Bellman Audio Maxi Digital Communication Aid (BE2020) — User Manual

User manual for the Bellman Audio Maxi Digital Communication Aid (BE2020) — a digital personal amplifier developed for speech and music, using the built-in microphone, an external microphone accessory, or other external sound sources.

Getting Started

1. Install the battery. Open the battery cover by pressing the battery cover lock in the direction of the arrow. Insert AA alkaline batteries per the markings in the compartment — do not force them. Close the cover until it clicks locked.
2. Connect an accessory. Plug BE9122 Headphones, BE9128 Neck Loop, BE9125 Stetoclip, BE9124 Ear Phones, or another Bellman-recommended product into the green headphone output on the right side.
3. Turn on Maxi. Give one short press on the On/Off button. The Microphone and Telecoil LEDs blink while it starts. Maxi always starts with the internal microphone selected, and volume defaults to low to avoid unpleasant sound levels.

• Volume control: Use the +/- volume buttons. The Volume and Tone LED Indicator shows sound level (more LEDs lit = louder) and turns off 3 seconds after adjustment.
• Tone control: Use the +/- tone buttons to adjust treble. The indicator shows the setting and turns off after 3 seconds.
• Turn off: Short press the On/Off button.

Signal Sources

Built-in Microphone

Located under the rubber cap on the top of the front panel — an omnidirectional microphone.

Telecoil

The built-in telecoil is angled at 45 degrees to catch inductive signals from a hearing loop in both horizontal (hand/table) and vertical (clip/neck strap) positions. Use the T position where an inductive/hearing loop is installed — look for the loop symbol or ask staff.

Selecting the Signal Source

• Manually switch between internal microphone (M) and telecoil (T) using the front buttons. Volume resets to a low level when switching to avoid unpleasant levels.
• If something is plugged into the external sound source input, Maxi automatically switches to it; removing it returns to the internal microphone (M).

External Sound Source

Connect an audio cable (accessory BE9126) between the red 2.5mm tele jack and a sound source (SCART, hi-fi, MP3 player, etc.). Input sensitivity auto-adjusts to the source's signal strength; the internal microphone is switched off in this mode.

Combined Signal Sources

With a sound source connected to the external input, hold down the Microphone Selection button to reduce that source's volume and bring in the internal microphone — useful for conversing with someone while listening to the source. The Microphone LED blinks while held. Release to return to normal source volume.

Clip

Place the clip against the battery cover and press firmly until it locks on. Remove by using the small round handles and pressing out from the sides.

Indicators and Settings

• Volume and Tone LED Indicator: Shows volume/tone level; goes out after ~3 seconds to save power.
• Low Battery LED: Off normally; lights when battery level falls below ~10 hours remaining. Blinks every 7 seconds when batteries need replacing (AA alkaline only).
• Volume Control: Digital — each press changes volume by one increment; holding a button changes it once per second until min/max is reached. At max volume, all LEDs on the indicator are lit; at minimum, only the leftmost LED (never fully silent).
• Tone Control: Digital — each press changes treble by one increment; holding changes it once per second until min/max. At max treble, the rightmost LED lights; at minimum, the leftmost LED lights; center LED lit means treble is deactivated.

Troubleshooting

Control Reference

1. External sound source input, 2.5mm tele jack
2. Internal microphone
3. Microphone LED
4. Telecoil LED
5. On/Off button
6. Microphone Selection button
7. Telecoil Selection button
8. Volume and Tone LED Indicator
9. Volume control (+/-)
10. Tone control (+/-)
11. Low battery LED
12. Headphone output, 3.5mm tele jack
13. Neck strap attachment
14. Battery cover
15. Setting button
16. Battery cover lock
17. Battery cover
18. Clip