AirTools Voice Processor 2x User manual

Voice Processor 2x
Quick Start Guide

6408 216th Street SW |Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043 USA
T+1.425.778.7728 F+1.425.778.7727 |www.SymetrixAudio.com 2
Quick Start Guide

3
Voice Processor 2x
GThe lightning flash with arrowhead
symbol within an equilateral triangle
is intended to alert the user of the
presence of uninsulated “dangerous
voltage” within the product’s enclosure
that may be of sufficient magnitude
to constitute a risk of electric shock
to persons. The exclamation point
within an equilateral triangle is intended
to alert the user of the presence of
important operating and maintenance
(servicing) instructions in the literature
accompanying the product (i.e. this
Quick Start Guide).
GCAUTION: To prevent electric shock,
do not use the polarized plug supplied
with the unit with any extension cord,
receptacle, or other outlet unless the
prongs can be fully inserted.
GPower Source: This Symetrix
hardware uses a switching power
supply that automatically adjusts to the
applied voltage. Ensure that your AC
mains voltage is somewhere between
100-240 VAC, 50-60 Hz. Use only the
power cord and connector specified
for the product and your operating
locale. A protective ground connection,
by way of the grounding conductor in
the power cord, is essential for safe
operation. The appliance inlet and
coupler shall remain readily operable
once the apparatus has been installed.
GUser Serviceable Parts: There are
no user serviceable parts inside this
Symetrix product. In case of failure,
customers inside the U.S. should refer
all servicing to the Symetrix factory.
Customers outside the U.S. should
refer all servicing to an authorized
Symetrix distributor. Distributor contact
information is available online at:
http://www.SymetrixAudio.com.
AVIS:
NE PAS OUVRIR
Il ne se trouve a l’interieur aucune piece pourvant entre reparée l’usager.
SEE OWNERS MANUAL. VOIR CAHIER D’INSTRUCTIONS.
S’adresser a un reparateur compétent.
RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE
No user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.
CAUTION
WARNING:
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR
ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT EXPOSE
THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE
DO NOT OPEN
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
Important Safety
Instructions
!Read these instructions.
@Keep these instructions.
#Heed all warnings.
$Follow all instructions.
%Do not use this apparatus near water.
This apparatus shall not be exposed to
dripping or splashing and no objects
filled with liquids, such as vases, shall
be placed on the apparatus.
^Clean only with dry cloth.
&Do not block any ventilation openings.
Install only in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions.
*Do not install near any heat sources
such as radiators, heat registers,
stoves, or other apparatus (including
amplifiers) that produce heat.
(This apparatus shall be connected to
a mains socket outlet with a protective
earthing connection. Do not defeat
the safety purpose of the polarized or
grounding-type plug. A polarized plug
has two blades with one wider than the
other. A grounding type plug has two
blades and a third grounding prong.
The wide blade or the third prong are
provided for your safety. If the provided
plug does not fit into your outlet,
consult an electrician for replacement
of the obsolete outlet.
BL Protect the power cord from being
walked on or pinched particularly at
plugs, convenience receptacles, and
the point where they exit from the
apparatus.
BM Only use attachments/accessories
specified by the manufacturer.
BN Use only with the cart, stand,
tripod, bracket, or table
specified by the manufacturer,
or sold with the apparatus.
When a cart is used, use
caution when moving the cart/
apparatus combination to avoid injury
from tip-over.
BO Unplug this apparatus during lightning
storms or when unused for long
periods of time.
BP Refer all servicing to qualified service
personnel. Servicing is required when
the apparatus has been damaged in
any way, such as power-supply cord
or plug cord is damaged, liquid has
been spilled or objects have fallen into
the apparatus, the apparatus has been
exposed to rain or moisture, does not
operate normally, or has been dropped.
Safety
What Ships in the Box
• AVoiceProcessor2xhardwaredevice.
• AVoiceProcessor2xCD-ROM
(Windows).
• Adetachablepowercord.
• ThisQuickStartGuide.
What You Need to Provide
• AWindowsPCwith1GHzorhigher
processor and:
• WindowsXPorVista.
• 250MBfreestoragespace.
• 1024x768graphicscapability.
• 16-bitorhighercolors.
• CD-ROMdriveorInternetconnection.
• 512MBormoreofRAMasrequiredby
your operating system.
• Network(Ethernet)interface.
• CAT5cableoranexistingEthernet
network.
Getting Help
Voice Processor 2x, the Windows
application that controls the hardware,
includes a help module which acts as a
complete User’s Guide for both hardware
and software.
If you have questions beyond the scope
of this Quick Start Guide or the help
module, contact our Customer Support
Group in the following ways:
Tel: [phone]
8:00 am to 4:30 pm
Monday through Friday,
Pacific Time
Web: http://www.SymetrixAudio.com
This device complies with part 15 of
the FCC Rules. Operation is subject
to the following two conditions: (1)
This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
ThisClassBDigitalapparatusmeets
all requirements of the Canadian
Interference-Causing Equipment
Regulations
Cet appariel numerique de la classe
BrespectetouteslesExigencesdu
Reglement sur le materiel brouilleur
du Canada.

