Shure AMS4000 Datasheet
Text of the manual
SHURE AUTOMATIC MICROPHONE SYSTEM
222 HARTREY AVENUE
SMUi;UEB
EVANSTON. lLLlNols 60202-3896 U.6.A
THE SOUND OF THE PROCESS-0
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MICROPHONES AND ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
DATA SHEET
AMS4000 AND AMS8000
The Shure Automatic Microphone System consists of the
AMS8000 [or AMS4000J Mixer used with Shure AMS
Microphones. This system's excellent performance, ver-
satility, and ease of use make it an ideal choice for multiple-
microphone public-address and recording systems such as
used in conference rooms, legislatures, churches, court-
rooms, broadcast studios, teleconferences, and panel
discussions.
The Shure Automatic Microphone System solves many
problems associated with multiple-microphone installations,
such as boomy or muddy sound, insufficient sound level
because of feedback [howling), and operator errors. It does
this by turning on only those microphones in use, thus keep-
ing the number of "on" microphones to a minimum. When a
person speaks in front of his microphone [within 60° of each
side of the front), the microphone turns on. Sounds origina-
ting at the sides or rear of the microphone will not turn it on.
In addition, the system automatically reduces its volume as
the number of "on"
microphones increases, thereby
preventing feedback.
The Shure AMS also solves problems encountered with
other automatic mixers such as complicated setup adjust-
ments, unreliable turn-an, and choppy sound. The micro-
phones turn on smoothly and dependably, free of pops or
clicks, and virtually independent of talker loudness or
distance.
You'll find the Shure Automatic Microphone System simple
to install and operate, requiring little more adjustment than
an ordinary PA system. However, the system can also per-
form a variety of sophisticated functions. Model AMS8000
has eight microphone inputs; Model AMS4000 has four
microphone inputs.
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IMPORTANT
Shure AMS4000 and AMS8000 Mixers are designed for use only with Shure AMS Condenser Microphones. Con-
ventional condenser or other microphones will not operate properly with the AMS4000 and AMS8000.
Copyright 1991, Shure Brothers Inc
27A8272 [KJ)
Printed in U.S.A.
U.S. Patent 4,489,442; other patents pending
BASIC SETUP: THE AMS BACK PANEL
I
PLAYER
I
The following instructions are for typical applications, installations and operation. Refer to the
Installers Manual for further information.
TYPICAL CONNECTIONS
Ll NE
IN
WHAT TO DO
HOW TO DO IT
POWER
AMPL
1. Connect the power cord.
1 . Make sure the front panel power switch is off. The unit is
factory-wired for operation at 120 Vac, 50160 Hz.
LINE
2. Connect the AMS microphones.
IN AMS MIXER
2. Use only Shure AMS Microphones. When extension
cables are needed, use conventional 2conductor shielded
microphone cables.
OUT
AUX
3. Set the Hold Time switch.
3. Use the 0.5-second position for most applications.
4. Connect the LinelMic or Aux Output to the PA amplifier,
4. Use the Mixer Aux Output for connecting to phone or
tape recorder, or other system.
phono jack aux or line inputs. Use the LineIMic Output for
connecting to 3-pin professional balanced inputs; set the
MicILine switch as required.
OUT
5. Set the Off-Attenuation switch.
5. Use the -1 5 position for most applications.
REAR
PANEL
AUX -
TAPE
I
TAPE
1
IN
RECORDER
WHAT TO DO
LECTERN -
MICROPHONE
HOW TO DO IT
6. In general, place the talker within the front acceptance
angle of the microphone.
6. Sound sources outside the shaded acceptance angle
will not turn on the microphone. See diagrams 6A
through 6D.
7A. If the chairs are 3 feet or less from each other, use
one microphone between each pair of seats.
76. If chairs are more than 3 feet from each other, use one
microphone per seat.
8. Remove any objects immediately behind the
microphones that may reflect sound.
7A. Place each microphone a foot and a half from the table
edge, halfway between the two seats [diagram 7A].
78. Place each microphone a foot and a half from the table
edge, directly in front of the talker [diagram 781.
