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Introduction Thank you for purchasing this HHB FlashMic. ENGLISH 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: Date of Purchase: Serial Number: En.
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. ENGLISH • Take care not to subject the FlashMic to mechanical impact, e.g. dropping it or knocking it on hard surfaces. • Use care when opening the battery compartment.
Introduction 1 Safety Information 2 What’s in the box 2 FlashMic Features 4 FlashMic Description FlashMic Display Window 5 6 Batteries 7 7 7 7 Inserting Batteries Battery Management Battery Status Indicator 8 Using the FlashMic Jogswitch Description 8 9 Switching The FlashMic On Making a Recording 10 PreRecord Buffer (Introduction) 10 Record Lock 11 Monitoring 11 Adjusting Record Level 11 Replaying Tracks 12 Markers 12 Deleting a Track 12 File Transfer 13 Transfer Using FlashMic Ma
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.
FlashMic Description 2 1 3 ENGLISH 4 10 USB 11 PHONES MENU 8 9 5 6 1 Protective basket (windshield) over mic capsule 2 FlashMic body 3 LCD display – see FlashMic Display Window 4 Main operating control section 5 REC button (G) 6 PLAY button (H) 7 MENU/STOP button (M) 8 Multi-function jogswitch control - see Jogswitch Description 9 Record mode LED (REC LED) 10 USB connector (5 pin Mini-B) 11 PHONES: monitor output (3.5mm 3-pole jack socket) 7 En.
FlashMic Display Window 12 17 00:12:12 Rec ENGLISH 13 En. 16 Play 14 15 12 6-character alphanumeric display 13 4-segment battery status indicator 14 REC flag – indicates FlashMic is in record mode. 15 PLAY flag – indicates FlashMic is in replay mode. 16 16-segment bargraph meter – provides an indication of recording and playback level.
Batteries The FlashMic requires two AA-size batteries. Either 1.5v alkaline or 1.2v NiMH (nickel metal hydride) rechargeable batteries may be used. Batteries of at least 1500mAh capacity are recommended. ! Do not use zinc chloride batteries. Inserting Batteries ENGLISH Hold the FlashMic in one hand and unscrew the rear section (the section with the display and operating controls) with the other. Slide the rear section back as far as it will go. Open the hinged plastic battery compartment cover.
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. However, because the jogswitch has several physical movements associated with it, an overview is given here.
Switching The FlashMic On The FlashMic is switched on by a SHORT PRESS on the jogswitch, and switched off by a LONG PRESS until the text OFF appears in the display. The FlashMic will turn off when the jogswitch is released. Note that it is not possible to turn the FlashMic off while it is connected to a computer via its USB cable. On switching the FlashMic on, the LCD panel displays in sequence: DRM85 ê Firmware version ê Microphone name ê Active preset.
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. Keeping such a log is recommended.
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 2 seconds, until the LCD screen displays the text LOCKED. Pressing the M/STOP button will now have no effect (other than to display the text LOCKED). To disable REC LOCK mode, press and hold the REC button until the LOCKED display changes to UNLOCK.
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. The playback may be monitored via the PHONES connector. At the end of the track, the FlashMic will resume IDLE mode.
File Transfer Typically, you will use your FlashMic ‘in the field’ to capture a number of different recordings. The resulting sound files will need to be downloaded from the FlashMic into a computer at some point for further evaluation, editing, deletion, or other treatment before they can be broadcast or otherwise made useful. In many organisations, the process of file transfer may be performed by someone other than the person who made the recordings.
ENGLISH • The sound files in the FlashMic will be listed. Select those to be transferred by highlighting them with a single click. (Normal Windows/MAC conventions re multiple file selection apply.) • Click the Transfer… button. The Browse For Folder dialogue box opens. • Navigate to the folder into which the sound files are to be transferred. Click OK. • The file(s) are transferred.
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 This will open the Safely Remove Hardware device icon in the status bar. dialogue box, in which external hardware connected to the PC’s USB ports will be listed. Select USB Mass Storage Device by clicking on it, then click STOP. Select the DRM-85 and click OK. This step will ensure that no data is lost by simply disconnecting the mic.
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.
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. (The file name will appear in the header of the audio files.
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. A total of six recording formats are available within FlashMic; two file formats at each of three sample rates.
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. The Recording Level menu permits this level to be altered. To enter the Recording Level Menu, enter MENU mode by pressing the M/STOP button, and then make SHORT DOWN TURNs of the jogswitch until the display shows RECLEV.
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. The filter has a slope of 12dB/oct. and a turnover frequency of 100Hz.
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.
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. It continues to run for approx. 1 minute after the batteries are removed, allowing time for a change of batteries.
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.
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. • Within this folder is a file named Setup.exe. Double click this file and the FlashMic Manager install wizard will launch.
