AMPLIFIERS FOR MEETING ROOM AND OVERFLOW AREA
Conference Facility Audio System with Amplification for Additional Zone
AN-2128
Description:
This conference facility uses the HD‑MA35UA 35 Watt Mixer Amplifier as the main integrated audio solution. Two D‑J1 Decora XLR Wall Plates
feed the microphone inputs on the mixer section of the HD‑MA35UA. An RLC10KM provides a level control for the 70 Volt speakers serving the
main conference room.
The Zone 1 Line Output from the HD‑MA35UA provides audio to the overflow seating area behind the meeting room. An FP‑35A 35 Watt Audio
Amplifier powers the 70 Volt speakers in the expansion section. The audio level in this area is adjusted by an RLC10KM connected to an
ST‑VCA3 Voltage Controlled Amplifier. The ST‑VCA3 is powered by the auxiliary module 24 Vdc power output from the HD‑MA35UA.
The HD‑MA35UA and FP‑PA35A both enter an automatic sleep mode to provide significant energy and cost savings when the system is idle.
ELIMINATE AUDIO AND VIDEO HUM IN MEETING ROOM
Galvanic Isolation for Audio and Composite Video Ground Loops
AN-2098
Description:
Picture and sound quality from the player on the equipment cart is easily degraded by a ground loop. The difference in ground voltage between the audio/video source and monitoring locations can create herringbone patterns or rolling hum bars in
the video, and hum in the audio. Small ground loop voltages can easily impair the quality of audio and/or video signals. The RDL EZ‑HK3 removes the ground loop using a stereo pair of high quality audio and video transformers in a shielded metal enclosure. The input jacks are ground‑isolated. A ground‑lift switch allows the output jack shields to be lifted from the metal chassis if required.
BOARDROOM AUDIO POWER AMPLIFICATION
VCA Controlled Audio Amplifier with Matching Remote Control and Input Connector Plates
AN-2102
Description:
RDL passive input plates are used to connect audio and video from the boardroom to a central equipment rack for processing and recording. The D‑AVMB2 Audio and Video Jack plate is used for a laptop computer; the D‑XLR3F XLR Female Jack plate is used for the lectern microphone. The line output of the audio mixing/switching equipment in the rack feeds an RDL RU‑PA40D Stereo Audio Amplifier. The amplifier is equipped with an internal VCA which is controlled by the RLC10K Remote Level Control that matches the style of the input plates. The RU‑PA40D provides ample compressed audio power to meet the requirements of both small and large boardrooms and conference rooms.
AUDIO DISTRIBUTION OVER TWISTED PAIR
Multi-Zone Paging w/BGM and Message Repeater
AN-2144
Description:
An RDL FP‑MR2 Message Repeater plays back pre‑recorded messages and provides ducking or muting of the BGM source during message playback. The
message repeater can be programmed to repeat automatically or may be triggered manually. Two dynamic or condenser microphones are pre‑amplified to
line‑level by an RDL HR‑MP2 Dual Microphone Preamplifier. All three audio sources (BGM/Message Repeater, Paging Mic 1, Paging Mic 2) are distributed
to each of the three floors of an office or retail building over readily available CAT5 cabling utilizing an RDL RU‑TPS4A Active Sender/Distributor and three
TX‑TPR3A Active Receivers (one per floor). Each Active Receiver provides line‑level audio to an RDL HD‑MA35A Mixer Amplifier. The BGM/Message
Repeater signal connects to Input 2 of the mixer amplifier on each floor. Input 1 of each mixer amplifier is fed from the Receiver output that corresponds
with the Paging Mic (1 or 2) that will be used to page on that floor. Input 1 is set to "duck" the other amplifier input(s) so paging will take priority.