8. The grille of an AMS26 [probe] or AMS24 [gooseneck]
microphone should be at least 8 inches above any table-
top. [The A26X Extension Tube inserted between the
swivel adapter and desk stand will raise the AMS26 an
additional 3" .] Remove objects behind AMS22 micro-
phones.
@
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3
O
R
MORE
ON THE FRONT PANEL
WHAT TO W
HOW TO W IT
9. Turn the Master volume control down.
9. Turn it fully counterclockwise.
1 0. Turn on the power.
10. Push in the AMS Power switch.
1 1 . Adjust volume controls.
11. Set the individual volume controls to "5" for each
channel used. Set all unused channels to the "0" posi-
tion.
1 2. Check each microphone channel.
12. Each channel's yellow indicator will light during speech
to show that the microphone turns on.
13. Set the Master volume control.
13. Turn up the Master until the yellow Normal light flickers
during speech. If the red Overload light flashes, turn
down the Master until the red light is out.
14. Turn on the power amplifier, tape recorder, or other
14. While a person is talking in front of the microphone, set
system.
the volume of the amp, etc., for the desired result. In
PA use, adjust for desired loudness without feedback.
Some tape recorders require lower than normal AMS
Master settings to avoid distortion.
15. Make microphone levels equal.
15. Have someone talk in front of each microphone. Adjust
the individual channel controls for output equal to that
of the first microphone, or for the desired loudness
without feedback.
FRONT PANEL
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PHONES
ON 0
0
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MASTER
0
OPERATION: ADDITIONAL OPTIONS
OPTION
HOW TO DO IT
Adding pre-recorded material to the AMS output..
Connect the aux [line] output of the player t~ the Auxiliary
input [front or rear panel] of the AMS. Control recorder
volume with the Auxiliary control.
Recording the AMS output.
Connect the AMS Auxiliary output [front or rear panel] to
a tape recorder aux or line input.
Recording an individual channel output.
Connect the Direct Out from the desired channel to the
microphone input of a tape recorder. The Direct Out is
always on and is not affected by any AMS Mixer controls.
Listening to the AMS output with headphones.
Connect a mono or stereo headphone plug to the Phones
jack.
TROUBLESHOOTING
NO SOUND:
Check that the microphones are plugged in and that the Master and individual controls are turned up.
Sound from headphones plugged into the Phones jack indicates the problem is not in the AMS.
MICROPHONE TURNS Check that the talker is within the 1 20° acceptance angle of the microphone [diagram 61. Remove
ON ERRATICALLY OR
any reflecting objects behind the microphone. AMS26 [probe] or AMS24 [gooseneck] only: Make
NOT AT ALL:
sure that the microphone grille is at least 8 inches above the surface.
MICROPHONE TURNS Move unwanted source outside microphone acceptance angle.
ON FOR UNWANT-
ED SOURCES:
DISTORTED SOUND:
If the red Overload light is flashing, turn down the Master until the light goes out. If loud talkers are
close to their microphones, turn their channel controls down. In general, the channel controls for
AMS22 [low-profile] microphones should be set lower than those for AMS26 [probe] microphones in
order to obtain the same output volume. Some tape recorders may require lower AMS Master
settings to prevent distortion.
OTHER:
If none of the above solutions solves your problem, consult your AMS sound installer or the
Troubleshooting section of the Installers Manual.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR AUTOMATIC MICROPHONE SYSTEM
Microphone turn-on will be reliable, fast, and smwth. There will be no clicks or clipped words.
After long pauses in speech, the microphones will smoothly fade to a lower volume level.
When the first microphone turns on, there will be a perceptible rise in r w m noise. There will be no further increase when
additional microphones turn on.
In many seating arrangements, several people will be within the acceptance angle of a microphone, so all will turn it on.
Papers rustling may also turn a microphone on; this will not affect the system's clarity because of the subtle way in which it
operates.
A person within the acceptance angles of several microphones will turn them all on. Again, this will not seriously degrade the
clarity of the system.
In noisy or highly reverberant rooms, the acceptance angle will narrow slightly. For reliable turn-on in these circumstances,
talkers should be closer to their microphones.
The Shure AMS will sound much clearer than a conventional multi-microphone system.
SOUND OF THE PROFESSIONALSm.. . WORLD WIDE