Arrakis Systems ARC-8 Technical Manual
  1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. Arrakis Systems Manuals
  4. Recording Equipment
  5. ARC-8
  6. Technical manual

Arrakis Systems ARC-8 Technical Manual

Radio console
Hide thumbs

Advertisement

Table of Contents

R A D I O C O N S O L E P R O D U C T S
ARC-8
Radio Console
Technical Manual
November 1, 2014
ARRAKIS
a d v a n c e d
r a d i o
1.0

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading

Related Manuals for Arrakis Systems ARC-8

Summary of Contents for Arrakis Systems ARC-8

  • Page 1 R A D I O C O N S O L E P R O D U C T S ARC-8 Radio Console Technical Manual November 1, 2014 ARRAKIS a d v a n c e d r a d i o...
  • Page 2 I N T R O D U C T I O N Thank you from Arrakis Systems inc. Thank you for purchasing this product by Arrakis Systems inc. Our company has provided professional audio equipment to the broadcast, commercial audio, and consumer audio markets for more than 30 years. Our prod- ucts are sold worldwide and are well known for leading edge technology, quality, and reliability.
  • Page 3 S A F E T Y S a f e t y I n s t r u c t i o n s 1. Read All Instructions. All safety and operating the type of power supplied to your facility, 16.
  • Page 4 S A F E T Y Hazard / Warning Label Identification C AU T I O N RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN WARNING: SHOCK HAZARD - DO NOT OPEN AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE - NE PAS OUVRIR CAUTION : TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT REMOVE ANY COVER OR PANEL.
  • Page 5 This console carries a manufacturer‘s warranty subject to the following guidelines and limitations: Except as expressly excluded herein, Arrakis Systems inc. (“Seller”) warrants equipment of its own man- ufacture against faulty workmanship or the use of defective materials for a period of one (1) year from date of shipment to Buyer.
  • Page 6 W A R R A N T Y Software End User License Agreement This product contains software licensed from Arrakis Systems inc. and possibly from other software companies. Own- ership of this product constitutes acceptance of this agreement. 1- This product contains intellectual property (i.e. software programs) that are licensed for use by the end user cus- tomer (hereinafter “End user”).
  • Page 7 This is a blank page...

  • Page 8: Table Of Contents

    W A R R A N T Y Table of Contents Section One Introduction Section Two Product Description Section Three Operation Instructions Section Four Installation Instructions Section Five DHD-Live Section Six Service and Maintenance Section Seven Bluetooth (optional) ARRAKIS a d v a n c e d r a d i o...
  • Page 9 This is a blank page...
  • Page 10 P R O D U C T D E S C R I P T I O N PRODUCT DESCRIPTION...
  • Page 11 This is a blank page...

  • Page 12: Product Description

    The ARC-8 even has a built in PC USB sound card on channel eight to play in digital directly from your favorite PC audio software. At the same time, the Program output from the console records in digital over the USB directly to your PC recording software.

  • Page 13: Operational Description

    Auto-cue into the Monitor and Headphone systems The ARC-8 features a cue system that plays through the monitor and headphone systems. To cue a channel, depress the cue switch. The Program audio in the Monitor speakers will dim and the Cue audio from the cue’d channel will play through the monitor speakers and...

  • Page 14: Back Panel Diagram

    Monitor Digilink-Xtreme Software for ARC consoles This software is provided standard with the ARC-8 console. It is designed for Live On Air play, basic automation, & radio production. It is specifically designed to be easy to use ! 500 event Play List for assembling a show (play lists may be created, saved to file, and then reloaded for playback)

  • Page 15: Specifications

    P R O D U C T D E S C R I P T I O N Specifications Electronic Stereo Line Input Freq Response- +(-).5dB 20-20kHz S/N- -82dB typ, +8dBu in, +8 dBu out THD- .01% typ, +8dBu in, +8 dBu out CMRR- -75dB typ 1kHz Max Input-...

