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Soft dB SmartSMS 2 User Manual

Sound masking system
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Sound Masking System
User Manual, RELEASE 1.3
Soft dB Inc.
October 2012

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  • Page 1 Sound Masking System User Manual, RELEASE 1.3 Soft dB Inc. October 2012...
  • Page 2 User Manual p. 2...
  • Page 3 SmartSMS II Sound Masking System User Manual Software Release 1.3 October 2012 For Technical Support: contact Soft dB 1040 Belvedere Avenue, Suite 215 Quebec, Qc G1S 3G3 Canada Tel: 418-686-0993 Fax: 418-686-2043 contact@softdb.com For Sales and Pricing information: contact Christian St-Pierre...

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. Contents INTRODUCTION ........................6 2011) ..............6 EW FEATURES IN VERSION 2010) ................. 6 EW FEATURES IN VERSION ....................6 EW FEATURES IN VERSION ................8 MART SOUND MASKING SYSTEM HARDWARE UNIT DESCRIPTION ..................9 2.1.1...
  • Page 5 SOFTWARE AND USB DRIVERS INSTALLATION PROCEDURE ....96 APPENDIX B: SOUND LEVEL METER WITH LIMITED 50 DB DYNAMIC RANGE .... 100 APPENDIX C: NETWORK CONNECTION FOR WIRELESS CALIBRATION...... 101 APPENDIX D: SOFT DB PRECISION MICROPHONE SET-UP .......... 105 APPENDIX E: TROUBLESHOOTING ................. 108 User Manual p. 5...

  • Page 6: Introduction

    SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. Introduction New features in version 1.3 • Optional Rise-Time bypass on each channel. • Calendar-based volume adjustments on the paging mixer • Automatic Firmware and Configuration update from 1.1 to 1.3 • Reduced number of speakers per channel on the SmartSMS-AMP-1 New features in version 1.1j (May 2011)
  • Page 7 SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. • New Default Spectrum: A new default spectrum shape has been defined with equivalent masking efficiency but with slightly less low frequency energy. It will improve the system behaviour in certain circumstances. This should not be noticeable in most installations.

  • Page 8: Smartsms Sound Masking System

    SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. SmartSMS sound masking system The SmartSMS Sound Masking System from Soft dB is a powerful and versatile system that includes: Ø an automatic equalization process of the masking spectrum Ø an active adjustment of the masking volume based on the ambient noise Ø...

  • Page 9: Hardware Unit Description

    SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. Hardware unit description 2.1.1 SmartSMS AMP units SmartSMS AMP units features integrated 25 volts amplifiers and is available with 1, 2, 4 or 8 output channels. Figure 1: Front Panel of SMS-AMP units A: Reference Microphone Input...

  • Page 10: Smartsms Ctl Units

    SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. 2.1.2 SmartSMS CTL units SmartSMS CTL units are controller units with differential (balanced) line level outputs and must be used with external power amplifiers. For proper set-up and optimum performance, the external amplifiers must have differential (balanced) inputs. The CTL unit is available with 2 or 8 outputs channels.

  • Page 11: Smartsms Models

    A sound level meter offering a 70 dB dynamic range and measurement of level as low as 30 dB is highly preferable The Soft dB Precision Microphone is not compatible with Windows 2000. This equipment can be provided by Soft dB but is not included with the SmartSMS unit. User Manual p. 11...

  • Page 12: Symbols

    Power Supply input on the rear panel. 24 VDC input. Use only the recommended power supply from Soft dB. A sound level meter with a more limited dynamic range (for example 50 dB) and/or a minimum level of 35 dB can also be used, but its use will require more attention (see 6.5.1).

  • Page 13: Important Safety Instructions

    15) Use only the recommended power pack supplied by Soft dB. 16) We recommend using Soft dB loudspeakers with the SmartSMSII sound masking system. Other 25V/75V loudspeakers can be used, only if the maximum power load is not exceeded on each channel.

  • Page 14: Software Installation And Usb Driver

    PC. STEP 1: Installation of the SmartSMS Software Launch the installation CD provided with the unit and click on “SmartSMS Installer", You can also download the latest release of the SmartSMS software from Soft dB website at http://www.softdb.com/sms-software.html...
  • Page 15 SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. STEP 2: Power the SmartSMS unit Connect the power supply to the SmartSMS unit using the “INPUT 24VDC” port at the back of the unit. Push the power button. The Power LED on the front of the SmartSMS unit should turn yellow.

