User manual XTA AUDIOCORE - VERSION 5.70

Contents THANKS INTRODUCTION INSTALLATION STARTING THE SOFTWARE CONNECTING UNITS TO THE COMPUTER Using Midi... Using RS232... Using RS485... 4 4 5 7 8 8 8 8 TYPICAL INTERFACE SET-UPS RS232 Connection (Single Unit) RS485 Connection RS232 Connection (Multiple Units) Midi Connection 9 9 10 11 9 CONFIGURING A UNIT SETTING UP COMMUNICATIONS AND GOING ON-LINE Configuring the Units Themselves Configuring the Computer and Software Going `On-line' Uploading Data from Connected Units Working Off-line and Downloading Changes to the Units 12 13 THE DEVICE WINDOW AND EDITING BLOCKS MENU BAR AND TOOL BAR SUMMARY GUIDES EDITING INPUT AND OUTPUT GAINS EDITING DELAY SETTINGS EDITING LIMITER SETTINGS EDITING EQ AND CROSSOVER SETTINGS Editing with Curve Drag Features Modifying Curve Dragging Behaviour Editing with Direct Filter Control Parametric or Shelving Filter Behaviour Crossover Settings Additional Controls and Solo Function Swapping Bandwidth Units Readout Tool Bar Guide 15 16 18 20 21 22 22 23 24 24 25 26 26 17 13 13 14 14 14 SECURITY FEATURES AND PASSWORD LOCKOUT COPYING AND PASTING SETTINGS MEMORY STORE AND RECALL Erasing a Memory Options for Memory Access 27 29 30 30 30 GLOBAL GANGING SETS 31 Page 2 Audiocore Version 5.70 ARRAY CONTROL Starting Array Control Setting up Zones Control and Details of Zones Array Control Options Scan System Flash ID's Cycle Outputs Temperature Check System Monitor External MIDI Recall Background Image Option Printing from Audiocore Smart Tips 33 33 35 36 37 39 39 39 40 40 41 41 42 43 MISCELLANEOUS TOOLS AND FUNCTIONS 39 APPENDIX 1: UPDATES TO VERSION 5.70 Refresh Button SiDD Access Button Input/Output Names and Unit Names Stored in Units 20uS Input Delay Adjustment PEQ and High/Low pass Editing: Full Filter Control Option Memory Schemes Option Additional COM ports and new `Advanced Settings' 44 44 44 44 45 45 46 46 Audiocore Version 5.70 Page 3 Thanks Thank you for choosing the XTA for Windows TM software. Please spend a little time reading through this manual, so that you obtain the best possible performance from your purchase. All XTA products are carefully designed and engineered for cutting-edge performance and world class reliability. If you would like further information about this or any other XTA product, please contact us. We look forward to hearing from you in the near future. Introduction This manual covers the installation and use of XTA's proprietary software package known as `Audiocore'. This software is a remote control application running under Microsoft Windows TM , and is compatible with the following XTA products: The DP226 Speaker Management System The DP224 Speaker Management System The DP6i Audio Installaiton Controller The DP100 2-In 4-Out Digital Audio Delay Processor The DP202 2-In 2-Out Digital Equaliser/Processor The DP200 2-In 4-Out Digital Equaliser/Processor The software is designed to allow all these products to be connected to a computer through a variety of interfaces (RS232/485 or Midi) and will permit full remote control of any combination of up to 32 devices. It is also possible to set up and configure an entire system off-line (not actually connected to the units) and then download the new settings later. These `configuration' files may be stored on the computer, and/or distributed to anyone with a copy of Audiocore, thus allowing system designers to maintain and handle complex systems easily from any location. Recent additions to the software have included the introduction of `Array Control' (DP224/6 only) which permits individual outputs on any DP224/6 to be included in any required zoning configuration, and includes real time metering of any output. For the latest information about XTA's software and product range, visit the website at www.xta.co.uk. Page 4 Audiocore Version 5.70 Installation Please note that this software will not run under WindowsTM 3.1 or 3.11. It is designed for WindowsTM 95/98/NT4 2000, ME and XP. Follow these steps to install your copy of for Windows TM . Insert the disk supplied into floppy disk drive A on your computer. It is recommended that you close all other applications before attempting to install this software. This is true during all software installation, and is not peculiar to this package. Click on the `Start' button on the toolbar, and select `Run' with another click.. Type `a:\setup' in the text box as shown, and then click `OK'. After a couple of seconds the installation will begin. Follow the instructions that appear on the screen. Audiocore Version 5.70 Page 5 Alternatively, open the control panel by clicking on the `Start' button, selecting `Settings' and then `Control panel'. From this window, select the `Add/Remove Programs' icon, and double click on it, opening the window shown below. Click on the button marked `Install...' which will start the software installation wizard. Follow the instructions to install the software. Page 6 Audiocore Version 5.70 Starting the Software The installation procedure will have created an entry in the `Programs' list off the `Start' menu. This will be called `AudioCore'. Clicking on this followed by the `AudioCore V5.00' that appears will start the software. When the software is started for the very first time, you will be prompted to choose the type of unit you wish to control. This may be a DP100, a DP200 or 202, or a DP224/6. Throughout this manual, the DP226 is used for all examples, being the most complex of the currently available devices that may be used. All other devices offer sub-sets of the control available with a DP226, and so will be easily integrated into any system should they be required. For example, if the first unit is chosen to be a DP226, typically the window would show this and, after clicking `OK' the configuration screen for a DP226 will appear. If you have already been using the software, the last file used will be opened automatically, if the option is enabled (under File Options). There are actually two options available, as shown by the window below. The first is the `Auto Save File' option which, if checked, will automatically save the current file without user intervention as the software is closed down. The second, the `Auto Load Last File' option, will load the last file worked on as the software opens, again without user intervention. Audiocore Version 5.70 Page 7 Connecting Units to the Computer There are three types of remote connection that may be used to connect units to the computer. These are outlined below. Using Midi... To output Midi information from the computer, it must be fitted with a suitable Midi device and driver software appropriate to that device. A Midiman `Portman PC/P' can be used to convert the parallel port to a Midi port, if there are not enough spare Com (serial) ports available, or if the computer is a laptop. If this device is used, be sure to