The RDL Format‑A twisted pair products provide flexibility and expandability for this multi‑zone paging system. Additional floors may be added using
additional receiving modules and amplifiers./
CONSISTENT LEVELS FROM MEETING ROOM MICS
Automatic Microphone Level Control for Enhanced Intelligibility with Untrained Presenters
AN-2150
Description:
In this meeting room rack, three HR‑MCP2s are connected between microphone inputs and the systems DSP based microphone auto‑mixer to
reduce demands on the DSPs resources while providing consistent levels from each of the systems six microphone inputs. The HR‑MCP2
improves sound quality and intelligibility by producing consistent audio levels and controlling overloads that produce distortion and clipping at
the DSP inputs.
The RDL HR‑MCP2 is a dual channel microphone compressor that produces consistent audio output levels over wide variations (up to 25 dB) in
microphone input levels. Rear‑panel switches allow setting each output to mic or line level. Each channel can therefore be used as a mic‑level
in‑line compressor or as a microphone preamplifier with compression. The HR‑MCP2 is compatible with dynamic and condenser microphones.
Front‑panel switches are provided to enable low‑cut filters and 15 dB pads for each channel as well as global 48 Vdc phantom power. A CLIP
LED flashes if a signal peak is within 1 dB of clipping. A seven LED metering string displays the instantaneous gain reduction in 3 dB increments.
SEND UNBALANCED AUDIO OVER A LONG DISTANCE
Balanced Audio Connections Between Stereo Unbalanced Devices
AN-2095
Description:
Unbalanced audio is not suited to long distance transmission due to susceptibility to hum and ground loops. This problem is avoided by balancing the audio source prior to transmission and by isolating the received signals with effective common mode (hum) rejection. This application uses an RDL STA‑2A Dual Line Amplifier to boost the unbalanced stereo source up to the standard +4 dBu level to drive a pair of balanced lines. The balanced lines may be shielded or unshielded (UTP) and may be up to several hundred feet long. An RDL TX‑A2D Dual Audio Converter receives the balanced audio, converts it to unbalanced and attenuates it to a standard ‑10 dBV level feeding RCA output jacks. Studio quality audio transformers in the TX‑A2D provide very high common‑mode hum rejection and galvanic isolation from the balanced lines. The received remote source is connected to one of the stereo unbalanced inputs of an RDL EZ‑MX4L stereo audio mixer that feeds the conference room amplifiers and speakers.
AV SYSTEM FOR CORPORATE FACILITY
Boardroom AV System
AN-2110
Description:
Three compact RDL EZ‑series modules handle all the audio and video signals for both local presentations in this boardroom and to interface with
video conferencing. The EZ‑MX4ML Mic and Stereo Line Audio Mixer and the EZ‑MXA20 20 Watt Stereo Audio Mixer Amplifier together provide
3 mic inputs with phantom power and 3 stereo line‑level inputs. The EZ‑MXA20 provides 10 Watts to each of the 8 Ohm speakers in the room
and allows for bass and treble tone control adjustment. The EZ‑VM22E VGA/XGA Switcher/Equalized Amplifier switches between the video
conference system and the local video source. It also routes the selected video source to both monitors in the room. All the RDL system
electronic products are mounted in an EZ‑CC6 Component Chassis. The EZ‑RA6 Rack Adapter is available for rack mounting of the EZ series
modules.
NOISE MASKING WITH PAGING
Constant Voltage System for Noise Masking and Overhead Paging
AN-2136
Description:
Random white noise generated by the ST‑NG1 White and Pink Noise Generator is fed to Input 2 of the HD‑MA35A Mixer Amplifier. A Paging
Source is connected to Input 1 of the HD‑MA35A. The Mixer Amplifier can be programmed to attenuate (duck) the white noise by 25dB
during a paging event. Ducking can be initiated either manually, from a contact closure on the paging device, or automatically by adjusting the
Input 1 VOX sensitivity on the HD‑MA35A. The ST‑NG1 is powered directly from the 24 Vdc output on the rear of the HD‑MA35A.