  • Page 16: Loudspeakers And Wiring Installation

    SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. Loudspeakers and Wiring Installation Loudspeaker Installation The Smart Loudspeakers are designed to have a smooth and extended frequency response. Each loudspeaker can cover an area between 200 and 250 sq. ft. when installed above suspended ceiling tiles, depending on the various room parameters.
  • Page 17 SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. Figure 7 : Typical loudspeaker installation Drywall ceilings or walls: In certain situations, loudspeakers must be installed directly on a drywall ceiling, or fixed on walls. The SMS-PLN loudspeakers are equipped with a pivoting bracket that can be used to install the loudspeakers on walls or on a drywall ceiling and which allows the loudspeaker to be placed in any direction.
  • Page 18 This is the reason why we strongly suggest that Soft dB approves every design involving surface speakers. Contact us if you have any questions regarding loudspeaker positioning or see section 10 for more information about the design parameters.

  • Page 19: Electrical Wiring Of The Loudspeaker Network

    SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. Electrical Wiring of the Loudspeaker Network NOTE: Special care should be taken with the network electrical connection. Improper electrical installation can damage the amplifier or result in a bad masking sound in the room. The connection schematics in this section must be carried out as specified, otherwise the acoustical or electrical performance may be compromised.

  • Page 20: Wiring

    SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. Note that turning a tap down one notch will not necessarily result in a 3 dB reduction below because of other speakers’ contribution. 4.2.2 Wiring: The SmartSMS amplifier is a constant voltage 25 Volt amplifier unit. The wiring of the loudspeaker network is very simple.
  • Page 21 SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. Note about constant voltage systems: Each speaker introduces a slight drop of voltage on the electrical line. When the number of speakers on a line increases, there is a difference of level between the first and the last speaker on the line.
  • Page 22 SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. Wire Length and Size: All wiring should be carried out with 2-conductor stranded copper wire. The recommended wire calibre is a function of the length of wire needed. We recommend 18 AWG wire for shorter runs up to 250 feet.

  • Page 23: Measurement Set-Up And Hardware Installation

    The options available to provide these measurements are: 1. Soft dB Precision Microphone with IMIC pre-amplifier device 2. Soft dB Precision Microphone with IMIC and wireless connection devices 3. Tablet PC with an integrated Precision Microphone support and wireless device 4.

  • Page 24: Soft Db Precision Microphone And Imic Pre-Amplifier Device

    Soft dB inc. Soft dB Precision Microphone and IMIC Pre-Amplifier Device Figure 16 : Soft dB Precision microphone and IMIC device connected to the PC This Set-Up requires the following equipment: 1. SmartSMS unit connected to a PC via a USB port 2.

  • Page 25: Soft Db Precision Microphone And Imic With Wireless System

    2. This set-up requires a microphone, a cable and a portable PC to be carried at the same time. This manipulation can become uncomfortable in large installations. Figure 17 : Soft dB Precision microphone and Imic pre-amplifier device connected to the PC, using an AnywhereUSB or a KeySpan device and a Wireless router User Manual p.

  • Page 26: Tablet Pc Wireless System With Tablet Pc

    Tablet PC Wireless system with tablet PC A Tablet PC device can be used with the Soft dB Special SMS Microphone support (Figure 18). Since this set-up makes it unnecessary to carry and manipulate a microphone, a cable and a portable PC at the same time, it is the most comfortable and efficient solution to perform the equalization of a sound masking installation.

  • Page 27: Sound Level Meter And Acoustical Calibrator

    The extension cable can be of significant length, given that the signal provided by the AC output of the sound level meter is pre-amplified and has a much greater amplitude than the signal coming from the Soft dB Precision Microphone.

  • Page 28: Cooling And Ventilation Of The Sms Units

    SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. Cooling and ventilation of the SMS units SmartSMS units use a passive convection cooling system, instead of active cooling methods (fans). This increases the long term reliability of the equipment. To ensure adequate cooling of the units during normal use, nothing that could reduce air circulation should be put on the top of the SmartSMS units.

  • Page 29: Multi-Board Installation

    SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. Multi-Board Installation In some cases, you may need more than 8 zones to adequately cover the building with sound masking. In these cases, it is possible to use many SmartSMS units together as one system. Each SMS unit must be connected to the PC using a USB cable, either directly to the PC if there are enough available USB ports, or using a USB hub if there are not enough available USB ports.
  • Page 30 SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. Figure 22: SmartSMS Reset program window Connect all the SMS units to the PC, and launch the SmartSMS main software. The number of SmartSMS units connected to the PC should be indicated in the "SMS unit(s)" box. If the number is not correct, start the reset procedure again and make sure all units are identified and connected correctly to the PC.

