1+561-271-0299 | sales@optogateonline.com | Like Us on Facebook

    USER MANUAL

    Optogate: Automatic XLR Microphone Mute Switch / Gate > USER MANUAL

    Models PB-05M/PB-05D/PB-06/PB-07

    No time for manuals? No problem, this will take only 3 minutes of your time to read it and you will have more fun and success with your new Optogate device. The Optogates were designed for professional applications and to be used by experienced sound engineers and technicians only.

    The PB-05 is available in 2 versions: PB-05D Dynamic Ducker with –16dB attenuation and PB-05M Mute with –42 dB attenuation in “Off” position. The Dynamic Ducker version has a small “D” on the faceplate engraved.

    The Optogates work with 24-48V phantom power. Just switch on the phantom power on the console/mix and the Optogate is active. The phantom power passes through the Optogate to the microphone. If you use dynamic mics you can “remote control” the unit with the phantom power switch. The microphone signal passes through the optogate when the phantom power is switched off. Before turning on or off the phantom power please mute the channel in order to prevent phantom power switching noise.

    The PB-05M and PB-05D have a small switch on the faceplate. This gives the user the advantage to switching between the “Optogate enable” mode and “ Mic on always” (bypass mode) function. One push on the button will switch modes. One more push will enable again the Optogate gain reduction function. The Optogate function is enabled when the phantom power is switched on, regardless, what function was active before. So, the engineer can reset the PB-05M or PB-05D to the “Optogate enable” function by switching off the phantom power for at least 3 seconds if the performer forgot to enable it.

    You have already found 3 LED devices on one side. The middle device is a red status LED. It indicates if somebody is in front of the unit and the microphone is switched on. If no one is in front of the mic and the red led is on, then you are in bypass mode (mic always on). The outer LED’s are the infrared transmitter and the receiver. The transmitter will send 16 pulses per second if the phantom power is switched on. The Optogate will switch the mic on if there is any signal reflected from a surface back to the receiver.

    The distance from the mic to the performer in which the unit opens and closes is adjustable with the help of a 12-turn spindle potentiometer inside. On all units, the distance will increase by turning the pot to the right for a maximum distance of about 4 feet and will decrease the distance by turning the pot to the left. Please be aware that some dark materials are not able to reflect infrared signals back very well, which in turn might decrease the distance. Please experiment with the potentiometer to fine-tune the distance together with the performer before using live. It also would be helpful to have your show lighting active while adjusting. The width of the sensor is about 15 degrees wide from the unit. The mic will be switched off if the artist moves out of this angle.

    When you turn the pot to the left eventually you will hear a light click of a spring. You cannot overturn the pot. You are now at the shortest distance range. When you start to turn the pot clockwise, you will find that the distance range will change very slowly in the first few turns. After a few turns, the distance will change more rapidly until you reach the maximum range. If you turn the potentiometer clockwise (right) out of the usable area, the mic will be switched on completely. If this happens, just turn the pot slightly to the left until the Optogate works again.

    We suggest that the engineer works with each performer to explain the operation of the unit and then set the range of the Optogate to fit his or her mic technique and stage set-up. As a rule the closer the performer is to the mic, the better the results will be due to eliminating the concert lighting variables.

    The Optogates work well with dynamic mics and condenser mics up to 10 mA. You may find out that the switch off time of the indicator led can be a bit different from the real audio switch time depending on the mic type. A small PWM routine in the Optogate is responsible for it in order to prevent switching noise. The spindle pot will cover a wide range of mics. The distance range of the Optogate can change a bit when the ambient light changes. Like every other infrared device on the market, the Optogate units do not work correctly if direct sunlight or other very high power infrared signals hit the sensor. That is in the “nature” of the infrared technology due to the random high power infrared spectrum in the sunlight. You can try it with the remote control of your home sound system. No infrared sensor of CD-players, TV’s etc. will work in direct sunlight. If direct sunlight hits the sensor the Optogate will be triggered and the mic will be “on”. The unit will work again if somebody moves between the sun and the sensor. Normally you can use the Optogates on almost every open-air stage without any problems. It is always a good idea to check the range of your Optogates when changing venues, especially outdoors with direct sunlight.

    If you would like to assemble a plastic clip on your PB-07 you can use a 4 mm screw up to 5 mm inside of the PB-07 case. Do not use longer screws as to prevent touching the connectors and damaging them.

    The Optogate devices were developed for use in connection with professional equipment and should be used by professional system engineers and operators only. Please be aware that we are not responsible for any hazards, damages or disadvantages due to the use of the Optogate devices. The Optogate devices are registered under the number DE54933725 WEEE as B2B devices. We also declare that they conform to the CE and ROHS for the European market. If you have further questions please don’t hesitate to contact us at:
    sales@optogateonline.com.

    Typical operating instruction

    1. Plug in the Optogate
    2. Run phantom power to the mic (there will most likely be a switch on your mixer for this, almost all mixers have these)
    3. Click the bypass switch on top of all of the Optogates you are using and dial in the PA for the best tone and gain before feedback with the Optogate bypassed …ie. mics are on, the light stays on no matter where you are physically located)
    4. Click the bypass switch again and activate the Optogate (light/mic turns off when out of range)
    5. With a small screwdriver set the distance you want the Optogate to turn on/off (based on your mic technique)
    6. You’re done!, you will now have way better sound than you are used to hearing…it’s that simple….