BASIC TWO ROOM COMBINING SYSTEM
School Cafetorium Room Combining System with Automatic Audio Leveling Compression
AN-2124
Description:
This cafetorium can be used as one large room or as two smaller rooms formed by movable wall partitions. Each room has one mic and one mono or stereo line‑level input connection through a DS‑J3 input plate. EZ‑MCP1 Microphone Compressors provide consistent level and overload protection on the mic inputs. ST‑CL2 Compressor/Limiters provide the same benefits for the line inputs. The DS‑RCX2 Room Controls provide volume control in each room and allow selection of a common external source (typically background music). The RCX‑5C controls the audio system configuration, separating or combining the inputs and amplified audio to the speakers according to the room usage (one large room or two smaller rooms). The paging input overrides the audio in the entire cafetorium. Note: The RCX‑5C can be used for room combinations from two to five rooms. An HD‑PA35UA Audio Power Amplifier is used for each zone in this system to feed 70 Volt speakers. The HD‑PA35UA has an automatic sleep mode that shuts off the power amplifier when it is not in use. This offers significant energy savings for systems not operated by technical staff.
STEREO REMOTE AUDIO LEVEL CONTROL
Studio Quality Volume Adjustment for Professional and Consumer Applications
AN-2158
Description:
The RU‑VCA2A Two Channel Digitally Controlled Attenuator and RLC10K Remote Level Control are used to increase and decrease the level of the Stereo Sound source feeding the amplifiers.
The RU‑VCA2A offers clickless level adjustment, accurate tracking and outstanding wide‑band, low‑noise studio quality performance. It can be controlled remotely by a variety of RDL or third‑party controls and/or locally via front‑panel pushbuttons. Each audio input and output may be configured balanced or unbalanced. Multiple RU‑VCA2As and/or RU‑VCA6As may be linked together for single‑point level control of 7.1, 10.2 or 22.2 surround sound systems.
LINE LEVEL MEDIA FEED DISTRIBUTION
Buffering High Quality Audio Feeds
AN-2141
Description:
Speeches, government meetings, product announcements and other media events covered by reporters require multiple high quality audio feeds
in the press room. The recording equipment may require a balanced or unbalanced line level or mic‑level signal. Each output feed must be
isolated so that if one output is accidentally shorted or back‑fed, all other feeds and the public address system remain unaffected. An RDL
RU‑ADA8D Audio Distribution Amplifier provides isolated audio output signals that drive a variety of audio jacks on a "Media Panel." An RDL
RU‑MX4 Professional 4‑Input Mixer with selectable compressor is used to mix the audio sources. The line‑level mix is distributed by the
RU‑ADA8D to up to 16 line‑level outputs on RCA, 1/4" phone, or XLR jacks. Any of these outputs could be padded down to mic level using RDL
TX‑LM2 line‑level to microphone‑level transformers. All jacks shown are on Decora® compatible wall plates. These jacks are also available in
the RDL AMS series should a custom rack or tabletop configuration be preferred. Video distribution may be added using RDL composite and
VGA/XGA distribution amplifiers.
ISOLATED MEDIA FEEDS
Buffering Multiple High Quality Audio Feeds
AN-2009
Description:
Speeches, government meetings, product announcements and other media events are occasions where a number of reporters in the electronic press require a high quality audio feed from the event organizers. The recording equipment in use might require a mic, balanced line level or unbalanced line‑level signal. It is critical that each feed is isolated so that if one feed is accidentally shorted or back‑fed, no other feed will be affected nor will the public address system. This example uses RDL STICK‑ONs® to provide isolated audio output signals driving a variety of audio jacks on a "Media Panel." An RDL RU‑MX4 Pro 4‑Input Mixer is used as the audio source. The line‑level source is distributed through an ST‑DA3 Audio Distribution Amplifier to line‑level outputs on RCA, 1/4¨ phone, and XLR jacks. The same source is padded down to mic level using an STP‑1 Attenuator and distributed through an STM‑DA3 Microphone Distribution Amplifier to the mic outputs. All jacks shown are on Decora® wall plates. These jacks are available in the RDL AMS series should a rack or tabletop mount be preferred. Distribution of video at these events can also be added using RDL composite and VGA/XGA distribution amplifiers.
