Ovation Systems SoundByte User manual

Issue: 2.86 Ovation Systems Ltd Page 1 of 32
www.ovation.co.uk
User Guide
Ovation Systems Ltd.
Springfield Barn
London Road
Milton Common
Oxfordshire
OX9 2JY
UK
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected].uk
Web: www.ovation.co.uk
SoundByte
2 & 4 Channel Audio Recorder
User Guide

Issue: 2.86 Ovation Systems Ltd Page 2 of 32
www.ovation.co.uk
User Guide
Contents
1Introduction.....................................................................................................................3
1.1 Support, Latest Updates and Information.................................................................................3
1.2 IMPORTANT: Internal Clock Battery Life..................................................................................3
2Quick Start Guide ...........................................................................................................4
2.1 Initial Setup................................................................................................................................4
2.2 Making a Recording ..................................................................................................................5
2.3 Playing Back a Recording.........................................................................................................6
3Installation.......................................................................................................................7
3.1 i-Conex Cable Set.....................................................................................................................8
3.2 Powering SoundByte...............................................................................................................10
3.3 External Microphones / Audio Inputs ......................................................................................11
3.4 External Record Control Input.................................................................................................13
3.5 Audio Monitor Output..............................................................................................................13
4Operation ......................................................................................................................14
4.1 SD Card Selection and Formatting .........................................................................................14
4.2 Basic Operation.......................................................................................................................15
4.3 Status LED..............................................................................................................................16
4.4 Front Panel Reset to Defaults Switch .....................................................................................17
5Evidential Integrity........................................................................................................17
6Playback........................................................................................................................18
6.1 Playback of Recordings ..........................................................................................................18
6.2 4 Channel Post-Recording Steering .......................................................................................21
6.3 Selecting a Region of Interest.................................................................................................22
6.4 Archive Open & Save..............................................................................................................23
6.5 WAV File Export & Import .......................................................................................................24
7Configuration................................................................................................................25
7.1 Record Status Section ............................................................................................................26
7.2 Remote Wired Control Input....................................................................................................27
7.3 Record Control Section...........................................................................................................28
7.4 Timer Record Section .............................................................................................................29
7.5 VOX (Voice operated switch)..................................................................................................30
7.6 Firmware Upgrades.................................................................................................................30
8Expected Record Times:..............................................................................................31
8.1 Max Record Time vs SD Card Capacity .................................................................................31
8.2 Expected Record Time with Internal AAA Battery ..................................................................31
8.3 Typical External Current Consumption ...................................................................................31
9Specification.................................................................................................................32

Issue: 2.86 Ovation Systems Ltd Page 3 of 32
www.ovation.co.uk
User Guide
1Introduction
SoundByte is a miniature ultra-high quality one, two, or optionally four, channel audio
recorder specifically designed for the most demanding covert surveillance applications.
Outstanding Audio Quality
With innovative ultra low-noise audio processing technology derived from broadcast
applications, SoundByte is able to record with a 20 bit resolution providing a dynamic
range of over 100dB. SoundByte is therefore able to capture a gun-shot to a pin-drop
without the need for AGC or user gain setup. With such undistorted detail, SoundByte
recordings are also ideal for post processing and enhancement.
Long Record Time & Fast File Downloads
A removable SD card of up to 128GB coupled with programmable quality and
sampling rates, provides up to 66 days of record time. Recordings are made in a
proprietary format with optional data encryption. Fast file downloads are assured via
the removable SD card or via high speed (20 MBytes/s) USB-2 interface.
SoundControl is a PC software manager that can play recordings directly from an SD
card, or via SoundByte’s USB port. The unit is also compatible with Ovation PUMA for
fast, evidentially-secure download of evidence to DVD or Blu-ray disk.
Easy To Set Up & Deploy
SoundByte is remarkably small, low power and can record for up to 100 hours with its
internal AAA battery. For longer record times, the unit can also be powered from a 3.4
to 28 V external supply. Record control by on-unit button, voice activation (VOX),
internal timers and a programmable external trigger input add to the system’s
versatility. High quality, internal or external Knowles microphones are included which
are quick and easy to wire-up and deploy with Ovation’s i-Conex interconnection
system.
1.1 Support, Latest Updates and Information
Ovation Systems’website includes a Secure User Area with the latest software
updates, data sheets, user guides etc. available for download. To gain access, please
email [e-mail] with the serial number of one of your units, together with
your name and organisation.
1.2 IMPORTANT: Internal Clock Battery Life
IMPORTANT►The clock within SoundByte is powered by an internal rechargeable
battery with an expected life of approximately six months. SoundByte
should therefore be connected to an external supply or powered via
the USB interface for a minimum of 10 hours every six months. For
the avoidance of doubt, the internal AAA battery does not charge the
internal clock battery. See section 7.1 page 26 regarding checking
the clock battery’s status.
SoundBytes are shipped with fully charged clock batteries.

