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System Set-Up - Model 3DHW

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The 3DHW is a complete, standalone hardwired IEM system. The system is available in two models:

  • 3DHW-1 (with Model 3D-1 single-driver ambient earphones)
  • 3DHW-2 (with Model 3D-2 dual-driver ambient earphones)

The system components are:

  • 3D-L bodypack mixer (LEMO stereo input)
  • 3D Ambient Earphones (custom-fit, single or dual driver)
  • Jumper cable (9-foot, LEMO to dual XLR connector plugs)

To set up your system, you will need a fresh 9V alkaline battery and a working sound source, preferably your monitor system, with dual XLR outputs. Please refer to the photos indicating the various controls and features of the 3D-L bodypack mixer. (NOTE: Your system was shipped with a fresh battery installed and the earphones connected.)

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  1. Using the latch located above the Sensaphonics logo, open the 3D-L bodypack mixer and insert a (K) fresh 9V alkaline battery. Note: The battery only fits one way: negative terminal up, positive terminal down.
  2. Turn the "MON" knob on the 3D-L top panel all the way down (counter-clockwise). This knob controls the volume of the monitor mix from the console.
  3. Cable connections - Using the supplied cable, plug the silver LEMO connector into the (D) IEM Input jack of the 3D-L bodypack mixer.

    IMPORTANT: The red dot found on the push-pull LEMO connector should face the front of the bodypack so that the 90-degree bend in the cable faces downward (see photo). The LEMO connector is a locking design that uses a "push-pull" action for removal.
  4. Then plug the two XLR connectors into the left and right outputs from the monitor mixer (or equivalent device).
  5. Plug your 3D Earphones into the (F) dual input mini-jacks located on the right side of the 3D-L. Prior to plugging in, loop the cable through the (G) strain relief slot located beneath the jacks.
  6. Using the recessed (A) on/off switch on top of the 3D-L mixer, turn on the power. The green power status LED beside the switch will light. Your 3D Active Ambient system is now active.
  7. Insert the 3D Earphones in your ears (see Inserting Earphones section). Make sure you achieve a full seal for good isolation and extended bass response.
  8. Toggle the (C) Mode switch (on top panel of 3D-L mixer) to the "Full Ambient" position, so it points toward the outer edge of the pack. You should now hear the sounds around you (stage ambience) normally, just as if you were not wearing any earphones.
  9. Now flip the (C) Mode switch to its other position, "Perform." (The switch should now point toward the indicator lights.) You should hear the ambient sound at a reduced level, depending on the setting of the internal Ambient Background rotary switch (see Operating Modes - Perform Mode).
  10. Next, add sound from your IEM system or equivalent source. Use the (H) "MON" volume control on top of the 3D-L bodypack mixer to adjust the volume of your monitor mix.
  11. Staying in Perform Mode, adjust the amount of ambient sound added to the IEM mix. Open the (E) battery compartment and locate the (X) rotary Background Ambience control (above the battery). Using this 8-position switch, add the desired level of ambient sound to the IEM mix. We recommend doing this during sound check. Once you are satisfied with this mix, you're ready to play.

    Remember: The volume level of the monitor mix is controlled from "MON" knob on top of the 3D-L bodypack mixer, while the ambience level for Perform Mode is set with the rotary Ambient Background control found inside the 3D-L bodypack mixer.

Operating Modes

The 3D Active Ambient system has two operating modes - "Perform" and "Full Ambient" - selected by toggling the 2-position Mode switch located on top of the 3D-L bodypack mixer. During the show, simply flip the toggle switch to change between Perform mode (used while playing) and Full Ambient mode (used between songs) as desired.

  1. Perform mode - In this mode, your direct IEM mix is heard normally, with the added ability to include ambient sound at a level determined by the setting of the "Ambient Background" knob (X), an 8-position rotary control found just above the battery. The maximum ambience level is unity gain (control position "7" on the control knob). The knob reduces ambience in 4dB steps, down to -24 dB (control position "1"). Setting the knob to "0" turns off ambience completely, leaving only the IEM mix - like a conventional personal monitor system. Typically, the Ambient Background is set to a reduced level (below unity gain).
  2. Full Ambient mode - This mode is mainly for use between songs, to converse with other band members and hear the audience. The ambient audio picked up at your ears is presented at unity gain (full natural volume), while the IEM mix is automatically reduced. In Full Ambient mode, you can hear the sounds around you normally, with full directionality - left/right, front/back, up/down - as if you were not wearing earphones. The 3D system will detect whether the IEM mix is too loud and dynamically reduce the monitor level to allow normal conversation.

Remember:

  • In Perform Mode, the level of the direct monitor mix is set using the MON volume control on top of the 3D-L bodypack mixer.
  • The ambience level for Perform Mode is set with the rotary Background Ambience control inside the 3D-L bodypack mixer.
  • In Full Ambient mode, the ambience level is always "full" (unity gain), just as if you were not wearing earphones.

NOTE: The LEMO locking connector works on a "push-pull" principle. To unlock it and disconnect the jumper cable from the 3D-L, grasp the connector firmly and push it in to unlock it, then pull it out in one smooth motion.

3D Active Ambient Page Links
3D Main Page
3D Ambient Earphones
3D Bodypack Mixers
System Set-up (3DAA)
Operating Modes
Internal Controls
Indicator Lights
Inserting Earphones
Tech Notes
Technical Specifications
3D User Guide PDF (456 KB)

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Hearing Conservation info
Sensaphonics Audio Seal Test
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