AS16x12 16 Channel Automatic Matrix Mixer OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS and trouble-shooting guide INTRODUCTION The AS16x12 is the most advanced automatic matrix mixer available today. Combining 16 automatic input channels, 12 output channels, and a full crosspoint matrix system into 2 rack spaces, the AS16x12 is a compact solution for a wide variety of sound system applications. 15 nonvolatile preset memory positions mean complete flexibility and reconfigurability. The 16 automatic inputs utilize the patented Proportional Gain plus Autoskew mixing algorithm* for seamless automatic mixing performance. Input preamp gains include +50dB and +30dB for both dynamic and electret microphones, and 0dB for line level inputs. Gain trim range on the inputs is +15dB to -63dB plus off. The crosspoint matrix allows any input (or combination of inputs) to be routed to any output (or combination of outputs). Available crosspoint gains include -15dB, -10dB, -5dB, 0dB, +3dB, +6dB, and off. In addition to the 16 inputs, matrix sources include the audio from the LecNet Expansion connector as well as an internal noise source. The 12 outputs are balanced line level. Outputs 9-12 each have a mic/line level switch to make those outputs compatible with mic level devices like some four channel tape recorders. The AS16x12 features a wealth of programmable features. With 17 programmable inputs and 19 programmable outputs, even the most sophisticated control schemes are straightforward. The programmable inputs can control input or output level on any grouping of inputs or outputs, memory preset recall, matrix crosspoint switching, or various functions associated with the built-in room combining capability. Programmable outputs can indicate either input channel activity or the current state of a programmable input. The AS16x12 has an RS-232 port for remote setup or control by a computer or other RS-232 compatible controller. More than one AS16x12 may be coupled together for larger applications. TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 GENERAL TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 INSTALLATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 FRONT PANEL DESCRIPTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 REAR PANEL DESCRIPTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 AS16x12 CONTROL PANEL SOFTWARE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 TROUBLESHOOTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 FCC PART 15 NOTICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 SERIAL CABLE WIRING DIAGRAMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 SERIAL PORT COMMANDS AVAILABLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 SERVICE AND REPAIR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 RETURNING UNITS FOR REPAIR WARRANTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back cover * U.S. Patents 5,402,500 and 5,414,776 2 GENERAL TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION The AS16x12 uses a straightforward analog signal path to provide excellent audio performance. This is coupled with a sophisticated microcontroller to implement the automatic mixing, matrix control, room combining, and programmable input and output functions. The Adaptive Level Proportional automatic mixing algorithm is used by the AS16x12. This algorithm uses the signal level pattern at the microphones to derive a pattern of channel gains. For instance, if only one microphone channel is being spoken into, its level is dominant and that channel gets most of the system gain, while all other channels are turned down. If more than one microphone is active, they share system gain according to their relative levels. A "skewing" function gives some advantage to microphones which are active over time, to minimize interruptions from transient