Issue: 2.86 Ovation Systems Ltd Page 4 of 32
www.ovation.co.uk
User Guide
2Quick Start Guide
2.1 Initial Setup
SoundBytes are shipped with the internal clock set to UK time and set to automatically
adjust for European daylight saving changes.. The following procedure is required if
you need to change or check the clock before use.
1. Install SoundControl, the SoundByte player and configuration PC application, by
copying “SoundControlVn-nn.exe” from the “Applications” folder of the CD
provided to your PC’s hard drive. The latest software can also be downloaded
from Ovation’s Secure User Area, www.ovation2.co.uk (see Section 1.1, page 3).
2. Connect the SoundByte to your PC with the USB cable provided. If notified, allow
any USB drivers to be automatically installed by Windows before
proceeding.
3. Run SoundControl by double-clicking the SoundControl icon.
4. To set the time, click the [settings] button at the bottom right of the main player
window. Click [Settings] and then [Sync] in the “SoundByte Settings” window. TIP:
ensure your PC is synchronised to internet time before setting the SoundByte
clock.
5. Set the daylight savings zone as required.
Figure 1: Setting SoundByte’s Internal Clock
6. Make any other required configuration changes and click [OK]. (see Section 7,
page 25).
7. Remove the USB cable from SoundByte.

Issue: 2.86 Ovation Systems Ltd Page 5 of 32
www.ovation.co.uk
User Guide
2.2 Making a Recording
SoundByte is shipped configured for stereo recording with internal microphones
(SoundByte's default settings). This configuration can be changed by the
SoundControl PC application (see Section 7, page 25 ).
1. Install the AAA battery and SD card provided as shown below.
Figure 2: Battery Installation
2. Press the [Record Start] button. SoundByte then automatically formats the SD
card and starts recording. If successful, the front panel LED flashes green twice;
the first flash is battery status, second flash SD card status (see Section 4.3, page
16). The LED then flashes in sympathy with audio level changes.
3. Press [Record Stop] to complete the recording.
Figure 3: SoundByte User Interfaces.
NB►SoundByte’s internal clock battery is limited to 6 months unless it is recharged.
Please refer to Section 1.2, page 3.
+
Slide cover to
insert battery
Insert SD
Card
Record
Start
Internal
Microphones
Record
Stop
Status
LED
Status /
Reset to
Defaults
Button

Issue: 2.86 Ovation Systems Ltd Page 6 of 32
www.ovation.co.uk
User Guide
2.3 Playing Back a Recording
1. Attach the SoundByte with SD card to your PC via the USB cable provided or
remove the SD card and insert into your PC’s card reader. If notified, allow any
USB drivers to be automatically installed by Windows before proceeding.
Windows then shows an SD card is available, but no files will be listed as they are
contained in a hidden partition.
2. Run the SoundControl PC application by double-clicking the SoundControl icon
(see Section 2.1 above regarding installation of SoundControl).
3. SoundControl lists the available recordings in the hidden partition, and shows
these as “Takes” in the top Window (see screen-shot below).
To play, double-click the required file which also loads the content into the
waveform time-line. The playback volume is adjusted by the “Waveform” + and –
buttons, provided that the “Track waveform” tickbox is checked. (For more
information see Section 6.1, page 18).
Figure 4: Playback of recordings with SoundControl
4. All the files on the card can be archived, or a selection of files exported as WAV
files by the using “Archive” [Save] or “Wav File” [Export] buttons. The archived
and exported files are then playable in Windows Media Player or editing
applications such as Audacity (audacity.sourceforge.net). See sections 6.4 and
6.5.
Tip ►The “Normalise” option is recommend when archiving or exporting the
WAV files. This increases the volume level taking into account the average
and maximum audio levels within the original take.

