Ambient Recording ASF-G User manual

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Hydrophone
ASF-G

experience quality.
ASF-G
www.ambient.de/en
1
Table of contents page
1. Introduction 2
2. Package Contents 4
3. Safety Instructions 4
4. Powering / Electrolysis 5
5. Description 6
6. Mains Hum 7
7. Underwater Acoustics 8
8. Acoustic Specifications 9
9. Physical Specifications 10
10. Cables Wiring 11
11. Available Accessories 13
12. Warranty & Approvals 15
13. CE Declaration 16

ASF-G
©Ambient Recording GmbH 2015
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1. Introduction
Nearly 400 million square kilometers of our planet are covered with water
Only 1% of the habitat water is explored
About 1000 species underwater communicate in an acoustic way
Listen to a new World
Since 2005 Sonar Surround set the goal to make this unknown world audible in high-
quality.
With new award-winning and patent registered techniques they were able to record
the first underwater surround recordings ever.
With the 15th of August 2010 Sonar Surround became a part of Ambient Recording
GmbH. Since the fusion, Ambient continuously developed new underwater products
to be able to offer a complete underwater workflow.
» The professional Ambient enclosure underwater microphone«
With the ASF-G we use parts of the ASF-1 technology to create an affordable, easy to
use, great sounding hydrophone to be used directly on camera enclosures. With
approximately 60dB better signal-to-noise ratio than any enclosure hydrophone we
found on the market, the ASF-G sets new standards.
»Crystal clear, low noise audio«
With a frequency range of 70Hz-20kHz we designed a underwater microphone able to
capture the whole spectrum of sounds while effectively avoiding low frequency noise
created by camera handling.
»Compatible with most professional housings«
The hydrophone is compatible with most professional camera housings, thanks to its
M14 thread, and easily mounted on standard bulkhead ports. Due to its compact size,
the ASF-G only adds 4 cm to the housing. The ASF-G is made out of high quality
Aluminum, anodized and can easily withstand the water pressure of 100m depth.

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» The ASF-G is available in 3 different kits«
ASF-G
Purchased parts package
-ASF-G: Enclosure hydrophone (M14)
-Cable: ASFG35DC
ASF-G XLR
Purchased parts package
-ASF-G: Enclosure hydrophone (M14)
-Cable: ASFG35DC
-Cable: ASFGPH
ASF-G Epic
Purchased parts package
-ASF-G: Enclosure hydrophone (M14)
-Cable: ASFG35DC
-Cable: ASFGEPIC

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©Ambient Recording GmbH 2015
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2. Package Contents
ASF-G
Hydrophone cable (depending on the kit)
Manual
3. Safety Instructions
For your own safety and trouble-free use of the Ambient Sound Fish please carefully
read the instructions below. Always keep a copy of these instructions and hand them
out with the unit to other users.
This unit is intended for use in water on a professional underwater housing with M14
bulkhead. When screwed on correctly and locked tight, it is sealed to be waterproof
down to a depth of up to 100m. Anyway, always long-term test the sealing in shallow
water and replace damaged sealing gaskets before actual field usage. Always make
sure that the receptacles are kept dry and clean. It is recommended to use a small
amount of silicone based lubricant on the thread to ensure waterproofness. Note that
the lubricant needs to be removed thoroughly after each unscrewing. Switch off the
Phantom Power before disconnecting the hydrophone.
Seawater is a very aggressive medium. Even though the ASF-G is only manufactured
with materials offering a good seawater resistance, the unit has to be cleaned
immediately after use in sea or chlorine water with plenty of fresh water to avoid
irrevocable damage. Sea water could cause superficial corrosion that might change
the color of the anodized aluminum housing. This is a natural process which won’t
damage the unit nor affect the usability. If the corrosion is starting to dissolve the
metal, stop using the ASF-G immediately and check if the housing is connected to any
ground. (More info in “4. Powering”)
Never use the hydrophone within acids or bases. Never bend the acoustic sensitive
membrane in any way. Keep out of hot environments and never expose to direct
sunlight. Do not throw the hydrophone or expose to mechanical impact. Do not
expose to hard vibrations.
Operating ambient temperature: -5°C to +50°C (23°F to 122°F)

