What can I do on the Hub DSP Receiver screen?

 

The Catchbox Hub DSP Receiver interface allows for adjustment and control of your audio setup. Hub provides the flexibility to optimize your Catchbox Plus system for any environment. Whether you're making minor adjustments like changing the channel/mic name or configuring essential settings like the operating mode, all of that can be done here. 

Accessing and Controlling the Hub 

Interface Overview

Input Section

Microphone Input Settings

USB, AUX and Dante® Input Settings

Output Section

Output Settings

RCA Output

3-PIN Output

Global Settings Guide

Accessing and Controlling the Hub

There are multiple ways to control and monitor your Hub DSP Receiver:

1. Hub device user interface
2. Catchbox Control and Monitoring Center*
3. Catchbox Open API*
4. Catchbox Plugin in Q-SYS*
5. Catchbox Module within the Utelogy system*

* To access these, a Hub Receiver with Networking module is required.

Interface Overview

The Hub's main screen is divided into two sections: IN and OUT, allowing for easy management of both input and output settings. Additionally, when pressing on the Menu button, you will access the Global Settings section. 

Input Section

The IN section covers all available input options:

Microphone channels: Connect up to 2 or 4 Catchbox microphones (depending on your Hub model configuration)

USB: For direct computer connectivity

AUX: For additional analog audio sources

Dante®: Available only on Hub DSP Receivers with Networking module

Microphone Input Settings

For each connected microphone, you can adjust the following settings:

Pairing: Pair the microphones with the Hub. (For detailed pairing instructions, refer to the article here). 

Channel Name:  Change the channel/mic name. This is useful for distinguishing between multiple microphones in the same room.
Note that new names cannot exceed the original name's character length.

 

Out of Range Alarm: This feature is enabled by default for all Catchbox mics. An alarm will be triggered if a mic is taken outside the Hub receiver's range (100 m / 330 ft). It can help prevent situations when someone is trying to unintentionally leave with the mic still on or in their hands, and even theft. 

Mute Button (for Stick and Clip mics only): Enable this to allow users to mute/unmute the mic using the button on the side of the mic. When disabled, manual muting is not possible. 

Mute at Pickup (for Stick and Clip mics only): When enabled, mics will always be muted when picked up from the charging dock. To start using the mics, they'll need to be manually unmuted by using the Mute button located on the side of the mics. If disabled, Clip and Stick mics will automatically unmute, when picked up from the charging docks.

USB, AUX and Dante® Input Settings

For USB, AUX, and Dante® inputs, you can:

1. Enable or disable the input channels
2. Individually enable or disable every Dante® input channel
3. Inputs can be routed to different outputs. Each output can have a different combination of enabled inputs.

Note:  While there's no traditional gain control, the focused Omni directional microphone pattern, the wide dynamic range and Hub's advanced processing ensures high-quality audio capture across various voice levels.  

Output Section

The OUT section manages all output options:

Balanced 3-pin

• Ideal for longer  cable runs and environments with potential electromagnetic interference
• Commonly used in professional audio installations, but suitable for any setup requiring balanced audio 

Unbalanced RCA

• Suitable for shorter cable runs
• Widely compatible with a variety of audio equipment, from home stereos to professional gear 

USB
For computer audio output

Dante®
For networked audio (Hub with Networking module only)

Output Settings

The Catchbox Hub DSP Receiver offers various output options, each with configurable settings:

Mixout Options:

• RCA (Unbalanced)
• 3-PIN (Balanced)
• USB
• Dante® (for models with Networking capabilities) 
  
  

Configuration Features:

Mix Configuration: Enable/disable specific inputs for each output

Voice lift level: Adjustable for RCA and mixed 3-PIN (range down to -20dB)

Specialised Outputs:

• Direct outputs provide unmixed, unprocessed audio from individual microphones
• Dante® output (for Hub models with Networking): up to 4 configurable channels 
  
  

USB output:

• Functions as audio output for computers
• Integral to speakerphone functionality in USB Device mode

Automatic Processing

Automixing: Automatically balances levels of active microphones, reducing background noise and potential feedback. 

DSP: Includes features like feedback suppression and echo cancellation, which are applied automatically without user intervention. 

Voice Lift vs. Traditional Gain control 

Catchbox microphones capture all voice levels without manual adjustments. What you would previously solve by manually adjusting the gain, you can now do by adjusting the voice lift level for mixed outputs (RCA, mixed 3-PIN). The overall volume will be increased while maintaining consistently high audio quality across various voice levels. That reduces the risk of distortion from improper manual settings and simplifies the user experience.

RCA Output

The RCA output on the Catchbox Hub DSP Receiver allows you to create audio mixes for various applications.

Key Features

1. Flexible Input Routing: You can route audio from multiple sources to the RCA output, including:

• • DIRECT (microphone inputs)
  • 3-PIN (balanced audio inputs)
  • USB (for computer audio)
  • Dante® (for network audio)

2. Custom Mix Configuration: The Hub allows to enable or disable specific audio inputs for the RCA output. 

This includes:

• Individual control over each of the 2 or 4 Mic channels (MIC1, MIC2, MIC3, and MIC4)
• USB and AUX inputs
• Dante® input (if available on your model)

3. Voice Lift Level Control: Adjustable for, RCA, 3-PIN, and USB outputs (Automix channels) with a range down to -20dB. This feature allows amplifying the mixed audio signal for in-room processing.

Automatic DSP Processing: The Hub's built-in DSP automatically processes the audio for optimal quality, including gain control, feedback suppression, and echo cancellation. This eliminates the need for manual adjustments, ensuring consistent, high-quality audio across various environments and use cases.  