  • Page 31: Operation Of The Smartsms Software

    SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. Operation of the SmartSMS Software Launching the SmartSMS Software 1. Connect the power supply to the SmartSMS unit using the “INPUT 24VDC” port at the back of the unit, and Switch the power ON. Connect the SmartSMS unit to a computer using a USB cable.
  • Page 32 SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. The Main interface presents the equalization functions for the system in a graphical style interface. All the 8 channels are displayed on horizontal rows, and the various functions are presented in columns. This section presents the operation of the SmartSMS software.

  • Page 33: System Status And Main Functions

    SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. System Status and Main Functions The bottom part of the main interface shows the System Status of the SmartSMS unit(s) connected to the PC and the main functions. Figure 25: System Status overview Green light: the SmartSMS is running and is sending out the masking sound on all channels.
  • Page 34 SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. IMPORTANT: The path where the current configuration has been saved on the PC will be indicated in the System Status: This path will be loaded into the SmartSMS unit(s). In the event of a future...

  • Page 35: Configuration Management

    SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. Configuration Management This section presents more information about the way the SmartSMS software manages the configuration information. The SmartSMS unit has an internal digital signal processor (DSP), which computes the masking sound and manages the signal inputs. There is also an internal Flash memory that contains all the configuration information.

  • Page 36: Main Control Panel

    SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. Main Control Panel This section presents the functions available on the software Main Control Panel. Figure 29: Main Control Panel of the SmartSMS software This button starts or stops the masking sound. When the masking sound is started, the button will turn green and the loudspeaker icons on the right will be animated.

  • Page 37: Equalizer Function

    SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. 6.4.1 Equalizer Function The first function is the Equalizer function that allows the masking sound on each channel to be adjusted. When clicking on the equalizer button for a specific channel, the following screen...
  • Page 38 SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. Color coding: The color of the Equalizer button will change depending on the status of the channel. When starting with a new unit, all the channels are Red. That means that the channel have not been equalized yet.
  • Page 39 SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. Figure 31: Dialog box used to determine the behaviour of other channels The automatic equalization process will be done in the selected zones only. To take into account the possible acoustical coupling between adjacent zones, it is recommended to: •...
  • Page 40 SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. 1) Measurement of the acoustic response of the room Start/Stop the averaging of the SPL (Sound Pressure Level) for this measurement. The microphone must be moved in the zone to obtain representative results. “Move the microphone in the zone” means to hold the microphone in your hand and move it from left to right and back and forth, thereby obtaining a representative spatial averaging of the zone.
  • Page 41 SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. The Lx% selection selector is a statistical analysis tool used during or after measurements. The L1%, L50% or L90% values represent the level occurring 1%, 50% or 90% of the time. If the L90% value is 43 dB(A), that means that the sound level is equal to, or above, 43 dB(A) 90% of the time.
  • Page 42 SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. 6.4.1.2 Manual Equalization: When you click on Manual Equalization, the selected channel switches in manual adjustment mode and an equalizer is displayed (see Figure 33). The current equalization for that channel is presented in the 1/3-octave band. To make an adjustment to the masking sound, simply move the cursor up or down with the mouse, or use the arrow keys to navigate in the bands.

  • Page 43: Target Mask

    SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. 6.4.2 Target Mask This function allows the user to set the target masking spectrum on each channel. The target masking spectrum is used during the automatic equalization process, or during the test function. When you click on the Target Mask button, the following screen will appear: Figure 34 : Dialog box for the Target Mask selection This function presents the target spectrum for the selected channel.
  • Page 44 SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. Figure 35 : Additional Function for the Target Mask selection This window presents all the channels of the system, and the target masking spectrum for each of them. Click on Reassign all channels to change the target mask for all channels.

  • Page 45: Volume Control

    SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. 6.4.3 Volume Control The Volumes button is used to adjust the output volume for each channel. After clicking on the Volumes button for a specific channel, the following window will appear: Figure 37 : Dialog box to adjust the output channel volume The output volume tab indicates the relative level compared to the target spectrum.

