Ashly WR-1 User Manual
Digital Audio Products
ne24.24M
24 Bit Digital
Multiple Channel
Matrix Processor
WR-1, WR-2, WR-5 Remote Controls
GPO General Purpose Logic Output Option
Operating Manual
ASHLY AUDIO INC.
847 Holt Road Webster, NY 14580-9103 Phone: (585) 872-0010
Toll-Free: (800) 828-6308 Fax: (585) 872-0739 www.ashly.com
Operating Manual - ne24.24M Matrix Processor
Table Of Contents
1 INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2 UNPACKING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
3 AC POWER REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
4 FRONT PANEL FEATURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
4.1 RS-232 Dataport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
4.3 Preset Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
4.4 Main Input Channel LEDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
4.5 Main Output Channel LEDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
4.6 Expansion Module LEDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
5 REAR PANEL FEATURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
5.1 Input Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
5.2 Output Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
5.3 Expansion Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
5.4 Logic Inputs/Preset Recall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
5.5 Ethernet Control Jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
5.6 0-5V Remote Level Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
5.7 RS-232 Dataport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
5.8 Data In/Data Out Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
5.9 Factory Reset Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
5.10 AC Inlet and Power Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
6 EXPANSION MODULE INSTALLATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
7 PROTEA NE SOFTWARE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
7.1 How to Get Protea System Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
7.2 Connecting Using Ethernet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
7.3 Connecting Using RS-232 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
8 AUDIO FUNCTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
8.1 Input Audio Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
8.2 Output Audio Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
9 OTHER SOFTWARE FUNCTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
9.1 Channel Preset File Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
9.2 Copying Settings to Another Input or Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
9.3 Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
9.4 Program Upgrade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
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Operating Manual - ne24.24M Matrix Processor
10 REMOTE CONTROL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
10.1 WR-1 Volume Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
10.2 WR-2 Contact Closure Preset Recall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
10.3 WR-5 Programmable Zone Controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
11 GPO LOGIC OUTPUT WIRING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
12 TROUBLESHOOTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
12.1 Audio Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
12.2 Data Communications Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
13 DIMENSIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
14 SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
15 WARRANTY INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
16 TYPICAL APPLICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
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 - ne24.24M Matrix Processor
1. INTRODUCTION
Thank you for your purchase of the Protea ne24.24M. The Protea ne24.24M Matrix Processor uses modular
expansion cards to provide up to twenty-four channels of audio matrixing and processing, along with provisions for
remote control and logic output. The base unit offers a four-input/four-output configuration. Each input and output
expansion card has individual DSP processing allowing expansion of the base unit’s total inputs or outputs four channels at a time. In addition, an eight channel general purpose logic control output expansion card is available for controlling lighting or AV equipment through the Protea NE Software, or by recalling presets.
Expansion cards, meaning inputs, outputs, or a logic output card are easily installed in the field without the need
to reset switches or reprogram the device.
Input channel processing blocks include: Mic Preamp with up to 60dB Gain, 48V Phantom Power and “Touch to
Talk” switching, Input Level with Polarity, two different Remote Level Control choices, Time Delay, Fifteen Band Fully
Parametric EQ, Noise Gate, Autoleveler, and Ducker.
Output channel processing blocks consist of: Cross Point Mixer, HPF/LPF, Delay, fifteen EQ Filters, Gain,
Remote Level Control, and Limiter. The cross point mixer in the output section allows you to route any input to any
output at any level and mute any input at any output without affecting the true input configuration. The HPF/LPF
crossover section offers Bessel, Butterworth and Linkwitz-Riley filters with 12, 18, 24 and 48dB octave slopes.
Matrixing allows you to route any input to any output and control individual levels once they have been assigned.
Fixed path architecture and extensive processing power per channel will reduce the amount of time it takes to set up the
system.
Programming is accomplished using Ashly’s Protea NE Software on a PC or PDA platform via standard 10/
100BASE-T Ethernet communication. The absence of front panel controls along with multi-level software security
assures a tamperproof audio system. Whether designing or installing a system for corporate boardrooms, restaurants,
courtrooms, houses of worship, left/center/right theatres, auditoriums or conference centers, the Protea ne24.24M will
more than satisfy requirements for any zoned system requiring input/output matrixing with signal processing. Factory
presets for many typical sound install applications are available on the Ashly web site as a starting point to set your own
system requirements.
Connectors are euroblock for all audio inputs and outputs, eight Logic Inputs for preset recall, eight channels of
remote DC level control, and a data connection for Ashly’s WR-5 active remote. Ethernet and RS-232 use RJ451 and
DSub 9 connectors respectively.
