BBE DS48 User Manual
DIGITAL SPEAKER PROCESSOR
DS48
•User Guide
•Reference Manual
professional products
i
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
®
ii
CONTENTS
DS48 Features ……………………………………………………………………iv
1 Introduction ………………………………………………………………………v
2 What is a Speaker Management System? ……………………………………1
2.1 Crossover ……………………………………………………………………1
2.2 Equalization …………………………………………………………………1
2.3 Delay ………………………………………………………………………1
2.4 High Pass and Low Pass Filters …………………………………………1
2.5 Limiting ………………………………………………………………………1
2.6 Signal Distribution……………………………………………………………1
3 Front Panel ………………………………………………………………………2
4 Rear Panel ………………………………………………………………………3
5 Quickstart ………………………………………………………………………4
6 Installation ………………………………………………………………………6
6.1 Rack Mounting ………………………………………………………………6
6.2 Connectors……………………………………………………………………6
7 Operation ………………………………………………………………………7
7.1 Navigating Front Panel Controls …………………………………………7
7.1.1 Hints for Operation ………………………………………………7
7.2 Submenus ……………………………………………………………………8
7.2.1.1 Crossover Submenu ……………………………………………8
7.2.1.2 Load a Xover ……………………………………………………8
7.2.1.3 Design a Xover …………………………………………………8
7.2.1.4 Store a Xover ……………………………………………………8
7.2.1.5 Erase a Xover ……………………………………………………8
7.3 Security Submenu …………………………………………………………8
7.4 Subsystem Submenu ………………………………………………………9
7.5 Interface Submenu …………………………………………………………10
7.6 Parameter……………………………………………………………………10
7.6.1 Gain ………………………………………………………………10
7.6.1.1 Inputs ……………………………………………………………10
7.6.1.2 Outputs …………………………………………………………10
7.6.1.3 Polarity …………………………………………………………11
7.6.1.4 Delay ……………………………………………………………11
7.6.1.5 HPF ………………………………………………………………11
7.6.1.6 LPF ………………………………………………………………11
7.6.1.7 PEQ ………………………………………………………………12
7.6.1.8 Limiter ……………………………………………………………12
7.6.1.9 Name of channel ………………………………………………13
7.6.1.10 Input Signal ……………………………………………………13
7.6.1.11 Copy Output Data ……………………………………………13
7.7 DS48 BLOCK DIAGRAMS ………………………………………………14
8 Graphical User Interface (GUI)…………………………………………………19
8.1 MINIMUM SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS …………………………………19
Jump ahead to
quick start
8.2 INSTALLING SYSOMAX ON YOUR COMPUTER ………………………19
8.3 STARTING UP SYSOMAX…………………………………………………20
8.3.1 From the Start menu ……………………………………………20
8.3.2 From Windows Explorer or My Computer ……………………20
8.4 Navigating SYSOMAX ……………………………………………………20
8.4.1 Top Line Menu……………………………………………………21
8.5 Device Program Manage/Memory ………………………………………22
8.6 Lock Unit ……………………………………………………………………23
8.7 Help ……………………………………………………………………23
9 Creating a Program………………………………………………………………24
9.1 GAINS ……………………………………………………………………25
9.1.1 Input Signal Selection ……………………………………………25
9.1.2 Output ……………………………………………………………25
9.2 Delays ……………………………………………………………………26
9.3 Limiters ……………………………………………………………………26
9.4 Out 1, Out 2, etc. …………………………………………………………27
9.5 Crossover Filters……………………………………………………………27
9.6 Parametric Equalizers: ……………………………………………………29
10 SPECIFICATIONS ………………………………………………………………30
11 Service ……………………………………………………………………31
12 Warranty ……………………………………………………………………31
13 Maintenance ……………………………………………………………………32
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CONTENTS
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IMPORTANT! BEFORE YOU BEGIN, PLEASE CHECK THE CONTENTS WITHIN
THIS BOX TO INSURE THESE ITEMS ARE INCLUDED:
1. The BBE DS48 Digital Speaker Processor.
2. The BBE DS48 Digital Speaker Processor User’s Manual.
3. Power cord.
4. Warranty registration card.
5. Software Disc
6. DB-9 type serial cable for connection between unit and PC.
If any of these items are found to be damaged or missing, immediately contact
the BBE dealer you purchased it from. This manual will help you to effectively
utilize the BBE DS48. Reviewing the information contained in this manual will
answer most of the common questions that our service department receives.