  • Page 46: Active Control

    SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. Figure 38 : Dialog box to adjust the global volume The hardware volume multiplier allows the range for each step of the Volume control knob in the front panel of the SmartSMS unit to be set. Values are x0.5, x1, x1.5 and Bypass (Bypass means that the knob has no effect on the level of the masking sound).

  • Page 47: Paging Mixer

    SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. 6.4.7 Paging Mixer The Paging Mixer button is used to adjust the various Paging system parameters. See section 8 for more information about the Paging Mixer. This small button is used to examine the specified input of the active system with the spectrum analyzer.
  • Page 48 SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. The Rise Time function allows the rise time parameters to be set: The rise time parameters allow a ramping period to be set for the masking sound. Two parameters can be set: 1) Starting Volume: The desired difference between the target masking level and the masking sound generated at the start-up.

  • Page 49: Test Sound Masking

    SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. 6.4.9 Test Sound Masking The Test Sound Masking function is used to validate the equalization process in any zone and can be used to adjust the emitted masking sound manually or automatically. When the Test Sound Masking function is activated, the following interface is...
  • Page 50 SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. Figure 40 : Dialog box for the EQ mode selection You can double click on a specific channel to switch between the manual and automatic equalization modes. The manual mode allows the masking sound to be adjusted with a 1/3-octave band equalizer. The automatic equalization mode uses narrow band measurements and corrections.
  • Page 51 SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. Figure 41 : Equalizer of the manual equalization mode This button is used to perform an automatic adjustment to the masking sound with the Manual 1/3-octave band equalizer. After a measurement, click on this button and the software will automatically carry out modifications on the 1/3-octave band equalizer to reach the target for the designated channel.
  • Page 52 SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. Figure 42 : Output volume dialog box Test Confirmation: After the Test is done, if the Equalization button was Yellow or Red on the channel, the following window will appear: Figure 43 : Test result confirmation If the test result was good, click on "Confirm"...

  • Page 53: Additional Functions

    SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. Additional Functions The Additional Functions Tab yields access to more system functions. Figure 44 : Additional Functions of the SmartSMS software User Manual p. 53...

  • Page 54: Reference Input Sensitivity Adjustment Function

    Precision microphone provided by Soft dB (with IMIC USB device) If you use the Soft dB Precision Microphone & the IMIC device as the input, the software can retrieve the microphone sensitivity by entering the serial number of your microphone.
  • Page 55 SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. Figure 45: Selection of the IMIC as the Input (Ref. Input Sensitivity function) Figure 46 Dialog box for entering the serial number of the microphone Figure 47: Microphone frequency response dialog box User Manual...
  • Page 56 SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. 6.5.1.2 Reference Input Sensitivity adjustment using a Sound Level Meter (SLM) connected to the SMS For the Sound Level Meter option, the adjustment of the sensitivity requires the use of a certified acoustical calibrator .
  • Page 57 SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. 3. Select the type of AC output for the SLM with the SLM output control: A or C weighting or No Weighting Note that this selection is critical for the automatic equalization process. The operation manual for your SLM should provide this information in the section describing the AC Output characteristics.

  • Page 58: Spectrum Analyzer

    SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. 6.5.2 Spectrum Analyzer This function yields access to a powerful spectrum analyzer allowing a 1/3-octave band and narrow band analysis. The user can adjust the type of average (exponential or linear) and the average time.
  • Page 59 SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. General operation of the analyzer Starts (and stops) the spectrum averaging measurement. The spectrum shown is given in dBLin (without A or C weighting), and the overall SPL is given in dBA. Use this button to restart the averaging, if necessary (for example, when an important undesired noise occurred during the measurement).

  • Page 60: Loudspeaker Detection

    SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. 6.5.3 Loudspeaker Detection The Loudspeakers Detection function can be used to ensure the proper connection of the loudspeakers. Select a channel number and the system will send a tone to that particular channel. Figure 51 Loudspeaker detection interface 6.5.4 Change Volume...

  • Page 61: Mask And Assignation

    SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. Figure 52 Change Volume interface 6.5.5 Mask and Assignation This function allows the user to set a target masking spectrum for each output channel through a table. Double click on the desired output channel and select the desired target masking spectrum.

  • Page 62: Copy/Paste

    SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. Figure 53: Masking Spectrum assignment interface Use the Change/Define Mask button to modify a specific mask or to add a new mask to the list. 6.5.6 Copy/Paste The Copy/Paste function can be used to copy the setting for a selected zone (channel) to another zone or other zones.
  • Page 63 SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. Figure 54: Set-up diagnosis dialog box The Dynamics indicator in the lower left hand corner will display information about the sound masking signal dynamic range. If the display is red, it means that the channel is at the maximum power, and this can cause distortion.

