Biamp AudiaSOLO, Audia, AudiaFLEX Operation Manual

Download

Page 1

(printable Help file)

Page 2

October 18, 2004

Page 3

Table of Contents

Introduction 5

Overview ..........................................................................................................5

Architect's & Engineer's Specifications ............................................................7

Documentation .................................................................................................9

Software Tools 10

Basic Screen Elements ..................................................................................10

Layout ............................................................................................................11

Bird's Eye View ..............................................................................................12

Processing Library .........................................................................................12

Object Toolbar................................................................................................13

Format Toolbar...............................................................................................13

Layout Toolbar ...............................................................................................16

Network Toolbar.............................................................................................23

Standard Toolbar ...........................................................................................26

Main Menus....................................................................................................28

File Menu .................................................................................................29

Edit Menu.................................................................................................30

View Menu ...............................................................................................31

Processing Library Menu.........................................................................32

Presets Menu ..........................................................................................32

Custom Blocks Menu...............................................................................34

Tools Menu ..............................................................................................36

Layout Menu ............................................................................................43

Window Menu ..........................................................................................45

Help Menu ...............................................................................................45

Status Bar ......................................................................................................45

Component Objects 46

Input Output ...................................................................................................46

Mixers.............................................................................................................57

Equalizers ......................................................................................................61

Filters .............................................................................................................65

Crossovers .....................................................................................................68

Dynamics .......................................................................................................71

Routers...........................................................................................................76

Delays ............................................................................................................77

Controls..........................................................................................................78

Meters ............................................................................................................90

Generators .....................................................................................................92

Diagnostics.....................................................................................................93

Specialty.........................................................................................................94

Page 4

System Design 97

Placing Component Objects ..........................................................................97

Arranging Component Objects.......................................................................97

Connecting Component Objects ....................................................................97

Component Object Properties........................................................................98

Customizing Component Objects ..................................................................98

Object and Layout Text..................................................................................99

System Compiling Considerations .................................................................99

Channel Number Assignments ....................................................................100

Compile Error Messages .............................................................................101

System Network Considerations..................................................................109

Applications ..................................................................................................110

Hardware 110

Hardware Overview......................................................................................110

Input/Output Expanders ...............................................................................113

System Connections ....................................................................................115

System Control 116

Software User Interface ...............................................................................116

Remote Control Bus.....................................................................................117

Third-Party Control.......................................................................................118

RS-232 and Telnet Protocol.........................................................................119

Page 5

Introduction

Overview

Audia

is a Digital Audio Platform, which provides distributed digital audio, signal processing, and control.

Audia is a networkable, decentralized audio system, which is easy to configure & program.

Audia allows the installer to quickly & accurately define the exact sound system required for each job.

Audia is software programmable, easily expandable, and remotely controllable.

Audia utilizes both CobraNet™ and Ethernet for enhanced system networking and control.

Audia is a completely customizable, yet cost-effective, solution for sound system design.

Audia is covered by a five-year warranty.

ALGORITHMS

• Mixers: standard, automatic, matrix, combiners

• Equalizers: graphic & parametric

• Filters: HPF, LPF, high shelving, low shelving, all-pass

• Crossovers: 2-way, 3-way, 4-way

• Dynamics: levelers, comp/limiters, duckers, gates, ambient noise compensators

• Routers: 2x4 to 56x56

• Delays: 0 to 2,000 mS

• Controls: levels, mutes, presets, remotes, logic, command strings

• Meters: signal present, peak reading, RMS reading

• Generators: single tone, sweep, pink-noise, white-noise

• Diagnostics: transfer function

Page 6

HARDWARE:

• 24-bit A/D & D/A converters

• Six 60 MHz 32-bit floating point Analog Devices SHARC DSPs (360 MFLOPS)

• 80 MHz 32-bit Motorola Power PC host processor

• 32 Mbytes SDRAM

• 8 Mbytes Flash ROM

• Ethernet communications for software control and configuration

• Support of TCP/IP, UDP and ICMP (ping) networking standards

• Battery backed real-time clock and calendar

• Powered Remote Control Bus for easy addition of AUDIA control devices; touch screens, rotary

encoders, and contact switches

• RS-232 serial port for simple connection to 3rd party control devices

• Internal 80 watt universal switching power supply

• Multiple analog I/O configurations

• Mic/Line inputs with programmable mic preamp (0dB to ~ +66dB gain)

• Optional CobraNet interface supporting 64 channels of digital audio (32 in/32 out) over Fast Ethernet

• Compatible with all other CobraNet compliant devices

• Works with standard Ethernet switches

• Multiple system-wide presets and current settings stored in flash memory

• Layout drawing information stored in flash memory

SOFTWARE:

• Win32 application - Windows 2000/XP operating system required

• Fully dockable Menu and Toolbar support

• Birdseye viewer for easy panning and zooming of large layout files

• Fully customizable Processing Library bar for storing default and custom DSP objects

• Workspace state saved at program shutdown, including current documents, Toolbar, Catalog & Birdseye

viewer states

• User configurable data file and Processing Library catalog

• Simple object attribute control: colors, line widths, hatching, text font, size, style & alignment, border

widths, etc.

• Multiple simultaneous line (wire) drawing with no special editing modes required

• Special text block object to enter freeform text and label information

• Easy-to-use tools for object alignment, sizing, packing, spacing & centering

• Fully supported object drag-and-drop between Catalog and view, and between views

• Fully supported multiple layers within a drawing

• Support of Clipboard operation

• Programmable presets

• Export file types: DXF (drawing interchange format) & EMF (enhanced meta files)