select the driver with the `w/LEDs' extension in the `Setup' menu, and ensure that the `Enable Device' box is checked. If the Midi device is internal, such as a Soundblaster sound card, an adapter cable is required to `break-out' the Midi connections from the 25 way D-connector on the card. Note that the maximum recommended cable run for Midi is 15 metres. Using RS232... RS232 uses a serial port connection from the computer (normally a 9-pin Dconnector for Com1 ports) and allows remote control of one unit directly. In the case of the DP226, additional units may be cascaded from the RS485 connectors on the rear of the first unit. This may be a pair of XLR connectors, or RJ45 (telephone jack) connectors. Typical set-ups are included in the section following this. Using RS485... To output RS485 from a computer requires either a converter to connect to the serial (RS232) port, available from XTA, or a plug in card along the same lines as a Midi or Sound-card. The main advantage that RS485 has over RS232 is that the RS485 system is a `multi-drop' system as opposed to a `point-to-point' system, so if one unit fails, all other units will continue to operate as no unit is dependant on the one electrically previous to it in the remote control chain for the relay of data. Additionally, the electrical specification of RS485 permits cable rums of up to 1km before any regeneration is required. The basic specification of RS232 only caters for cable runs up to 25m. Page 8 Audiocore Version 5.70 Typical Interface Set-ups RS232 Connection (Single Unit) A typical interface set-up might involve running an RS232 link from laptop or a desktop computer to a DP226 set up as a master unit. The diagram below shows this method of connection, the required menu options are also given. RS485 Connection To use RS485 communication directly from a computer, a master DP226 must be configured to receive RS485. You must have a suitable RS485 port on your computer, or a converter connected to the serial port in use. This configuration is shown below, along with the required menu options. Audiocore Version 5.70 Page 9 RS232 Connection (Multiple Units) If control over multiple units is required, typically the slaves will be set up to run from the RS485 ports on the master DP226. This arrangement is shown below. Note the incremental `Remote ID Num' option in the unit's menu options. Page 10 Audiocore Version 5.70 Midi Connection To use MIDI communications, the DP226 must be configured to receive as a master via its MIDI port. You must have a MIDI card or interface connected to your computer. The setup is shown below. Audiocore Version 5.70 Page 11 Configuring a Unit The configurations available will depend on the type of unit. In the case of a DP226 this screen is equivalent to the `Design a Xover' menu within the unit itself, choosing the type of crossover to implement, and various basic options relating to this. These names and the device configuration may be changed at any time by selecting the device in question (click on it's device window) and then Device Modify from the menu bar. This window also allows the device itself, and all the inputs and outputs on that device, to be given names. These are used throughout the software ­ on the actual device window (which appears after clicking `OK') and on the editing screens. It is accessed by clicking on the `Names' tab at the top of the window. Note that, although the text boxes will accept names up to 15 characters long, it is recommended that names are less than nine characters if they are to be completely visible on all screens. Try to include identifiers such as `L' or `R' or numbers at the start rather than the end of the name. Page 12 Audiocore Version 5.70 Setting Up Communications and Going On-line Configuring the Units Themselves For details as to the exact interface operation for each unit, please refer to the operator manual particular to that unit. All units have an interface menu ­ check that the correct interface has been selected for the type of computer connection to be utilised ­ Midi, RS232 or RS485. Ensure that, in the case of RS232 or RS485, no two units are set to the same channel (or ID). It is recommended that the first unit in the chain is assigned ID number 1, the second 2 etc. In the case of a Midi connection, the slave channel does not matter as communication uses `System Exclusive' commands. Also ensure that the baud rate of the unit is the same as that selected for the computer (described below). Configuring the Computer and Software After starting Audiocore, choose Remote RS232/RS485/Midi as appropriate from the menu bar. A window will appear containing the configuration settings required for the interface. In the case of RS232, this is as shown here, with selectable options for the `Com' (serial) port to use, the speed of this port and options for improving the robustness of the interface, if the port supports them. `Use Acknowledge Cmd' ensures that every message sent from the software reaches its destination correctly, but at the expense of operational speed. It is recommended to enable this option when long cable runs are used in noisy environments. `Hardware Flow Control' uses additional physical lines to control the traffic on the port, and is only available with the RS232 interface. If the cable being used to connect the units to the computer does not physically have these additional lines connected, do not enable this option as communications will not work correctly. Audiocore Version 5.70 Page 13 Going `On-line' If the remote interfaces have been configured correctly at both the units(s) end and the computer/software end, it will now be possible to go `on-line'. This is achieved simply either by choosing Status On Line from the menu bar or by pressing the On/Off line button on the tool bar. In either case, once the chain has been scanned (errors will be reported if units fail to respond), the system will become live, and a dialogue will appear offering the chance to download (transmit to) the units either the current settings, the current settings and all the memories, or just connect without changing anything. Once successfully on-line, the indicator on the tool bar will illuminate. Uploading Data from Connected Units If a system has not already been configured, then starting a new system, by choosing File New from the menu bar will, after scanning to find out what is connected offer the choice of uploading from the units as they stand, or starting from scratch. The buttons are self-explanatory. Note the panel above the button detailing the units detected by the software. The system will automatically configure itself based on the current setting received back from the units. Working Off-line and Downloading Changes to the Units If required the system may be configured off-line and, when connected to the units, downloaded to instantly