6408 216th Street SW |Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043 USA
T+1.425.778.7728 F+1.425.778.7727 |www.SymetrixAudio.com 4
Quick Start Guide
Remote Warning
The RJ45 connectors labeled “REMOTE” are only for use with AirTools Multiband Processor 2m remotes.
DO NOT plug the REMOTE connectors on this product into any RJ45
connector labeled “ETHERNET”,“SYMLINK” or “COBRANET”. The “REMOTE”
RJ45 connectors on this product contain 24 VDC which can damage Ethernet, SymLink, CobraNet or
other circuitry utilizing an RJ45 connector.

5
Voice Processor 2x Introduction
Introduction
VoiceProcessor2x:Nextgenerationtwochannel
programmable Voice Processor for today’s broadcast
professional.
The microphone is a crucial link to the audience. Proper
management of that link is essential. Enter the AirTools Voice
Processor 2x, an outstanding programmable microphone
processor that is flexible, powerful, and easy to use.
Chief Engineers treasure its programmability and rich DSP
feature set. On-air talent enjoy its simplicity of operation.
Studio managers appreciate how it independently processes
two microphone channels in one rack space. And, most
importantly, everyone loves the sound – including the
listening audience.
The 2x offers a comprehensive set of voice enhancement
tools for any situation. The 2x’s Windows® software
application enables total control of all essential parameters.
Once a desired sound is dialed in, all settings are saved as
named presets for later recall from the front panel or remotely.
Any mic can be optimized for a diverse air staff with either
male or female voices.
Our Voice Processor legacy began with the original model
528,andhascontinuedthroughthe601,528E,628and
6200.Nowyoucanmaintainqualityassurancethroughout
your voice talent signal chains with the AirTools Voice
Processor 2x, Engineered by Symetrix. Our name has
become synonymous with high quality audio processing for
over 30 years.
Features
• Two(2)independentlyprogrammablechannelsofultra-low
latency digital microphone processing in one rack space.
• Two(2)Mic/Lineinputs,two(2)Mic/Lineoutputs,two(2)
AES3 outputs, Word Clock input.
• ProcessingmodulesincludeCompression,Equalization,
De-Essing,DownwardExpansion,HighpassandLowpass
filters, and Voice Symmetry.
• Congurenamedpresetsforeachon-airpersonality–
up to 50, including factory presets – using the included
Windows® software over Ethernet.
• Recallpresetswithconvenientfrontpanelcontrols,
optional hardware remote(s), or third-party control
protocol.