Page 7

Architect's & Engineer's Specifications

AUDIA® Digital Audio Platform

ARCHITECT'S & ENGINEER'S SPECIFICATION

The Digital Audio Platform shall be available in three hardware configurations: 8-in/8-out (8x8); 12-in/4-out (12x4); and 4-in/12-out (4x12). Inputs and outputs shall be analog, with internal 24-bit A/D & D/A converters operating at a sample rate of 48kHz. All internal processing shall be digital (DSP). Electronically balanced inputs and outputs shall be provided on plug-in barrier-strip connectors. Inputs shall be individually programmable to accept either microphone or line level signals. The 12x4 configuration shall allow inputs 11 & 12 to be set for mono summing of unbalanced stereo line level signals. Outputs shall normally provide line level signals, however, the 4x12 configuration shall allow outputs 1~4 to be individually programmed to provide microphone level signals. Each hardware configuration shall include six 60MHz 32-bit floating point SHARC DSPs, an 80MHz 32-bit Power PC host processor, 32MB SDRAM, and 8MB Flash ROM. Software shall be provided for creating/connecting DSP system components within each hardware unit. Available system components shall include (but not be limited to) various forms of: mixers, equalizers, filters, crossovers, dynamics/gain controls, routers, delays, level controls, level meters, and tone generators. Ethernet communications shall be utilized for software control, configuration, and DSP sharing. CobraNet™ technology shall transport digital audio over fast Ethernet, allowing multiple units to share digital audio. After initial programming, systems may be controlled using either TCP/IP or RS-232 serial communication by third party control systems such as AMX Each hardware configuration shall be available with CobraNet™ (for multi-unit network applications) or without CobraNet™ (for stand-alone applications). Multi-unit network applications require an external 10/100Base-T Ethernet switch. All CobraNet™ & Ethernet connections shall be via CAT5 cable or fiberoptic. Software shall operate on a PC computer, with network card installed, running Windows The Digital Audio Platform shall be AUDIA

2000/XP.

AudiaSOLO Digital Audio Platform

ARCHITECT'S & ENGINEER'S SPECIFICATION

The Digital Audio Platform shall be available in three hardware configurations: 8-in/8-out (8x8); 12-in/4-out (12x4); and 4-in/12-out (4x12). Inputs and outputs shall be analog, with internal 24-bit A/D & D/A converters operating at a sample rate of 48kHz. All internal processing shall be digital (DSP). Electronically balanced inputs and outputs shall be provided on plug-in barrier-strip connectors. Inputs shall be individually programmable to accept either microphone or line level signals. The 12x4 configuration shall allow inputs 11 & 12 to be set for mono summing of unbalanced stereo line level signals. Outputs shall normally provide line level signals, however, the 4x12 configuration shall allow outputs 1~4 to be individually programmed to provide microphone level signals. Each hardware configuration shall include six 60MHz 32-bit floating point DSPs, an 80MHz 32-bit host processor, 32MB SDRAM, and 8MB Flash ROM. Software shall be provided for creating/connecting DSP system components within each hardware unit. Available system components shall include (but not be limited to) various forms of: mixers, equalizers, filters, crossovers, dynamics/gain controls, routers, delays, remote controls, meters, generators, and diagnostics. Ethernet communications shall be utilized for software control and configuration. After initial programming, systems may be controlled using either TCP/IP or RS-232 serial communication by third party control systems (such as AMX

and Crestron®), by PC computer, and/or by dedicated remote control devices. Software shall operate on a PC computer, with network card installed, running Windows® 2000/XP. The Digital Audio Platform shall be AudiaSOLO.

and Crestron®.

Page 8

AudiaFLEX Digital Audio Platform

ARCHITECT'S & ENGINEER'S SPECIFICATION

The Digital Audio Platform shall be available in various I/O configurations. Inputs and outputs shall be specified by pairs, in any combination, up to a total of 24. Inputs and outputs shall be analog, with internal 24-bit A/D & D/A converters operating at a sample rate of 48kHz. All internal processing shall be digital (DSP). Electronically balanced inputs and outputs shall be provided on plug-in barrier-strip connectors. Inputs and outputs shall be individually programmable for either microphone or line level signal. Each hardware configuration shall include six 60MHz 32-bit floating point DSPs, an 80MHz 32-bit host processor, 32MB SDRAM, and 8MB Flash ROM. Software shall be provided for creating/connecting DSP system components within each hardware unit. Available system components shall include (but not be limited to) various forms of: mixers, equalizers, filters, crossovers, dynamics/gain controls, routers, delays, remote controls, meters, generators, and diagnostics. Ethernet communications shall be utilized for software control, configuration, and DSP distribution. Each hardware configuration shall be available with CobraNet™ (for multi-unit network applications) or without CobraNet (for standalone applications). CobraNet technology shall transport digital audio over fast Ethernet, allowing multiple units to share digital audio. Multi-unit network applications shall require an external 10/100Base-T Ethernet switch. All CobraNet and Ethernet connections shall be via CAT5 cable or fiber-optic. After initial programming, systems may be controlled using either TCP/IP or RS232 serial communication by third party control systems (such as AMX Crestron

), by PC computer, and/or by dedicated remote control devices.

and

Software shall operate on a PC computer, with network card installed, running Windows® 2000/XP. The Digital Audio Platform shall be AudiaFLEX.

AudiaEXPI Input Expander

ARCHITECT'S & ENGINEER'S SPECIFICATION

The Input Expander shall provide eight mic/line analog audio inputs on rear panel plug-in barrier strip connectors. Front panel level controls and peak indicators shall be provided for adjustment of the analog audio input signals. Internal analog-to-digital signal conversion shall be 24-bit, with a sample rate of 48kHz. Eight channels of digital audio output shall be provided via CobraNet, on two rear panel RJ45 connectors. A rotary encoder and LCD screen shall be provided on the front panel for programming and setup. The Input Expander shall be represented as a functional block within AUDIA™ software, for easy inclusion into system designs. The Input Expander shall also be capable of providing additional analog audio inputs to other CobraNet compliant systems or devices. The Input Expander shall be CE marked, include a UL listed power source, and carry a five-year warranty. The Input Expander shall be AudiaEXPI.

AudiaEXPO Output Expander

ARCHITECT'S & ENGINEER'S SPECIFICATION

The Output Expander shall provide eight channels of digital audio input via CobraNet, on two rear panel RJ45 connectors. Internal digital-to-analog signal conversion shall be 24-bit, with a sample rate of 48kHz. Eight line-level analog audio outputs shall be provided on rear panel plug-in barrier strip connectors. Front panel level controls shall be provided for adjustment of the analog audio output signals. A rotary encoder and LCD screen shall be provided on the front panel for programming and setup. The Output Expander shall be represented as a functional block within AUDIA™ software, for easy inclusion into system designs. The Output Expander shall also be capable of providing additional analog audio outputs from other CobraNet compliant systems or devices. The Output Expander shall be CE marked, include a UL listed power source, and carry a five-year warranty. The Output Expander shall be AudiaEXPO.