make the settings `live'. This is accomplished by setting the system up as required, and then, assuming the remote interface has been set up correctly, going on-line as described above. Page 14 Audiocore Version 5.70 The Device Window and Editing Blocks A window for each unit connected to the system will be available. All types of unit share the same format of window with the following common features. The `ID' number shown in the top left hand corner is the communication channel that the device is using, with the type of device shown opposite this. The signal flow chart shows the processing blocks available for editing and is dependent on the type of device. To edit any block, simply click on it. Devices may be minimised to reduce the complexity of the screen if many units are connected. (Audiocore is capable of supporting up to 32 units on any one system). Audiocore Version 5.70 Page 15 Menu Bar and Tool Bar Summary Guides The main menu items are summarised below, along with references where greater explanation is given elsewhere in this manual. New: Start a new system from scratch Open: Open an existing system configuration Save: Save this system configuration Save As: Save this system configuration with a different name Options: Various general configuration options Exit: Close the software New: Add device from list to system Modify: Change an existing device configuration/name Remote: Set up the remote control interface connection using a port from the list Flash ID's: Display unit names on individual units' LCD screens. On Line: Toggle the connection state of the software Scan System: Check for presence of all type of units Cycle Outputs: Perform system check by soloing outputs sequentially on every unit. Temperature Check: Return internal temperature of each unit Page 16 Audiocore Version 5.70 Store: Store all current settings in their respective units Recall: Recall a different setup for the current systems from each unit Rename Memory: Change the name used to identify a memory Erase a Memory: Clear a memory in all units External MIDI Recall: Enable MIDI program change relaying Tool Bar Guide From left to right, the toolbar buttons perform the following shortcuts: 1: 2: 3: 4: 5: 6: 7: 8: 9: 10: 11: 12: 13: 14: 15: 16: New system Open system Save system Print unit details Print preview Start `Help' system 'What's this?' help system Toggle on/off line Scan for units Flash ID's Store memory Recall memory Global Mute! All Outputs Mute! Total Silence! Set password locks Set global ganging sets Show system monitor Note that in addition to pressing `F1' on your keyboard for help, the `What's This?' help system invoked using button 7 above provides additional hints and tips. Also, right clicking over many sections of any window will invoke context sensitive help relating to that item. Audiocore Version 5.70 Page 17 Editing Input and Output Gains The inputs and outputs on the selected devices are all simultaneously available for editing where gains are concerned. The inputs have mute buttons (active when the button is red), whilst the outputs additionally feature phase reverse check boxes. Points to note about the operation of this screen are: Clicking on the slider track, rather than the knob will change the gain in 1dB steps. Clicking on the text box below the slider allows direct numerical entry. Press ENTER to accept the new value. To reject a value typed in accidentally, delete all text from the box and click on any other box. The gain will revert to that shown by the slider. Mutes and output phase reverse switches remain un-ganged regardless of the ganging of the gain controls. The ganging may be switched off/on by by selecting the device in question (click on it's device window) and then Device Modify from the menu bar. Page 18 Audiocore Version 5.70 The keyboard may also be used to navigate around this screen. Accesses gain sliders/mutes/phase reverse in turn per channel. Toggles any selection (mute or phase reverse). Either adjusts gain up in 0.1dB steps Either adjusts gain down in 0.1dB steps Adjusts gain up in 1dB steps Adjusts gain down in 1dB steps Audiocore Version 5.70 Page 19 Editing Delay Settings The delays screen is relatively straightforward in operation. All input and output delays for the device are shown as text boxes, allowing numerical values to be directly entered. Additionally the values may be nudged, using the adjacent arrow buttons. The increments that the nudge buttons use are selectable on the right hand side of the screen, as are the displayed units. The smallest increment, 2.6uS, corresponds to a distance offset of less than one millimetre. Note that, dependant on the type of device selected, and configuration of that device, delays may be ganged. Device configuration is accessible from the menu bar on the main screen ­ choose Device Modify. There is limited keyboard control on this screen: Move around the various text boxes and option buttons on the screen. Change option button selections, or increase delay in the current increments. Change option button selections, or decrease delay in the current increments. Page 20 Audiocore Version 5.70 Editing Limiter Settings The limiter screen permits access to all the output limiters at once, along with real time metering of all input and output channels on the selected device. The threshold above which limiting may take place is set in the appropriate `Level' text box at the top of the output channel section. This box will accept direct numerical entry (in 1dB steps), and may additionally be nudged using the adjacent arrow buttons. If the `Attack' and `Release' text boxes are greyed out, it is because the `Automatic Time Constants' tick box is enabled. This sets the attack time of the channels limiter dependant on the high pass filter frequency ­ the lower the frequency, the slower the attack time of the limiter. Release times become fixed at sixteen times the attack time. Note that it is not possible to type numerical values into the `Attack' time text boxes. The nudge buttons will step through a set of available times for the limiter attack.. The meters time constants will automatically assume the same behaviour as those of the limiter envelope to provide the best representation of the power usage for that channel. Please consult the DP226 manual for details of the `Auto' time constants. Audiocore Version 5.70 Page 21 Editing EQ and Crossover Settings The input equalisation screen will vary slightly dependant on the device that is currently selected. However, the principles of operation are identical in all cases. The most important areas of the screen are the frequency response curve which may be edited simply by dragging portions of the curve to produce the desired response, and the direct filter control section just above this. Editing with Curve Drag Features Dependent on the complexity of the