Acoustic Magic Voice Tracker II User manual

Voice Tracker™ II INSTRUCTIONS
Included Components
The Voice Tracker II comes with a USB cable (primary
audio connection), one 6 ft. audio cable and a ceiling
mount.
Setup for USB Audio Operation
For simple microphone operation, just connect the Voice
Tracker II array microphone to a computer using the
USB cable. Power for the Voice Tracker II is provided
from the computer through the USB connection. Audio
output is through the USB connection. Be sure to select
the Voice Tracker II as the default recording input in the
computer. Adjust the audio output level using the gain
slider under record, set up, properties. See Fig 1
Note that USB cables should not be used for lengths
greater than 10 feet. USB extenders often cause
problems, so if the microphone is placed more than 10
feet away from the computer, we recommend using the
analog audio output (3.5mm cable) from the Voice
Tracker II (see below). If a USB connection to the
computer is required (as it is with Macs), you can use an
analog to USB adapter like our part 102A.
Setup for Analog Audio Operation
If the Voice Tracker II is to be connected to devices that
require an analog signal (such as a handheld recorder or
video camera), its output is available in analog format at
mic level through the “Audio Out” 3.5 mm jack. The
included audio cable could be used for this connection.
See Fig 2
Extension cables like our part 107 can be used for
longer runs.
When used with a computer, make the soundcard as the
default recording device. Output signal level should be
adjusted thru the sound card’s boost and level controls
(set with “properties, levels”).
If analog output in used, power needs to be provided by
connecting the USB cable to a USB wall power supply,
or to the computer. If power is provided by the computer,
be sure the VT II is not selected as the recording or
playback device.
Full Duplex VoIP telephony/conferencing Setup
Acoustic Echo occurs when the far end talker’s voice is
picked up by the open mic at the near end and sent back
to the far end as an echo. If the Voice Tracker II is
connected to a computer running a VoIP application with
a robust AEC, like Skype or Zoom, the AEC feature in
the Voice Tracker II isn’t required. If the VoIP or camera
product doesn’t have a robust AEC, the AEC feature
inside the Voice Tracker can be used.
To enable the internal AEC in the Voice Tracker II a
sample of the far end talker signal must be transmitted to
the Voice Tracker II. This can be accomplished by
selecting the Voice Tracker II as the playback device in
the computer, and connecting the loudspeaker cable to
the speaker out jack in the Voice Tracker II. See Fig 3.
The playback level in the computer should be set near
the middle of its range. If it is too strong, alternate LEDs
on the Voice Tracker II will blink, telling you to lower the
level. If a louder sound is needed from the external
loudspeaker, increase the level in the speaker itself.
The sample of the far end talker signal can alternatively
be provided to the Voice Tracker II as an analog signal
(from the sound card or other device) through the Ref In
3.5mm jack. As before, the external loud speaker should
be connected to the Speaker Out jack. See: Fig 4
Position Lights
The green position lights provide feedback on the
operation of the array. They indicate where the array’s
listening beam is pointing. When the array recognizes a
relevant sound, one of the 5 lights will be illuminated.
For example, if a talker is directly in front of the array,

the middle light will be illuminated. If the talker is to one
side, a light on that side will turn on. If the talker moves
across the field of view of the array, the lights will track
the talker’s motion. When two users are sharing the
array, the light will indicate the direction of the active
talker. When there is no active talker, the LEDs will be
off.
Controls
The Voice Tracker II has a pushbutton mute switch.
Press the button once to put the Voice Tracker II into
mute mode. The five green LEDs will blink
(continuously), indicating that the microphone is in mute
mode. Press the button again to return to microphone to
listening mode (the LEDs will indicate the active talker).
Figure 5 – Mute Button and Connectors
Positioning
The Voice Tracker II scanning listening beam can pick
up sound from a full 360° field of view. However, the
Voice Tracker II is more sensitive to sound in front than
from the sides or from behind.
For use with a PC (speech recognition or VoIP
telephony/conferencing) the Voice Tracker II can be
placed under or next to the display.
In a conferencing application, it is best to place the Voice
Tracker II on one end of the table with its front pointing
towards the far end.
Voice Tracker II can also be mounted (with an optional
bracket) on walls or on the ceiling to reduce clutter.
Talker location signal
Since the Voice Tracker automatically points a “listening
beam” at the loudest talker, it knows the location. This
signal is made available as a digital word through the
DB9 connector (cable is optional).
The RS 232 serial output signal consists of 8 bit words,
no parity, 1 stop bit; commonly referred to as 8,N,1.
2400 baud.
Data is between 0 and 250, corresponding to talkers
from the far left in front of the Voice Tracker (0) to the far
right (250). If the talker is directly in front of the Voice
Tracker, the data will read 125.
Note that the Voice Tracker picks up sound from the
behind. So a reading of 125 could mean the talker is
directly in front or directly behind the Voice Tracker.
When the Voice Tracker detects no talker, the location
signal reads 255.
The user will have to create application SW to calibrate
these signals into degrees.
Trouble Shooting:
USB connection is not recognized.
PCs and MACs should recognize the Voice Tracker
automatically. If not, it is probably a cable problem. USB
extension cables often interfere with recognition. For
long separations between the computer and the mic, we
suggest using the analog output (and a USB adapter if
connecting to a MAC).
No Audio
Check whether the LEDs track the talker. If not, reboot
(repower). If so, the problem is probably in the computer
setup. Make sure it is defaulting for recording input
where the Voice Tracker is connected (USB, or
soundcard).
Analog or USB Audio too weak.
In the computer’s recording control, select properties
then levels and increase the gain/boost to increase the
audio level.
FCC Compliance
This equipment has been tested and found to comply the
limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of
the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against interference when the
equipment is operated in a commercial environment.
This unit generates, uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy, and if not installed and used in
accordance with the instruction manual, may cause
harmful interference with radio communications.
35 Peakham Road
Sudbury, MA 01776
www.ACOUSTICMAGIC.com