Page 9

AudiaEXPI-D Digital Input Expander

ARCHITECT'S & ENGINEER'S SPECIFICATION

The Digital Input Expander shall provide four pairs of AES3 transformer coupled digital audio inputs on XLR connectors. Two of these pairs shall be selectable instead as SPDIF inputs on RCA connectors and the other two pairs shall be selectable instead as TOSLINK inputs. Eight channels of digital audio output shall be provided via CobraNet, on two rear panel RJ45 connectors. A word clock output shall be provided on BNC connector. A rotary encoder and LCD screen shall be provided on the front panel for programming and setup. Logic Inputs shall be provided for recalling preset configurations. The Digital Input Expander shall be represented as a functional block within AUDIA® software, for easy inclusion into system designs. The Digital Input Expander shall also be capable of providing digital audio inputs to other CobraNet compliant systems or devices. The Digital Input Expander shall be CE marked, include a UL listed power source, and carry a five-year warranty. The Digital Input Expander shall be AudiaEXPI-D.

AudiaEXPO-D Digital Output Expander

ARCHITECT'S & ENGINEER'S SPECIFICATION

The Digital Output Expander shall provide eight channels of digital audio input via CobraNet, on two rear panel RJ45 connectors. Four pairs of AES3 transformer coupled digital audio outputs shall be provided on XLR connectors. Two of these pairs shall be available also as SPDIF outputs on RCA connectors, and the other two pairs shall be available also as TOSLINK outputs. A word clock output shall be provided on BNC connector. A rotary encoder and LCD screen shall be provided on the front panel for programming and setup. Logic Inputs shall be provided for recalling preset configurations. The Digital Output Expander shall be represented as a functional block within AUDIA® software, for easy inclusion into system designs. The Digital Output Expander shall also be capable of providing digital audio outputs from other CobraNet compliant systems or devices. The Output Expander shall be CE marked, include a UL listed power source, and carry a five-year warranty. The Digital Output Expander shall be AudiaEXPO-D.

Documentation

The information contained in this Help file can be printed in manual form (with Table of Contents and Index). Two PDF intended for printing on Letter (8.5" x 11") size paper. The file AUDIA-A4.pdf is intended for printing on A4 (210mm x 297mm) size paper. These are printable Help files. Similar PDF files are also available on the software CD-ROM, for the 'RS-232 & Telnet Protocol' and the 'Quick Start Guide & Safety Information' documents.

documents are provided on the software CD-ROM for this purpose. The file AUDIA.pdf is

Page 10

Software Tools

Basic Screen Elements

The main screen of the Audia the main screen, at the lower-right. This is the area where system design actually occurs, with the placement & connection of Component Objects. Component Objects represent the individual audio devices (processing blocks) within the system. Other objects include Lines (for connecting components) and Text (for labeling the system). If a system becomes too big to fit the Layout, a Bird's Eye View is available to aid navigation. A Processing Library of available Component Objects is displayed, at the lower-left of the main screen, for drag & drop placement into the Layout. However, the Processing Library can be closed, increasing the width of the Layout, and Component Object selection can then be accomplished using the Object Toolbar, located directly above the Layout. The Object Toolbar also provides the option of either a select or a text cursor. Above the Object Toolbar is the Format Toolbar, which allows customizing of text & colors used in the Layout and associated objects. Above the Format Toolbar is the Layout Toolbar, which affects certain aspects of Layout, such as the grid, rulers, zooming, & alignment of Component Objects. The Layout Toolbar can also open editing/information sheets for properties, objects, & layers. Above the Layout Toolbar is the Network Toolbar, with functions related to communications, configuration, maintenance, and testing of the system network. Above the Network Toolbar is the Standard Toolbar, with file functions such as new, open, & save, plus additional functions such as cut, copy, paste, print, & help. The Standard Toolbar also includes the Compile function, which will generate a new configuration file, while checking system layout/connections & determining DSP resource allocation. Above the Standard Toolbar are the Main Menus, which provides all of the toolbar functions mentioned above, with several more in-depth editing functions. Along the bottom edge of the main screen is a Status Bar, which gives indication of object quantity, location, & size, as well as layer name, visibility, & locking. The location and shape of all toolbars, including the Processing Library, may be changed to fit the user's preference.

software has several sections. The Layout occupies the largest portion of

Page 11

Layout

The Layout occupies the largest portion of the main screen, at the lower-right. This is the area where system design actually occurs, with the placement & connection of Component Objects. Component Objects represent the individual audio devices (processing blocks) within the system. Other objects include Lines (for connecting components) and Text (for labeling the system). Component objects can be placed into the Layout from the Processing Library, the Object Toolbar, or the Processing Library Menu. The Layout has fixed dimensions of 16384x16384 pixels (approx. 163.75" square). Therefore, horizontal & vertical scroll bars are used to navigate within the Layout. Zoom In/Out and a Bird's Eye View are also available as navigational aids, and can be accessed from the Layout Toolbar or View Menu. The Ruler and Grid may be turned on/off from the Layout Toolbar, and the background color of the Layout may be changed from the Format Toolbar. Grid Settings, such as snap-to-grid, grid spacing, and guideline spacing, are available from the Layout Menu. Minimize, Down-Size, and Close buttons for the Layout are located in the upper-right corner of the main screen. Right-clicking over the Layout provides a pop-up menu of options.

Page 12

Bird's Eye View

Processing Library

The Bird's Eye View provides a thumb-nail sketch of the entire system design, to aid navigation within the Layout. Bird's Eye View initially covers an area of only 8" x 5", but will automatically increase size to cover a larger system design. A black rectangle frames the viewable area. The rectangle may be dragged to view any location within the system design. The rectangle also has handles to re-size the viewable area, from a minimum of 4" x 2.5" to a maximum of 16" x 10".

A Processing Library of available Component Objects is displayed, at the lower-left of the main screen. The Component Objects are organized in the following categories: Input Output; Mixers;

Equalizers; Filters; Crossovers; Dynamics; Routers; Delays; Controls; Meters; Generators; and Diagnostics.

Once a category is selected, the pre-defined components available from that category will be displayed underneath the category heading. A vertical scroll bar will appear on the right if the available components cannot all be displayed. To place a Component Object, simply drag & drop it into the Layout at the desired location. Customized and grouped components may be added to the Processing Library (see Customizing Component Objects).

The Processing Library may be closed, thereby increasing the width of the Layout, and components can instead be selected from the

Object Toolbar. The Object Toolbar also allows configuration of

some components as they are placed into the Layout.