current device and its configuration, there will be anywhere between 3 and 28 bands of equalisation available for editing. These appear on the curve as nodes marked by coloured squares or circles, denoting the centre frequency of any particular band. Points to note about the operation of the curve dragging are: To move a parametric band, click and hold the left mouse button over the appropriate node to select it. The mouse pointer will change to a cross to show correct positioning over a node. When selected the pointer changes to a pair of crossed arrows. The centre frequency and the gain may now be adjusted simply by dragging the node to the desired position and releasing the mouse button. Whilst a filter is selected, its entries in the direct filter control section will highlight in red. The `Q' of the filter may be adjusted using the scroll wheel (on Intellimouse devices only) ­ whilst the node is selected (left button pressed) turning the scroll wheel adjusts the `Q'. Page 22 Audiocore Version 5.70 The keyboard may also be used to adjust filter settings, not just on it's own, but also to enhance the feature available during curve dragging. Holding down `Shift' while dragging locks the frequency of the filter, whilst allowing the gain to be adjusted. Holding down `Ctrl' while dragging locks the gain of the filter, whilst allowing the frequency to be adjusted. If your mouse does not have a scroll wheel, then the page up and down buttons may be used to adjust the `Q' during curve dragging. Whilst a filter is selected (left mouse button down) pressing `Page Up' will increase the filter `Q' by one step. Whilst a filter is selected (left mouse button down) pressing `Page Down' will decrease the filter `Q' by one step. Modifying Curve Dragging Behaviour Several options exist to adapt the way the curve dragging feature operates. These are accessed by selecting File Options from the menu bar. The four options are: Enable Curve Dragging ­ if unticked the curve appears just as a frequency response representation, and is not interactive. Drag without Markers ­ if ticked then the action of switching off a filter's marker does just that ­ the filter is still accessible to drag on the curve, even though the marker is invisible. Drag Markers Initially On - if ticked, then selecting any EQ screen will automatically display all the filter markers, even if they had been previously switched off. (The choice of which markers are on or not is preserved for the duration of the editing window session; so if closed and opened again by clicking on the device window, all the markers will be restored.) Toggle Drag Latch ­ if ticked then a single click on a marker will latch it under the mouse pointer. Clicking on the marker again will release it. This feature is useful for users with laptops utilising GlidePadTM and IntellipointTM pointing devices. Audiocore Version 5.70 Page 23 Editing with Direct Filter Control The direct filter control allows precise details to be entered via the filter list. Clicking on any filter parameter will display a small window with a text box and scroll bar or slider for the relevant parameter. A number may be directly entered into the text box ­ in the case of the frequency screen shown here, either in Hertz (1000 for 1kHz), or as an abbreviation such as `1k' or 1.00k'. The closest available value will be chosen. The scroll bar allows the frequency to be nudged, either in th 1/36 octave steps with the arrows, or in 1 octave steps by clicking to the left or right of the current position. The set of buttons showing the filter markers for the curve view may be toggled on or off ­ this does not bypass the filter (it's contribution to the overall response remains part of the curve) ­ it merely stops it being editable via curve dragging. Depending on the parameter selected, the keyboard may be used to adjust the value: Frequency: nudges in 1/36th octave steps `Q': nudges one step Gain: nudges in 0.1dB steps Frequency: nudges in 1 octave steps `Q': nudges ten steps Gain: nudges in 1dB steps Parametric or Shelving Filter Behaviour Note that it is possible to change the behaviour of any filter section from parametric to shelving by accessing the `Q' setting. For safety, the filter must have its gain set to 0dB to allow the behaviour to be changed. Ticking the `Lo Shelf' or `Hi Shelf' boxes will swap to a shelving response; clicking on the scroll bar or entering a `Q' setting in the text box will swap back to a parametric response. Each filter may be `flattened' by use of the `Flat' tick box to the right of its settings. This effectively sets the gain of the filter to 0dB, but does not affect the parameters stored. The response shown by the curve will change accordingly, but it should be noted that the respective filter marker remains in place. Page 24 Audiocore Version 5.70 Crossover Settings When editing an output channel, for all device types except the DP100, a pair of high and low pass filters are available, either for use as general protection subsonic and supersonic filters, or as accurate crossover filters. They appear on the left hand side of the pane and operate in the same way as the direct filter control section. Clicking on the frequency box will display a window permitting frequency adjustment, just as for parametric sections. The box detailing the filter type (response and roll-off characteristics) may similarly be accessed, and the required type chosen from the list displayed. The effect of the crossover filters on the overall channels frequency response is included in the curve display. It should be noted that it is not possible to drag the high and low pass filters in the same way as parametric sections ­ this is for safety's sake to avoid inadvertent removal of protection filters and possible damage to subsequent components. Audiocore Version 5.70 Page 25 Additional Controls and Solo Function Output sections all have gain controls accessible from the EQ pane, in addition to mute, phase reverse, and solo functions. The solo function, when active, mutes not only the other outputs on the selected device, but all other outputs from all devices on the system. The gain control is the same one that is accessed on the input/output gains screen. Where applicable, input sections have delay controls available in place of the high and low pass filter sections shown for the outputs. The delay may be either directly entered into the text box, or nudged with the arrow keys. The three radio buttons select the display readout type. Note that the controls shown above are dependant on the capabilities of the device selected (DP100/200/226 etc.), and so not all combinations of processing blocks are available on all devices. Swapping Bandwidth Units Readout Selecting File Options and then the `Preferences' tab allows the units displayed for parametric filter bandwidth to be changed from `Q' to