Using FlashMic Manager ENGLISH The user interface of FlashMic Manager opens as shown below: FlashMic Interface Running on a PC FlashMic Interface Running on a Mac En.
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. The FlashMic user can select whichever is appropriate for the recording application using the menus.
These are the settings that will be found in the FlashMic when used for the first time “out of the box”. ENGLISH 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). This loads the parameter values listed above into the data fields for the currently selected Preset number, as shown in the Select Preset box (in this instance, 1).
Preset Configuration ENGLISH Record Mode ‡ – this drop-down box lets you determine the file type and sample rate from 6 options: RECORD MODE FILE TYPE SAMPLE RATE MAXIMUM RECORDING TIME LIN48K BWF files (uncompressed) 48kHz 3hr LIN44K BWF files (uncompressed) 44.1kHz 3hr 15min LIN32K BWF files (uncompressed) 32kHz 4hr 30min MP48K MPEG1 (Layer 2) files 48kHz 12hr 15min MP44K MPEG1 (Layer 2) files 44.
BWF/MPEG File Info See File Name Structure, page 35 for more information. Note: The data in the next three fields is written into the BEXT data chunk of the .wav file, and can be read by any compatible editing system. Company Name – This field is optional and can be used for reference and housekeeping purposes. Max. length is 31 characters. Reporter Name - This field is optional and can be used for reference and housekeeping purposes. Max. length is 31 characters.
Connection Status The large “LED” indicator at the top right of the window indicates whether a FlashMic is connected to the computer. It is red when a FlashMic is not connected, and turns green when a successful connection is established. Menu Bar Many of the options available in the menu bar are standard to all Windows™ applications and need little explanation: File> New: clears all parameter fields, allows creation of new configuration file.
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 (1 – 9). Any existing set of preset values is overwritten, but the configuration file to which they belong is unchanged. The configuration within the FlashMic also remains unchanged until a file upload is performed. This menu option is unavailable unless a configuration file has already been loaded into FlashMic Manager.
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.
Creating 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. • Enter data for the first preset (Preset 1) in all data entry boxes in the Current Config file, Preset Configuration and DRM Configuration areas of the window. Note that all these fields are mandatory.
Uploading a Configuration File to the FlashMic After modifying or creating a configuration file, you will want to load it into the FlashMic. This can be carried out immediately after editing the configuration file. ENGLISH • Launch FlashMic Manager, if not already open. • Switch the FlashMic on. • When the FlashMic is in IDLE mode, connect it to the computer with the USB cable supplied. • The LCD display will show USB, and the large red indicator in the FlashMic Manager window will turn green.
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. A written (or electronic) recording log is recommended elsewhere in this manual, and it is good professional practice to maintain such a log.
In the example, several files are in the FlashMic’s AUDIO folder. The first of these is named MIC_01_JOHN_TRK001.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 – possibly the recordist’s name - is the BWF/MPEG File Name set in FlashMic Manager for one of the presets. We do not know from the .wav filename which preset number this was, but ‘John’ would have had this information, and would have selected this preset.
Firmware Updates As a responsible manufacturer, HHB adopts a policy of continuous product development. As with all software-based products, it may be desirable from time to time to update the firmware in your FlashMic with a more recent version. You can contact your HHB dealer or distributor, or visit the FlashMic website at http://www.flashmic.info for details of firmware updates. Firmware updates are downloadable from the FlashMic website, or if you prefer, from your local dealer/distributor on a CD-ROM.
Specifications Sampling Frequency 48kHz, 44.1kHz and 32kHz. Selection by FlashMic Manager or on DRM85. Bit Resolution (Linear) 16 Bit Audio Formats Linear PCM or MPEG 1 Layer 2. Selection by FlashMic Manager software or on DRM85. 6 mode settings. Bit rates (MPEG) 192, 160, 128 kbps Electronics Frequency Response 20 Hz - 20 kHz ± 1dB @ 48 kHz FS Linear PCM THD + N < 0.
Polar Diagram and Frequency Response Curve of Microphone Head -20 -30 dBV -40 -50 -60 50 100 100 200 500 1k 1.000 Hz 2k 5k 10k 10.000 20k ENGLISH -70 FlashMic Frequency Response Curve 2kHz 0° 30° 5dB 330° 10dB 60° 300° 15dB 4kHz 20dB 25dB 90° 270° 120° 1kHz and below 240° 150° 210° 8kHz 16kHz 180° FlashMic Polar Diagram En.
User Manual Supplement FlashMic DRM85-C Features P4 Your FlashMic combines a professional-quality, uni-directional condenser microphone with an internal digital audio recorder in a single self-contained, self-powered unit. An extremely simple set of controls makes 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.
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:- EN55013:2001 and EN55020:2002.
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#17561 - FlashMic Manual Cover 5/4/06 8:27 am Page 1 FlashMic DRM85 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 Version 2.
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