noise at other microphones. Since the gain of each channel is apportioned continuously based on its relative level, no abrupt gain changes are made. This makes the automatic action virtually inaudible. Figure 1 shows the simplified block diagram of the AS16x12. The microphone preamp is a low-noise discrete design, which is extensively RF protected. The preamp has three gain settings. The 0dB setting allows an input to accept line level signals, while the +30dB and +50dB gain settings accommodate both low and high sensitivity microphones. Switchable 15V Phantom power is provided for each channel. Following the mic preamp, the audio signal passes through a high quality Voltage Controlled Amplifier (VCA). This VCA, controlled by a signal from the system D/A converter, is used to implement both static gain control (i.e. mic trim and remote input level) and gain reduction for the automatic mixing function. A Channel On LED indicates which inputs are currently active. A sweepable low-cut filter and a shelving high frequency filter provide tone control for each input. The 16 inputs are routed through an 18 in / 12 out crosspoint matrix. The matrix has multiple crosspoint gains to accommodate the most com-plex signal routing needs. Aside from the 16 inputs, the matrix also includes two other inputs: a noise generator and the input signal from the LecNet Expansion In rear panel connector. Signals from the Expansion In and Expansion Out connectors allow easy interface to AS8 mixers. In addition, a Mix Minus signal is available which allows easy interfacing to teleconferencing hybrids like the TH3A. An RS-232 port is available to allow many of the functions of the AS16x12 to be controlled either by a computer or a dedicated control system (such as the AMX® or CrestronTM systems). AS16x12 BLOCK DIAGRAM SERIAL BUS MAIN IN MIX MINUS OUT EXPANSION IN (MINI DIN JACK) INPUT #1 (OF 16) +15V CHANNEL ON AUDIO VCA MIC PREAMP MIC IN FROM D/A CONVERTER VARIABLE LOW CUT HIGH CUT/BOOST FROM INPUT 2 FROM INPUT 3 FROM INPUT 4 FROM INPUT 5 FROM INPUT 6 FROM INPUT 7 FROM INPUT 8 FROM INPUT 9 FROM INPUT 10 FROM INPUT 11 FROM INPUT 12 FROM INPUT 13 FROM INPUT 14 FROM INPUT 15 FROM INPUT 16 PROCESSOR CONTROLLED SWITCH ARRAY AUTO MIX LOG IN SERIAL BUS MAINOUT MIX MINUS IN AUTO MAX LOG OUT MIC IN + EXPANSION OUT (MINI DIN JACK) MIC GND PREAMP GAIN 0 dB (LINE) +30 dB (MIC) +50 dB (MIC) SPEECH FILTER LOG CONVERTER TO AVD CONVERTER TX LECNET PORT (RS-232) uC 68HC12 PROCESSOR CONTROLLED VARIABLE RESISTOR RX NOM IN 1 NOM IN 2 NOM IN 3 NOM IN 4 NOM IN 5 NOM IN 6 NOM IN 7 NOM IN 8 > - PROGRAMMABLE INPUT 1 > - PROGRAMMABLE INPUT 2 > - PROGRAMMABLE INPUT 3 > - PROGRAMMABLE INPUT 4 > - PROGRAMMABLE INPUT 5 > - PROGRAMMABLE INPUT 6 > - PROGRAMMABLE INPUT 7 > - PROGRAMMABLE INPUT 8 > - PROGRAMMABLE INPUT 9 > - PROGRAMMABLE INPUT10 > - PROGRAMMABLE INPUT 11 > - PROGRAMMABLE INPUT12 > - PROGRAMMABLE INPUT13 > - PROGRAMMABLE INPUT14 > - PROGRAMMABLE INPUT15 > - PROGRAMMABLE INPUT16 > - PROGRAMMABLE INPUT17 < - PROGRAMMABLE INPUT 1 < - PROGRAMMABLE INPUT 2 < - PROGRAMMABLE INPUT 3 < - PROGRAMMABLE INPUT 4 < - PROGRAMMABLE INPUT 5 < - PROGRAMMABLE INPUT 6 < - PROGRAMMABLE INPUT 7 < - PROGRAMMABLE INPUT 8 < - PROGRAMMABLE INPUT 9 < - PROGRAMMABLE INPUT10 < - PROGRAMMABLE INPUT 11 < - PROGRAMMABLE INPUT12 < - PROGRAMMABLE INPUT13 < - PROGRAMMABLE INPUT14 < - PROGRAMMABLE INPUT15 < - PROGRAMMABLE INPUT16 < - PROGRAMMABLE INPUT17 < - PROGRAMMABLE INPUT18 < - PROGRAMMABLE INPUT19 1 OF 16 PROCESSOR CONTROLLED VARIABLE RESISTOR A/C CONVERTER AUDIO EXP IN D/A CONVERTER NOM TOTAL 1 NOM TOTAL 2 NOM TOTAL 3 NOM TOTAL 4 NOM TOTAL 5 NOM TOTAL 6 NOM TOTAL 7 NOM TOTAL 8 NOM TOTAL 1 NOM TOTAL 2 NOM TOTAL 3 NOM TOTAL 4 NOM TOTAL 5 NOM TOTAL 6 NOM TOTAL 7 NOM TOTAL 8 NOM OUT 1 NOM OUT 2 NOM OUT 3 NOM OUT 4 NOM OUT 5 NOM OUT 6 NOM OUT 7 NOM OUT 8 D/A CONVERTER