CORPORATE CONFERENCE/PRESENTATION CENTER
Audio/Visual, Wireless Mic System, 3 Channel Mixing with 40 Watt Amplifier
AN-2051
Description:
This Conference/Presentation center is equipped with multiple wall input plates for auxillary audio/video sources such as a laptop computer and wireless microphone. The system includes a mixer with remote volume and muting control. Wall plates are shown at the front of the room where presentations are normally staged. The video input jack is wired directly to the projector using a standard VGA video cable. All signal and control connections between the three wall plates and the mixer use CAT5 wire. The remote controlled mixer is used to set audio levels from the audio input wall plates. The volume and muting controls are located at the front of the room allowing easy access before and during presentations. The amplifier is switched to mono and 4Ω; the output is driving four 8Ω speakers. All wall controls and panels are available in RDL standard white/gray or in stainless steel with custom labeling available.
MEETING ROOM MIXER WITH NO SETUP REQUIRED
Remote Controlled Mixer Provides User Adjustment in Multi-Purpose Space
AN-2085
Description:
The RDL FP‑TPX3A Remote Controlled Mixer makes setup easy for a wide variety of uses in this hotel meeting space. A visit to the AV closet is
not required when shifting from one use to the next.
The three FP‑TPX3A inputs are fed from any of the Format‑A twisted pair senders. Each Format‑A input module provides one balanced
microphone input. (Line‑level Format‑A input modules are also available.) The three input modules are chained together and connected to the
mixer using standard twisted pair cable with RJ45 connectors. A separate twisted pair cable connects the D‑RC3M Remote Mixing Control to the
mixer. The D‑RC3M provides a separate level control and mute button for each of the three inputs. The wall mounted control is simple to use and
easy to understand even for facility users with no technical background.
The FP‑TPX3A provides a solution for flexible use of multi‑purpose rooms that does not require technically trained staff for setup.
AUTOMATIC POWERING OF BOARDROOM A/V SYSTEM
Automatically Turn System On and Off to Conserve Energy and Simplify Operation
AN-2103
Description:
The RDL FP‑ECC1 Energy Conservation Controller provides the capability to automatically power up the boardroom A/V electronics when needed and to power down the equipment when not in use to conserve energy and reduce operating costs. FP‑ECC1 trigger inputs bridge the mic and line level signals from the room and are used to switch the system on. Then the presence of any speaker‑level signal at the FP‑ECC1 hold input keeps the system powered. After a switch‑selectable time period of 15, 30, or 60 minutes of no use, the FP‑ECC1 will turn off the system electronics. No operator intervention is needed to begin or end use of the system. Audio and video inputs from the room are fed through RDL wall plates. The D‑ECR1 Power On/Off Remote Control allows users to manually power up/down the equipment controlled by the FP‑ECC1 Controller. The D‑ECR1 matches the style of the other wall plates.
PRIORITY SWITCHING FROM A VIDEO SOURCE
Multiple Conference Rooms Automatically Switch to a Priority Video Presentation
AN-2006
Description:
This application note shows one of several conference rooms on a corporate campus. The Local A/V Equipment is normally used for meetings held in the room. When a single presentation must be viewed by the entire corporate staff, all the conference rooms are used simultaneously. When the campus‑wide presentation is played, the TX‑AVX module in each conference room detects the video signal, switches off any local video and routes the presentation video to the projector. The TX‑AVX slave output controls the ST‑SSR1 which switches off any local audio and routes the presentation audio to the projector or other audio amplifier used in the room. Two ST‑SSR1 modules may be connected for stereo. Automatic switching insures the presentation will be viewed in every conference room.
5.1 SURROUND SOUND REMOTE LEVEL CONTROL
Multi-Channel Level Control for Theater or Control Room
AN-2159
Description:
The RU‑VCA6A Six Channel Digitally Controlled Attenuator and RLC10K Remote Level Control are used to increase and decrease the level of the 5.1 Surround Sound source feeding the amplifiers.