Issue: 2.86 Ovation Systems Ltd Page 7 of 32
www.ovation.co.uk
User Guide
3Installation
SoundByte is fitted with Ovation’s i-Conex inter-connection system for easy installation
and deployment. The two channel unit has 2 internal microphones located on the front
of the unit along with 3 i-Connex connectors on the rear; 1 for power & control, and 2
for the external microphone inputs. The four channel unit has two additional internal
microphones located along the side of the unit.
Figure 5: SoundByte Interfaces

Issue: 2.86 Ovation Systems Ltd Page 8 of 32
www.ovation.co.uk
User Guide
3.1 i-Conex Cable Set
The 2 channel system is supplied with the following i-Conex cable set:
Figure 6: SoundByte 2 Channel i-Conex Cable Set
To connect, offer the i-Connex connector to the relevant input and with a small amount
of pressure, slowly turn until the connector seats (i.e. suddenly moves towards unit). At
this point the locking ring may be tightened.
Ground
1
4
2
3Audio Monitor
(After mic gain)
3.2 to 28V
DC In Rec Control
(contact to Gnd)
Mic Bias
(~3V DC)
Mic Bias
(~3V DC)
Audio
Ground Audio
Ground
1 1
4 4
Audio 2 Audio 1
Audio 4
(4 chan only)
Audio 3
(4 chan only)
2 2
3 3
1) DC In
DC power
2.1mm DC Skt
Red RCASkt
(Right input & Audio Out)
White RCA Skt
(Left input)
Knowles Mic
Pair
Audio out / power
splitter cable
1.0m Mic
extension
2) Record Control
3) Audio Out
4) Ground
Audio Input2 Audio Input1 Power & Control
1) Mic Bias
2)Audio in 3/4*
3) Audio 1/2
4) Ground
USB Cable
RCAPhono to 3.5 mm headphone jack socket adaptor.
1 x IC1C-5645
1 x IC1A-5865
2 x IC1C-5872
1 x IC1C-5875
1 x IC1C-5642
1x IC1C-5657
2 x IC1C-5646
x 1
x 1 *4 Channel unit only
Part of the above
Part of the above

Issue: 2.86 Ovation Systems Ltd Page 9 of 32
www.ovation.co.uk
User Guide
The 4 Channel SoundByte is supplied with the following additional cables:
Figure 7: SoundByte 4 Channel Additional Cables
Optional cables:
Figure 8: i-Conex Optional Cables
Audio In
splitter cable
1.0m Mic
extension
Knowles Mic
Pair
1 x IC1C-5874
1 x IC1A-5865
Part of the above
2 x IC1C-5872
5.0m Mic
extension
IC1C-5652

Issue: 2.86 Ovation Systems Ltd Page 10 of 32
www.ovation.co.uk
User Guide
3.2 Powering SoundByte
Internal Battery:
SoundByte can be powered by an internal AAA battery. Fit the battery as shown
below.
Figure 9: Fitting the Internal Battery
SoundByte is able to operate with alkaline or lithium AAA cells of 1.2 to 2.0 volts which
are inserted as shown above. Even if SoundByte is to be externally powered, it is still
recommended to fit an internal battery (see below).
External Power:
SoundByte can be powered externally from a 3.4 to 28V supply via the rear panel
i-Connex connector. Two power cables are included, one to free wires and an adapter
to a 2.1 mm DC jack.
Figure 10: External DC Power Connection
NB►USB can be only be used to power SoundByte when connected to
SoundControl. It is not possible to use the USB port as an external power
source for recording.
IMPORTANT►When powering SoundByte externally, it is strongly
recommended to fit a new internal AAA battery. This increases
record times and helps smooth the current spikes demanded by the
SD card. Furthermore it protects against SD card corruption should
the external supply be accidentally disconnected during record.
External power will be used in preference to the AAA battery which
can be regarded as a back-up.
+
Slide cover to
insert battery
DC In (3.2 to 28V)
Audio Out
Rec Control
Ground
2.1 mm DC jack
Centre +
OR
Power & Control Input