  • Page 64: Hardware Information And Configuration Key

    SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. 6.5.8 Hardware Information and Configuration Key The Hardware Info/CFG Key button is used to access the hardware information about the connected SmartSMS unit(s) and to set a protection key if needed. When you click on this button,...

  • Page 65: Privacy Index Function

    SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. If there is no security key number in the SmartSMS unit(s), the user automatically has access to the unit. 6.5.9 Privacy Index Function This function allows evaluating the privacy index (PI) of a specific installation. The privacy index is the opposite of the SII (Speech Intelligibility Index).
  • Page 66 SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. The PI is calculated for a selected background noise or masking sound. The user can study the PI values for different background noises or mask sounds with the control Mask/Background Noise Spectrum. The background noise for a specific installation can also be selected through this control.

  • Page 67: Offline Mode

    SmartSMS unit. The Offline Mode can be used to equalize the system manually, without any wireless system or long microphone cable. To run the software in the Offline Mode and to be able to perform measurements, a Soft dB Precision microphone connected to the PC with an IMIC device is required.
  • Page 68 SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. Figure 61: SmartSMS Main interface window in the Offline Mode In the offline mode, the operation of the software is very similar except for the fact that no update of the configuration is done on the SmartSMS unit(s). Actually, the update of the modifications carried out during an offline mode work session will be done when the next connection with the SmartSMS unit(s) takes place.
  • Page 69 SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. Figure 62: Test interface in the Offline Mode You can carry out this procedure for many channels, but it must not be done more than once for each channel. When it has been carried out for all the channels, you must save the configuration on the PC under the same name previously specified, and quit the software.

  • Page 70: Active Adjustment System

    SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. Active Adjustment System The SmartSMS active adjustment system allows the level of the masking sound to be automatically adjusted depending on the acoustical activity in the room. The technique used to control the output volumes is based on sound level sensors located in the zones where the active control is applied.

  • Page 71: Sound Level Sensors Installation

    SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. Sound Level Sensors Installation The best location to put the Smart Sound Level Sensor is in the acoustic tile (Figure 64). Sensors must be installed, if possible, in a central position to catch most of the noise in the zone.

  • Page 72: Wiring For The Active System

    All the wiring for the active system should be done using standard coaxial cable (RG-58, RG-59 or RG-174 type) with BNC connectors. The maximum coaxial wire length should be approximately 100 m (328 ft). Please contact Soft dB if you have specific requirements. SmartSMS units with integrated active preamplifiers: SmartSMS units manufactured after september 2008 will have an integrated active preamplifier that is be able to supply power to a maximum of 4 sensors.
  • Page 73 SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. External Active Preamplifiers: The integrated active preamplifier is only able to supply up to 4 sensors. If more sensors are required, or if the wire length is more than 500 feet, use the SMS-PRE-4 or SMS-PRE-8 preamplifiers.

  • Page 74: Set The Active Controller

    SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. Set the Active Controller When the equalization of the SmartSMS unit is done and the Smart Sound Level Sensors are installed and connected to the SmartSMS unit(s), use the Active Control function to set and...

  • Page 75: Controller/Input Set-Up

    SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. the preamplifier must be divided and sent to both SMS units, using a "T" BNC adaptor for the coaxial wires. Push button that allows the adjustment of the input parameters used with this input (section 7.3.1).
  • Page 76 The procedure is the same as the one used to determine the sensitivity value for the reference microphone (described at section 6.5.1). Note that the signal processing technique used by Soft dB for the active controller is not highly dependent on the accuracy of the sensitivity value of the sensors.

  • Page 77: Output Set-Up

    SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. 7.3.2 Output Set-up The Set Out. Dyn function (Figure 70) allows the low and high limits of the masking volume to be defined. These limits specify the maximum and the minimum mask levels of the selected output for the controller.

  • Page 78: Controller Set-Up Summary

    SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. 7.3.3 Controller Set-up Summary This function shows an overview of the controller set-up through four tabs: Global Set-up, Input/Controller Set-up, Output Set-up and Summary normal set-up. In the normal mode operation, only the “Summary (normal Set-Up)” is available. Figure 71 shows an example of the information provided.