  • Page 16: Operation Instructions

    O P E R A T I N G I N S T R U C T I O N S OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS...
  • Page 17 This is a blank page...

  • Page 18: Quick Start

    Auto-cue into the Monitor and Headphone systems The ARC-8 features a cue system that plays through the monitor and headphone systems. To cue a channel, depress the cue switch. The Program audio in the Monitor speakers will dim and the Cue audio from the cue’d channel will play through the monitor speakers and...
  • Page 19 O P E R A T I N G I N S T R U C T I O N S Mono mic level Input Channels (channels 1 & 2) Channels one and two are dedicated mono microphone channels. CHANNEL ON AND OFF To turn a channel on, simply push the red ON switch at the bottom of the fader.
  • Page 20 Stereo Line Level Input Channels (channels 3-7) The ARC-8 has stereo line level channels on channel 3-7 (channel 7 can also be used with an external phone hybrid). CHANNEL ON AND OFF To turn a channel on, simply push the red ON switch at the bottom of the fader. When the channel is on, the LED indicator above the switch will light. To turn the channel off, simply push the red ON button again.
  • Page 21 The Telephone Input Channel (channel 7) The ARC-8 supports a single phone caller for Live On Air or Off-line (contest caller, etc.) applications on channel 7 of the console. CHANNEL ON AND OFF To turn a channel on, simply push the red ON switch at the bottom of the fader. When the channel is on, an LED indicator above the switch will be lighted.
  • Page 22 O P E R A T I N G I N S T R U C T I O N S The Control Room Monitor system The Control Room Monitor system is the main audio monitoring system for the studio. It features an input selector switch and a vol- ume level control.
  • Page 23 The Headphone system The Headphone (earphone) system in the ARC-8 console is provided so that audio can be listened to while the microphone is active and the monitor speakers are muted. The Headphone system receives the same audio feed as the Monitor system but does not mute when the microphone channel is turned on.
  • Page 24 O P E R A T I N G I N S T R U C T I O N S The Cue system The cue system is designed for monitoring an audio source without placing it on air. This feature is useful for listening to a network feed before bringing it to air, listening to a CD to be certain it is the correct song, etc.
  • Page 25 O P E R A T I N G I N S T R U C T I O N S The VU meters The ARC-8 console features a single set of fixed LED VU meters that monitor the stereo Program output of the console. The meters feature standard ‘VU’ ballistics.

  • Page 26: Installation Instructions

    I N S T A L L A T I O N I N S T R U C T I O N S INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS...
  • Page 27 This is a blank page...
  • Page 28 CHECK FOR DAMAGE Check all packages and equipment for damage IMMEDIATELY upon receipt. If damage is found, contact Arrakis Systems immediately to report the damage. (refer to inside cover of this manual for contact information) c) CAREFULLY GO THROUGH EACH BOX Arrakis inspects every shipment for accuracy.