To close the Processing Library, left-click on the 'X' in the upper-right corner. The Processing Library can again be opened by selecting any component category from the Processing Library Menu. The Processing Library can also be opened/closed from the View Menu.

Right-clicking over the Processing Library provides a pop-up menu of options. The location and shape of all toolbars, including the Processing Library, may be changed to fit the user's preference.

Page 13

Object Toolbar

The Object Toolbar, located directly above the Layout, allows Component Object selection for placement into the Layout. The Component Objects are organized in the following categories: Input Output; Mixers;

Equalizers; Filters; Crossovers; Dynamics; Routers; Delays; Controls; Meters; Generators; Diagnostics;

and Specialty.

Each category is represented by an icon, with a drop-down menu to the right. To place a Component Object, first choose the appropriate category, then select the desired component from the drop-down menu. Once the component has been selected, simply left-click at the desired location on the Layout. Left-clicking a category icon will select the component which occurs first in the menu list. When using the Object Toolbar to place components into the Layout, certain components will present the user with a pop-up window of configuration options.

The Object Toolbar also provides the option of either a select cursor or a text cursor. The select cursor is for component selection, placement, wiring, etc. The text cursor is for placing Text Objects into the Layout, for system design labeling purposes.

When using the Object Toolbar, the Processing Library may be closed, increasing the width of the Layout. The Object Toolbar may be opened/closed from the View Menu. The location and shape of all toolbars may be changed to fit the user's preference.

Format Toolbar

The Format Toolbar allows customization of text & colors used in the Layout and associated Component, Line, & Text Objects. The available tools are: Font; Size; Bold; Italics; Align Left; Center; Align Right;

Back Color; Text Color; Fore Color; Hilite Color; Pen Width; and Hatch Style. The Format Toolbar may

be opened/closed from the View Menu. The location and shape of all toolbars may be changed to fit the user's preference.

Tools

Font

Provides a drop-down menu of lettering styles

for use in Component or Text Objects.

Size

Provides a drop-down menu of lettering sizes

for use in Component or Text Objects.

Page 14

Bold

Changes the selected text to a thicker

version of the chosen font.

Italic

Changes the selected text to an italicized

version of the chosen font.

Align Left

Aligns the selected text to the left margin

of the Component or Text Object.

Center

Centers the selected text between the left and

right margins of the Component or Text Object.

Align Right

Aligns the selected text to the right margin

of the Component or Text Object.

Back Color

Provides a drop-down menu for changing the background

color of the Layout, or of selected Component or Text Objects.

Left-clicking the icon applies the color which was selected last.

Page 15

Text Color

Provides a drop-down menu for changing the text color

in selected Component or Text Objects.

Left-clicking the icon applies the color which was selected last.

Fore Color

Provides a drop-down menu for changing the color of the lower

and right borders, as well as any internal Hatching, of the

selected Component, Line, or Text Objects.

Left-clicking the icon applies the color which was selected last.

Hilite Color

Provides a drop-down menu for changing the color of the upper

and left borders of the selected Component or Text Objects.

Left-clicking the icon applies the color which was selected last.

Pen Width

Provides a drop-down menu for changing the width of line used

for the borders of the selected Component, Line, or Text Objects.

Left-clicking the icon applies the width which was selected last.

Hatch Style

Provides a drop-down menu for changing the hatching

style within the selected Component or Text Objects.

Left-clicking the icon applies the style which was selected last.

Page 16

Layout Toolbar

The Layout Toolbar affects certain aspects of Layout, such as the grid, rulers, zooming, & alignment of Component Objects. The Layout Toolbar can also open editing/information sheets for properties, objects, & layers. The available tools are: Property Sheet; Object Inspector; Layers Sheet; Toggle Grid; Toggle

Ruler; Bird's Eye View; Zoom In; Zoom Out; Zoom 1:1; Zoom Level; Pack Objects; Align Edges; Center In View; Space; Make Same Size; and To Front Or Back. The Layout Toolbar may be

opened/closed from the View Menu. The location and shape of all toolbars may be changed to fit the user's preference.

Tools

Property Sheet

Provides an editable table of attributes regarding the

Layout and its associated objects. Only Display Attributes

are shown for the Layout (and Lines). Both Display and

DSP Attributes are shown for Component Objects.

see Layout Property Sheet

see Line Property Sheet

see Object Property Sheet

Page 17

Layout Property Sheet

Provides an editable table of attributes regarding the Layout. Only Display Attributes are shown for the Layout. Most Display Attributes duplicate functions found in the

Format Toolbar However, some exceptions are

as follows:

PrintScale is entered as decimal information, where 0.5 = 50% or 2.0 = 200%. ViewLayers opens the Layers Sheet. Tag is for user comments or other identifying text.

The thumb-tack (upper-left) allows the Property Sheet to remain open while selecting other objects. 1By1 (upper-right) allows any group of selected components (multi-selection) to appear on the menu.

Line Property Sheet

Only Display Attributes are shown for Lines (component connections). Most Display Attributes duplicate functions found in the

Format Toolbar. However, some exceptions

are as follows:

Object Code is a non-editable identifier. Layer determines which layer the Line is assigned to. Tag is for user comments or other identifying text.

The thumb-tack (upper-left) allows the Property Sheet to remain open while selecting other objects. 1By1 (upper-right) allows any group of selected components (multi-selection) to appear on the menu.

Page 18

Object Property Sheet

Both Display and DSP Attributes are shown for component objects.

Most Display Attributes duplicate functions found in the Format Toolbar. However, some exceptions are as follows:

Object Code is a non-editable identifier. Left, Top, Width, & Height specify object location

and size (in pixels). Layer determines which layer the component is assigned to. Tag is for user comments or other identifying text.

Most DSP Attributes duplicate functions found in the individual component Control Dialog boxes (see Component Object Properties). However, some exceptions are as follows:

Allocated To Unit assigns the component (DSP block) to a particular unit in the system. Allocated To Gang assigns multiple components (DSP blocks) to a common 'gang', forcing them to be grouped into the same unit. Fixed In Unit prevents changes to Allocated To Unit and Allocated To Gang. Instance ID is the system-wide identifier number for the component (DSP block). Password Level selects either Designer or Technician access level, for individual components. Delay Equalization turns on/off compensation for propagation delay (Input Output components only). Internal Propagation Delay determines Delay Equalization for third-party converters (CobraNet I/O components only). See System

Compiling Considerations. Channel Identifier

allows labeling of the individual inputs/outputs on a component. On most component blocks, this labeling appears only when the cursor is over the associated node.