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 reduce to minimum 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 ne24.24M is on the back panel. The Protea ne24.24M uses a universal
input power supply which will accept any line voltage from 90VAC to 240VAC, 50-60Hz, and is 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 ne24.24M. 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 - ne24.24M Matrix Processor
4. FRONT PANEL FEATURES
4.1 RS-232 Dataport
The ne24.24M has two RS-232 dataports wired in parallel, one on the front panel and one on the back, for connect-
ing to a computer for software control. See section 7.3 for details on connecting to a computer.
4.2 Com LED
This green LED lights for a few seconds whenever there is communication
activity to the unit from a host PC.
4.3 Preset Number
This LED and switch select and display the current ne24.24M preset number (1-35). The switch can be disabled from there as well. When set to preset
number mode, the green LED near the switch is lit. To select a new preset, press
and hold the switch until the desired preset number is displayed. When the preset button is released, the new preset is loaded.
4.4 Main Input Channel LEDs
The ne24.24M base unit has four fixed input channels, each of which can be
routed to any combination of output channels. Each input channel's two color Sig
LED indicates input signal level of -20dB (green), or +20dB clip (red) respectively.
The Sig LEDs detect signal levels after any gain adjustments are made within the
ne24.24M preamp section. The red input mute LED becomes lit when an input
channel is muted through software.
4.5 Main Output Channel LEDs
The four fixed output channels on the ne24.24M have three color LEDs to
indicate signal, limiter threshold, and clip. The green signal LED indicates -20dB
output level. The amber limiter threshold LED depends on settings established within
Protea System Software, and, assuming the limiter is active, indicates that sufficient
signal level has been reached for the limiter to begin the process of gain reduction.
Clipping occurs at +20dB and is indicated by a red LED. The red output mute LED becomes lit when an output channel
is muted through software control.
4.6 Expansion Module LEDs
The ne24.24M base model is expandable by up to 16 additional inputs or outputs. Expansion modules of four
inputs or four outputs each can be field installed by a qualified service technician. If an expansion card slot has been
filled, its respective LED (EXP 1, EXP 2, etc.) is automatically lit. The LED indicators on unused expansion slots
remain inactive.
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Operating Manual - ne24.24M Matrix Processor
5. REAR PANEL FEATURES
5.1 Input Connections
Balanced input signals are connected to the ne24.24M using the included
euroblock connector. A flat blade screwdriver is required to connect a stripped
wire lead to the external connector piece, which is then inserted into the rear
panel Euro Block receptacle. It is important that both (+) and (-) inputs are properly terminated or signal loss and noise may result. In other words, if an unbal-
anced input signal is used, connect the signal to the (+) input, and connect the
ground wire to both the (-) and ground connection.
Euroblock
Connector
System
5.2 Output Connections
Like the inputs, output connections are made using the included euroblock connector. All outputs are servo balanced, and may be wired balanced or unbalanced. For unbalanced output connections, use (+) and ground and tie (-) to
ground.
5.3 Expansion Modules
The ne24.24M base model is expandable by up to 16 additional inputs or outputs, as well as a single module card
used for eight general purpose logic outputs (GPO). Expansion modules of four inputs or four outputs each can be
installed in any expansion slot. Input expansion modules use green euroblock connectors, while output expansion
modules use black connectors. Removable metal plates cover unused expansion slots on the back panel. The optional
Logic Output card (GPO) is used to drive preset controlled relays or another device’s logic control inputs. The GPO
comes with a function and wiring sticker which must be placed on the ne24.24M back panel above the Input/Output slot
where the GPO option is installed. Only one GPO can be installed in a ne24.24M.
5.4 Logic Inputs (Preset Recall)
There are no user controls on the ne24.24M, making it ideal for permanent installations where security is an issue.
There may be times, however, where real time variables require changes in system settings, such as EQ, gain, and delay
settings changing when a room size changes. For these types of changes, the ne24.24M offers the ability to recall up to
eight different presets, or switch other events such as a mic input “push to talk” using contact closures. Contact closures
are nothing more than external, user installed switches that, when closed, recall a previously defined preset which at
once applies changes to the settings of all inputs and outputs. The switches can be anything from a rotary switch on a
control room panel, to automatic door sensors scattered throughout a conference center, to a microphone key switch, etc.
Contact closures allow for flexibility while maintaining a high degree of system security.
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Operating Manual - ne24.24M Matrix Processor
To use contact closure switching, up to eight presets (1-8) must first be defined according to the needs of the
installation. To use the mic input “Push To Talk” feature, select the “Push To Talk Mic” checkbox in the Protea NE
Software’s mic preamp dialog box. The preset recall feature for that contact closure is then deactivated. Switches are to
be configured so that closing the switch contact triggers the preset recall event. It doesn't matter if the switch is momentary or latching, the only thing that triggers the event is the transition from open to closed for a given circuit. Closing a
circuit will automatically override any previously recalled presets. Up to eight switches can be used, with all switches
sharing a common ground connection. The number below the nine pin Euro Block contact closure connector equals the
number of the preset which will be recalled when that switch is closed. Always use the ne24.24M contact closure
ground for contact closure switches. Do not connect the ne24.24M contact closure ground to any other external grounds,
as ground loop currents may result.