The RU‑VCA6A offers clickless level adjustment, accurate tracking and outstanding wide‑band, low‑noise studio quality performance. It can be controlled remotely by a variety of RDL or third‑party controls and/or locally via front‑panel pushbuttons. Each audio input and output may be configured balanced or unbalanced. Multiple RU‑VCA6As and/or RU‑VCA2As may be linked together for single‑point level control of 7.1, 10.2 or 22.2 surround sound systems.
PRIORITIZED PAGING
Paging from Multiple Locations
AN-2016
Description:
This application provides multiple paging locations, with priority assigned to each location. Each location has a mic with a PTT (push‑to‑talk) momentary pushbutton that provides external switching contacts. The STM‑2 preamp for each microphone should be installed near the associated mic. Wiring between each STM‑2 output and the corresponding ST‑LCR1 is balanced, connected with shielded or unshielded twisted‑pair cable. When a PTT button associated with a microphone is depressed, the music fades down and paging becomes active. The highest priority mic overrides the lower priority mic(s). This arrangement may be carried out for an unlimited number of paging locations. If the background music source provides only unbalanced outputs, an STA‑1M Audio Line Amplifier may be used to provide a balanced signal at the proper level.
If solid state switching is preferred, an ST‑SSR1 Solid State Audio “Relay” may be substituted for each ST‑LCR1.
The FP‑PA20A 20 Watt Power Amplifier feeding 70 Volt speakers is used in this example. RDL offers a wide range of power amplifiers for paging
and public address applications.
MEDIA FEED DISTRIBUTION
Buffering Multiple High Quality Audio Feeds
AN-2140
Description:
Speeches, government meetings, product announcements and other media events covered by reporters require multiple high quality audio feeds
in the press room. The recording equipment may require a balanced or unbalanced line level or mic‑level signal. Each output feed must be
isolated so that if one output is accidentally shorted or back‑fed, all other feeds and the public address system remain unaffected. An RDL
RU‑ADA4D Audio Distribution Amplifier provides isolated audio output signals that drive a variety of audio jacks on a "Media Panel." An RDL
RU‑MX4 Professional 4‑Input Mixer with selectable compressor is used to mix the audio sources. The line‑level mix is distributed by the
RU‑ADA4D to up to 8 line‑level outputs on RCA, 1/4" phone, or XLR jacks. Three of its outputs are padded down to mic level using RDL TX‑LM2
line‑level to microphone‑level transformers. All jacks shown are on Decora® compatible wall plates. These jacks are also available in the RDL
AMS series should a custom rack or tabletop configuration be preferred. Video distribution may be added using RDL composite and VGA/XGA
distribution amplifiers.
ELIMINATE AUDIO HUM IN BOARD ROOM OR CONFERENCE ROOM
Galvanic Isolation for Audio Ground Loop
AN-2099
Description:
A laptop computer that is connected to AC power typically produces a ground loop if its audio output is connected to a sound system amplifier. The difference in ground voltage between the computer and amplifier causes a hum in the audio signal. Small ground loop voltages can produce high audio hum levels from the speakers. The RDL EZ‑HK1 between the computer and the amplifier removes the ground loop using a stereo pair of high quality audio transformers in a
shielded metal enclosure. The input jacks are ground‑isolated. A round‑lift switch allows the output jack shields to be lifted from the metal chassis if required. Audio connections are easy to interface between jack types. The EZ‑HK1 input provides both stereo RCA jacks and a stereo mini‑jack. The output
also is provided on stereo RCA jacks or a stereo mini‑jack.
ELIMINATE AUDIO HUM IN A GROUP PRESENTATION
Galvanic Isolation for Stereo Audio Ground Loop or Computer Digital Noise
AN-2084
Description:
Presentations using a laptop computer face problems of delivering quality audio through an unbalanced connection. Any difference in ground
potential between the computer and audio amplifier creates hum that becomes part of the presentation audio. In some systems, digital noise
from the computer may also add a constant irritating background noise to the audio.