The thumb-tack (upper-left) allows the Property Sheet to remain open while selecting other objects. 1By1 (upper-right) allows any group of selected components (multi-selection) to appear on the menu.

Page 19

Object Inspector

Provides a list of all objects within the Layout, along with their Object Codes,

Text Labels, Unit numbers, and Instance ID numbers.

Layers Sheet

Provides an editable table of Layer properties. Layers can be used to separate a Layout into multiple parts. The Layers can be organized with regards to object types, system segments, or any other criteria. The Default Layer always remains, but other Layers may be created or removed, using

Add & Delete. Layers may be selected directly from the list. Up & Down change the position of a Layer in the list only

(Layers are not stacked, so this does not affect Tab Order or visual overlapping). All objects in a given Layer can be selected with Select. Added Layers can be given a custom Name. View turns on/off visibility of a Layer in the Layout.

NOTE: Components cannot be selected when the current Layer is invisible. Lock prevents a Layer from being

changed or selected. Lock & View may also be accessed by double-clicking on the corresponding icons within the list.

Page 20

Toggle Grid

Turns Layout Grid on/off.

Toggle Ruler

Turns Layout Ruler on/off.

Bird's Eye View

Turns Bird's Eye View on/off.

Zoom In

Increases magnification of Layout in 25% increments.

Zoom Out

Decreases magnification of Layout in 25% increments.

Zoom 1:1

Returns magnification of Layout to 100%.

Zoom Level

Provides a drop-down menu of available Zoom

magnifications (50% ~ 200% in 25% increments).

Page 21

Pack Objects

Provides a drop-down menu for packing selected objects next

to each other. The target location for packing left/right is the

top-most selected object. The target location for packing

top/bottom is the left-most selected object.

Left-clicking the icon applies the packing which was selected last.

Align Edges

Provides a drop-down menu for aligning the edges of selected

objects. The primary selected object (green handles) provides

the target edges for alignment.

Left-clicking the icon applies the alignment which was selected last.

Center In View

Provides a drop-down menu for centering the Layout view on the

selected objects.

Left-clicking the icon applies the centering which was selected last.

Page 22

Space

Provides a drop-down menu for evenly spacing selected objects. Spacing

is determined between the two most distantly spaced selected objects.

Left-clicking the icon applies the spacing which was selected last.

Make Same Size

Provides a drop-down menu for matching the dimensions of selected

objects. The primary selected object (green handles) provides the target

dimensions. Objects cannot be smaller than original size.

Left-clicking the icon applies the sizing which was selected last.

To Front Or Back

Provides a drop-down menu for changing the order in which overlapping

objects appear on the Layout. The selected object(s) will either move in

front of overlying objects, or will move behind underlying objects.

Left-clicking the icon applies the direction which was selected last.

Page 23

Network Toolbar

The Network Toolbar provides functions related to communications, configuration, maintenance, and testing of the system network (see System Network Considerations).

Network Toolbar function includes: Connect; Disconnect; Connect To System; Disconnect

From System; Send Configuration; Sync Data; Start Audio; Stop Audio; and Device Maintenance.

Tools

Connect

Establishes communication with, and provides a list of,

all Audia

dialog box (see System Network Considerations).

devices on the network. Opens System Connect

No system design data is transmitted or retrieved.

Disconnect

Ends communications with all Audia

See System Network Considerations.

devices on the network.

Connect To System

Establishes communication with, and retrieves data from, selected

Audia

box (see System Network Considerations). Password protection is

then available from the Tools Menu. When connected to a system,

Component Object Properties may be changed, but system design

(objects & connections) cannot.

systems on the network. Opens System Connect dialog

Page 24

Disconnect From System

Ends communications with selected Audia

network. See System Network Considerations. System design

data is retained in software after disconnect.

systems on the

Send Configuration

Transmits system design data to selected Audia

system. See System Network Considerations. Before data can be

transmitted, a system design file (.DAP) must first be opened, then

devices in the

connected to a system, and have

(see Device Maintenance). Send Configuration will

automatically Compile the system design, and reset the hardware

devices, before sending the new configuration.

Audia device IP addresses assigned

Sync Data

Re-synchronizes the software with all connected Audia

NOTE: An 'Auto-Update' feature now allows software to detect system changes,

and automatically re-synchronize with the devices where changes have occurred.

devices in the system.

Start Audio

Enables audio signal flow within the selected system. See

System Network Considerations. Start Audio is available

only after Send Configuration has been successfully performed.

Stop Audio

Disables audio signal flow within the selected system.

See System Network Considerations.

Page 25

Device Maintenance

Provides an editable table of network related settings for selected Audia

devices. Opens Device Maintenance dialog box. Device Maintenance settings

include Date/Time, IP Address, Description, Serial Number, Reset/Initialize,

Update Firmware, and Disconnect From Network. (See System Network Considerations.)

Device Maintenance Dialog Box

Device Information provides information (such as firmware version, input/output configuration, etc.)

regarding the selected device. Set Date/Time allows update of the internal real-time clock. Set IP Address assigns a device IP Address such as 192.168.1.X (where range of X = 1~254). The factory default IP Address is 192.168.1.101. However, IP Addresses cannot be duplicated, even in simple (Audia

only) networks, and must be carefully managed when network topology is more complex. Set Device Description allows the selected device to be given a descriptive name. Serial Port Setting selects the baud rate for RS-232 communications (default 38,400) and allows responses to ATP commands to be suppressed. Reset/Initialize clears all current system design data from the selected device. This happens automatically whenever a new system design file (.DAP) is uploaded (see Send Configuration). Update

Firmware uploads flash update files (.JAM) to the selected device.

Page 26

RCB Devices opens a list of devices connected to the Remote Control Bus of the selected Audia device. Identify Device causes indicators on the selected device to flash (for physical location). Set Device Description allows the selected device be given a custom name. Update Firmware allows future firmware

updates to be loaded into the selected device. The information in this list (including Serial #) is used to establish proper association between the external physical controls and their corresponding component counterparts in the layout (see Equipment Table).

Standard Toolbar

The Standard Toolbar provides file functions such as New, Open, & Save, plus additional functions such as Cut, Copy, Paste, Undo, Redo, Print, & Help. The Standard Toolbar also includes the Compile function, which will generate a new configuration file, while checking system layout/connections & determining DSP resource allocation. See File Menu and Edit Menu for more options.

