01 / BEFORE USE

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Artificial Ear V1.0 requires continuous external USB power while operating.

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Connect the device to a suitable USB power source using the power input on the board.

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V1.0 does not contain an internal rechargeable battery and cannot currently operate wirelessly from power.

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A battery-powered version is in development.

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When powered on, the device detects whether a TF card is installed. Without a storage device present, it enters Bluetooth mode automatically. With a supported storage device present, local playback is available.

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02 / OPERATING MODES

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Artificial Ear supports three principal ways of working:

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Bluetooth Listening
Receive audio wirelessly from a phone, computer or other Bluetooth audio source.

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TF Card Playback
Store audio locally and play it directly from the device.

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Recording
Capture sound through the microphone, save it to the TF card and replay the recorded material.

Use MODE to move between available operating modes.

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03 / BLUETOOTH

Artificial Ear uses Bluetooth 5.0 audio transmission, with an operating range of approximately 10 metres under suitable conditions. 

 

Pairing​

Power on Artificial Ear without a TF playback mode active.

​Open the Bluetooth settings on your phone, computer or playback device and select:

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BT201-AUDIO

Once connected, audio from the paired device can be played through Artificial Ear. The underlying module supports Bluetooth play/pause and previous/next-track control. 

 

The separate name BT201-BLE may also appear during Bluetooth scanning. This is the module's BLE data connection and is not the connection used for normal audio playback. 

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Bluetooth indicator​

In Bluetooth mode:

Fast flashing — waiting for Bluetooth connection
Solid — Bluetooth connected
Slow flashing — audio playback 

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Actual wireless range may vary with surrounding objects, interference and the transmitting device.

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04 / TF CARD PLAYBACK

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Insert a TF / microSD card into the card slot.

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The playback system supports cards up to 128 GB and includes playback-position / track memory. 

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Supported audio formats include:

MP3 / WAV / WMA / FLAC / AAC / APE

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For straightforward local playback, place audio files on the storage device and insert the card into Artificial Ear. The reference firmware automatically detects the storage medium and can begin local playback. 

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Track order is determined by the order in which files are written to the storage device rather than necessarily by alphabetical filename order. 

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Press MODE to switch between Bluetooth and local playback when a TF card is installed. 

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05 / CONTROLS

Artificial Ear retains the original physical PCB controls.

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The underlying BT201 reference implementation specifies previous / next track, continuous volume adjustment, mode switching and play / pause through these controls. 

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Because Artificial Ear is deliberately built around an exposed interface, there are no additional decorative button caps or concealed control layers. Operate the PCB switches directly.

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06 / AUDIO OUTPUT

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3.5 mm STEREO AUDIO OUT

Artificial Ear provides a stereo headphone-level audio output.

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The audio architecture uses a 16-bit stereo DAC with integrated headphone amplification. 

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The 3.5 mm output may be connected to:

• headphones

• powered / active speakers

• mixers

• audio interfaces

• amplifiers

• effects processors

• recording systems

• other compatible audio equipment

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The output is not restricted to private headphone listening. Artificial Ear can function as one point within a larger audio chain.

For example:

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Artificial Ear → mixer → effects → amplifier

or:

Artificial Ear → audio interface → computer / DAW

or simply:

Artificial Ear → headphones

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When connecting to professional equipment, begin with a low output volume and increase gradually.

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07 / POWER

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V1.0 — external-Powered Edition

Artificial Ear V1.0 requires an external USB power connection during operation.

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The USB power connection supplies the device while listening, playing or recording.

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V1.0 contains no internal battery.

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Disconnect external power to switch the device fully off.

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FUTURE POWER CONFIGURATIONS

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Artificial Ear is an evolving device.

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An untethered / battery-powered configuration is currently in development.

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Specifications may differ between versions.

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08 / CARE & HANDLING

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Artificial Ear intentionally exposes its PCB and electronic structure. It should therefore be treated differently from a fully enclosed mass-market electronic device.

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Keep the device dry.

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Avoid conductive metal objects contacting exposed circuitry while powered.

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Do not place the PCB directly on conductive surfaces during operation.

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Avoid excessive force on the TF-card slot,  audio jack, microphone or exposed switches.

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The transparent body protects the object mechanically but does not make the electronics waterproof or sealed.

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09 / USE & INTEGRATION

Artificial Ear is an artist-designed audio object with an intentionally exposed electronic architecture.

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It may be used independently or incorporated into broader listening, recording, performance and sound systems through its audio output.

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The exposed circuitry is an integral part of the work and its design, rather than an invitation for hardware modification.

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Please do not alter, resolder, rewire or remove electronic components from the device. Unauthorised modification may affect its operation and compromise the integrity of the work.