MicCheck

MicCheck provides a simple facility for monitoring the correct operation of a number of radio mic receivers. The system is modular with each unit capable of supporting 12 channels, and multiple units can be cascaded to support an unlimited number of channels. Each input has an associated RAM recorder which allows the last 5 seconds of audio to be reviewed. A remote "replay" switch allows the FOH sound operator to stop the recorder in the event of an extraneous sound, and this sound can then be investigated by the back stage sound crew. A remote monitor unit allows any input channel to be monitored from a remote location such as side of stage or the dressing rooms.

Each MicCheck unit consists of a 1U 19" rack box which can support 12 mono line level inputs from the radio mic receivers, and a stereo line level auxiliary input which is typically used to receive either the FOH mix or "A" and "B" vocal mixes. Bus input and bus output connectors are provided to allow the cascading of multiple units. In a typical installation, a number of MicCheck units would be installed in each rack of radio mic receivers, and the only connection then required between the racks is the bus. Please refer to the diagram at the bottom of this page for an illustration of a typical application.

The rear panel of the units contains 14 x XLR connectors to receive the 12 mono and 1 stereo inputs, 2 x 15 pin D connectors for the bus input and output, and a power connector. Operation on both 120V and 240V is possible. The front panel of the units contains 12 push button switches which correspond to the 12 mono inputs, the "replay" button, an auxiliary input level control, a master level control and a headphones jack.

In use, the operator's headphones are plugged into the "master" unit; there is no need to be forever moving the headphones plug from one unit to the next. With none of the input channel switches pressed, the operator is able to listen to the master unit's stereo auxiliary input. Pressing any input channel switch on any unit causes the auxiliary signal to be muted, and the sound from the selected input channel to be heard. Multiple channels can be monitored simultaneously.

In the event of the operator hearing an extraneous sound, they can press the "replay" switch on the master unit. At this time, the recorders (which have been previously recording incoming audio) will switch to replay mode. In replay mode, the last 5 seconds of audio on each input are replayed in a loop and can be reviewed on a channel by channel basis until the source of the offending sound is identified. A remote replay switch is provided which would typically be used by the FOH sound operator. That way, if they hear an extraneous sound, they can initiate the replay cycle, and then instruct the back stage sound crew (via their comms. system) to check the source of the sound.

The remote monitor unit allows another operator in a remote location such as side of stage or in the dressing rooms to check any channel. A separate bus is used for this, and thus there is no interaction between the functions of the main units and remote unit. The remote unit consists of a keypad to select the required channel, a level control and a headphones jack.