Tools

New

Begins a new Audia

system design file (.DAP).

Open

Opens an existing Audia

system design file (.DAP).

Page 27

Save

Saves the current Audia

system design file (.DAP).

Compile

Provides system design analysis and calculates DSP processing requirements.

Makes initial determinations of quantity/type of Audia

CobraNet™ channel assignments, and allocation of DSP resources. Also

provides indication of system design errors. There are two compilation modes:

and Extended. Generally, in the Quick mode the compilation takes less time,

Quick

but it may not find the best solution or not find any solution. In the Extended mode,

the compiler performs more profound analysis of the system design and may find a

solution even if none was found in the Quick mode.

The Compile button on the Standard Toolbar normally launches the Quick mode by

default. If the Ctrl key is pressed when the Quick command is selected (from either

the Standard Toolbar or the File Menu) the Compiler is launched in Extended mode.

An Extended compilation will start automatically if a Quick compilation fails.

See System Compiling Considerations.

devices needed,

Cut

Removes the selected object(s) from the

Layout, and places them in the Clipboard.

Copy

Places a copy of the selected

object(s) into the Clipboard.

Paste

Places a copy of the object(s) from

the Clipboard into the Layout.

Page 28

Undo

Will undo last operation.

Redo

Will redo most recent Undo operation.

Opens a print dialog box, to adjust

printer settings and print the Layout.

Help

You're looking at it.

Main Menus

The Main Menus provide most of the toolbar functions mentioned previously, in Basic Screen Elements, as well as several more in-depth functions. Main Menus includes the following individual menus: File; Edit;

View; Processing Library; Presets; Custom Blocks; Tools; Layout; Window; and Help. Keyboard shortcuts

are shown on the menus, where applicable.

Page 29

File Menu

Export

Allows the Audia

formats. DXF format is for use with CAD programs.

EMF (Enhanced MetaFile) is for insertion as a picture into

documents such as Word & PowerPoint. DSP Data to Text

provides signal processing data in Text file format.

Closes and saves the current Audia

Save As

Saves the current Audia® system design file (.DAP),

Layout to be exported in different file

system design file.

with choice of directory location and file name.

Network

Most Network Menu items duplicate functions found in the

Network Toolbar, except for Send Control Dialog Layout Information,

which allows open (or minimized) control dialog box settings to be

updated/saved to the hardware device.

See Component Object Properties and Software User Interface.

Page 30

Print Preview

Previews printing results based on Print Setup.

Print Setup

Opens a print dialog box to adjust printer settings.

Recent File

Provides a list of recently saved files for convenient access.

Exit

Closes the Audia

Also provides prompt to save the current

Audia system design file if necessary.

If a file is open during Exit, that file will

automatically open at next session.

software program.

Edit Menu

Copy DSP Data

Places a copy of the DSP data from the selected object

into the Clipboard. DSP Data represents the current settings

of that Component Object. See Component Object Properties.

DSP Data can be copied from only one Component Object at a time.

NOTE: Software now supports Copy/Paste DSP Data between objects

which are of the same type, but which have different sized configurations.

Examples: 4x4 & 8x8 Matrix Mixers; 3-band & 5-band Parametric EQ.

Paste DSP Data

Places a copy of the DSP data from the Clipboard into the

selected Component Object. DSP Data represents the current

settings of that Component Object. See Component Object Properties.

DSP Data can be pasted simultaneously into multiple Component Objects.

NOTE: Software now supports Copy/Paste DSP Data between blocks

which are of the same type, but which have different sized configurations.

Examples: 4x4 & 8x8 Matrix Mixers; 3-band & 5-band Parametric EQ.

Page 31

Duplicate

Places a copy of the selected Component or Text Object directly

into the Layout. Duplicate also places a copy of the object into the

Clipboard. Duplicate works with only one object at a time.

Select All

Provides an easy way to select all objects on the Layout.

Also allows all objects of a specific type to be selected.

Delete

Removes the selected object(s) from the Layout,

without placing a copy into the Clipboard.

Control Dialog

Opens a Control Dialog box for the selected Component Object.

Control Dialog boxes provide a graphic means of displaying and

adjusting Component Object settings. See Component Object Properties.

View Menu

Toolbars provides a drop-down menu to turn on/off any of the toolbars

(see Basic Screen Elements). Status Bar, Ruler Bars, Zoom, & Bird's Eye Viewer

select those functions, as found on the Layout Toolbar.

Page 32

Processing Library Menu

Provides a list of Component Object categories from the

Processing Library. When a category is selected from the menu,

the Processing Library opens to that category automatically.

Presets Menu

Create/Edit/Recall

Provides the Create/Edit Preset dialog box, for creating, editing, saving, and recalling presets. Each preset can have a custom Preset Name, and will automatically be assigned a Preset ID number. A check-box is provided to assign the selected preset to be Set As Power-Up Default. This preset will automatically be recalled each time the system is powered up. A check-box is also provided to assign the selected preset to Mute Audio During Recall. If audio is not muted during recall, some processing noises may be audible. Component Objects (DSP Blocks) may be selected, and added or removed from any preset using the Add Sel, Add All, Rem Sel, and Rem All buttons. Therefore, presets may be customized to affect Component Objects individually, in groups, or as an entire system. Initially, all Component Objects in the Layout will be selected (included in the preset). Individually selected components become highlighted in the layout. Right-clicking the selected component allows it to be located in the layout and its control dialog to be opened. These features make it easy to change individual component settings within the preset being created/edited.

Page 33

A tab at the upper-right of the Create/Edit Preset dialog box provides additional functions. Next ID and Prev ID allow selection from a list of existing presets. Recall retrieves all settings stored in the selected preset. New selects the next available Preset ID, for creation of a new preset. Save will over-write the selected Preset ID with all changes, including Preset Name. Save As will write changes into the next available Preset ID. Delete will remove the selected preset from memory. Send will send all saved presets to the Audia devices in the system. NOTE: Be sure to use Recall before attempting to edit an

existing preset. Otherwise, the preset could be over-written with settings from a previous preset, and any settings made since it was recalled.

A tab at the lower-left of the Create/Edit Preset dialog box provides a list of existing presets. Left-clicking selects a preset. Double-clicking recalls a preset (as indicated by a green arrow to the left).

