VITA MINI X

The VITA Mini X is a very powerful Dante network audio interface in a compact belt pouch format.

It differs from the VITA Mini essentially in the number of available channels: 8 inputs and 8 outputs, it is based on the Broadway chipset from Audinate

Two 4-wire circuits
The VITA Mini X has two 4-wire circuits. These are typically used as the main programme on air, with a separate talkback circuit. The pushbuttons for each circuit are configurable and can be operated in different modes to allow configuration for different types of applications:

Latching on/off
Momentary press to talk (PTT)
Intelligent mode, where a short tap is latching but a longer hold becomes momentary mode
Always on and muted when pressed (cough)
Pressing a button mutes the other circuit (talkback)

Headphone monitoring
There is a 6.35 mm jack socket for monitoring headphones. Each of the two 4-wire inputs can be selected for the left, right or both ears of the headphones, depending on the user's preference. The level of the two inputs can also be adjusted independently of each other.

The headphone amplifier is intelligent and capable of supplying the correct levels to low or high impedance headphones and can be connected directly to stereo or mono headphones and earphones.

The headphone monitor also has a monitoring tone (with adjustable level). The sidetone is the commentator's own voice.

Single input
The VITA Mini X is a stand-alone device with a high-quality input. The input can be switched to microphone/microphone+48V and has an XLR input with variable gain control.

As the VITA MINI X can be used for on-air broadcasts, Glensound's Referee Compressor Limiter is used to control audio levels and prevent clipping. Developed over years of working with sports commentators, the Referee Compressor provides gently increasing compression as the input signal approaches clipping. In normal use, the compressor is not active as it only kicks in when overload is approached so that the normal dynamic range is maintained.

Input/headset options
The VITA Mini X is available in 3 different versions:

VITA Mini X/3F: With 3-pin XLR microphone input socket
VITA Mini X/4M: With 4-pin headset connector (mono headphones)
VITA Mini X/5F: With 5-pin headphone socket

All versions also have a 6.35 mm headphone socket.

Single network cable connection
The VITA Mini X is compatible with Dante/AES67 network audio. The network connection is made via a single Neutrik EtherCON RJ45. This connection carries:
- 8 audio inputs
- 8 audio outputs
- Power supply via Ethernet (PoE)

AES67 and SMPTE ST-2110-30 compliant
The VITA Mini X uses the Broadway chipset from Audinate (the company behind Dante).

The Broadway chipset has been certified by Audinate as AES67 compliant, allowing the VITA Mini X to be used in AES67 network environments. It can also be used in SMPTE ST-2110-30 environments when used with the Dante Domain Manager.

Power supply
The VITA Mini X has two power source options: PoE from a network switch/midspan injector or from an external 12VDC input on a barrel connector.

PPM display
A 4-segment PPM meter on the front panel, displaying -12 to +6 dB in 6 dB increments, gives the user confidence that the output level is set correctly. It can also be used as a visual aid to indicate that the microphone has been switched to the programme output.

Network remote control
GlenController is a Windows 10 PC application and can be downloaded free of charge from https://www.glensound.co.uk/product-details/glencontroller/under under the ‘Latest Version’ tab. Once started, GlenController scans the network for all connected VITA Mini X devices, which are displayed on the left-hand side. The functions of each VITA Mini X are replicated in GlenController, with each device having its own visual controller module.

Remote control of microphone gain levels
There is a setting to switch the +48 V phantom power on and off. A rotary control then controls the gain level between 7 dB and 70 dB, with the level indicator showing the level. This all works in real time.

Pressing a button can also mute other circuits. For example, the programme microphone is muted when the talkback button is pressed.

Local Control Security

GlenController can disable the local controls on the unit. This gives security to the engineer using GlenController that they have full control of all levels and operation, and they cannot be overridden. If the pot lock or switch lock controls in GlenController are not active, then adjustment on the local unit will override the remote setting.