Parlé Voice Lift: Installation and Pre-Commissioning

Applicable hardware and software

This article applies to the following Biamp hardware and software:

• Microphones: Parlé TCM-X, Parlé TCM-XA, Parlé TTM-X

• PoE Amps: AMP-450P, AMP-450BP

• Processors: TesiraFORTE X (and Voltera D and DM products in special cases)

• Software: Tesira Software 5.4 or newer, Presentation Space Designer

Prerequisites for this PVL step

• A completed set of design resources from the design phase.

• A project-specific initial Tesira file with the core PVL blocks, as outlined in the design article.

• All required Biamp hardware on-site.

• A calibrated SPL meter capable of A-weighted measurements.

• A tool for measuring RT60 (reverberation time).

• A reliable laser tape measure.

• A thorough understanding of the Parlé Voice Lift: System Overview article.

 

 

Physical Placement

Install Microphones per Design Layout - Install the Parlé TCM-X, TCM-XA, or TTM-X microphone(s) exactly as specified in the design resources. For best performance, this is often directly above the front edge of the defined presentation area or audience area.

Verify Physical Placement - Use the Locate Devices function to identify and correct the installation to match the design. Use the Parlé Voice Lift Calculator sheet from the design phase and update device location coordinates as installed and measured from the front left of the room.

Note: This is also an ideal time to update the device host names to help identify their location in the space (e.g. TCM-X-Instructor Desk).

 

Physical Orientation

Establish Physical Orientation - The microphone must be oriented correctly relative to the room. The Biamp logo on the microphone indicates the 0° azimuth. This logo should be pointed toward "room south" or typically facing away from the main presentation screen or front wall.

Verify Orientation from Software - Use the Orient Mics option in the Parlé block control dialog. This will display a red and green LED on the physical microphone array that aligns with the default red and green zones shown in the software.

• Green = Biamp Logo = 0° azimuth = Faces "room south"
• Red = 180° azimuth = Faces "room north/screen"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

            

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Physical Placement

Install Loudspeakers - Install loudspeakers according to the design plan in logical and linear order.

Update the Design with Measured Locations - Use the Parlé Voice Lift Calculator sheet from the design phase and update device location coordinates as installed and measured from the front left of the room.

Verify Coverage and Microphone Spacing - Ensure that loudspeaker coverage is focused tightly on the expected seating areas while keeping a 6 ft. offset from the nearest microphones.

Verify Speaker-to-Amplifier Wiring - If using TCM-XA or AMP-450 PoE amps, the Locate Devices function will play channel-specific audio tracks to help identify amp channel to loudspeaker wiring. These need to be linear and logical when looking at the room design.

Note: This is also an ideal time to update the device host names to help identify their location in the space (ie. TCM-XA-Instructor Desk, AMP-450BP-Row-1).

Verify Wiring

Verify channel assignments by double-checking that each loudspeaker zone is wired to the correct amplifier channel as defined in the system design. This may have already been accomplished with the Verify Speaker-to-Amplifier Wiring step in the above section.

 

 

Initial System and File Preparation 

With the preliminary design file open, open the Equipment Table and assign the host-named devices to match the needs of the file.

Once complete, load the file into the system.

Open the Parlé Mic block's control dialog.

• In the LED Ring Mode dialog, select Orient Mics to verify location and orientation are correct.
• Save and export the Presentation Space Designer once all device locations match the physical installation.
• Use the recommended beam aiming information to lock and aim the Parlé beams.

Note: It's typically worth saving these aimed beams in a preset.

Set Initial Amplifier Levels 

Open all amplifier blocks and attenuate them to -12 dB.

 

Verify Wiring and Signal Path 

Use the Noise Generator and the "Test & Correct Speaker Router" to verify output path, amp, and wiring are as designed. Correct if necessary. If corrections are made in this router, it is worth saving a preset.

 

Calibrate Speaker Output Levels 

During this process, follow the guidance in the above image (and written below) and the SPL meter to set each loudspeaker output to a measured ~74 dBA.

1. Attenuate amp stage by 12dB.
2. Use Noise Gen. at 12dB to identify each loudspeaker.
3. Measure with SPL meter and adjust amp stage gain to achieve ~74dBA slow.
4. Set the router crosspoint for proper row/speaker alignment.
5. Methodically step through all loudspeakers. 
   • Optional: Save a preset to capture these routes and be sure the amp blocks are fixed in unit so things don't shuffle.
   • A short demonstration video has been captured for reference.