Recall

Provides the Recall Preset dialog box, for recalling existing presets. Recall Preset will retrieve all settings stored in the selected preset. Presets can also be recalled using components called Preset Buttons and

Remote Preset Buttons, which can be placed into the Layout from Controls on the Object Toolbar.

Page 34

Custom Blocks Menu

Multiple component objects may be merged into a single custom block.

Custom Blocks can simplify the design process by integrating frequently

used component combinations, and provide password protection for

intellectual property such as unique processing and component settings.

Create Custom Block Document

Create Custom Block Document opens a new DAP file, and a Create Custom DSP Block screen determines the quantities of audio and logic inputs/outputs necessary for the custom block. These quantities should match the combined totals from all components to be included in the custom block. Once quantities are selected, appropriate APT (Audio PassThrough) and LPT (Logic Pass-Through) blocks are placed into the layout. The desired components are then placed within, and connected to, the APT and LPT blocks. Components may be added individually, or copied as a group from a separate DAP file.

Certain components (such as Inputs/Outputs and Control Devices) cannot be placed within custom blocks. The number of components in a custom block is limited only by DSP resources available within a single hardware unit. Once the components are placed and connected, select Merge Into Custom Block from the menu.

Page 35

Merge Into Custom Block

Merge Into Custom Block checks for errors (such as inappropriate connections) as it packages the components into a single block. The resulting block can then be copied into the Processing Library (and named) for use in future DAP design files. The Custom Block DAP file should also be saved as a reference for subsequent modifications.

Control settings for each component within a Custom Block can be adjusted (see Component Object

Properties). Double-clicking a Custom Block in a design layout produces an Open Custom Block Control

Dialogs screen. Open Custom Block Control provides direct access to the control dialogs for selected components. View Custom Block Layout displays the individual components within the Custom Block, which can then be accessed normally. Control Settings are saved as part of the Custom Block DAP file.

Control settings also remain part of any Custom Block which has been copied into the Processing Library. These control settings may again be addressed once the Custom Block is placed into a new DAP design file. However, to prevent tampering with control settings, password protection may be added to a Custom Block via the Property Sheet. This option is available only while working in the Custom Block DAP file.

If components or connections within a merged Custom Block require modification, then select

Split Into Component Blocks from the menu.

Merge and Split operations are available only while working in the Custom Block DAP file.

Page 36

Split Into Component Blocks

Split Into Component Blocks allows additional component and connection changes to be made to a Custom Block. Merge and Split operations are available only while working in the Custom Block DAP file.

Tools Menu

Select any function from the menu shown below for more information

Passwords

Provides the Set Passwords dialog box, for establishing password protection in selected Audia® devices. Set Password allows up to four levels of protection, each with a unique password (6~16 characters). Designer level allows access to system configuration, component settings, storing/recalling presets, and password assignments. Technician level limits access to component settings and storing/recalling presets. User level limits access to recalling presets only. However, Level Control and Meter dialog boxes can be minimized for User access (see Customizing Component Objects). Guest level limits access strictly to connection and viewing only.

NOTE: You must first Send Configuration to a device before a Password can be assigned. Passwords cannot be assigned to non-configured devices or design layouts.

Page 37

Equipment Table

Provides an editable table of Audia® devices in the system design. Add and Remove can be used to manually change the hardware design. However, Compile will add devices if needed (but will not automatically remove unnecessary devices). The Equipment Table may be used to aid system design, by initially specifying desired hardware configurations. Serial # and Device Description Label appear only when connected to a system, at which time the Equipment Table becomes 'read-only' information. CN Latency allows the selection of reduced delay times, which are supported on newer CobraNet™ firmware versions. The default CobraNet Latency for new DAP files is 5.33mS (see Compile Options). Alternate choices of 2.67mS and 1.33mS are available (see System Network Considerations). CN Latency affects the creation of new DAP files, as well as the modification and recompilation of existing files/systems.

An I/O tab at the lower-left of the Equipment Table dialog box provides a list of input/output cards installed in the chassis listed above. For AudiaFLEX this will be a series of 2-channel input (IP2) and 2-channel output (OP2) cards (any combination up to a total of 24). For standard Audia and AudiaSOLO this will be a single card expressing the complete I/O configuration (8x8, 12x4, or 4x12).

An RCB tab at the lower-left of the Equipment Table dialog box provides an editable table of devices connected to the Remote Control Bus of the Audia devices in the system design. This table is used to establish proper association between external physical controls and their corresponding component counterparts in the layout. Each DevID (control component) should be matched to an appropriate Serial # (physical control). The DevID number can be found in the right corner of control component objects in the layout, when 'Display Device Assignment in DSP Block Info Field' is selected from Display Options. Serial # and Device Description information can be found for the physical controls using Device Maintenance.

Page 38

Layout Compile Results

Provides the most recent Compile results. This information may be viewed at any time.

Clicking on CobraNet Info provides a spreadsheet of CobraNet channels used in the system. The upper row and left column are the Audia unit IDs taken from the Equipment Table. 'Extern' denotes external CobraNet I/O devices of all types.

CobraNet Info is enabled via Compile Options.

Signal Path Identifier

Provides a temporary color-coded identification of all audio signal paths (Lines) which are associated with a selected Line Object. See example below, where the selected input is shown as being routed to four outputs. Signal Path Identifier is represented by a thin dashed red line. However, the Signal Path Identifier color may be changed in Display Options. When using Signal Path Identifier on a compiled design, propagation delay will appear in the Status Bar. Persistent Signal Path Identifier is available in Normal Mode (follows subsequent line selections), Locked Mode (remains on original line selection), or Off (temporary selection).

Page 39

Options

Allows global options to be selected, which affect software behavior. An Options dialog box appears, with three tabs: General; Display; Compile; and Network.

see General Options

see Display Options

see Compile Options

see Network Options

General Options

Allows Data Files (system designs) and Processing Libraries (Component Objects) to be saved to specified directory locations. Allows Save AutoRecover time to be adjusted or disabled. Allows most recent Component Object selection to be retained, for repeated placement into Layout. Allows Compressed File Format to be disabled. Allows Meter activity to be disabled (locked), to reduce network data traffic. Allows Preset Buttons to display identifier numbers, or simply the word 'Recall'. Allows Start Audio to be prompted, automatic, or manual when sending new configuration.

