Solidyne MB 2100 User manual

Revision
October '09
p o r t a b l e c o n s o l e s
MB 2100 &
MB 2100 -BL
Portable mini-console
User manual
Solidyne SRL 3 de Febrero 3254 (CP 1429) Bs.As. - Ar entina
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
e-mail: [email protected] www.SolidynePRO.com

Pa e 2 MB-2100 Portable mini-console SOLIDYNE

Whats in the box
Inside the box you will find:
•1 MB-2100 console
•Printed user's manual 1
•1 multi-voltage charger
•1 warranty certified.
1 . O v er v ie w
1.1 Features
The Solidyne MB-2100 mini-console was desi ned to
provide low cost professional solution for those usin the
cell phone as a microphone at outdoors transmissions.
We know that no matter how expensive it is, a cell phone
used in this way does not provide the sound quality or
the professional ima e that your station needs. You no
lon er have to manipulate the cellular phone. With the MB-
2100 you can use ood quality dynamic microphones,
usin the cell phone only as link to the radio station. You
can also use the console connected to a land-line.
The potential of the console expands if you use at the
studios an hybrid with VQR technolo y, that achieves a
remarkable restoration in the audio quality of telephone
communication, rebuildin part of the bass and treble lost
in transmission and eliminates the back round noise that
characterizes the telephone transmissions. You can listen
this technolo y on our website.
The cell phone is connected to the console via a
Bluetooth wireless connection (only MB2100-BL models)
or usin a cable adapter connected to hands-free
connector.
Bluetooth wireless technology allows to connect compatible
devices without cables. A Bluetooth connection does not require
that the devices be in line of sight, but the devices should be within
10 meters from each other (3 meters ma imum recommended for
safe operation). Connection can be subject to interference from
obstructions such as walls or other electronic devices.
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All amplifiers used in MB2100 are CMOS technolo y, ultra-low
power consumption. This desi n decision makes the console
consumes less than 0.1 watt, ensurin a lon er duration to 16
hours continuous operation. With non continuous work is normal
that the battery lasts 20 to 25 hours.
1.1.1 Inputs
•3 inputs for dynamics microphones, 1/ ” TRS
female jack. Non-saturation pre-amplifiers with “local-
feedback” technology by Solidyne.
•1 line input (mono), compatible with headphone
output of portable players.
•Built-in condenser microphone (shares the knob with
the line input).
1.1.2 Outputs
The pro ram si nal is compressed by an automatic
dynamic ange comp esso , which maintain a constant
output level.
The outputs are:
•ain Program Output (PGM). Balanced with TRS
Impedance 10 KOhms.
•CUE output (monitor) 2 headphone outputs allows to
connect up to 4 headphones of 32 ohms or higher
impedance. This avoids the use of external
amplifiers. A knob allows to change the listen
between the console's output or the return signal
from Studios.
•RJ11 to cell phone or land line.
1.1.3 Power source
Internal Battery Ni-Cd batteries allowin 16 hours of
continuous operation. They are typically 20 to 25 hours of
non continuous operation.
Included external char er. Multi-volta e, can be connected
indifferently to any volta e between 100 to 240V, 50/60 Hz.
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1.1.4 Portability
The unit has a hook "U" that allows to use the console
belt han in near the phone. MB-2100 has extensive
protection a ainst RF interference. With GSM di ital
phones are advised, however, a minimum distance of
20cm.
Its small size and low wei ht (only 600 r) make it very
comfortable to operate.
1.1.5 Connectivity
Link with cell phone via Bluetooth (MB 2100-BL
models).
Link with cell phone via hands-free connector.
DTMF keypad to dial up with land-lines.
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2. IN PU T S , OUTPUTS and CONNECTIONS
2.1 Rear panel
rear panel
2.1.1 icrophone inputs
All microphone inputs (MIC-1 MIC-2, MIC-3) use
connectors type TRS of ¼”. The pre-amps use a technique
called "local feedback" that avoids saturation when the
sound pressure level over the microphone capsule is hi h
(e. . a sports relator who cries a oal).
LIN-4 is a line input (mono). Accepts direct connection to
the headphone output of the analo and di ital portable
players. You can use a standard stereo miniplu cable to
connect (on the console rin oes unconnected).
2.1.2 Inputs connection
Mic ophones
Sleeve Ground
Ring Balanced (+)
Tip Balanced (-)
Note: If you connects an stereo signal to line input, take in mind that
this input monoaural, since only one channel will be used. You can use a
plug-plug stereo cable since at the console the ring (right channel) is
unconnected.