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Only use genuine accessories (such as cables) supplied by an authorized dealer.
Always check integrity and proper compatibility with all units connected to. Never
open the unit. Inappropriate and unauthorized access will void the warranty and
imply possible risks of harm to the user.
Follow the legal requirements for recycling electronic equipment when disposing the
unit.
4. Powering / Electrolysis
The ASF-G can be powered by various ways, depending on the cables used:
ASF-G
With ASF-G the kit the hydrophone includes a Y-cable from Binder to TRS for audio,
and to a 9V battery connector (ASFG35DC). The ASF-G can be powered with a DC
supply between 3V-12V. If, for any reasons it becomes necessary to use a battery
different to 9V, avoid connecting with wrong polarity.
ASF-G XLR
With the ASF-G XLR kit the hydrophone comes with a Binder to active XLR cable
(ASFGPH) so it can be used directly with 48V phantom power,supplied on the XLR of
professional cameras or recorders.
ASF-G EPIC
With the ASF-G EPIC kit the hydrophone comes with an active Binder to 3.5mm TRS
cable (ASFGEPIC) so it can be fed from the 48V phantom power,supplied on the
3.5mm TRS connector of RED cameras.
Electrolysis
Electrolysis is a tough problem while working with electrical equipment in a wet
environment. To avoid any kind of electrolysis, the metal parts of the ASF-G are not
and should not be connected to the audio ground of the unit.

ASF-G
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5. Description
④⑤⑥
① ② ③

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①Hydrophone cable with 3-pin male Binder connector
②Anodized aluminuml hydrophone body
③Acoustic sensor with special formulated NBR membrane
④ASFG35DC, cable
⑤ASFGPH, female Binder 3-pin to active XLR3m
⑥ASFGEPIC, female Binder 3-pin to active TRS 3.5 mm
6. Mains Hum
When using the ASF-G indoor, some general details have to be considered:
The ASF-G is working with highly sensitive piezo sensors and therefore also
sensitive to electromagnetic and electrostatic fields.
Water picks up electrostatic radiation. Therefore, electronic devices known for
electromagnetic radiation should be kept away from the water to be recorded
in. ( switching power supplies, fluorescent lamps, CRT displays or TV sets, …)
To avoid the hydrophone from picking up hums, the water you are recording in
should be grounded.
Often, the easiest way is to connect the audio ground of your mixer / recorder
with the water.

ASF-G
©Ambient Recording GmbH 2015
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7. Underwater Acoustics
The acoustic underwater differs in many ways from the airborne sound we are used
to. The sound velocity underwater is varying between 1450 and 1550 m/sec
depending on temperature, salinity and depth. This results in 4 to 4.5 times bigger
wave lengths as well as in a special sound phenomenon called the SOFAR, also known
as Underwater Sound Channel. Horizontally sound can travel over huge distances
whereas vertical propagation is strongly attenuated. Here are some useful advices:
Sound Channels (USC, SSC,…) can be avoided by knowing their local depth
To avoid the noise from braking waves on the boat carcass, take long enough
cables to go down deep enough or prepare to record in greater distance to the
vessel.
Take time for detailed micro-phasing when recording in pools or artificial
environments as bigger wave lengths underwater lead to greater distances
between sound maxima and minima.
Never forget how far low frequencies can spread underwater. Therefore, avoid
touristic areas for documentary shots.
Water owns a reflection factor close to 1. Thus airborne sound virtually can’t
couple directly into water. This phenomenon can be used. If barriers reach
close to the water surface (reefs, wave-breakers, e.g.) you can use them as
acoustic barriers, independent of the current depth. This way you may find
acoustic cover in a pool with 1m depth behind an 80cm wooden block, even
though the wavelength underwater wouldn’t suggest this.