6408 216th Street SW |Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043 USA
T+1.425.778.7728 F+1.425.778.7727 |www.SymetrixAudio.com 6
Quick Start Guide
MechanicalandPerformanceData
Mechanical Data
ITEM DESCRIPTION DETAILS
Space Required 1U(WDH:48.02cmx23.11cmx4.37cm/18.91inx9.1
inx1.72in),depthisspecifiedfromfrontpaneltobackof
connectors.
Allow at least 3 inches additional clearance for rear panel con-
nections. Additional depth may be required depending upon your
specific wiring and connections.
Electrical 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 25 Watts maximum. Nolinevoltageswitchingrequired.
Ventilation
Maximumrecommendedambientoperatingtemperatureis
30C/86F.
Ensure that the left and right equipment sides are unobstructed
(5.08cm,2inminimumclearance).Theventilationshouldnotbe
impeded by covering the ventilation openings with items such as
newspapers, tablecloths, curtains, etc.
Weight 8lbs.(3.60kg)
Performance Data
ITEM DESCRIPTION DETAILS
INPUTS:
Nominal Input Level +4dBuor-10dBVlinelevel,to-50dBumiclevel
(softwareselectable)with20dBofheadroom
NOTE: For unbalanced analog input, either reference the minus input
terminal to the signal source ground (preferred) or ground the minus input
to the adjacent ground terminal (tie low to ground). Using the second
method deprives you of the common mode rejection inherent in a bal-
anced input, even when coming from an unbalanced source.
Maximum Input Level +23dBu
Input Impedance 6.67kΩbalanced,>3.3kΩunbalanced
CMRR >75dB@1kHz,unitygain
Mic Pre-amp EIN >-127dBu,22Hz-22kHz,100Ωsourceimpedance
Phantom Power +48VDC
A/D Conversion 24-bit delta/sigma
A/D Dynamic Range 116dB(A-Weighted)
A/D THD+Noise -102dB(un-weighted);1kHz@-2dBFSwith0dB
gain
A/D Latency 0.25 mS
OUTPUTS:
Nominal Output Level Analog:+4dBulinelevelwith20dBofheadroom
Digital:-20dBFS
NOTE: For unbalanced analog output, float (do not connect) the minus
outputterminal.Unbalancedusageresultsin6dBloweroutputlevel.
Maximum Output Level Analog:+24dBu
Digital:0dBFS
Output Impedance Analog:200Ωbalanced,100Ωunbalanced
Digital:110Ω
D/A Conversion 24-bit delta/sigma
D/A Dynamic Range 114dB(A-Weighted)
D/A THD+N -98dB(un-weighted);1kHz@-2dBFS
D/A Latency 0.2 mS
Mic Level Output Pad (Inter-
nal)
-42dB
SYSTEM
Nominal Sampling Rate 48kHz
Word Clock Input Range 22-192KHz
A/D/A Frequency Response 20Hz-20kHz,+/-0.25dB
A/D/A Dynamic Range 113dB(A-Weighted)
A/D/A Latency <0.7mS;withallDSPactive
Interchannel Crosstalk >-90dB@1kHz,typical