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LIN-4
Sleeve Ground
Tip Si nal

2.1.3 Power source
The console can be operated without external power for 16
hours in continuous use due to its CMOS chipset
technolo y. It has a rechar eable Ni-Cd battery.
Console is provided with an external char er. The
switchin char er is automatic: you can connect to any
outlet of 100 to 240 VAC.
When you connect the char er to the console, a red LED
(CHG) li hts indicatin the unit is rechar in . THIS LED
WILL BE LIT WHILE THE UNIT IS CONNECTED TO THE
CHARGER, REGARDLESS OF THE UNIT IS ON OR
OFF.
The battery requires about 12 hours of connection to reach
its full char e. Above this value reduces the load current
may be permanently connected, if desired.
2.1.4 Program output (Bal Out)
The pro ram output is balanced, monoaural, and uses a
TRS connector (Sleeve = Ground, Rin = si nal [-] Tip =
si nal [+] ) This output sends the si nal from the pro ram
mix, that is, the sum of the si nals MIC-1, MIC-2, MIC-3
and MIC-4/LINE. The impedance of the device to connect
must be 10 KOhms or reater.
The si nal passes throu h a compressor that
automatically mana es the dynamic ran e, avoidin
differences of levels in the air or distortion on the
telephone line due to si nal excess.
This output can connect to a portable DAT recorder or mini
disc to make recordin s of hi h audio quality. You can also
send the si nal to Studios usin a VHF/UHF radio link to
transmit with studio quality (30-15.000 Hz)
2.1.5 Headphones output
There are two headphone outputs with 1/8” minijack. The
si nal sent to the headphones is controlled from the knob
CUE, which select the source and adjust the volume
simultaneously. With CUE knob at center will not output
audio. Turnin toward MIXER increase the audio level
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monitorin from direct output of the console. Turnin
toward STUDIO increase the level of monitorin the return
of study, listenin to journalists who are at the studios and
at the same time, the transmission from MB2100.
You can connect up to two additional headphones. To
make this, you must have an adapter or "Y" cable to
connect two headphones in parallel for each output. In this
case, preferably usin headphones with impedance of 32
Ohms or hi her.
2. 2 Li nk wi t h t h e ra d i o s ta ti o n
2.2.1 Connecting to a land line
The console connects to the telephone line throu h
connector “Cellular & Phone”, RJ11 type. Throu h the
phone line the console sent the pro ram mix to the studios
and receive return from the studios, addin to headphone
mix.
MB-2100 has a DTMF keypad to dial with land lines. To
dial up:
Take the line pressing the button “On air”.
Listen the dial tone in headphones.
Dial the phone number.
To talk, you can use the built-in microphone (Line-1 /
MIC), or a microphone connected to the console
(recommended). Both signals are sent to studios via
land line.
The RJ-11 connections are:
1 Sin conexión
2 LINEA
3 LINEA
4 Sin conexión
RJ11 connections to land line. This is the a standard cable for lannd lines.
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2.2.2 Connecting to a cell phone
MB-2100/BL (Bluetooth model) supports connection of a
mobile phone via Bluetooth to link to studios.
Any phone with Bluetooth can be linked to the MB-
2100/BL, eliminatin dependence on the headset cable,
which differs in each cell.
While the cell may be up to 5 meters away from the
console, we recommend wearin , but not beside to the
console. The shirt pocket, or han on the waist
opposite side of the console, are appropriate places
The Bluetooth wireless connection allows for better audio
quality as the di ital si nal remains from the cell to the MB-
2100.
2.2.2.1 Link the cell phone with the console
By linkin cell phones to the console creates a link
between two devices, and allows the phone to remember
the unique ID of the console (ID). Do you need to make
this only the first time that use the phone. Once the
console and the phone are linked, the console
automatically connects to these phone when you enables
Bluetooth on both devices.
Procedure:
1. MB-2100: Enables discovery mode. With Bluetooth
switched off (LED off) press and hold the number # and 9
on DTMF keypad (5 seconds) until the LED flashes
alternatin between reen and red, indicatin discovery
mode. Bein in this mode the MB-2100 can be found by the
cell phone.
To enable Bluetooth, press and hold the numbers # and 9 on the DTMF
keypad by 2 seconds. Release the buttons just when LED lights. Led will
flash in green slowly, indicating Bluetooth enabled. If you hold BLUET button
more that 2 seconds (5 sec appro ) Bluetooth changes to “discovery” mode
(toggling green and red).
