SONODYNE SYNC 1001

Product overview

The SONODYNE SYNC 1001 is the main controller of the SYNC IP based digital conference system: it powers and controls the conference units, handles DSP, camera tracking, voting and recording, and mounts in 2RU of a 19 inch rack.

The SYNC 1001 supplies power to all conference units and is the connection and control bridge between the system hardware and the application software. It can set its own IP address, has a TCP/IP network interface, can connect to a wireless router and can be operated from computers in the same local area network. A built-in high performance CPU, DSP functions for setup, control of up to 8 cameras, recording to a USB drive and a host of inputs and outputs make it the core of a modern digital conference system.

Key features

• Discussion, video tracking, sign-in and voting functions
• 5 inch full-view IPS capacitive touch screen for easy adjustment of system parameters
• 8 core T-cable or CAT6 network connection; up to 120 units on 8 core cable and 60 on CAT6, with hot plugging
• Up to 180 conference units with four SYNC 4001 power extenders; up to 1000 with a separate data extender
• 5 speaking modes: FIFO, APPLY, FREE, LIMIT and VOICE, with speaker limit and speaking time limit
• 32 band parametric EQ for room calibration and automatic feedback suppression
• Automatic camera tracking for up to 8 cameras, 4 HDMI inputs with automatic switching
• Recording to an external USB drive on the front panel
• Alarm input that pauses the conference and informs the units
• Standard 2RU 19 inch rack mounting

Front panel and touch screen

The front panel carries the 5 inch HD touch screen and a USB-A socket (AUDIO REC) for recording to a USB flash drive or external hard disk. The touch screen menu gives access to system settings (unit IDs, network, time, factory reset), meeting mode (speak mode, speak number, speak time), unit settings (headphone volume, speak volume, display light, voice control sensitivity), camera, service requests, EQ, volume and USB recording.

Rear panel and connections

Conference units connect to 4 groups of 8 pin DIN sockets (up to 30 units each) or 3 groups of RJ45 sockets (up to 20 units each, in and out). Audio outputs are 1 balanced 3P Phoenix connector, 1 balanced XLR, 1 unbalanced 3P Phoenix connector, 1 unbalanced 6.35 mm jack and 3 unbalanced RCA jacks; inputs are 1 unbalanced 2P Phoenix connector and 1 unbalanced RCA for line level sources, used for background music that stops when a unit is spoken into. Further ports: 4 HDMI inputs and 1 HDMI output, a video switch port and RS-232 / RS-485 camera control ports on 3 pin Phoenix connectors, an RS-232 central control port with 22 control codes, USB-B and TCP/IP for control from a computer, and the alarm trigger and alarm signal inputs.

Conference control

Five speaking modes are available: FIFO (first in, first out), LIMIT (request-to-speak list), FREE (up to 20 delegate units at once), APPLY (the chairman approves requests) and VOICE (voice activated). The number of delegates speaking at once can be limited to 1-8 and the speaking time to a set number of seconds; neither limit applies to the chairman unit. Headphone and microphone volume of all conference units can be adjusted from the controller at once. Voting (yes / abstain / no) runs on the unit displays without an external computer, and units can request services such as tea, paper, pen or service personnel.

Cameras, DSP and recording

Up to 8 cameras can be connected and tracked automatically using standard PTZ camera control protocols through the built-in RS-232 / RS-485 ports. Four cameras switch automatically through the 4 HDMI inputs to the HDMI output for a monitor; with more than 4 cameras an external video switcher is controlled from the RS-232 port. A DSP based 32 band parametric equaliser calibrates the room and automatic feedback suppression is built in. The anti-interference circuit design prevents mobile phone signal interference.

In the box

• SYNC 1001 conference system controller
• Power cable
• 10 m cable with 8 pin DIN connectors
• Operating manual

SONODYNE SYNC 1001: frequently asked questions

How many conference units can the SYNC 1001 run?

Up to 120 units on 8 core T-cable or 60 units on CAT6 cable directly. With four SYNC 4001 power extenders up to 180 conference units can be connected, and with a separate data extender up to 1000.

Which conference units work with it?

The SYNC 3001 chairman and SYNC 3002 delegate base units with the SYNC 2001 (500 mm) or SYNC 2002 (420 mm) gooseneck microphones. The controller powers all of them.

Can it control cameras?

Yes. It controls up to 8 cameras for automatic tracking through its RS-232 / RS-485 ports and switches 4 cameras automatically through its 4 HDMI inputs and HDMI output.

How is it mounted?

In a standard 19 inch rack, occupying 2RU, or on a tabletop.

Where can I buy the SONODYNE SYNC 1001 in India?

The SONODYNE SYNC 1001 is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Boardroom discussion system

Boardrooms and meeting rooms with a chairman and delegates.

Connections

Setup

1. Mount the SYNC 1001 in 2RU of the rack and connect the conference units in a chain.
2. Use Edit ID on the touch screen to number every unit once.
3. Choose the speak mode and the speak number for the meeting.

Tip: The chairman unit is not limited by the speak number.

Workflow 2: Large council or assembly hall

Halls with more than 120 seats.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the power extenders to the controller.
2. Connect the conference units to the extender outputs.
3. Set the system up from the touch screen or a computer on the LAN.

Tip: Four SYNC 4001 units take the system up to 180 conference units.

Workflow 3: Automatic camera tracking

Conference rooms with PTZ cameras and a display.

Connections

Setup

1. Set the camera protocol, baud rate and address in the Camera menu.
2. Save a preset position for every unit ID.
3. Return the camera mode to Call Position for the meeting.

Tip: With more than 4 cameras, control an external video switcher from the RS-232 video switch port.

Workflow 4: Voting and sign-in

Committees and assemblies that vote.

Connections

Setup

1. Start the voting from the chairman unit.
2. Delegates vote yes, abstain or no on their units.
3. Read the result on the unit displays.

Tip: Voting runs without an external computer.

Workflow 5: Recording the meeting

Organisations that keep audio records.

Connections

Setup

1. Insert a USB flash drive or hard disk on the front panel.
2. Press START in the USB menu.
3. Press STOP after the meeting to save the file.

Tip: Line outputs also feed external recording equipment.

Workflow 6: Alarm and background music

Venues with a public address alarm system.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the alarm trigger and alarm audio to the 2 pin Phoenix inputs.
2. Connect a music source to the unbalanced line input.
3. Set input and output volume in the Volume menu.

Tip: When the alarm is triggered the microphones switch off and ALARM is shown on the units.