Rare Waves Lite2Sound QB Stereo User manual
Lite2Sound QB Stereo | User Guide 1.2 Rare Waves LLC rarewaves.net
This portable audio device is a 2-channel photodiode amplifier designed for
ambient listening. It picks up modulated light from your environment and converts
it directly to stereo analog audio.
Not a synthesizer or effects unit, it is more like a microphone or radio receiver. This
unit attempts to present you with a scientifically accurate version of what you could
perceive if your ears were sensitive to uctuations in light intensity. It does not
create sounds on its own, other than a residual amount of background noise due to
the high degree of amplification that is involved.
What your hear from it is entirely dependent on where you are, where the sensors
are pointed, what time of day it is, and whatever ambient light sources are present.
It can be used in a controlled recording environment with manipulated light
sources, generating sound samples for creative audio production. On the other
hand, we encourage you to bring it out of your studio and listen anywhere,
especially at night, and to make field recordings of the new sounds you discover. Or,
you can incorporate it into a performance or installation piece, but be mindful that
the results can be affected by the venue lighting and amount of daylight.
Does it only work at night?
It is best at night. But, even if there is bright light everywhere, you can still get
results by moving this unit closer to the source you want to hear.
In dim lighting and at night, this unit automatically boosts its gain, allowing
reception of modulated light from much farther away. From a distance, many
sources can blend together into a harmonic soundscape.
Does every light make a tone?
No. Only lights that are modulated, uctuating, or ickering rapidly can make
sounds. In many cases you will hear interesting sounds from lights that appear to
be steadily lit or changing slowly. On the other hand, you might initially expect to
hear colorful sounds from strings of holiday lights, but these often make a steady
hum.
Can invisible lights make sounds?
Yes, this unit is sensitive to near infrared (700 - 1100 nm), which is used in many
remote controls, IR data links, and IR motion detectors.
Is it normal to hear the AC mains hum?
Yes, most lamps or lights that are powered from the AC grid emit modulated light
containing steady humming sounds. This unit has enough fidelity to reveal
shades of tone from different lamps and light technologies, as well as uctuations
in the frequencies of the grid itself. In N. America, you will hear frequencies from
the harmonic series based on 60 Hz, while in Europe, the mains hum has a lower
pitch rooted at 50 Hz.
Sensor Side Speaker Side
Do colors have different sounds?
It is possible, but it depends on the technology that is controlling the lights.
Lite2Sound QB Stereo’s sensors only respond to changes in brightness. For
example, a string of multicolored holiday lights emits the same tone from every
lamp, regardless of color, because they all share a common power source.
Can it pick up sounds from nature?
In special cases, yes. If the sun is high, and the atmosphere is very clear, you can
hear the sound of atmospheric turbulence. Or if sunlight reects off of a vibrating
object, it can carry the sound to you. And if a ray of sunlight is interrupted by rapid
motion like wing beats, it creates modulated light sounds, which you can hear with
this unit if its sensors are in the ideal position and angle. And naturally, lightning
ashes from electrical storms are revealed in detail.
Can I increase its range?
If you hold the sensor near the eyepiece of a binocular, it can gather signals from
much farther away.
In common settings, it often picks up humming sounds from room lighting. To
isolate a weaker source for better fidelity, move this unit closer to it, or turn off the
room lights.
Lite2Sound QB Stereo | User Guide 1.2 Rare Waves LLC rarewaves.net
If the LED light is blinking, it means the battery level is low and sound quality may
be affected. You don’t need to change the battery immediately when the LED stars
blinking. It is OK to keep using it until the sound quality has diminished noticeably.
The battery compartment is on the bottom of the unit. Remove the two screws with
a small screwdriver and lift off the base plate. Pull the old battery out of the metal
clip and pop the connector off of the battery terminals.
Install a new 9V battery. Alkaline or lithium type is recommended. Snap the battery
into its retainer clip, then replace the bottom cover of the unit by tightening the two
screws.
You may use a rechargeable 9V battery, but note that connecting the AC adapter
does not recharge it while it is installed in this unit.
AC Adapter
This unit requires an AC adapter with 9 volts DC regulated output. It shall have
center positive polarity, and a 2.1 x 5.5 mm barrel plug.