2. At the cell phone, search for Bluetooth devices. This
procedure varies by brand and model cell, see the
instruction manual of phone.
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3. When the phone finds the MB-2100's Bluetooth device,
shows the code “BTH-008” on screen. When the phone
asks for the password, ente 0000 (default). See your
phone's manual for details.
4. MB-2100's ID is now stored at the cell phone's memory.
You don't need to repeat this procedure for this phone. In
the front panel of the console, the li ht will chan e to
reen flashin slow, indicatin that Bluetooth is active.
In some cell phones, it is necessary to "connect" the new device found to
active it. In others, the new device is activated after being detected.
If there were other systems operating in the Bluetooth studios, we commend
turning off Bluetooth on the MB-2100, to repeat the search with the cell and
write-down the e isting devices. Then turn on Bluetooth in the MB-2100 and
repeat the search. The displayed (BTH-008) will MB-2100.
2.2.2.2 Re-connections
To reconnect the cell before linked, activate the MB-2100's
Bluetooth pressin by 2 seconds the numbers # and 9,
and enables Bluetooth at the cell phone (if necessary,
some cell phones disables Bluetooth device when turn it
off). To make or receive a call, the audio is sent to the
console.
2.2.2.3 Adjusting the value
At the cell phone, Bluetooth volume must be adjusted at
maximum level in order to obtain a ood reception and to
sure the best si nal to noise ratio.
This adjusting must be done with a real calling using Bluetooth.
Usually, the volume of the phone's speaker is independent of the
volume of Bluetooth device. If you change the phone's level without
make a Bluetooth calling, you will only be changing the volume for the
phone's speaker, not the Bluetooth level. To change the Bluetooth
level, make a call using the console (or a hands free headset) and set
the Bluetooth level to the ma imum. This setting is stored at the cell
phone's memory. If you use another cell phone with the console,
you needs to set the Bluetooth level again.
To turn off MB-2100's Bluetooth, press and hold “#” y “9”
until the LED turn off.
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2.2.3 Wired cellular: hands free adapter
“Cellular & Phone” supports direct connection of a cell
phone, usin the "hands free" connector. This cell phone is
used to link to the Studios.
This connection differs by brand and model of phone. You
must purchase the hands free headset for your cell phone
and consult your phone's documentation to make the
connection as dia ram below.
What cell phone transmits throu h this connector are the
audio si nals from cell phones. The console sends PGM
si nal to the cell, which transmits to the radio. The radio
sends back to the telephone, which enters throu h the cell
phone to the console and sent to the headphone mix
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(Studio). Usually, the microphone and speaker phone are
disconnected while usin the audio connector for hands-
free.
2.2.4 Receiving at the studios
At the Studios, the si nal of MB-2100 is received usin a
standard telephone hybrid. To achieve ood results it is
recommended to use professional quality equipment.
Solidyne provides hi h quality telephone hybrid, both rack-
mount units (Series HL-202 and Bluetooth HL-203VQ) and
built-in systems into the on-air consoles.
In addition, hybrids may include Voice Quality
Resto ation (VQR®), a technolo y developed by Solidyne
which allows the reconstruction of the low and hi h
frequency components losses in the telephone
communication; and eliminate back round noise. The
operator adjusts the de ree of restoration. This technolo y
expands the performance of MB-2100, allowin hi h
quality transmission on location usin conventional phone
lines (land or cellular). We recommend listenin to the
VQR® demos clips at www.solidynePRO.com
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3. US IN G T HE C ON S OL E
3. 1 Fr on t p a ne l
3.1.1 Power on
Pressin “ON” the console starts up, either the console is
connected to a char er or operatin with internal battery.
When the unit is connected to a charger, LED charging indicator ( "CHG") is
on while the console is off.
The battery has autonomy of 16 hours in continuous use.
The total char e time is 12 hou s, there bein no dama e
if left connected indefinitely, as the system load MB2100
automatically reduces the char in current to et it to
100%.
REMEMBER TO TURN OFF THE CONSOLE AFTER
USE IT.
3.1.2 Program and headphones controls
3.1.2.1 Program mixer
The audio si nals from the MIC-1, MIC-2, MIC-3 and MIC-
4/LINE mixed throu h their respective knobs from the front
panel, enerate the pro ram si nal. This si nal is sent to
the radio throu h the telephone line (land line or cellular
exit) and BAL OUT output. It is also sent to the section
MIXER at headphone's CUE knob.