actual bandwidth, in octaves. Page 26 Audiocore Version 5.70 Security Features and Password Lockout The software supports two levels of password protected security ­ user and supervisor. Supervisor is the higher access level, allowing all parameters to be locked, whilst user level permits any parameters not locked by the supervisor to be locked. The supervisor also has the ability to clear the users password. To begin the locking process, press the `Lock and Key' button on the toolbar. This will display a dialogue prompting for a password. Selection of which lock level is to be enforced is also available. Enter a password of up to four characters. It is advisable that the user and supervisor have different passwords. Remember that the supervisor has the ability to clear (and overwrite) the users password. Pressing `OK' will then display the actual screen where locking decisions are made. Each category has a choice of either `No Locking', 'Changes Locked' where the parameter is still viewable but cannot be adjusted, or `Display Locked' where the parameter cannot be accessed, its entry being replaced by a `Locked!' message. It is also possible to secure parts of the system software to prevent, for example, memory recalls or updates to the stored system configurations. Once the locks have been set up, there are two possible courses of action. If `Stay Open' is pressed then the system will remain unlocked, but a previews of the locks will be in evidence in the relevant places. Parameters which will lock when the lockout level is `closed' (using the `Close Level' button) appear highlighted in pink. Audiocore Version 5.70 Page 27 Note that, even if the locks are selected to stay open, there will be a prompt to confirm whether the lock states are to be transmitted to the units. If `Yes' is selected, all the units will become locked with the password chosen. If subsequently the lock level is `closed', the software will ask for confirmation of the password once more, and then the dialogue shown on the left will appear as before. Note that unless the system is on-line, no prompt to send lock status to units will appear. Once locked, each units will display a confirmation message on the bottom line of its display, and the software will change all locked parameters to grey text boxes. Considering the Equalisation screen previewed earlier, it will change to be displayed as shown below. This demonstrates both levels of lock - the high and low pass filters are locked at the `Changes Locked' level, whilst the parametric filters are locked at the `Display Locked' level. Remember that it is not possible to lock the units after the software has been locked. As mentioned earlier, the supervisor ultimately has control - only those parameters not locked by the supervisor are available to the user. Page 28 Audiocore Version 5.70 Copying and Pasting Settings To speed up the configuration of units, it is possible to cut and paste various processing blocks from one channel to another within a unit, or if the processing and configurations permit, from one unit to another. To copy settings, place the mouse over the required section of the device window for the source unit. Click the right mouse button and a list of possible operations will be displayed, as shown here. In this case, the mouse was placed over the general (blue) background area of the device window, so the selection is to copy the entire device. Placing the mouse over a particular section will change selections available. To paste to another device, simply repeat the operation ­ move the mouse over the required part of the destination device (or the background for an entire device paste operation) and right click. The three types of copying and pasting are: On background ­ copies/pastes all device settings; On input section ­ copies/pastes input EQ sections on that channel' On output section ­ copies/pastes EQ sections on that output channel. Note that the output EQ will contain the crossover filter settings in addition to the parametric filter settings. Audiocore Version 5.70 Page 29 Memory Store and Recall The memory locations used in the software are equivalent to snapshots of the entire system setup. The settings will also be stored in their respective units if online, or may be sent to the units later if required. The memory store and recall procedures are very straightforward. They are accessed via either the Memories menu on the menu bar or, for store and recall only via the buttons on the toolbar ­ for storing memories, and for recalling memories. The dialogues for both operations are very similar ­ select the memory to store to or recall from (the current locations that have been used, if any, are denoted by the `>' symbol beside their names. Pressing `OK' when storing will additionally offer the opportunity to name the memory. This name may be changed at any time by selecting Memories Rename a Memory from the menu bar. Erasing a Memory This feature allows a memory to be set to default conditions. It is selectable only from the menu bar under Memories Erase a Memory. Simply choose the one to erase (or all of them, using the `Erase All' button), and confirm the selection. Accessible from the menu bar under File Options, the `Memories' tab allows the selection of working with either input memories only (there will then be twenty locations available), or input and crossover memories (nine locations available). These settings are designed mainly for use with the DP226, but affect all units so that if `Input Memories Only' is selected only the first nine locations of any unit type will be available, regardless of how many memories the unit actually has. Page 30 Audiocore Version 5.70 Options for Memory Access Global Ganging Sets Please note that this feature is only available with DP224/6 units. It is possible to link various processing blocks from any connected DP224/6 to any other, so that, as one is adjusted, all other ganged blocks will track automatically. For example, it might be useful to gang all the input gain controls together to avoid having to adjust each unit separately when adjusting system gain, and to ensure that all units are operating at the optimum level. Perhaps there is a problem with feedback at the venue, and it would be advantageous to assign a couple of input parametrics as notch filters, and gang them across all units. Access to the global ganging setup is via the button on the toolbar. This will display the screen as shown below. Choose the processing block that is to be ganged across the units from the drop down list. Note that only parametric (or shelving filters) and gain controls may be ganged ­ for safety crossover, delay and limiter settings all remain individually set on the unit. Next, choose the actual channels that are to be ganged together for this processing block. This is achieved by pressing the `Add