SOUNDFIELD DSF-1 Performance Microphone System User Guide Version 1.
SoundField DSF-1 User Guide TABLE OF CONTENTS Safety Information - - - - - - - - - - 3 How Does it Work? - - - - - - - - - - 5-6 Introduction - Getting Started Controls - - - - - - - Post Production Surround Sound: Using the DSF-1 with SoundField ‘Surround Zone’ Software Specification Warranty - - - Shipping and Quality Assurance - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4 7-8 9-13 - - - - 14 - - - - 16 - 12 Pin Connector Wiring Details for SoundField Mi
SoundField DSF-1 User Guide 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. • Fuses should only be replaced with ones of the same type and rating as that indicated.
SoundField DSF-1 User Guide INTRODUCTION The DSF-1 Microphone System has been specifically designed to capture simultaneous high quality surround and stereo in both live concerts and recording studio environments.
SoundField DSF-1 User Guide HOW DOES IT WORK? SoundField B-Format: The capsules are placed tightly together to eliminate the phase problems associated with ‘spaced’ multi-microphone set-ups. The SoundField Four Capsule Array From a single point source sound is received from all directions, reproducing a realistic listening experience.
SoundField DSF-1 User Guide B-Format is three dimensional acoustical information and consists of three figure of eight polar patterns called X, Y and Z plus one omni called W. X gives Front to Rear depth information, Y gives Left to Right horizontal information and Z gives vertical height information. From the omni W sub-bass (LFE) is extracted. B-Format Illustration SoundField are the only microphones in the world that generate B-Format.
SoundField DSF-1 User Guide GETTING STARTED WARNING: The DSF-1 microphone is not compatible with other SoundField Control Units in the product range. SoundField Ltd will not accept any responsibility for damage caused by the interconnection of these units. WARNING: The DSF-1 1U digital controller should be sited in a cool operational environment in a well ventilated rack with 1U free space above the unit.
SoundField DSF-1 User Guide MICROPHONE ORIENTATION GUIDE The illustrations below show the correct status of the End-Fire and Invert switches on the DSF-1 controller relative to the orientation of the microphone. KEYS TO PROPER PLACEMENT OF SOUNDFIELD MICROPHONES Getting the mic in the right place is the first step in making a good recording. With SoundField microphones, it is too easy to be lulled into complacency by the excellent stereo and surround sound pick-up they provide.
SoundField DSF-1 User Guide CONTROLS INPUT SECTION Provides all parameters relating to gain, microphone pick-up orientation and bargraph metering. 1. Gain 1 2 3 4 5 The Relay Switched Gain control adds up to a further 40dB of microphone gain in 3dB steps. A circular LED display illuminates the selected gain position. 2. Limiter A switchable fixed threshold soft limiter is provided to eliminate the possibility of ‘digital overload’ and any resulting distortion.
SoundField DSF-1 User Guide Up/Down height information being reversed. It is important to document the status of the Invert switch when making B-Format recordings for later post production. 5. Bargraph Metering The four bargraph meters are switchable to monitor either the four B-Format signals (W, X, Y and Z) or the stereo Left/Right and Mid-Side. An amber status LED permanently indicates which monitor mode has been selected. The bargraphs display levels ranging from -37.5dBfs up to 0dBfs.
SoundField DSF-1 User Guide STEREO CONTROL SECTION The controls in the Stereo Section have no effect on the four B-Format output signals. 1. Hi Pass 1 2 3 4 A switchable 40Hz or 80Hz high pass filter is available to attenuate unwanted low frequency rumble or wind noise. An amber LED indicates 40Hz active and a green LED indicates 80Hz active. 2. M/S The Mid/Side control switches the digital stereo output from L/R to M/S. When the Mid/Side button is enabled the stereo outputs will be M/S encoded.
SoundField DSF-1 User Guide DIGITAL OUTPUT Sample Rate The DSF-1 offers a selection of one of the following sample rates - 44.1K, 48K, 88.2K, 96K, 176.4K and 192K. The indicator LEDs are structured in either 44.1K or 48K multiples, the x2 and x4 leds indicate either twice or four times the indicated rate of 44.1K or 48K depending on which of the two rates is selected.
SoundField DSF-1 User Guide POWER DISPLAY LED Power LED Display A blue LED is permanently illuminated when the DSF-1 is powered up. When the unit is first turned on the DSF-1 will go through its ‘start-up routine’ during which time the blue power LED will flash on and off and the four LED bargraphs will be in full display. When fully initialised the blue LED will stop flashing and remain on and the bargraphs will subside. The unit will then commence to pass audio. REAR PANEL 1 2 3 4 5 6 1.
SoundField DSF-1 User Guide POST PRODUCTION SURROUND SOUND: USING THE DSF-1 WITH SOUNDFIELD ‘SURROUND ZONE’ SOFTWARE The SoundField Surround Zone software plug-in is designed to accept the four B-Format signals (W, X, Y & Z) generated by the DSF-1. All plug-in features can be utilised either retrospectively in the studio after the recording has taken place or ‘live’ and provides the user with the most powerful stereo and surround sound recording/post-production package available.
SoundField DSF-1 User Guide SPECIFICATION Audio Specification - Control Unit Analogue Inputs: maximum input level 26.5dBu Analogue Limiter: when enabled threshold set to 24.5dBu Analogue Bandwidth: 10Hz – 40KHz +/- 0.1dB Analogue to Digital Converter: 2 x CS5381 Supported Sample rates: 44.1K, 48K, 88.2K, 96K, 176.
SoundField DSF-1 User Guide WARRANTY Limited Liability SOUNDFIELD LTD., HEREIN AFTER KNOWN AS THE MANUFACTURER, GUARANTEES THIS EQUIPMENT FROM DEFECTS IN MATERIAL AND WORKMANSHIP UNDER NORMAL USE AND SERVICE FOR A PERIOD OF ONE YEAR. THIS GUARANTEE EXTENDS TO THE ORIGINAL PURCHASER ONLY AND DOES NOT APPLY TO FUSES OR ANY PRODUCT OR PARTS SUBJECTED TO MISUSE, NEGLECT, ACCIDENT OR ABNORMAL CONDITIONS OF OPERATION.
SoundField DSF-1 User Guide SHIPPING AND QUALITY ASSURANCE Authorised returns should be prepaid and must be insured. All SoundField products are packaged in specially designed containers for the best possible protection. 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.
SoundField DSF-1 User Guide 12 PIN CONNECTOR WIRING DETAILS FOR MICROPHONE CABLES 12 Pin Male Pin 1 Pin 2 Pin 3 Pin 4 Pin 5 Pin 6 Pin 7 Pin 8 Pin 9 Pin 10 Pin 11 Pin 12 - SOUNDFIELD COLOUR CODING Pin 1 Pin 2 Pin 3 Pin 4 Pin 5 Pin 6 Pin 7 Pin 8 Pin 9 Pin 10 Pin 11 Pin 12 - LB (+) LB (-) RB (+) RB (-) RF (+) RF (-) LF (+) LF (-) Voltage GND -V +V Signal GND - 12 Pin Female Pin 1 Pin 2 Pin 3 Pin 4 Pin 5 Pin 6 Pin 7 Pin 8 Pin 9 Pin 10 Pin 11 Pin 12 White Purple Grey Pink Green Yellow Red Blue Black Br