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The attenuator MIC-4/LINE sends si nal from microphone
or line input. When plu in a plu into the line input, the
internal microphone disconnected.
3.1.2.2 CUE ixer (headphones)
At this sta e is enerated the headphone mix. The knob-
control with zero at center re ulates the level of si nals
STUDIO, which is the return from Studios sent throu h the
telephone line, and MIXER, which is local mix of
microphones enerated by the console.
Turnin the CUE knob to position MIXER you will hear only
the local mix enerated in the console, and not hear return
from Studios.
With the knob at STUDIO position you will hear the return
from Studios, which reaches the MB-2100 throu h
telephone communication, listenin while the si nal from
the console MB-2100.
Therefore when you test the microphones you must use
this control at MIXER position. But when the transmission
started via cellular or land-line, you must turn the CUE
knob to STUDIO to listen both the return si nal (journalists
who are at the radio station) as the local si nal enerated
by the MB-2100.
 Note: It is not necessary that the operator in Studios forward the radio signal
received from the MB-2100. At the location the journalist will hear yourself (and
your console that transmits audio) because, of course, part of which transmits
audio MB2100 returns through phone line (or cellular). This signal is attenuated
about 15 dB over the level transmitted, but audio will good as reference.
 When communication is not established, the level of monitoring of the
microphones in the position 'Studio' is higher than during the communication.
3.1.3 Signal level indicator
The console features a two-level LED's indicator that
shows the action of the internal compressor. The reen
LED illuminates when the si nal level is below the action of
the compressor. When the si nal be ins to compress, red
LED li hts. The hi her compression will produce more
bri htness red LEDs.
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The adequate level of work achieves when peaks li hts
the red LED with re ularity.
Dynamic range compression
The MB-2100 incorporates an audio compressor + limiter,
of automatic action, which take effect on all outputs of the
console to maintain peak output si nal at a constant level.
This compressor, professional features, not produces
deterioration in audio quality.
3. 2 Li n k w it h th e r a di o s ta t io n
The communication is done from the phone connected to
the console, either land-line or cell phone (See “2.2 link
with the radio station”). The followin describes the
procedure for both cases:
Cell phone
If the cell phone is linked via Bluetooth, call to the
radio station from a cell phone. Once the call, use the
microphone and headphones connected to the MB-
2100 to talks with Studios. The radio also can call you.
In that case you will hear the ring tones at the
headphones, as long as the control mix/studio is in the
middle or in "studio” zone.
If the cell phone is connected using a cable adapter to
hands-free connector, first make the call, once the
communication, press the PHONE button on the
console and plug the cable to the "hands free” on cell
phone (the cable must be connected to the RJ-11 of
MB-2100). From this moment you must use the
microphone and headphones connected to the console
to talk with studios.
Land line
Take the line by pressing the PHONE button and dial
the destination number using the console's DTMF
keypad. Once the communication, can talk with studies
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using a microphone and headphone connected to the
console.
The pro ram si nal (console output) is sent to the radio
throu h the telephone. The return from the radio comes to
the MB-2100 and sent to CUE control headphones for
monitorin (position Studio).
Monito ing
The knob 'CUE' is a dual control that allows to listen to the
output of the console (MIXER) or the return from Studios
(STUDIO).
The first option is used when there is no communication
with the radio, to test and adjust the microphones before
makin the call. Or when the console is connected to a
portable recorder for recordin on location, havin no link
with the radio.
STUDIO position is used when establishin a telephone
link with the Studios. The operator of the MB2100 hear the
audio from the radio and your own audio, enterin the
console via the telephone.
End the call
To end the notifications sent by land line, press PHONE
button a ain, the button is dischar ed. This action will
han up the communication, except that the phone had
been let down before.
In the case of a cell phone, simply end the call usin the
phone keypad (see the phone manual, “hands free"
operation).
If the communication inte upts...
Remember that when usin the "hands free" option at cell
phone, microphone and speaker of the phone (usually) are
disconnected. If communication is lost, you must remove
the cable from the phone to make the call a ain.
You can also wait for the Studios call you . As the cell
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phone ends the call when the connection is broken, you
can wait for the radio to call and respond by pressin YES
SND or on the phone, without havin to disconnect the
"hands free" cable. When answer, the radio link is
restored.
If you are usin a land-line and communication lost,
release the ON-AIR to make or receive another call from
the associated phone set. If you receive a call from the
radio you can answer directly from the console by pressin
ON-AIR, without usin the associated phone.
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