Hardware
This section covers the hardware setup of µZ, including cabling and setting up the Audient EVO 16.
Tube
Place the main tube in the base and mount the end cap, as shown above. Remember to mount the appropriate end cap for the desired measurement configuration:
- without tip microphone for 4 microphone mode
- with tip microphone for 5 microphone mode
All part are connected using a twist an latch system. An example of the procedure for mounting a part B onto another part A is as follows:
- Position part B such that its two grooves line up with those on part A. On sample holder parts only look at the grooves that extend towards the part it's being connected to.
- Slide part B onto part A.
- Twist part in a clockwise direction until only one of the grooves on parts A and B line up.
- Tighten the connection by closing the latches
The video belows shows the procedure. Here part B is the end cap and part A is the main tube. For all connecting parts the procedure is the same.
To disconnect the parts, the procedure should be reversed.
warning
When closing and opening the latches, make sure to restrict their motion with your hands. The latches are under significant tension when closed, so allowing them to spring open unrestricted will not only potentially cause visual damage to the outside of the parts, but could also cause the microphones to clip which will distort the measurement results for a period of time.
The main tube, calibration tube and sample holders contain O-rings to ensure airtight seals between the parts when the system is assembled. It is possible that repeatedly removing and mounting parts can cause the O-rings to fall out of their grooves. When doing measurements, periodically check whether the O-rings are still in place, especially when to results are not as expected. Spare O-rings are included with the system to replace ones that might get lost during use. If additional parts are needed, please contact ASCEE.
Cabling
Audient EVO 16
µZ comes with an Audient EVO 16 audio interface. Connect the interface to power using the power cable and connect it to the computer running ACME via the USB-C cable. Depending on your operating system, additional drivers might be required to fully use the EVO 16's capabilities. For more information, check the Audio driver requirements section.
note
The Audient EVO 16 audio interface has 8 line outputs. However, it is important that only line output channels 1 and 2 are used, since the output volume of the other 6 output channels can't be adjusted on the device itself.
Loopback
µZ measurements require a loopback of the speaker signal. To create this loopback, connect line output 2 to mic/line input 8 using the short TRS jack cable. Both the output and input are located on the back panel of the EVO 16. See figure below:
note
The cable specification has been updated from jack→XLR to jack→jack.
Microphones
Connect the microphones to mic/line inputs 3 to 7 on the back panel of the EVO 16, using the XLR to XLR cables. The suggested connections are listed in the table below. The microphone indices are marked on the µZ main tube and end cap with microphone.
| Microphone | EVO 16 channel | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 3 | |
| 1 | 4 | |
| 2 | 5 | |
| 3 | 6 | |
| T(ip mic) | 7 | Optional |
The microphones will receive power from the phantom power on the EVO 16. Below a picture of the channel connection. The colors indicate the channel / microphone connectons.
Speaker
Connect the speaker amplifier to power using the 5V AC adapter. When using an alternative adapter, make sure to use one with the following output specifications:
| Voltage | Max. Current | Connector dimensions | Connector polarity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 VDC | 2 A | 2.1 x 5.5 mm | Center positive, barrel ground |
Connect the signal input socket of the speaker to the to line output 1 on the EVO 16 using the long TRS jack cable.
EVO settings
note
The Audient EVO 16 does not retain its settings when it is switched off. Therefore, the settings listed below need to be reset each time the unit is plugged in. During extended periods of inactivity, the EVO 16 may go into standy mode. The settings should be retained as long as it is still plugged in, but this should be checked just to be safe.
Set the volume of the line outputs on the EVO 16 to 100 by pressing the Speaker button on the front panel and turning the Control Wheel.
Turn on the phantom power on all the mic/line input channels that are connected to the microphones. The phantom power needs to be enabled on each of the channels separately, which can be done as follows:
- Select the channels by pressing the associated number button on the front panel
- Turn on the phantom power by pressing the 48V button. The button will light up and the screen will indicated that phantom power has been enabled.
The green LEDs in the microphones will light up if the phantom power is enabled properly, as shown in the picture on the first page of this section.
note
Do not turn on phantom power on the input channel that is used for the loopback.