  • Page 29: Before You Start

    I N S T A L L A T I O N I N S T R U C T I O N S Before you start a) PHYSICAL SPACE It is important to install the console with sufficient space around it to operate and service the console easily.
  • Page 30 CONSUMER SOURCE EQUIPMENT The ARC-8 console is designed to be used with balanced professional & unbalanced consumer type audio source equipment such as CD players, MDs, DAT machines, cassette machines, etc. Unbalanced consumer equipment is designed to perform well in compact studios where audio cables are short.
  • Page 31 STEP 1- CONNECT THE Connect a CD player to headphones and listen AC POWER SUPPLY Channel 3 on the console to the CD player ARC-8 Ch 8 Ch 7 Ch 6 Ch 5 Ch 7 Mute Pgm Left...
  • Page 32 If the amplifier uses to the MONITOR 1/8" phone connec- output of tors, then a phone to the console RCA cable will be required Audio power amp ARC-8 Ch 8 Ch 7 Ch 6 Ch 5 Ch 7 Mute Pgm Left Pgm Right...
  • Page 33 MIC ONE Connect a mic to the XLR mic inputs and test the mic into the headphones Ch 8 Ch 7 Ch 6 Ch 5 ARC-8 Ch 7 Mute Pgm Left Pgm Right Ch 8 Ch 7 Ch 6 Ch 4...
  • Page 34 STEP 6- connect the console Program output to the station’s Signal Chain Unbalanced Pgm out (-10dBu) Balanced Pgm out (+4dBu) Ch 8 Ch 7 Ch 6 Ch 5 ARC-8 Ch 7 Mute Pgm Left Pgm Right Ch 8 Ch 7...
  • Page 35 EXAMPLE: MARANTZ CD RECORDER RCA AUDIO CABLE The White connector is left and the Red connector is right STEP 7- ANALOG PROGRAM OUTPUT Ch 6 ARC-8 Ch 7 Pgm Left Pgm Right Ch 8 Ch 7 Ch 8 Ch 7...
  • Page 36 “minused” from the mix, then the caller would feed back to himself. The mix minus output is balanced (+4dBu) located on a 1/8" TRS phone jack. 3) CONTROL LOGIC- The ARC-8 has no phone logic to turn the hybrid on and off. This should be done manually from the hybrid’s front panel.
  • Page 37 I N S T A L L A T I O N I N S T R U C T I O N S Talkback to another Studio The ARC-8 does not have a talkback output or input for use as an intercom between studios. Many stations use the inter- com system on their telephones for that purpose.
  • Page 38 The White connector is left and the Red connector is right STEP 10- OFF AIR MONITORING RADIO RECEIVER Tuner or Off Air Monitor Output Ch 6 ARC-8 Ch 7 Pgm Left Pgm Right Ch 8 Ch 7 Ch 8 Ch 7...
  • Page 39 TEST Activating the On Air Light should not produce an audio pop in the console audio. 1/8" TRS phone connector with On Air light (Muting) logic Ch 6 ARC-8 Ch 7 Pgm Left Pgm Right Ch 8 Ch 7...
  • Page 40 I N S T A L L A T I O N I N S T R U C T I O N S Factory built Cables The factory has a number of factory built cables available for purchase. These cables interface typical source and other equipment to the console.
  • Page 41 I N S T A L L A T I O N I N S T R U C T I O N S Balanced Inputs The ARC-8 has balanced audio inputs on channels 3-7 input. They use RJ45 connectors as illustrated below. Pins 5,7,8 are not connected.
  • Page 42 PC Setup The ARC-8 console features a built in sound card on Channel Eight ‘B’ of the console. This enables the console to play & record audio directly from a Windows PC using Arrakis Digilink-Xtreme software. Because the electronics is USB HID compliant, it will be recognized as a Windows soundcard by the Windows operating system and can be used with any Windows compliant audio software (such as Adobe Audition).
  • Page 43 To adjust, the simplest method is to speak into the mic and adjust the trim pot with a small straight edge screwdriver until the desired level is reached. trim pots Ch 6 ARC-8 Ch 7 Pgm Left Pgm Right...

  • Page 44: Dhd-Live

    DHD-LIVE FOR THE ARC CONSOLE...
  • Page 45 This is a blank page...

  • Page 46: Getting Started

    Getting Started Included with an ARC series console (with a USB channel) is a free copy of DHD-Live. This software is the ultimate live assist tool for anyone who wants to put on a dynamic and powerful live show. It includes features that give you unprecedented customization and flexibility. We are confident that you will love this software.

  • Page 47: Service And Maintenance

    S E R V I C E & M A I N T E N A N C E SERVICE & MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS...
  • Page 48 This is a blank page...
  • Page 49 S E R V I C E & M A I N T E N A N C E General Repair Considerations WARNING The console should be repaired by qualified, professional, & experienced, audio technicians ONLY. Before beginning any type of repair or opening the console CALL Arrakis customer support for recommendations. DESIGNED FOR MODULAR PART REPLACEMENT The ARC series console is designed for modular replacement rather than repair.