5.5 10/100 Ethernet Control Jack
Use this RJ-45 jack to connect directly to a computer or to a 10/100 Base-T ethernet network using Protea
software for access to the comprehensive suite of device setup, audio controls, and monitoring functions.
ne
5.6 0-5V Remote Level Control
Any of the inputs or outputs on the ne24.24M can have their levels remotely controlled through this simple DC
control port. Use the provided +5VDC and Ground (pins 9 and 10), along with a potentiometer, switched resistor
network, or relay (for muting), to return a DC voltage to the desired input or output control pin. Using Protea NE
Software, each remote level control pin can be assigned any combination of inputs or outputs to create up to eight remote
control groups (see sec 11.1).
The remote level control can only attenuate the signal, it can not provide gain, so properly set up the gain structure
within the ne24.24M before using remote level control. +5V on any control pin has no attenuating effect, while 0V
referenced to the connector ground fully attenuates the signal. Do not connect the remote level control ground to any
other external grounds.
5.7 RS-232 Dataport
The ne24.24M has two RS-232 dataports, wired in parallel, with one on the front panel and one on the back, for
connecting to a computer for AMX, Crestron, or other third party controllers. Control data for the ne24.24M uses the
RS-232 protocol, and does not support the MIDI baud rate. Supported baud rates are 9600bps and 38,400bps.. See
section 7.3 for details on connecting to a computer.
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Operating Manual - ne24.24M Matrix Processor
5.8 Data In/Data Out Connection
The Data In and Out connectors are used for connecting the ne24.24M to the Ashly WR-5 active wall remote
controller or RD-8C.
5.9 Factory Reset Switch
Factory reset is used to clear all user defined preset names and control values and reset them to their original
factory settings. Factory reset to the ne24.24M is accomplished by pressing and holding a recessed switch on the back
panel during power up. The switch is found in a small hole labelled “Reset”. There is a 10 second countdown in the
front panel LED display to indicate a factory reset is about to occur. Releasing the switch or shutting off power at any
time during the countdown will stop the factory reset from occurring. At the end of the countdown, the letters "Fr" flash
in the display for about 20 seconds until factory reset is complete. In addition to resetting all presets to factory default,
any password or security settings will be lost when a factory reset is performed.
5.10 AC Inlet and Power Switch
A detachable AC power cord is used on the ne24.24M. Since the internal universal power supply works from 90
to 240 VAC 50-60Hz, the only change necessary for use with a different AC mains connection is the appropriate AC
power cord. The AC power switch is found on the back of the unit.
6. EXPANSION MODULE INSTALLATION
The Ashly ne24.24M can be ordered from the factory with expansion modules pre-installed to suit the application,
or as a 4 x 4 base unit. Should the need arise to add input or output capacity at a later time, as well as logic output
function, additional modules can be purchased and easily installed in the field.
There are a total of four expansion slots available, and each slot accepts either an input, an output, or a logic
output module (GPO). The ne24.24M as well as Protea NE Software autodetect if a slot has been filled, and whether it
is an input, output, or logic output. The software interface automatically updates to reflect the current ne24.24M expansion slot configuration. The logic output expansion module can be installed into any slot, however only one logic output
module can be installed.
Please note that while field installation is not complicated, there is a risk of ESD (electrostatic discharge) damage
to circuit board components if the board is improperly handled.
To install an additional expansion module, refer the following procedure to a qualified service technician:
1.) Remove AC power cord from back of unit and place unit on grounded work surface.
2.) Remove the seven top cover screws and remove cover. Remove expansion slot covers from back panel.
3.) Discharge any personal static by touching a grounded object. Carefully remove the new expansion card and
flat cable from the ESD protective bag.
4.) Follow the instructions in the above drawing for installing expansion modules. Ashly recommends placing
input expansion modules starting with EXP1, and placing output expansion modules starting from EXP 4 and working
backwards. This way input and output channels are continuously numbered up from channel 1.
6.) In some cases it may be necessary to remove an existing expansion card before installing a new adjacent one.
Certain motherboard flatcable headers may be inaccessible with modules installed above them.
7.) Make sure all hardware is secure, then replace top cover.
For further information on expansion module assembly or proper ESD protection, please contact the Ashly service
department at 1-800-828-6308.
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