Lecture Notes: Hearback System Review

Introduction

• Presenter: Fett at Azalea Studios, Nashville
• Purpose: Review of the Hearback personal monitor mixer system from Hear Technologies
• System allows customization of audio mixes for individual users

System Overview

• Product Reviewed: HearBack 4-Pack System
  • Set up for four users, but expandable
  • Components can be purchased individually
• Packaging: Comes in a single box

Personal Monitor Mixer

• Design:
  • Lightweight, made from strong molded plastic
  • Rugged but not heavy
• Connections:
  • Two headphone outputs
  • Auxiliary input (for "more me" systems, click tracks, etc.)
  • Mount for mic stands
  • Uses Cat5e cable for connections

Cat5e Cable

• Advantages:
  • Lightweight and cost-effective
  • Standard Ethernet cable, not an audio protocol
  • Carries power and digital audio
  • 50-foot cable included with each station

HearBack Hub

• Function: Central control for the system
• Connections:
  • Supports up to 8 stations
  • Allows daisy chaining for unlimited expansion
• Signal Types:
  • Analog audio via DB25 connector
  • Digital audio via ADAT protocol
  • Proprietary HearBack protocol for daisy chaining
• Design Features:
  • Allows simultaneous connection to multiple input types
  • Simple switch for input selection

Setup and Usage

• Manual: Detailed with diagrams for setup in studio/live environments
• Connections:
  • Standard 3-prong power cable
  • DB25 for analog inputs
  • ADAT for digital inputs
  • RJ45 for output to mixer stations

Front of HearBack Hub

• Layout: Simple with essential controls
  • Power switch
  • Clock indicator
  • Input selector switch
  • LED indicators for channel levels and clipping

Convenience Features

• Can connect all three input types simultaneously
• No need to change cables frequently due to input switch
• Keeps connections neat and efficient

Summary

• The HearBack system is versatile, expandable, and user-friendly
• Cat5e cabling is a cost-effective and efficient choice
• The hub design simplifies connectivity and input management

Conclusion

• Ready to test the system further in real-world scenarios
• System praised for its design and practical features