ASHLY PROTEA operating Manual

Digital Audio Products

4.24C

24 Bit Digital Crossover

and System Processor

Operating Manual

ASHLY AUDIO INC.

847 Holt Road Webster, NY 14580-9103 Phone: [phone]

Toll-Free: [phone] Fax: [phone]

www.ashly.com

Operating Manual - PROTEA SYSTEM II 4.24C Cr ossover / System Processor

Table Of Contents

1 INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

1.1 Audio Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

1.2 User Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

2 UNPACKING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

3 AC POWER REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

4 FRONT PANEL CONTROL FEATURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

4.1 Function Keys and Data Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

4.2 Presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

4.3 Input Select . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

4.4 Output Select. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

4.5 LED Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

4.6 Audio Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

4.6a Gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

4.6b EQ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

4.6c Delay. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

4.6d Crossover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

4.6e Limit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

4.7 Other Functions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

4.7a Recall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

4.7b Save . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

4.7c Copy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

4.7d Mute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

4.7e Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

4.7f Factory Reset. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

5 INTERCONNECT FEATURES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

5.1 Audio Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

5.2 MIDI Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

5.3 RS-232 Data Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

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Operating Manual - PROTEA SYSTEM II 4.24C Cr ossover / System Processor

6 PROTEA SYSTEM SOFTWARE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

6.1 How to Get Protea System Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

6.2 Installing Protea System Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

6.3 Connecting the 4.24C to a Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

7 TROUBLESHOOTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

7.1 Audio Troubleshooting Tips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

7.2 RS-232/MIDI Troubleshooting Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

8 SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

9 DIMENSIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

10 LIMITED W ARRANTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

11 INSTALLATION RECORD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

12 BLOCK DIAGRAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

The lightning flash with arrowhead sym­bol, within an equilateral triangle, is in­tended to alert the user to the presence of
uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the
product's enclosure that may be of sufficient
magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock
to persons.

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT
REMOVE COVER. NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK,
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPlIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

The exclamation point within an eqilateral
triangle is intended to alert the user to the
presence of important operating and main­tenance instructions in the literature accom­panying the device.

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE, REPLACE ONLY WITH
SAME TYPE FUSE. REFER REPLACEMENT TO QUALIFIED
SERVICE PERSONNEL.

WARNING:

THIS APPARATUS MUST BE EARTHED

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Operating Manual - PROTEA SYSTEM II 4.24C Cr ossover / System Processor

1. INTRODUCTION

Thank you for your purchase of this Ashly Protea 4.24C Digital Crossover/System Processor.
The Protea SYSTEM II series builds on the tradition of quality and value which has earned Ashly its
place as a market leader in crossovers, equalization, and signal processing.

Your new 4.24C is a four input/eight output digital signal processor capable of precise control
of a broad range of audio functions. The front panel interface allows quick access to all control
parameters by offering dedicated function buttons, eliminating the need for hidden sub-menus. For
even faster set-ups and stronger visualization of Input/Output routing, EQ, and Filter curves, an RS­232 PC port is provided for use with Windows™ Protea System Software. Full control is also avail­able via MIDI input and output jacks.

1.1 AUDIO FEATURES

The Protea 4.24C utilizes state of the art DSP technologies, beginning with 24 bit, 48kHz delta-sigma A/D
converters with 128x oversampling. Digital processing includes Gain, Polarity Invert, Parametric EQ, Shelving Fil­ters, Time Delay, Crossover Functions, Compression, Limiting, and Signal Routing, all taking place in twin 120MHz
Motorola DSP56362 high performance DSP processors. D/A conversion uses 24 bit delta-sigma converters with 128x
oversampling. All inputs and outputs are precision balanced and RF protected using XLR connectors.

1.2 USER INTERFACE

Front Panel Interface: A backlit 2 x 20 character LCD displays channel and function settings. Dedicated buttons

provide access to all audio functions and system tools. The display indicates the current preset number, then subse­quently shows the selected input or output and its active control parameters. Five segment LED arrays on each input and
output provide audio level information and mute status.

Protea System Software: The computer interface uses Ashly PROTEA SYSTEM SOFTWARE for Windows,
which allows complete PC control of the 4.24C through an RS-232 serial port. Protea system software is supplied with each
unit, or can be downloaded at no cost from the Ashly web site. Advantages of using the software include greater preset
capacity, and a very intuitive visual representation of the audio routing and control process.

2. UNPACKING

As a part of our system of quality control, every Ashly product is carefully inspected before leaving the
factory to ensure flawless appearance. After unpacking, please inspect for any physical damage. Save the shipping
carton and all packing materials, as they were carefully designed to minimize the possibility of transportation damage
should the unit again require packing and shipping. In the event that damage has occurred, immediately notify your
dealer so that a written claim to cover the damages can be initiated. The right to any claim against a public carrier can
be forfeited if the carrier is not notified promptly and if the shipping carton and packing materials are not available for
inspection by the carrier. Save all packing materials until the claim has been settled.