AUDIO EXP OUT NOISE SOURCE PROCESSOR CONTROLLED VARIABLE RESISTOR PROCESSOR CONTROLLED ATTENUATORS 10 dB 10 dB 10 dB 10 dB BALANCED MIC/LINE OUTPUT 1 BALANCED MIC/LINE OUTPUT 2 BALANCED MIC/LINE OUTPUT 3 BALANCED MIC/LINE OUTPUT 4 BALANCED MIC/LINE OUTPUT 5 BALANCED MIC/LINE OUTPUT 6 BALANCED MIC/LINE OUTPUT 7 BALANCED MIC/LINE OUTPUT 8 10 dB MIC/LINE SWITCH MIC/LINE SWITCH MIC/LINE SWITCH BALANCED MIC/LINE OUTPUT 9 BALANCED MIC/LINE OUTPUT 10 BALANCED MIC/LINE OUTPUT 11 BALANCED MIC/LINE OUTPUT 12 10 dB 10 dB 10 dB MIC/LINE SWITCH 3 INSTALLATION Because it is so highly integrated, the AS16x12 is straightforward to install. The following sections explain the installation and wiring, as well as the software setup of the AS16x12. AS16X12 AUDIO INPUTS Each of the 16 AS16x12 inputs is balanced, and provides 15V phantom power (through 2K ohm feed resistors to the "+" and "-" input connections). Phantom power is switchable on a perchannel basis. The drawing to the right shows two examples of line level interface with the AS16x12; one, an unbalanced line level source and the other, a balanced line level source. Unbalanced Line Level Source Balanced Line Level Source AS16X12 AUDIO OUTPUTS Each of the 12 AS16x12 outputs is balanced, and outputs 9 - 12 may be set for line or microphone level output. To use an output in the unbalanced line level mode, take the signal from the "+" output connection and the output ground. Leave the "-" output floating. To use outputs 9 - 12 in the unbalanced microphone level mode, take the signal from the "+" output connection and the output ground. In this case, you should connect the "-" output to ground. Be sure that the MIC/LINE switch is in the MIC (down) position for the desired output. AS16X12 PROGRAMMABLE INPUTS The AS16x12 has 17 programmable inputs which can control a variety of AS16x12 parameters. Each input can respond to either a contact closure or a continuous voltage. The diagram to the right shows common connections to the programmable input pins. Pot Connection for Analog Control of Gain Contact Closure as Programmable Input DC Voltage source as Programmable Input Each programmable input is internally pulled up through a 100K resistor to +5V, so no external pull up resistors are necessary. When using a continuous voltage with one of the programmable inputs, the Function of the programmable input must be set to either Analog In Control or Analog Out Control. See the Programmable Input tab in the AS16x12 Control Panel software for setting all programmable input parameters. AS16X12 PROGRAMMABLE OUTPUTS The AS16x12 has 19 programmable outputs which can indicate either channel activity or the current state of a programmable input. Each programmable output is the electrical equivalent of a contact closure to ground. When a programmable output is "active", it conducts current to ground. When the programmable output is "inactive", no current flows to ground. The maximum usable voltage for the program-mable outputs is 40V, and they will safely conduct up to 100mADC continuous. The diagram on the right shows some typical uses for the programmable outputs. LED is on when the programmable output is active LED is off when the programmable output is active 4 It is permissible to run LEDs from the +5VDC pins on the programmable input connector, as long as the total LED current for all LEDS on does not exceed 100mA. Similarly, 5V relay coils may also be run from the +5VDC pins on the programmable input connector, as long as the total coil current for all relays on does not exceed 100mA. Note that the diagram shows an external DC source powering the relay coil. This will be necessary if coil voltages above 5V are needed. AUDIO EXPANSION IN/OUT When multiple AS16x12s are used in an application, their Audio Expansion ports must be interconnected using the Audio Expan ...