If you still have questions, please feel free to call 800-233-8346.
iv
DS48 FEATURES
• 4 inputs 8 outputs and includes 10 configurations
• Choice of Operating and Crossover Modes: 4 X 2-way, 2 X 3-way + 2 Aux,
2 X 4-way, 1 X 5-way + 3 Aux, Mono Dist., Stereo Dist., LCRS w/Mono
Subs, 4 X 4 Processor, Muted/Flat Startup
• Input gain control for each channel
• Separate crossover controller
• 5 band fully parametric equalizer
• Driver Alignment Delay for each output up to 7ms in .1ms increments
• Output gain and phase control
• Three front panel encoders to speed programming
• Security lockout to discourage system tampering
• RS-232 remote control PC interface (Windows compatible software
included)
• Each group parametric equalizer has 360 ISO frequencies with + or 12dB gain
• Each group Q value is from 0.5 to 128 and provides Hi shelf/Lo shelf
select function.
• Separate limiter with Attack, Hold, Decay and Threshold parameters
• High Pass and Low Pass filter avail for each channel @ 6 or 12dB slope
• Choice of 6dB, 12dB,18dB, 24dB, 48dB Butterworth, Linkwitz-Riley or
Bessel frequency response curve
• Memory for up to 30 on-board user programs
• 8X7 bit input/output precision digital LED meter.
• 2X20 LCD backlit. LED Display
Crossovers
Parametric
Equalizers
Driver
Alignment
Delay
Speaker
Protection
limiter
10 user
memories
v
INTRODUCTION
®
Thank you for choosing the BBE DS48 Speaker Management System. This
product will enable you to obtain the best possible performance from your
loudspeaker system. You can also reduce the amount of outboard gear that
is required to transport, set-up and operate as part of the sound system.
The DS48 offers many powerful functions. It is highly recommended that you
read through this manual before you begin connection and operation. For
those that are familiar with this type of device or if you simply can't wait to
hear how good your system will sound, a Quick Start section follows on
pages 4-5.
SOME TERMS THAT WILL BE USED IN THIS MANUAL:
Configuration: This refers to a particular group of settings, with
the primary parameter being the crossover type.
Program: A program is a configuration with either the factory
default or a user-created name.
Configuration and Program may be used interchangeably, though
a configuration must be programmed for a program to exist.
Parameter: A component of a setting such as the center frequency of one band of parametric EQ or the attack time of a limiter.
WARNING!
To prevent possible speaker or
amplifier damage, always power-up peripheral
devices first, wait 10 seconds, and then turn on the
power amplifier. Turn off power amplifier first, then
power-down peripheral devices.
1
WHAT IS A SPEAKER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM?
A Speaker Management System uses digital signal processing to accomplish multiple functions that affect the audio signal between the mixer and
the power amplifiers. These functions include crossover, equalization,
delay, limiting, high-pass and low-pass filtering as well as signal distribution. Programs may be created, selected and edited with the DS48's front
panel controls. However, to create new programs, it is best to use the
included free PC software and configure the programs using the graphical
user interface (GUI) and a Windows PC.
2.1 Crossover:
This function uses filters to divide the audio spectrum into multiple bands, such as Highs,
Mids, and Lows. When these separate signals are individually amplified and sent to a
speaker matched for that range, the result is a much more efficient system with more
punch and clarity as compared to system using a two or three-way speaker box with a
passive cross-over. The common terms used for two or three-way systems are "bi-amp"
and "tri-amp".
2.2 Equalization:
This function provides control of the tonal spectrum. It can be used to compensate for differing acoustic conditions, speaker cabinet responses or boosting/cutting certain frequency ranges to create a specific type of sound. In some rooms, "ringing" or feedback is
present due to a number of conditions. Use the PEQ function to reduce the ringing frequencies.
2.3 Delay:
This function is used to "time-align" the different transducers in a speaker system. A
properly aligned system will have better phase coherence resulting in more focused
sound.
2.4 High Pass and Low Pass Filters:
These are used to reduce any signal outside of the desired bandwidth and are part of the
equalization function. This frees the power amps and speakers from trying to reproduce
signals that are not an intended part of the mix or simply beyond the reproduction range
of the loudspeakers.
2.5 Limiting:
This function prevents a signal from exceeding a certain pre-determined level. It prevents
input overload with its resultant distortion and also keeps amplifiers from clipping, which
protects the speakers.
2.6 Signal Distribution:
This allows the signals from each of the four inputs to be processed and sent to the corresponding output. The crossover function is not active when in this mode. An LCRS (Left,
Center, Right, SUB) mode is also available.
2
FRONT PANEL
®
1. LCD Display
The 2x20 backlit LCD displays the program and programming choices of the unit.
2. <BACK/NEXT> Buttons
These buttons allow navigation for selection of sub-menus and some parameter values.
3. Menu
This is one of two buttons that will access the front panel programming. This one is used
primarily to select which program to call up, edit or save.
4. Gain
This is one of two buttons that will access the front panel programming. This, along with
the <Back/Next> buttons accesses the various parameters of a program.
5. Enter
Hitting this button will write the current selection to memory.
6. Quit
This exits the programming menu and returns the display to showing the selected
program.
7. FREQ Encoder Knob
This acts as the main value selector dial for most parameters other than those associated with EQ, Q and EQ Gain.
