEALTH AND SAFETY INFORMATION - This equipment must be EARTHED. - Only suitably trained personnel should service this equipment. - Please read and take note of all warning and informative labels. - Before starting any servicing operation, this equipment must be isolated from the AC supply (mains) by removing the incoming IEC mains connector.
Page 4
Both end-fire or side-fire modes are facilitated and the output signals are available in either LEFT/ RIGHT (XY), M/S (Mid and Side) or four channel SoundField B-Format (W, X, Y, & Z). A high resolution bargraph metering system provides an accurate level readout of the LEFT/RIGHT signals and of the M/S signals when in M/S mode.
The lowest level of noise occurs when the SPS422B is set up for mono, omni operation but the noise level is exceptionally low in all modes of operation.
An internationally accepted standard is Track 1=W, Track 2=X, Track 3=Y and Track 4=Z. It is important to note that all controls to the right of the LED bargraphs on the SPS422B control unit (i.e. HP filter, M/S, Pattern & Width) only effect the left/right stereo outputs. Controls to the left of the LED displays (i.e.
Page 7
The SoundField SPS422B Issue 1.7 User Guide SINGLE TRACK MONO RECORDING For overdubbing on single tracks of a multi-track recorder or conventional mono recording. Switch on the system and allow to warm up for at least five minutes. Set the Pattern control midway (cardioid).
Keys to Proper Placement of SoundField Microphones With SoundField microphones, it is too easy to be lulled into complacency by the excellent stereo pickup they provide. The temptation is to put it up, turn a few knobs, and go with it. However, with a little more attention to detail this “good”...
Screen. This should be positionned between 10 and 15 cm from the microphone. The outputs of the SPS422B control unit should be connected to the line level inputs of the mixing console or recorder using high quality, balanced XLR screened cables. However, where it is not possible to access line level inputs, the SPS422B has sufficient gain range to feed mic.
Width : adjusts the angle between the two ‘virtual’ microphones. When set fully anticlockwise, the SPS422B produces a mono output from both output sockets. Headphones : sets the volume level of the adjacent headphone output socket. The output is a standard, stereo quarter inch jack (TRS) and is for use with headphones having an impedance of 400 ohms or greater.
Page 11
: for surround recording and can be connected to a multi-track recorder or SP451 Surround Sound Processor / Surround Zone software for live or post production surround decoding. MICROPHONE INPUT : for use only with the SPS422B microphone using the cable supplied. Page 11...
‘real-life’ microphones as the centre image is directly on- axis to the mid microphone. The unique SoundField capsule geometry and matrix circuitry ensures that both the MID centre mono component and the SIDE signal are resolved accurately with no phase discrepancies, and that the MID centre signal level remains constant when the width is being varied.
User Guide SURROUND SOUND RECORDING The SPS422B microphone system and the SP451 processor are very easy to use. The four B- Format outputs from the microphone system may either be fed directly to the SP451 for 'live' surround recording or recorded to a multi-track recorder and then played back into the SP451 for post-production processing.
The four outputs from the capsules of SoundField microphones (called the A-Format signals) are converted by the MKV, ST250 and SPS422B processors into four components known as SoundField B-Format. These convey all of the information of the entire soundfield, and are the three directional vectors - fore/aft, left/right, up/down - and absolute pressure.
Page 15
By recording the four B-Format outputs from a MKV, ST250 or SPS422B, these components can be preserved for subsequent production and processing of current and all future surround formats.
The SoundField SPS422B Issue 1.7 User Guide RECORDING B-FORMAT WITH THE SPS422B FOR SURROUND POST-PRODUCTION WITH THE SP451 SURROUND PROCESSOR The advantage of recording an acoustic event in B-Format is that it can be de-coded by the SP451 processor into the current 5.1 surround format or any future 6.1, 7.1, etc format (with the appropri- ate MAP cards fitted into the SP451) and therefore is ideal for ‘surround archiving’.
One way to retain post-production capability is to also record the B-Format at the same time as the six channels of surround. Of course, to do this you will require ten tracks to record on. Again, a stereo master can also be recorded directly from the left/right outputs of the SPS422B processor.
FCMKV MKV Flight Case – suitcase style FCSPS422 SPS422 Flight Case – suitcase style FCSPS422451 2U R/Mount Flight Case for SPS422B/SP451 mic & accessories 440-188 ST250 Zero Field Case FCMKV451 3U R/Mount Flight Case for MKV/SP451 mic & accessories RYCOTE KIT COMPRISING OF:...
Output XLR's wired: PIN 1 = screen (earth), PIN 2 = + (positive), PIN 3 = (negative). If the SPS422B is to be connected to unbalanced inputs it will be necessary to bridge PIN 1 to PIN 3. Output Impedence...
What to do if a fault is found If a fault develops in the unit, notify SoundField Ltd. or their nearest service facility giving full details of the difficulty. On receipt of this information, service or shipping instructions will be forwarded to you.
Page 21
If the unit is returned the original container should be used. If this is not possible, a new container can be obtained from SoundField Ltd. please specify the model number when requesting a new container. If the specially designed container is not used ensure that a suitable rigid container of adequate size is used, wrap the instrument in paper and surround it with a good thickness of shock absorbing material.
User Guide QUALITY ASSURANCE AND SERVICE POLICY Over the years SoundField products have gained an enviable reputation for their quality of design, performance and reliability, however, in the unlikely event that problems are encountered with this unit, please contact SoundField Service at the appropriate address below or alternatively inform one of our world wide network of distributors who will be able to assist with any of your queries.
The SoundField SPS422B Issue 1.7 User Guide SPS422B Microphone Shockmount Assembly Instructions List of Parts 1 x Geodesic Suspension Cradle 2 x Elastic Loops 1 x SPS422B Microphone Holder 1 x Stand Mounting Knuckle Joint - 2 pieces, slotted nut and bolt...
The SoundField SPS422B Issue 1.7 User Guide Splitter Cable wiring details 5 WAY MALE SPLITTER CABLE (PART NO. NN2877) POWER PIN FEMALE XLR'S x 5 SOUNDFIELD 12 PIN MALE IN-LINE CONNECTORS IN-LINE CONNECTOR (PART NO. 410-059) ALL CONNECTIONS VIEWED FROM THE REAR...
Page 26
The SoundField SPS422B Issue 1.7 User Guide 5 WAY FEMALE SPLITTER CABLE (PART NO. NN28 8) POWER SOUNDFIELD 12 PIN FEMALE 3 PIN MALE XLR'S x 5 IN-LINE CONNECTOR (PART NO. 410-045) IN-LINE CONNECTORS ALL CONNECTIONS VIEWED FROM THE REAR...
Need help?
Do you have a question about the SPS422B and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers