Acoustic Magic Voice Tracker III User manual

INSTRUCTIONS for the Voice Tracker
III array Microphone
Included Components
The Voice Tracker III comes with one 6 ft. audio cable, a
wall power adapter, and a ceiling/wall mount.
General Setup
Connect the power and audio cables to their appropriate
jacks on the back of the Voice TrackerTM Array (see
Figure 1). Plug the power adapter into a standard wall
outlet (note that the Voice Tracker III can ship with wall
power adapters for either USA, EU, or UK
plugs/voltage). The adapter supplies 6V DC power
(center pin positive) to the microphone.
Connect the other end of the audio cable to the “mic
in” input on your computer’s sound card, or a USB
adapter like our part 102A, or an XLR adapter
transformer.
Note that Apple computers don’t have mic level audio
jacks, so a USB adapter must be used. If your computer
only has a single TRRS jack, you may need a TRRS to
TRS (Mic & speaker) splitter/adapter.
Figure 1 – Rear Panel
Audio and Power Cable Connections
The Voice TrackerTM Array may be used as the audio
input device for a variety of speech and multi-media
applications. Many of the software packages which
utilize a speech input have setup tools, which allow you
to specify whether you are using the “mic In” connection
on your soundcard or the USB connection and to adjust
the sound level (volume) automatically. Please refer to
your specific application software for details. To adjust
the volume or input selection manually on a Windows
PC, see the Adjusting Your Soundcard section at the
end of these instructions.
Figure 2– Voice TrackerTM Array Mic
The Voice Tracker III comes with feet to sit on a table or
podium. To mount to a wall or ceiling, remove the feet
and connect the ceiling/wall mount.
Positioning
Aim the array in the direction of the desired talker(s).
When properly positioned, the talker will be able to see
all 5 green position indicators. The Voice Tracker III will
automatically scan its listening beam to the active talker.
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.
The individual lights correspond to the range of potential
sound source locations. 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 a second talker
begins, the listening beam will move to him in 2 MSecs.
When there is no active talker, the lights may flicker as
the Voice Tracker TM searches for a talker.

Combining Two or More Voice Trackers
Voice Trackers can be combined using 3.5mm Ys or
Mixers. Often 3.5mm extension cables can be used to
obtain physical separation of the Voice Trackers for
better room coverage. If the room has electrical noise,
converting the output from the Voice Tracker from
unbalanced to balanced might be required. An XLR
adapter can accomplish this.
Where to position the Voice Tracker III
The Voice Tracker III pickup with a 360 degree field
of view, but it is more sensitive from the front. The
best location for the VT III is on the front wall (using
the wall mounting bracket) or on the ceiling facing
toward the rear of the room. If placed on a table or
podium, it is best placed near the front of the room,
facing toward the rear.
Using the Voice Tracker for Speech Recognition
Since the Voice TrackerTM operates differently from other
types of microphones or audio input devices, you should
retrain your speech recognition system after connecting
the array and adjusting the soundcard gain level. This
will allow you to more effectively utilize the improved
sound quality produced by the Voice TrackerTM III and
will improve the overall performance of your speech
recognition software. Be sure to select mic in during the
“New User” setup. Personalized vocabulary can usually
be transferred to the retrained “User”.
Adjusting Your Soundcard or USB adapter
On your Windows PC:
1. Right click on the speaker ICON and select “sounds”
2. Click on the “Recording” Tab.
3. Select the soundcard as the default device if
connected through the mic in jack or select the USB
adapter as the default device if you are using an
adapter.
4. Highlight the default device and select “properties”
5. Click on “levels” and adjust the mic level. If using the
soundcard, be sure to add 30dB or more of “boost”
6. Go to “listen” tab and make sure the “listen to this
device” box in not checked.
7. Go to the “Enhancements” Tab and make sure AGC
is not checked
8. Macs will have similar controls
Trouble shooting:
No audio.
Check whether green lights track the talker. If so, the
problem is probably in the computer. Make sure the
computer is looking for recording input where the Voice
Tracker is connected (mic in or USB).
If all the LEDs are blinking, repower the unit to reset the
SW.
Low Audio
Adjust the level in your soundcard or USB adapter.
Because of the Voice Tracker’s good signal to noise
ratio, the gain can be turned up.
Underwater Artifact in Audio
The Voice Tracker III has background noise reduction. If
the unit is placed too close to a fan or A/C duct, the
algorithms can cause artifact that makes the audio
sound “underwater”. Just move the Voice Tracker away
from the stationary noise source; the Voice Tracker’s
long pickup range will still capture the talker throughout
the room.
FCC & CE Mark 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 as well as the CE Mark 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.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by
Acoustic Magic could void the user’s authority to operate
the equipment.
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits
for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus as set
out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the
Canadian Department of Communications.
If you have further questions, e-mail us at
[e-mail]
Or call 978 440 9384.
ACOUSTIC MAGIC, INC.
35 Peakham Road
Sudbury, MA 01776
www.ACOUSTICMAGIC.com