  • Page 79: See Active Historic Function

    SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. See Active Historic Function This function button (See Active Historic of the Additional Functions Tab) is accessible only when the active controller is ON. The historic function is used to analyze the behaviour of the controller and to tune the controller sensitivity.
  • Page 80 SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. Figure 73: Simulation module of the active controller (sensitivity increased to 15) The simulation module shows the historic for the selected output channel with the addition of a blue curve (sensitivity 15), which is the masking level adjustment historic with a different sensitivity (use the Sensitivity control in the lower left hand corner).

  • Page 81: Paging System

    SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. Paging System Each SmartSMS unit has up to four auxiliary inputs for paging and music. These inputs can be multiplexed with an integrated mixer/equalizer so that each input signal can be sent to given zone(s) and the output level in each zone can be adjusted and equalized.
  • Page 82 SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. The numerical input volume can be adjusted with the knob to obtain a similar Dynamic Range on four input signals at the entrance of the mixer. The Input Sensitivity button can be used to adjust the dynamic range of the auxiliary input.

  • Page 83: Input Signal Specification

    SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. Input Signal Specification Each input can accept a 0 – 5 Volt signal. Standard audio lines (TEL/LINE: -20 dB Low Z) are thus directly accepted. Connection to the Telephone System General Paging For general (or one zone) paging, only one (1) line must be provided : the signal associated with all phone numbers.

  • Page 84: Setting The Priority Paging

    SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. Setting the Priority Paging The auxiliary input #1 can be set as priority input for emergency signals. In this case, the other auxiliary inputs #2, 3 and 4 are muted, and a global masking sound attenuation can be specified when input #1 is activated.
  • Page 85 SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. Set the Trigger level below the current level on input 1. When the signal on input 1 will rise above the trigger level, inputs 2, 3 and 4 are muted. Click on Advanced Parameters tab to set the sound masking attenuation. The following window will...

  • Page 86: Calendar Function

    SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. Calendar Function The SmartSMS system includes an optional calendar-based and volume adjustment function for each output channel. The Calendar function allows adjusting the volume in the system zones according to the time of the day and days of the week. Click on the Calendar button to access the calendar menu.
  • Page 87 SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. If you want to know that the Real Time Clock module is installed on your SmartSMS unit, go in the Additional Functions tab and click on the "Hardware Information/CFG key" button and look at the "Timer Option"...
  • Page 88 SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. Country Continent (+ 1 hour)* (- one hour)* Egypt Last Thursday in April** Last Thursday in September Africa Namibia First Sunday in September First Sunday in April Africa Most states of the Asia Last Sunday in March...

  • Page 89: Design Of The Sound Masking System

    SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. 10. Design of the Sound Masking System The Smart Sound Masking System is an zone-based system. Loudspeakers are connected in groups to a specific output channel. Each channel, or zone, is fully adjustable in frequency response and volume level, but loudspeakers in a common zone cannot be adjusted individually.
  • Page 90 SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. Figure 83 : Acoustic room response The figure above shows that the sound generated by loudspeakers is reflected by the suspended ceiling, passes through the ceiling tiles, and can be reflected by the floor, walls or any surface in the room before being heard by a worker.

  • Page 91: Zone Definitions

    SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. 10.3 Zone Definitions The following section presents the basic rules that must be followed when designing the loudspeaker network. • Every loudspeaker in a zone must be of a similar brand and model to ensure similar frequency response.
  • Page 92 SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. Condition Ceiling Height Plenum Height spk distance Coverage (sqft) Low Ceiling/Low plenum Low Ceiling/high plenum Normal Ceiling/Normal Plenum High Ceiling/Low Plenum High Ceiling/High Plenum Special Situations: Surface Speakers: In the case of surface-mounted speakers, speakers can generally be installed at a distance equal to the ceiling height plus two feet.

  • Page 93: Examples

    SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. 10.5 Examples This section provides an example of a typical design. Figure 87 : Example of a typical office plan Zone 1: This zone is a conference room with hard floor and suspended ceiling tiles. The room is approximately 920 sq.

  • Page 94: Openings In The Ceiling

    SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. 10.6 Openings in the Ceiling Openings in the suspended ceiling can create sound level irregularities in the rooms. Many ventilation systems have their air return through the plenum space. These systems have many air return grills located on the suspended ceiling.