to Set' button which will display a dialogue as shown here. Choose the device from the list available and select the appropriate input or output channel on that device. As channels are added, a description of the ganged set will be built up in the `Units in the Set' window as shown above. Up to eight of these ganged sets may be set up for any one system ­ just select a different tab to start another set. Any processing blocks that have been linked appear highlighted in cyan on the edit screens. Audiocore Version 5.70 Page 31 Warning: Please note that the ability to gang processing block together in this way is a very powerful feature within the software, and should be applied with care. The following important points should be considered: All ganged processing works on an absolute value basis ­ that is, all ganged processing values, once ganged and adjusted whilst in a gang, will jump to the same values ­ it is not possible to maintain relative relationships across parameters within processing blocks once they have been adjusted within the gang. If outputs are ganged on different DP224/6's which are also configured differently, the ganging will operate in a slightly different manner. Consider the situation where a gang is set up to have a parametric block on output 6 of one unit ganged to the same output of another device. However, the second device, as part of its individual configuration, has its outputs `pre-ganged' (in the case of a 2 x 3 way crossover these will be 1&4, 2&5, 3&6). Under these circumstances, the parametric block on the first device will appear in cyan, but will not on the device with its output already `preganged'. The first device will be able to change the second, but the gang will not operate the other way round. When setting up ganged sets, remember that each control can only be the member of one set ­ it is not possible to add a processing block on a certain channel to more than one set. Attempting to do so will appear to be possible, but all duplicate control will have been removed the next time the ganging setup screen is accessed. Whilst this may sound complicated bear in mind that, in the majority of cases, the ganging is unlikely to extend beyond gains and a couple of corrective filters and so will be easily visualised. Page 32 Audiocore Version 5.70 Array Control One of the powerful new features to be added to this version of Audiocore is Array Control. Building on the abilities of global ganging sets (detailed on page 31), this feature opens up the power of addressable zones for the control of large systems, configured exactly as the user requires. Unlike global ganging sets, however, outputs may be included in as many zones as required allowing effective sub-zones to be created along with more `global' zone configurations. Real-time metering of each zone is available, along with output gain control, muting, 0dB levelling, and soloing. As with global ganging sets, due to the powerful features available within Array Control, it is advisable to read this section carefully before attempting to use this feature, especially in a live situation. Array Control is only available to DP224/6's ­ other units may be left connected to the system at the same time, but they will not be available for Array Control. Starting Array Control The Array Control main window is invoked by pressing the button beside the On-line status indicator on the tool bar. Note that the button appears greyed out until the zones within Array Control have been configured ­ it is still accessible. This will display a window ­ the master window ­ where zones may be selected, outputs of units individually assigned to zones, and various operational options defined. Audiocore Version 5.70 Page 33 For the purposes of this description, three DP226's are connected to the system, and are identified above by the three available unit buttons, with ID numbers 1, 2, and 3. Note the pair of large buttons on the right hand side ­ currently the `SETUP' mode is active. The other mode, `LIVE' mode, is designed to be used during a show. Swapping between the two modes is a password protected operation, with the options available in `LIVE' mode being decided whilst in `SETUP' mode. These two modes may be thought of as equivalent to user (`LIVE') and supervisor (`SETUP') modes in the normal Audiocore software. It is possible to recall five memories (or scenes) across the entire system, the names of which appear in the `Memories' pane in the middle of the window. These names are not downloaded from a unit ­ they will be the names last stored to any unit connected to the system. Page 34 Audiocore Version 5.70 Setting up Zones A total or 24 zones are available, arranged in groups of four, accessible using the green `Zone Group' buttons. Zone groups may be named by pressing the `Name Zone Groups' button. To set up a zone, start by assigning the required outputs from any DP226 to the zone. This is achieved by selecting the DP226 by pressing its button. This will display the device zone assign window shown below. The six outputs on the selected DP226 are displayed. The slider displayed is the output gain control for that individual channel. The window directly beneath this is the actual gain of that channel. Directly below the mute button is another window showing the effective gain of that channel with respect to all zones that it is included in. So, for example if the channel is included in three zones with gains of +6dB, 12dB and +3dB, the effective gain window would show - 3dB (sum of 6 ­ 12 + 3). The small panels in a column down the left of each slider are the zone assignment shortcuts ­ pressing on one of these will include/exclude it from a zone. Inclusion is marked by a green number. These shortcuts may be thought of as operating in a similar manner to VCA group assignment buttons on a mixing desk. This is a shortcut area to the first twenty zones ­ the entire set of twenty-four zones is accessible by pressing the `Zone' button below the effective gain window. Audiocore Version 5.70 Page 35 Control and Details of Zones Referring to the master window, pressing one of the zone group buttons (inaccessible ones are grey ­ this is selectable in `SETUP' mode under the Options button) will display a zone control window with four zones available at any time. The name of the zone appears at the top of the strip, followed by its gain control, gain readout, mute button, and zone solo button. Additionally there is a 'Zone Zero' function which temporarily sets all the outputs in the zone to 0dB. Toggling this button will restore the original gain setting. The MUTE ALL button, due to its possibly dangerous function, has a `press and hold' function associated with it. It will illuminate yellow if briefly pressed as a warning, and then red after about two seconds. The toggling off of this function also has a slight delay