The RDL AV‑HK1 easily solves this common problem. The AV‑HK1 breaks the ground path for hum and ditigal noise using stereo audio
isolation transformers in a rugged, tightly shielded enclosure.
The AV‑HK1 Hum Killer is a must‑have item for the touring presenter and is equally useful in a fixed AV installation.
ELIMINATE AUDIO HUM IN MEETING ROOM OR CLASS ROOM
Galvanic Isolation for Audio Ground Loop
AN-2096
Description:
A laptop computer that is connected to AC power typically produces a ground loop if its audio output is connected to an installed sound system. The difference in ground voltage between the computer and equipment rack amplifier causes a hum in the audio signal. Small ground loop voltages can produce high audio hum levels from the speakers. Installing the RDL EZ‑HK1 between the computer and the system input removes the ground loop using a stereo pair of high quality audio
transformers in a shielded metal enclosure. The input jacks are ground‑isolated. A ground‑lift switch allows the output jack shields to be lifted from the metal chassis if required. Audio connections are easy to interface between jack types. The EZ‑HK1 input provides both stereo RCA jacks and a stereo mini‑jack. The output also is provided on stereo RCA jacks or a stereo mini‑jack.
PRESENTATION AUDIO
Constant Voltage Distributed System
AN-2069
Description:
The constant voltage speaker system makes it easy to distribute audio throughout a facility. Speakers can be placed above the listeners tapped for appropriate power levels totalling up to the total amplifier capacity. The TX‑J2 is used to provide a balanced mono signal from the projectors unbalanced stereo output. For this conference room, the FP‑PA20A constant‑voltage (70 or 100 Volt) amplifier provides up to 20 Watts RMS to speakers located directly above the seating area. The integral compressor/limiter allows high average power levels of audio free from clipping and distortion. The FP‑PA20A can be used in applications that previously would have required amplifiers rated for much higher power levels.
In this example, the amplifier is feeding four speakers at equal power levels. The 70 Volt system makes it easy to distribute audio so that clear, intelligible audio is available for all listeners.
ADDING A ZONE TO AN EXISTING DISTRIBUTED 70 V SYSTEM
AN-2025
Description:
A 70 V audio signal is being distributed to multiple zones in a facility. The RDL TX‑70A provides for the expansion of the existing 70 V system by converting the 70 V signal to an unbalanced line level signal. The unbalanced audio signal feeds the FP‑PA20A 20 Watt 70 V Audio Power Amplifier, which powers the speakers in the additional zone. The TX‑70A is equipped with a level trimmer for achieving optimal signal level.
NOISE MASKING
Two-Zone Noise Masking System for Office Space
AN-2039
Description:
This application shows the layout of a two zone noise masking system. The white noise line output from the RDL ST‑NG1 feeds the inputs of two RDL FP‑PEQ3 parametric equalizers. The FP‑PEQ3 equalizers allow the installer to flatten the noise spectrum in each zone. The line output of each FP‑PEQ3 is fed through RDL FP‑PA20A 20W, 70/100 V power amplifiers. The 70 V output of each FP‑PA20A feeds multiple 70 V speakers in its associated zone. Multiple equalizers and amplifiers may be added for larger systems with more zones.
PRESENTATION AUDIO
Quality Audio System for Boardroom or Conference Room
AN-2070
Description:
Many projectors incorporate source switching and audio level adjustment into their remote controls. They seldom offer a high quality audio power amplifier suitable for a large boardroom or conference room. The TX‑PA40D fills that need. A stereo amplifier with integral compressor/limiter, the TX‑PA40D is capable of maintaining high average audio power levels free from clipping and distortion. There is an input switch to sum the stereo inputs for those facilities where speaker placement does not allow for good stereo imaging.
In this example, the amplifier is feeding two pairs of 8 Ohm speakers so that four speakers can be used to evenly distribute the audio throughout the room. The compact footprint of the TX‑PA40D allows it to be mounted to the projector or other convenient location. This compact, professional amplifier may be mounted in just a few square inches of space.