  • Page 95: Acoustic Coupling

    SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. 10.7 Acoustic Coupling Acoustic coupling happens when two different zones are adjacent and influence each other. The figure below shows a typical example of acoustic coupling between zones 9 and 12. Zone 12 is a large reverberant hall with a high ceiling and zone 9 is a waiting room adjacent to the main hall.

  • Page 96: Appendix A: Software And Usb Drivers Installation Procedure

    3) Apply power to the SmartSMS unit (input 24VDC in the rear of the SMS unit). Use the power pack provided by Soft dB. The front LED of the SmartSMS unit should be yellow. 4) Connect the USB cable to the SMS unit (USB input on the front of the SMS unit).
  • Page 97 SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. Figure 92: Hardware Wizard Screen Check Install from a list or specific location (Advanced) and then click on Next Figure 93: Hardware Wizard Screen Use the Browse button to specify the USB driver location for the SMS unit.
  • Page 98 SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. Figure 94: Windows Start Menu Right click on My Computer and select Properties Figure 95: System Properties Screen User Manual p. 98...
  • Page 99 SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. Click on Device Manager in the Hardware tab Figure 96: Device Manager Expand the USB tree and check for the following entry: Signal_Ranger_mk2 User Manual p. 99...

  • Page 100: Appendix B: Sound Level Meter With Limited 50 Db Dynamic Range

    SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. Appendix B: Sound level meter with limited 50 dB dynamic range Some sound level meters (SLM) have a limited dynamic range (example 50 dB ), and cannot cover the levels from 35 dBA (typical background noise level) to 94 dBA (standard calibration level) for one range selection.

  • Page 101: Appendix C: Network Connection For Wireless Calibration

    The wireless system is used to calibrate the Smart SMS system wile measuring in the room. This allows a single person to be able to operate the system and do measurements without being connected to the unit with a cable. Soft dB can provide the equipment needed to do this calibration.
  • Page 102 SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. Silex SX-2000U2 USB Server: the USB Server allows controlling the SmartSMS unit with the USB protocol while being connected through a network. The following procedure shows how to install and configure the Silex unit.
  • Page 103 SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. How to use the wireless calibration system: • Power the router. Connect the computer to the router “RES_SMS” network • Power and connect the Silex to the SMS router (port 1) using an Ethernet RJ45 cable.
  • Page 104 SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. Additional notes A) Typical range of the wireless connection On a same floor, the wireless link should be OK about 100 to 200 ft from the router, depending on the number of walls and structures limiting the wireless link.

  • Page 105: Appendix D: Soft Db Precision Microphone Set-Up

    SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. Appendix D: Soft dB Precision Microphone Set-Up Step 1: Connect the Precision Microphone to the imic device, and connect the imic to a USB port of the computer Figure 99: imic and microphone connection Step 2: Verify that the “IMIC”...
  • Page 106 SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. C) select “Audio” User Manual p. 106...
  • Page 107 SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. D) Verify the the “IMIC USB audio system” is selected as the input for sound recording. User Manual p. 107...

  • Page 108: Appendix E: Troubleshooting

    SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. Appendix E: TROUBLESHOOTING This section presents some of the most common problems and error messages encountered while using the SmartSMS system. 1. "SmartSMS not found" 2. "USB connection fails" 3. "Microphone Serial Number not found"...
  • Page 109 SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. 2. USB connection fails This message will be displayed after the USB connection or wireless USB connection has been abruptly cut. • Make sure you are within range of the wireless router • Try connecting directly to the SmartSMS unit with a USB cable It is possible that a USB connection problem will crash the SmartSMS unit.
  • Page 110 SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. 3. Microphone Serial Number not found If the serial number for your calibration microphone is not in the MicBank list, the software will display the following message: The reason can be that the microphone number is more recent than the software version.
  • Page 111 SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. 4. Output too high This message warns the user that one of the channels is at maximum output level and cannot drive the speaker to the requested target. This problem can occur for many reasons: Basically, it is because there is not enough sound power going into the room from the speakers, the suspended ceiling may be particularly hard or absorbent (drywall, fiberglass over the tiles, etc.), the zone may have a very high number of speakers (more...
  • Page 112 SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. 5. No signal from the active inputs If the signal on the active inputs is very low (30 dB and below) or do not react to noise in the room, there is a problem.
  • Page 113 SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc. 6. Hum/Buzz problems with the paging system When connecting external equipment to the SmartSMS unit for paging purposes, it is possible to create interference and ground loop problems, as it can happen with any electronic equipment connected together.

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