7
Voice Processor 2x Front and Rear Panel
FRONT PANEL
ITEM DESCRIPTION DETAILS
MENU / UP / DOWN Momentarypushbuttons Preset Recall
1. Press MENU while on the home screen to select a channel for preset recall. Use the
UP and DOWN buttons to choose CHANNEL 1 or CHANNEL 2 for preset recall.
2. Press MENU while on CHANNEL 1 or CHANNEL 2 to select that channel for preset
recall.
3. After selecting a channel for preset recall, use the UP and DOWN buttons to scroll
through presets available for recall onto that channel.
4. Press the MENU button to recall the selected preset.
5. Press MENU again to confirm recall, or use the UP/DOWNbuttonstochoose“No”
then press MENU to cancel the recall.
System Information
• PressandHoldMENUtoenterorexittheSystemInformationMenus.
Input / Output Meters Eight(8)segmentLEDladderme-
ters, one meter of eight segments
for each input and output
Illuminatesgreenuptoandincluding0dBu,amberbetween>0andupto+23dBu,and
redtoindicateclipping(>+23dBu)oneachinputandoutput.
Power GreenLED Illuminatestoindicatethedeviceispoweredon.Note:ThepowerLEDwillflashwhilethe
device is booting.
Network Bi-colorLED Illuminates green to indicate network (Ethernet) activity, amber to indicate acquisition of a
network address in DHCP mode.
REMOTE (LED) GreenLED Illuminates to indicate REMOTE port connection (front or rear REMOTE port).
REMOTE (Connector) RJ45 connector Distributes power and control data to a 2x Remote Control. Uses standard straight-
through UTP CAT5 cabling.
1
!
Warning! Refer to the Remote Warning for compatibility information.
REAR PANEL
ITEM DESCRIPTION DETAILS
Power Input IEC 3 prong jack Accepts power from detachable IEC power cable (100-240 VAC, 50-60 Hz, 25 Watts
max). Connect only to a grounded power outlet.
Remote RJ45 connector Distributes power and control data to a 2x Remote Control. Uses standard straight-
through UTP CAT5 cabling.
1
!
Warning! Refer to the Remote Warning for compatibility information.
RS-485 One (1) 3-pin Euroblock connector Reserved for factory use only.
Ethernet RJ45 connector Communications interface for the 2x application running on the host PC as well as 3rd
party control automation or scheduling systems. Uses standard straight-through UTP
CAT5 cabling. Features auto-crossover sensing for direct device-to-device connections.
AES3 Outputs Two(2)MaleXLRconnectors Each software selectable to carry Channel 1/2, 1/1, 2/1 or 2/2 information. Sample rate
softwareselectablebetween44.1or48kHz,orrateofWordClockInput.
Lock GreenLED Lightssolidtoindicateavalidwordclockconnectionbetween22and192kHz.
Term GreenLED Lightssolidtoindicatesoftware-selectablewordclockinputtermination.
Word Clock Input FemaleBNCconnector AcceptsTTLorCMOS-levelwordclocksignalsfrom22to192kHz.
Analog Outputs Two(2)MaleXLRconnectors Two (2) balanced analog line level audio outputs, individually software-selectable levels of
-10dBVor+4dBu.Micleveloutputmaybesetviainternaljumpers(lineleveldefault).
Analog Inputs Two(2)FemaleXLRconnectors Two (2) balanced analog audio inputs with individually software-selectable phantom power
andlevelof-50dBu,-40dBu,-20dBu,-10dBVor+4dBu.

6408 216th Street SW |Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043 USA
T+1.425.778.7728 F+1.425.778.7727 |www.SymetrixAudio.com 8
Quick Start Guide
Hardware Connections
POWER
Connect the IEC connector end of the supplied AC cord to the receptacle on the rear of the
2x. Connect the AC connector end of the supplied AC cord to an AC power source that is of
the correct voltage and frequency (100-240 VAC, 50-60 Hz). Use only the power cord and
connector specified for the product and your operating locale.
When the 2x is powered up correctly, the POWER LED on the front of the unit will be lit solid
green.
REMOTE
Using a standard straight-through CAT5 cable terminated with RJ45 connectors, connect
your 2x remote control to either the front panel or rear panel REMOTE port according to the
guidelines in your remote’s documentation.
When a remote is connected to the 2x, the REMOTE LED on the front of the unit will be lit
solid green.
CAUTION: DO NOT plug the REMOTE connectors on this product into any RJ45
connector labeled “ETHERNET”, “COBRALINK” or “SYMLINK”. Refer to the Remote Warning for compatibility
information.
RS-485
Reserved for factory use only.
Ethernet
Using a standard straight-through CAT5 cable terminated with RJ45 connectors, connect
the2x’sETHERNETporttoeitheryourcomputer’sEthernetportortoanexistingEthernet
network.YoumaywishtoreviewtheNetworkCongurationsectionformoreinformation.
Whenthe2xhasaphysicalnetworkconnection,theamber“link”LEDontheETHERNET
connector will be lit solid.
Whenthereisnetworkcommunication,thegreen“activity”LEDontheETHERNET connector and the NETWORK LED on
the front of the unit will flash accordingly.
NOTE: The 2x’s Ethernet port will automatically sense a device-to-device connection so that a standard straight-through
Ethernet cable may always be used. A cross-over cable is not required.
WORD CLOCK INPUT
Ifavailableanddesired,connectahouseWordClockfeedhereusing75ΩRG59orbetter
coaxialcableterminatedwithBNCconnectors.
Remember to set the Sync Source to Word in the System area of the application.