  • Page 50: Opening The Console

    S E R V I C E & M A I N T E N A N C E Opening the Console WARNING The console should be repaired by qualified, professional, & experienced, audio technicians ONLY. Before beginning any type of repair or opening the console CALL Arrakis customer support for recommenda- tions.
  • Page 51 S E R V I C E & M A I N T E N A N C E Replacing Slide Faders, Switches and other parts Slide faders and switches are soldered onto the PC board and should be replaced at the factory if at all possible. The procedure requires proper tools, and it can be difficult to remove the parts without damaging traces or pads on the PC board.
  • Page 52 S E R V I C E & M A I N T E N A N C E Replacing ICs ICs must be replaced with care. All but one IC in the console is socketed so that they can be replaced. When replacing an IC, be careful to not bend legs under the IC or outside the socket.
  • Page 53 S E R V I C E & M A I N T E N A N C E Motherboard Parts Layout...

  • Page 54: Factory Service

    Warranty Service Procedure for the ARC console hardware Arrakis Systems assumes that its customers have on staff (or access to) competent technical personnel and adequate test equipment. If a product fails, Arrakis will first seek to ascertain the problem over the phone and solve it at the modular replacement level where we find the specific part(s) that have failed and repair or replace them.

  • Page 55: Spare Parts

    Spare Parts Arrakis does not provide a spare parts kit with the ARC-8. Contact the factory if a part needs to be replaced. Purchased Parts An Arrakis customer may purchase spare or replacement parts from the factory. The cost of the parts will include a service charge, the cost for the parts, and the cost of the shipping.

  • Page 56: Bluetooth (Optional)

    B L U E T O O T H BLUETOOTH...
  • Page 57 Bluetooth audio will play out the Bluetooth channel (CH 7 for ARC-8, CH 10 for ARC-10, CH 15 for ARC-15). This is the phone hybrid channel, and may alternatively be used with your phone hybrid. The phone and Bluetooth audio sums into this channel.
  • Page 58 B L U E T O O T H HOW TO CONNECT TO AN ANDROID DEVICE Here‘s an example using an Android cell phone with the Jellybean OS: 1. Go to Settings. 2. Turn on the Bluetooth feature. 3. Select Search for devices. 4.
  • Page 59 B L U E T O O T H HOW TO CONNECT TO A WINDOWS 8.1 DEVICE Under Windows 8.1 , the Bluetooth option has been moved to a new section: Press the Windows key + C to open the Charm Bar. Click on Settings and select PC settings.
  • Page 60 The red Drop LED will be lit if your cell phone is connected. 2. Turn on the Bluetooth channel on your board. (CH 7 for the ARC-8, CH 10 for the ARC- 10, CH 15 for the ARC-15) 3.
  • Page 61 B L U E T O O T H HOW TO STREAM AUDIO The Bluetooth feature for the ARC series console allows you to play music or audio from a Bluetooth enabled device, such as a Tablet, MP3 player, or recorder. To stream audio: 1.
  • Page 62 B L U E T O O T H RENAME A BLUETOOTH ARC CONSOLE ON YOUR DEVICE If you have multiple Bluetooth ARC consoles, then it may be necessary to rename the ARRAKIS 1.X. for easier identification. This way it will be easier to identify which Bluetooth console is which. You may accomplish this on your Bluetooth device. Here‘s an example using an Android (Jellybean OS) device: 1.
  • Page 63 B L U E T O O T H QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE HOW TO PAIR YOUR DEVICE 1. Press and hold the blue Call button for 5 seconds to put into Pair mode. You have 10 minutes to connect. 2. Search for ARRAKIS 1.X. and connect. CELL PHONE MODE Call (blue) button (quick press) –...
  • Page 64 B L U E T O O T H TROUBLESHOOTING & TIPS TROUBLE PAIRING A DEVICE If you are having trouble pairing a device. Try these steps: 1. Power down, and then power up your ARC console. 2. Press and hold the blue Call button for exactly 5 seconds, and then release. You will hear a beep on the Bluetooth channel. 3.

Table of Contents