for safety purposes. The keyboard may also be used to navigate around this screen. Accesses gain sliders in turn per channel. Either adjusts gain up in 0.1dB steps Either adjusts gain down in 0.1dB steps Adjusts gain up in 1dB steps Adjusts gain down in 1dB steps Page 36 Audiocore Version 5.70 Beside the solo button is the `Details' button. Pressing this allows access to some setup parameters for the zone. The list shown details all the outputs included in this zone, alongside icons that are used to denote the metering point. This icon means normal assignment of the output This means the channel is the selected metering point for the zone and is actually in the zone This means the channel is selected for the zones metering point but is not actually in the zone. Changing the metering point is achieved by pressing the `Select Zone Meter' button and choosing the point required. Array Control Options As mentioned earlier, `SETUP' and `LIVE' modes may be thought of as equivalent to supervisor and user lock levels in the normal Audiocore software. The options screen above, displayed by pressing the `Options' button on the master window, allows different access rights to be granted to the `LIVE' and `SETUP' modes, so that, for example once the system is running in a show situation, it is not possible to access the `MUTE ALL' button on the zone control window (`Zone Mute All Button Active {Control Page}' in the Live Mode Options section. Audiocore Version 5.70 Page 37 Also on the master window are three buttons which affect the presentation of the zone control windows. These are the row of three labelled `Sliders', `Up/Dn' and `Meters' respectively. Their purpose is to allow the zone gain and metering to be presented in different ways, according to the application and computer controlling the system. The `Slider' option displays sliders and smaller meters on the zone control screen, as previously seen. The `Up/Dn' option replaces the slider with a pair of spin buttons. This might be the best option if the computer has a touch screen, or is operating without a mouse. Finally, the `Meters' option dispenses with the gain controls entirely, with the advantage of being able to display much larger meters. In actual fact, the gain can still be adjusted by entering a new setting in the gain text box, which is still available and exists in all three modes. Page 38 Audiocore Version 5.70 Miscellaneous Tools and Functions Scan System This is available under the `Status' menu. When selected a window will appear allowing all possible addresses on the system to be scanned for the presence of any units. Any found will be reported with their model number and current software version. The example below shows five DP226's on the system. The options given are to scan only those units that are currently defined which will limit the search to the ID's that are being used already, or to try and find any connected units. The second option is useful if the ID numbers of the units are not known. Flash ID's Again available under the `Status' menu, this function is useful for finding out `which units are where' by actually making all units show their device names on their respective LCD screens. The device name is set when the unit is added to the system, but may be modified at any time by selecting Device Modify from the menu bar. The unit will additionally identify itself by showing its ID number. Cycle Outputs Available under the `Tools' menu, this may be thought of an automated solo function where each output of every device on the system is solo'ed in turn for a fixed period of time, allowing all parts of the system to be validated as working correctly. The automated behaviour may be selected from the list with control over both the speed and method of soloing. A time on its own means the next output will un-mute immediately following the last at the period set. The `Time + Off' selections un-mute for the period selected, followed by a pause for the period selected ­ the net effect being signal and silence in equal measures. Audiocore Version 5.70 Page 39 Temperature Check Note that this tool only operates with DP226's. Selecting this from the `Tools' menu will display a window similar to the `Scan System' function described on the previous page. The DP226's on the system report back three readings ­ the first is the current temperature, the second (in brackets) is the maximum this session, with the third being the maximum temperature ever reached. As the temperature of the unit increases, the colour on the background will change, switching to yellow to warn that the unit is beginning to get hot (acceptable for short periods of time), and turning red when dangerous temperatures are experienced. Units displaying the red warning are susceptible to failure (and therefore muting) ­ do not take this to be a sustainable condition! System Monitor Pressing the button shown on the toolbar will display the system monitor window. This will show a small pane for each connected device, giving feedback on metering, temperature and correct connection. Note that only DP224/6's can display their internal temperature and input level meters. Indication of a good comms connection is given by a green indication, with or without the temperature display. As the temperature of the unit increases, the colour on the background will change, switching to yellow to warn that the unit is beginning to get hot (acceptable for short periods of time), and turning red when dangerous temperatures are experienced. A red box with an `X' means the unit is not responding, and there may be a problem (or it may have been disconnected). Orange metering bars correspond to muted outputs, and the entire bar will go red when that channel clips/limits. The monitor may be set to read temperature in Celsius or Fahrenheit. Page 40 Audiocore Version 5.70 External MIDI Recall Audiocore can be configured to respond to externally generated MIDI `program change' messages received on a MIDI port, selected from the Memories External MIDI Recall option. Any program change message received will trigger a memory recall to the whole system, as long as the program change data is within range (program change number 00 ­ 08 corresponding to memory 01 to memory 09). Background Image Option Selecting File Options and the `Background' tab allows selection of a `wallpaper' image for the parent window of Audiocore. The colour of the background may be selected, and an image placed on it. This image must be a bitmap file (*.bmp) and can be formatted in a number of ways. Note that the drop-down box also allow selection of `Non' if no image is required, giving a flat background colour only. The image here is centered against a black background. The examples below show the effect of stretching to fit, on the left, and tiling, on the right. Audiocore Version 5.70 Page 41 Printing from