How to Configure:

• Navigate to the Output Settings in the Hub's interface

• Select the MIXOUT > RCA option

• Use the Mix Configuration menu to enable/disable desired inputs

• Adjust the Voice Lift Level if needed

The RCA output allows the Catchbox Plus system to integrate with a wide range of audio systems and setups. Whether managing a complex multi-room installation or setting up for a simple presentation, the RCA output provides the flexibility to meet your audio routing needs. 

Use Case examples

Assistive Listening Systems
Route only specific microphones to an assistive listening transmitter connected via RCA.

Recording
Create a custom mix of inputs for high-quality recordings.

External Processing
Send a mix to an external DSP or mixing equipment for further processing.

3-PIN Output

The 3-PIN (balanced) output on the Catchbox Hub DSP Receiver offers customization options, allowing to create audio mixes for professional audio equipment and installations.

Key Features

1. Flexible Input Routing: Route audio from multiple sources to the 3-PIN output, including:

1. • DIRECT (microphone inputs)
   • AUX input 
   • USB (for computer audio)
   • Dante® (for network audio)

2. Custom Mix Configuration: Enable or disable specific audio inputs for the 3-PIN output, including:

• • Individual control over each of the 2 or 4 Mic channels (MIC1, MIC2, MIC3, and MIC4)
  • USB input
  • AUX input

Dante® input (if available on your model)

3. Voice Lift Level Control: Adjust the voice lift level specifically for the 3-PIN output. This feature is crucial for optimizing audio in various spaces and preventing feedback in voice reinforcement scenarios.

4. Automatic DSP Processing: The Hub's built-in DSP automatically processes the audio for optimal quality, including gain control, feedback suppression, and echo cancellation. This eliminates the need for manual adjustments, ensuring consistent, high-quality audio across various environments and use cases.

How to Configure:

1. Navigate to the Output Settings in the Hub's interface
2. Select the MIXOUT > 3-PIN option
3. Use the Mix Configuration menu to enable/disable desired inputs
4. Adjust the Voice Lift Level as needed for your space and setup

The 3-PIN output is useful for professional audio setups and installations requiring balanced audio connections. Its customizable routing and mix options, combined with precise voice lift control, lets you integrate with a wide range of professional audio systems, ensuring high-quality, noise-free audio transmission in various environments.

Use Case examples

Professional Audio Systems: Connect to mixing consoles, amplifiers, or other audio equipment that use balanced inputs.

Installed Sound Systems: Integrate with permanent audio installations in different type and size rooms e.g., conference rooms, auditoriums, lecture halls, all-hands spaces and others. 

External Processing: Send a mix to an external DSP for further processing.

Long Cable Runs: Utilize the balanced output for noise-free audio transmission over longer distances.

Global Settings Guide

The Global Settings menu allows configuring system-wide parameters, ensuring optimal performance for your specific setup.

System Settings

System Name: Assign a custom name to your Hub. It's particularly useful when managing multiple Hubs in different rooms or locations. The name can be up to 9 characters long, using a combination of letters and numbers.

Stealth Mode: When activated, Stealth Mode turns off the Hub's display while keeping all functions operational. It prevents unauthorized changes to settings by disabling the visual interface, ensuring the system configuration remains secure. Stealth mode also minimizes visual distractions in environments where the Hub is visible to the audience. 

To deactivate Stealth Mode, press and hold the up and down buttons simultaneously.

USB Device Mode: This setting should be set to one of the two modes:

• Microphone mode: In this mode, the computer recognizes the Hub as a microphone input device only. The Hub sends audio from connected Catchbox microphones to the computer. Ideal for scenarios where you only need to capture audio from the room, such as recording presentations and lectures. 
• Speakerphone mode: In this mode, the computer recognizes the Hub as both a microphone and a speaker device. The Hub sends audio from Catchbox microphones to the computer and receives audio from the computer (e.g., from video conferencing platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meets or YouTube etc.), outputting this audio through speakers connected to the Hub. Perfect for video conferencing scenarios where you need two-way audio communication. 

When you have selected one of the 2 modes, ensure your computer's audio settings recognize the Hub in the selected mode.  

FW Version: This displays the current firmware version of your Hub. It's important for troubleshooting and ensuring your device is up-to-date. You can sign up for firmware update email notifications, download the latest firmware version, and access update instructions here. 

Radio Frequency (RF) Settings

This setting allows you to adjust the transmission power of the Hub. It's represented by a series of bars, with more bars indicating higher power. Adjusting this can help optimize the balance between coverage area and potential interference, especially in multi-room setups.

Network Settings

IP Mode: Choose between:

• Dynamic: The Hub will automatically obtain an IP address from a DHCP server.
• Static: Allows you to manually set the IP address, useful in environments with specific network configurations.

Subnet: Set the subnet mask for your network. This is typically 255.255.255.0 for most local networks.

Gateway: Enter the IP address of your network's gateway (usually your router's IP address).

MAC Address: This displays the Hub's unique MAC address, which can be useful for network identification and troubleshooting.

Why These Settings Matter

System Settings allow you to personalize your Hub and optimize its functionality for your specific use case, whether it's in a classroom, conference room, or event space. The USB Device Mode is particularly important for integrating the Hub with video conferencing systems. 

Radio Frequency Settings help you balance coverage and potential interference, especially important in large venues or multi-room setups.

Network Settings are crucial for integrating the Hub into your existing network infrastructure, enabling remote management and Dante® audio networking capabilities.

Remember, if you're unsure about any of these settings, it's always best to consult with your IT department or a professional AV integrator to ensure the best setup for your needs.