Note: ‘BOSS-type’ adapters for guitar pedals are center negative, therefore they are not compatible with
this unit.
This unit uses less than 50 mA of current. The original AC adapter included with it is rated for 0.3A (300
mA) output.
The internal battery is disconnected whenever the AC adapter plug is inserted. In
other words, it automatically switches to battery power when the AC adapter is
removed.
Power Source
Lite2Sound QB Stereo can be powered from a 9V battery or AC adapter (included).
Turn the unit ON by rotating the control knob. It will click and the LED light
indicates the unit is receiving power.
Remember to turn the unit off when not in use, to save battery.
Remember to remove the battery before putting the unit in storage, so it can’t be
damaged by a leaky battery.
Blinking LED - battery replacement
Power protection
This unit is protected against reverse polarity, and it is also protected against
excess voltages at the DC input jack. Therefore if you connect an incompatible AC
adapter, you may notice one of the following problems:
– Power LED does not come on. No sound. This means the AC adapter's polarity
is wrong, or the AC adapter is not receiving mains power.
– Unit works OK for a short time, then it goes dead. This indicates the AC
adapter's output voltage is too high, causing the unit to enter a temporary self-
protection mode. If this happens, switch to battery power, or wait 5 minutes for the
safety feature to reset itself, then connect an appropriate AC adapter.
Sensors
This unit includes two unfiltered PIN photodiode
sensors that detect light from 400 nm (blue) to 1100 nm
( near-IR).
The sensors are angled outward to produce stereo
sound. The pickup patterns of the sensors overlap
partially in the center, creating a stereo image based
on differences in amplitude between the channels.
You can exaggerate the stereo image by holding a card
between the sensors.
Tripod mount
This unit will screw on to the threaded stud of a standard camera tripod. It is
designed to fit mini tripods.
The rubber feet may get in the way of attaching the quick release plate of a full size
tripod, but they can be removed if necessary. The feet are held in by interference
(not glue), so you can pop them out of their holes without damaging anything.
Replace the feet by pressing them in with a twisting motion.
Base plate
9V Battery
Tripod mount
Lite2Sound QB Stereo | User Guide 1.2 Rare Waves LLC rarewaves.net
Phones / AUX output
The control knob adjusts the volume of this output.
This is a 3.5 mm stereo audio output that is compatible with consumer equipment:
* Stereo headphones
* Car audio system (system must have a 3.5 mm AUX cable)
* Portable battery-powered audio speakers
Whenever you are recording from the REC output, you can use the Phones/AUX output to
monitor the sound.
You may need to use audio plug adapters to make connections with a guitar amp, PC
sound card, mixing board, or audio effects units.
REC output
The control knob does not affect the signal level of the REC output.
This is a 3.5 mm stereo audio output at approximately the signal level of a microphone. It is
intended to connect to the MIC input of your portable audio recorder. Use an AUX type
cable with stereo 3.5 mm plugs on both ends to make the connection.
If you plug in headphones to the REC output, you may hear a very quiet signal, or nothing.
Internal speakers
The unit has two built in mini speakers, giving the user freedom of no attached wires while
running on battery.
The volume is adjustable with the control knob.
The speakers provide a low sound volume. For more volume, connect the Phones / AUX
jack to an external speaker or audio system.
Whenever a plug is inserted into the Phones / AUX jack, the internal speakers are silenced.
Note that using the internal speakers will drain the battery faster than headphones or
AUX.
Technology
Materials
Size
Weight
Power Source
Quiescent Current
Sensors
Analog Outputs
Internal Speakers
Controls
Tripod Mount
Analog surface mount transimpedance amplifier
Solid hardwood + phenolic composite (bakelite)
3.25 x 3.5 x 4.0” [83 x 89 x 102 mm]
12.5 oz [350 g]
9V battery or AC adapter
14 mA
2 x PIN photodiode (built in)
3.5 mm stereo AUX/Phones, 3.5mm stereo REC out.
28 mm mini speakers (x2)
Volume control with rotary On/Off switch
Accepts 1/4”-20 threaded stud
Made in USA
Choose headphones or AUX cables
with a thin profile at the plug end.
If the plug is too fat, it may not insert
all the way and the connection will be
unreliable.
Cable selection