Audiocore Audiocore can produce a tabular and graphical printout of any part of your system. This is set up via File Print... from the menu, or with the shortcut button on the toolbar. Either will display the options window shown here. The options available allow the unit (or units) to be chosen for printing and whether to print all the uploaded memory settings. The information shown in the graphical representations may be adjusted to show frequency response curves either as individual curves for each input and output (8 to a page) or composite curves. The composite option will display a graph for each input and a composite graph with all six outputs displayed as different coloured curves. The effect of the output EQ on the crossover curves may also be included/excluded. A typical printout for the composite curve option might look like this. The tabular format is shown on the left and the three response curves (input A/B/outputs) is on the right. If you only require information on the current (i.e. audible) configurations of the system, make sure the `Include Memories' check box in the options is unchecked. Otherwise, two pages of information will be printed for every memory of every unit, which might accumulate to many pages. Page 42 Audiocore Version 5.70 Smart Tips Smart Tips display pertinent information abut any processing block as displayed in the device window, with out the need to click and open any additional windows. Just hovering the mouse pointer over the block will bring up the smart tip, as shown below. This is the smart tip for the crossover section of a DP226, showing the crossover frequencies currently in place. Other smart tips include... Which details settings of the limiter; The delay time for that input or output; The gain of that output/input or The parametric/shelving EQ settings ­ `Flat' if all sections are flat, or if any section is contributing. Select File Options and then the `Preferences' tab to enable or disable the Smart Tips feature. Audiocore Version 5.70 Page 43 Appendix 1: Updates to version 5.70 The following sections detail any changes and additional functionality added to Audiocore from the original information given in the is manual, which was current up to version 5.00. Please note that interim versions of software are not considered in this section ­ it is highly recommended that you upgrade to version 5.70, and (in the case of DP226/4 units) update their unit software to the latest version, currently 3.30 and 2.30 respectively. All the software is available to download free from our website www.xta.co.uk. Refresh Button The refresh button, found on the toolbar at the top of the screen, allows the software to pull in all the current settings of the connected settings at any time, without having to go off-line and on-line again. Pressing this button (which will be greyed out until the system is on-line) will display a window showing the brief process of re-synchronising the system. This is useful when there may have been local changes, made via a front panel, whilst the system was being controlled from the PC, ensuring the computer knows exactly how the units are set up at all times. SiDD Access Button If you are currently running SiDD PC control software at the same time as Audiocore, the two packages can share COM port, which will automatically be assigned when the appropriate software is brought into focus. Pressing this button will automatically switch over to the SiDD software and reassign the COM port. The complementary button exists in SiDD's software. These buttons will not be available unless both packages are running at the same time. Input/Output Names and Unit Names Stored in Units Users of DP226's, DP224's (and DP6i's) will now be able to store the named inputs and outputs, shown on the default unit layout window in Audiocore, within the unit itself. Next time the unit is connected to the system, the names chosen for the channels, and a unit name will be uploaded from the unit. These names also appear on the LCD screen whilst editing from the front panel. This feature is only available with unit software version 3.30 (DP226) and 2.30 (DP224) and above. Page 44 Audiocore Version 5.70 20uS Input Delay Adjustment Users of DP226's, DP224's (and DP6i's) will now be able to adjust the input delay on their unit(s) in 20uS steps, as opposed to the previous minimum resolution of 1mS. In earlier versions of software, only the output delay could be adjusted in 20uS steps. This feature is only available with unit software version 3.30 (DP226) and 2.30 (DP224) and above. PEQ and High/Low pass Editing: Full Filter Control Option Previous versions of Audiocore only allowed one filter parameter to be adjusted at a time ­ frequency or `Q' or gain. Selecting the `Full Filter Control' tick box under File Options as shown below selects this, or the traditional one parameter at a time option. Now when editing any filter, instead of just one parameter appearing, a new window will appear, showing all the relevant parameters for that particular filter. Additionally, there are `back' and `next' buttons to select another band for editing, without having to close the current window. The layout of this window is shown below... Audiocore Version 5.70 Page 45 Memory Schemes Option Under File Options, it is now possible to select how memories are handled via Audiocore. The three choices are self explanatory ­ their selection is reflected during the memory recall/store operation. Depending on the setting, there will be tabs for either only input memories, one for input and one for xover, or one for both input and xover. Note that, in the case of `Joined Input and Xover memories', recalling a number above #9 will recall the relevant input memory and any corresponding preset Xover that has been loaded into the unit. This feature is only available with DP224/6's and DP6i units. Additional COM ports and new `Advanced Settings' Due to the fact that the vast majority of new laptops do not come with serial ports as standard any more, it becomes necessary to use a USB to serial converter. These are readily available, and the vast majority of them will work with Audiocore. However, the drivers installed normally require that these units operate on a virtual COM port above COM4. To facilitate this, it is now possible to choose any virtual COM port up to COM8 as shown below. Note also the `Advanced' button (only available on the RS485 configuration ­ greyed out for RS232). Perssing this button will bring up some options which allow fine tuning of the timings when using an RS232 ­ 485 converter. Only adjust these settings if you are experiencing problems with your RS485 converter, especially if the units will not upload their settings but can be controlled normally. We could advise you to call us and ask about how to change them successfully. Page 46 Audiocore Version 5.70