3. AC POWER REQUIREMENTS

Note: The AC power switch for model 4.24C is on the back panel. The Protea 4.24C uses a universal input

power supply which will accept any line voltage in the range of 80VAC to 260VAC, 50-60Hz, and is exceptionally
resistant to voltage dips, or "brown outs". A standard IEC-320 grounded AC inlet is provided on the rear panel to
accept the detachable power cord. Never remove the AC earth ground connection to the 4.24C. In the event of fuse
failure, refer the product to a qualified service technician for fuse replacement, replacing only with the same type and
rating fuse.

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Operating Manual - PROTEA SYSTEM II 4.24C Cr ossover / System Processor

4. FRONT PANEL CONTROL FEATURES

4.1 Function Keys and Data Wheel

To the right of the LCD display
are two unlabeled function keys and a
rotary data wheel. All audio and system
parameters are edited using these three
controls. Each of the two lines of text on
the LCD display correspond to a dedi­cated function key, so that various tasks
on both lines may be selected using their
respective keys. The selected task is high­lighted by a flashing underscore beneath the word or number, and the parameter is then adjusted up or down with the data
wheel. The Esc key will exit any activity and return to the top level showing the preset number and name.

4.2 Presets

The 4.24C is organized into 30 programmable presets, each completely defining the configuration of all four
inputs and eight outputs along with their respective audio components. There are ten repeating preset configurations
pre-loaded into the 4.24C which are simply starting points for common applications, and all can be modified, renamed, and
saved to suit the end user. Please Note: In addition to the 30 preset numbers, a constantly refreshed Working Preset is
used to take a "snapshot" of all current settings should the unit be turned off before changes can be saved.

Preset 01
4 x 2-way Crossover

When the 4.24C is first powered up, the last working preset is loaded, displaying the number and name last used
before the unit was turned off. Any modifications made to that preset before saving it will remain in the working preset
until either the modified preset is saved, or a fresh preset is recalled to the 4.24C. When modifications to an existing preset
are made without saving, the display adds the text (modified) after the preset number.

4.3 Input Select

There are four audio inputs to the 4.24C, and each input is processed indepen­dently and may be routed to one or several outputs. Select an input to edit its Gain, EQ, and
Delay settings, or to mute it. Signal routing occurs in the output section.

4.4 Output Select

There are eight outputs to the 4.24C, and each output can obtain its source from
any input, several combinations of inputs, or no input (off). Select an output channel to edit
its Source, Gain, Polarity, EQ, Delay, Crossover, or Limiter functions.

4.5 LED Indicators

Each input and output has
a five segment LED array for audio
level display, ranging from -20
through clipping. The -20 LED is
two-color, also serving as the Mute
indicator by turning red. The meter
scale is factory set so that 0 on the
meter is 0dBu (0.775Vrms), however
it can be easily changed to VU scale
(0 = +4dBu, or 1.228Vrms) within the
Util menu.

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Operating Manual - PROTEA SYSTEM II 4.24C Cr ossover / System Processor

4.6 Audio Functions

4.6a Gain

Input and Output Gain are

separately adjustable from -40dB to
+12dB in 0.1dB increments.

The output gain menu also

provides for selection of input
source(s) for a given output channel,
as well as polarity of the outgoing sig­nal. Input signal sources are A, B, C,
D, A+B, C+D, all four inputs combined,
or no input (Off). Keep in mind that
two signals which share significant
content, such as a stereo source, will
be up to 6dB louder when combined.

4.6b EQ

The Protea 4.24C EQ section

offers full parametric EQ as well as 1st
and 2nd order shelving filters on in­puts and outputs. Each input channel
has six selectable EQ filters, while each
output channel has four selectable EQ
filters. In all cases, each filter is se­lectable between parametric (PEQ), 1st
order Low Shelf (LS1), 2nd order Low
Shelf (LS2), 1st order High Shelf (HS1),
and 2nd order High Shelf (HS2).

Shelving EQ filters: 1st order filters

use a gentle 6dB per octave slope, while 2nd
order filters use a 12dB per octave slope for
more a pronounced boost or cut. All shelving
filters have a boost/cut range of +/-15dB. Low
shelving filters have a frequency range from

19.7Hz through 2kHz, and the high shelving
filters range from 3.886kHz through 21.9kHz.
Shelving filters are most useful as broad tone
controls to boost or cut the high end or low
end of an audio signal's frequency content.
Because they affect a wider spectrum of au­dio, they are not as suitable for feedback con­trol as parametric filters.

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