9
Voice Processor 2x Hardware Connections
AES3 OUTPUTS
Connect the AES OUTjackofyourchoicetoyourdownstreamequipment’sAESIN
jackusingastandard110ΩAEScableterminatedwiththeappropriateXLRjacks.
Each AES output can transmit a combination of channel 1 or channel 2’s content or
each channel’s content exclusively. Configure the AES Outputs’ Sources in the System
area of the application.
ANALOG OUTPUTS
Usingstandardmic/linecablesterminatedononeendwithfemaleXLRconnectorsand
appropriate connectors for your mic/line destination devices on the other end, connect
thefemaleXLRendsintotheANGLOG OUTPUTS of the 2x and the opposite ends into
yourdestinationdevice’sinputs.Theseoutputsare+4dBubalancedlineleveloutputs
by default. If you need an unbalanced output, see the analog audio wiring diagrams in
theAudioWiringReference.TheseoutputsmayalsobeswitchedtoMicLeveloutput.
FormoreinformationseeMicLevelOutputConversion.
NOTE: Wiring the outputs to an unbalanced cable will typically result in an output level
thatis6dBlowerthantheoutputlevelachievedusingabalancedcable.Ifwiringtoanunbalanceddestination,youmay
needtochangethe2x’soutputlevel.RefertotheAnalogLevelsettingwithintheOutputmoduleofthe2xsoftware.
ANALOG INPUTS
Usingstandardmic/linecablesterminatedononeendwithmaleXLRconnectorsand
appropriate connectors for your mic/line sources on the other end, connect the male
XLRendsintotheANGLOG INPUTS of the 2x and the opposite ends into your source
devices’ outputs. Refer to the Audio Wiring Reference for more information.
NOTE: Wiring the inputs to an unbalanced cable will typically result in an input level
thatis6dBlowerthantheinputlevelachievedusingabalancedcable.Ifwiringtoan
unbalancedsource,youmayneedtoadjustthe2x’sinputlevel.ToswitchbetweenMic
andLinelevelinput,refertotheInputmoduleofthe2xsoftware.

6408 216th Street SW |Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043 USA
T+1.425.778.7728 F+1.425.778.7727 |www.SymetrixAudio.com 10
Quick Start Guide
Signal Flow
Digi Trim
MIC/LINE 1
Digi Trim
Channel 1
Digi Trim
Ch.2
Ch.1
Mute
Mute
48v
MIC/LINE 2
48v
HPF/LPF
Bypass
Active
HPF/LPF
Noise
Generator
Bypass
Active
Bypass
Active
DeEsser/
Expander
Bypass
Active
DeEsser/
Expander
Bypass
Active
Channel 1
DSP Bypass
Bypass
Active
Bypass
Active
Noise
Generator
-40 dBu -50 dBu
-10 dBV
-20 dBu
+4 dBu
Inv.
Gain Set /
Inverter
-40 dBu -50 dBu
-10 dBV
-20 dBu
+4 dBu
Inv.
Gain Set /
Inverter
Channel 2
DSP Bypass
Compressor
Bypass
Active
Compressor
Bypass
Active
Equalizer
Bypass
Active
Equalizer
Bypass
Active
Bypass
Active
Equalizer Pre/Post Compressor Swap
Voice
Symmetry
Bypass
Active
Bypass
Active
Channel 1 DSP Channel 2 DSP
+4
-10
Analog Level
Channel 2
Digi Trim Analog
Output 2
+4
-10
Analog Level
Analog
Output 1
AES
Output 1
AES
Output 2
AES Output
Routing
Ch.2
Ch.1
Equalizer Pre/Post Compressor Swap
HOST PROCESSOR
EthernetWord ClockRemote
(Front Panel)
Remote
(Rear Panel)
DSP PROCESSOR
MIC/LINE 1
MIC/LINE 2 Analog
Output2
Analog
Output1
AES
Output1
AES
Output2
Left Channel
Right Channel
Voice
Symmetry