8. Q Encoder Knob
This adjusts the Q of a selected equalizer band.
9. GAIN Encoder Knob
This adjusts the Gain levels of Inputs, Outputs and any selected equalizer band.
10. Input Meters
These display the levels of the four inputs. The seven LED lamps per display are in 6 dB
steps from –30dbV to –6dBV, then -3dBV, then Limit (0dBV), then Clip (+8 dBV)
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3
FRONT PANEL
1. Power Jack
This accepts a standard IEC type AC bayonet plug. Because the unit uses universal
switching power supply, no voltage selection is required.The ON/OFF power switch is also
located here.
2. RS232 Interface
Connect this to the serial port on a PC using the included cable or other standard DB-9
type cable. With the software installed, the PC can now monitor and program the DS48.
3. XLR Outputs 1-8
These are balanced (Pin 2 Hot) XLR outputs.
4. XLR Inputs A-D
These are balanced (Pin 2 Hot) XLR inputs that accept the signal from the outputs of the
mixer.
11. Output Meters
These display the levels of the eight output channels. The seven LED lamps per display
are in 6 dB steps from –30dbV to –6dBV, then -3dBV, then Limit (0dBV), then Clip (+8 dBV)
12. Output Mute Buttons
Pressing one of these buttons will mute the respective Output channel and the LED will
illuminate. All outputs will mute automatically during certain program selection and editing processes, to protect the loudspeakers
REAR PANEL
4
QUICK START
®
NOTE: This section will describe navigation of the front panel controls as follows:
The button to press will be shown in ALL CAPITALS. For QUICK START, a number following in
parentheses (#) will also be included. These refer to the same names and numbers as shown
in Figure 1, Front Panel Controls and Indicators. The expected display text is shown in "quotation marks". If you press a button and the display does not change, it means that the button has no effect for that particular menu item.
If you get to a certain point in the menu and want to go back, but cannot, press QUIT (6) and
begin the steps again. This is normal for the unit.
1. Before hooking up the system, make sure that all items are OFF, especially the power amps.
2. Use high quality balanced XLR mic cables to make the connections. The feeds from the DS48 at "front of
house" can also be sent through the audio snake returns to the amp stacks if used in a live setting.
3. You should know the frequency response and limits of your loudspeakers
4. Connect the main output or outputs of your mixer to the inputs of the DS48.
5. Depending on the configuration you select, connect the appropriate number of outputs from the DS48 to your
power amp inputs.
6. Turn on the DS48.
7. After a brief start up, the display will show "2 x 2 WAY X-OVER"
8. Press MENU (3).
Press ENTER (5).
Press NEXT (2) "Design a Xover"
9. Press ENTER (5).
Select the crossover mode desired with the BACK/NEXT (2) buttons. After selection, Press ENTER (5).
5
QUICK START
Depending on the mode selected, other options will appear for this level of the menu, primarily
concerned with input and output assignments. Some assignments are fixed with the crossover
type selected. Only those assignments that can be selected will show on the display. Either the
BACK/NEXT (2) buttons or the Parameter dial will work for stepping through the selections.
10. Press GAIN (4). Set the gain for Input A with gain knob (9).
Press NEXT (2) and set the gain for Input B with gain knob (9).
Repeat procedure to set gain for outputs C & D.
Gain value is selected with the GAIN knob (9).
After setting all gains, press NEXT (2) again.
11. You are now in the Output programming section. Depending on the configuration selected, the different out-
puts will show in the upper left corner of the display as OP1, OP2, etc. You can select an output and then
step through the parameters of with the BACK/NEXT (2) buttons OR use the GAIN (4) button to step through
the outputs, changing the same parameter for each output as it is displayed and cycle through the outputs
for each parameter.
12. In the PEQ screen, the ENTER (6) button is used to toggle between
PEQ
“✧”,
Low Shelf
“}”,
Hi Shelf “{“, and
Bypass “=”
13. After completion of the patching and programming, power up the rest of the system and enjoy improved
sound quality.
14. Practice “safe sound”.
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6
INSTALLATION
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Your DS48 was carefully packed at the factory and the packaging was
designed to protect the unit from rough handling. Nevertheless, we recommend that you carefully examine the packaging and its contents for any
signs of physical damage that may have occurred in transit.
6.1 RACK MOUNTING
The DS48 fits into one standard 19” rack unit of space. Please allow at least an additional 4” depth for the connectors on the back panel. Though this device does not generate
significant heat, be sure that there is enough air space around the unit for cooling. To
avoid overheating, do not place the DS48 in rack above devices that generate significant
heat such as power amplifiers.
6.2 CONNECTORS
The DS48 must be installed using standard 3 –pin type XLR jacks. Although the inputs are
fully balanced, the automatic servo-functions allow them to operate with unbalanced
source/loads. Audio outputs also use XLR jacks.
PIN 1 = Ground
PIN 2 = HOT (+)
PIN 3 = COLD (-)
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