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8. Acoustic Specifications
Frequency response: 70Hz- 20kHz (-3dB)
THD: 0,1% (70Hz-20kHz)
Horizontal Polar Pattern at 20 kHz (omni directional)

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9. Physical Specifications
Dimensions: (L / W / H): 47 x 30 x 30 mm incl. thread
39.5 x 30 x 30 mm visible
Weight: 50 g
Power consumption: 1,2 mA (3 Volts, typical)
Max depth: 100 m
Housing material: anodized aluminum
Encapsulating material: Special formulated NBR

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10. Cables Wiring
3-pin Binder Binder 3-pin
pin 1: ground
pin 2: audio out
pin 3: + V
ASFG35DC
ASF-G adaptor with 3.5 mm right angle plug and 9 V battery connector for unpowered
camera inputs
No Phantom power required
Unbalanced audio wiring
Length approx. 20 cm
Weight approx. 12 g

ASF-G
©Ambient Recording GmbH 2015
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ASFGPH
ASF-G adaptor with 3-pin XLR
Active cable for 48 V Phantom powering
Binder 3-pin to 3-pin XLR male
Length approx. 40 cm
Weight approx. 34 g
XLR cap: blue
ASFGEPIC
ASF-G adaptor with 3.5 mm right angle plug for Red Epic cameras
Balanced audio wiring
Active cable for 48 V Phantom powering
Binder 3-pin to 3.5 mm right with EMP voltage converter
Length approx. 35 cm

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11. Available Accessories
ASFG35DC cable - Hydrophone cable for ASF-G to 3,5mm stereo mini jack
Binder 3pin female to 1/8" jack and 9v battery DC terminal
ASFGPH - Hydrophone cable for ASF-G to XLR jack
ASF-G active cable; Binder 3pin female to XLR 3 pin male PH 48V microphone input

ASF-G
©Ambient Recording GmbH 2015
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ASFGEPIC - Hydrophone cable for ASF-G to 3,5mm with 48V PH
ASF-G active cable; Binder 3 pin female to TRS 3.5mm mini jack

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12. Warranty & Approvals
Warranty
Ambient Recording GmbH warrants the ASF-G hydrophone against defects in
materials and workmanship for a period of ONE (1) year from date of original retail
purchase. This is a non-transferable warranty that extends only to the original
purchaser. Ambient Recording GmbH will repair or replace the product at its
discretion at no charge. Warranty claims due to severe service conditions will be
addressed on an individual basis. THE WARRANTY AND REMEDIES SET FORTH ABOVE
ARE EXCLUSIVE. AMBIENT RECORDING GMBH DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER WARRANTIES,
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS
FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. AMBIENT RECORDING GMBH IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR
SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY BREACH
OF WARRANTY OR UNDER ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY. Because some jurisdictions do
not permit the exclusion or limitations set forth above, they may not apply in all cases.
For all service, including warranty repair, please send the ASF-G, along with proof of
purchase date to your retailer, or, if not applicable, to:
Ambient Recording GmbH
Schleissheimer Str. 181 C
DE –80797 Muenchen, Germany
Please obtain a return authorization through the contact form on our website before
sending in a unit.

ASF-G
©Ambient Recording GmbH 2015
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13. CE Declaration
CE Conformity Statement:
Declaration of Conformity
According to ISO/IEC Guide 22
Manufacturer’s Name: Ambient Recording GmbH
Manufacturer’s Address: Schleissheimer Str. 181 C
DE –80797 Muenchen, Germany
declares that the product: ASF-G
is in conformity with:
-EN 60950-1:2006 + A11:2009+A1:2010+A12:2011+AC:2011 + A2:2013
-EMC Directive: 2004 / 108 / EC
2014 / 30 / EC
-The unit described in this Conformity Statement fulfills the specifications of the
directive 2011/65/EU of the European Parliament and the Council of the
European Union from 8th of July in 2011 for the limited usage of certain
dangerous substances in electronic devices.
Updated May 2015
Sebastian Fell
Ambient Recording GmbH

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Ambient Recording GmbH
Schleissheimer Straße 181 C | D – 80797 Munich | vox [phone] | fax [phone]
www.ambient.de/en | [e-mail]
© 2015, Ambient Recording GmbH
MADE IN GERMANY