Page 40

Display Options

Allows DSP Blocks (Component Objects) to display Device Assignment or Group Assignment numbers, as determined by Compile. (Device Assignments can be changed in the Property Sheet.) A third option is to display DSP Resource Requirements, which indicates the block's DSP usage as a percentage of total DSP resources available within a single hardware unit. Allows color of Signal Path Identifier to be changed. Allows CobraNet™ Connections to be displayed, and color to be changed (see System Network

Considerations). Allows the default Grid to be applied when starting new design files.

Page 41

Compile Options

Allows Auto Device Add to be disabled, or Audia function in determining hardware requirements). See System Compiling Considerations. Allows Global Delay Equalization to be disabled system-wide (see System Compiling Considerations). Allows Local Delay Equalization to be enabled for I/O blocks which have Global Delay Equalization turned off (provides localized delay equalization for multi-input DSP blocks such as mixers). Allows automatic re-assignment of

Instance IDs during Compile or Send Configuration. Allows Compile function to be stopped if warning

occurs. Allows Device Assignments to be excluded from Paste DSP Data. Allows the Default CobraNet Latency for new files to be set for the Equipment Table. Allows CobraNet information to be accessed via the Layout Compile Results screen.

device type preference to be specified (guides Compile

Page 42

Network Options

Allows the user to choose which method is used to Connect to a network. UDP Broadcast is the default 'message' based routine, which looks for devices on a common network. TCP User Supplied Device List allows connection to a specified list of device IP addresses. This approach is 'communication' based, and allows the user the ability to: avoid firewall conflicts; create custom device lists; access multiple subnetworks; connect remotely via modem.

Default Network Interface Card allows selection of a specific network interface card (NIC), when multiple cards are available on the computer being used to run Audia software.

Page 43

Layout Menu

Most Layout Menu items duplicate functions found in the

Layout Toolbar. However, some exceptions are as follows:

Align Objects; Order; Objects; and Grid Settings.

Align Objects

Align Objects provides Vertical Center &

Horizontal Center functions, in addition to the

Align Edges functions found on the Layout Toolbar.

Order

Order provides Bring Forward & Send Backward

functions, in addition to the To Front Or Back

functions found on the Layout Toolbar.

Page 44

Object Sheet

Provides a list of all objects within the Layout. Normally, objects can be selected sequentially using the Tab key. The Object Sheet allows the order of this Tab selection to be changed. Objects may be selected directly from the list. When an object is selected, Up and Down change the Tab Order position of that object.

Grid Settings

Grid Settings allows the Layout Grid to be customized. Show Grid turns the Grid on/off. Snap To Grid forces the upper-left corner of objects to align with grid-marks. Snap To Center forces objects to center around grid-marks. Spacing determines the space between grid-marks (in pixels). Guidelines changes the location (in pixels) of the blue, dotted guidelines (initially found near the edges of the Layout).

Page 45

Window Menu

Multiple Layouts (system design files) may be open at the same

time. Only one Layout will be active at a time (as indicated by the title bar).

Layouts can be arranged on the display using the Window Menu.

Cascade overlays the Layouts in an hierarchy. Tile fits the Layouts within

the display. Close will close the active Layout. Close All will close all Layouts.

A list of open Layouts is provided for selection.

Help Menu

Provides Audia

Help Topics and About Audia information.

Status Bar

The Status Bar, along the bottom of the main screen, provides system information. The left side of the Status Bar (shown above) indicates system status, tool tips, or flash update information The right side of the Status Bar (shown below) indicates system/network connection status (with progress bar), device DSP usage, total number of objects, number of objects selected, Layer status, object location, and object size.

Page 46

Component Objects

Input Output

These Component Objects provide the audio inputs/outputs (I/O) to the system. Analog and CobraNet™ (digital) I/O are both available, allowing system designs to include A/D & D/A converters which have CobraNet™ capability. AEC Input components are available, for acoustic echo cancellation, and a Telephone Interface is available for conferencing. Input/Output components are available in pre-defined configurations, however, the configuration may be customized when being placed from the Object Toolbar.

Once a Component Object is placed into the Layout, all available settings can be accessed by doubleclicking over the object. This produces a Control Dialog Box, which displays the component controls in a more conventional user interface.

see Input Control Dialog

see Output Control Dialog

see CobraNet Input Control Dialog

see CobraNet Output Control Dialog

see Fixed 12-Channel Input Control Dialog

see Fixed 12-Channel Output Control Dialog

see AEC Input Control Dialog

see EXPI Control Dialog

see EXPO Control Dialog

see EXPI-D Control Dialog

see EXPO-D Control Dialog

see Telephone Interface Control Dialog

Right-clicking over the object provides a pop-up menu of options.

Page 47

Control Dialogs

Input

Device IO indicates which hardware input

is associated with that software channel. Gain In compensates for different input levels (mic or line), and should be set so Peak In flashes only occasionally (6dB headroom). Phan Pwr assigns +48 Volt phantom power to the input for condenser microphones. Mute In turns the input signal on/off. Level In adjusts the relative input volume. Invert In reverses the polarity of the input signal.

Right-clicking over certain settings will provide a menu of additional options.

If standard Audia or AudiaSOLO

hardware is being used, then stereo input

summing is available on 12x4 configurations (see Fixed 12-Channel

Input)

Output

Device IO indicates which hardware output is associated with that

software channel. Mute Out turns the output signal on/off. Level Out adjusts the relative output volume. Invert Out reverses the polarity of the output signal.

Right-clicking over certain settings will provide a menu of additional options.

When using AudiaFLEX hardware Attenuation check-box may be selected when placing an Output block into the Layout from the Object Toolbar With newer OP2e output cards, this allows the Full Scale Out reference level to be changed on individual outputs, from +24dBu to OdBu in 6dB steps, or -31dBu (mic level). NOTE: Earlier OP2 output cards support

only line or mic level output. Therefore, settings other than -31dBu (mic level) will result in a +24dBu (line level) output. If standard Audia or AudiaSOLO hardware is being used, then mic level output is selectable only on 4x12 configurations (see Fixed 12-Channel Output When using regular Output blocks with standard Audia or AudiaSOLO hardware, Enable Output Attenuation must remain un-checked, for the Compiler to consider such hardware.

, an Enable Output

Page 48

CobraNet Input

Adjust external signal source so Peak In flashes only occasionally (6dB headroom). Mute In turns the input signal on/off. Level In adjusts the relative input volume. Invert In reverses the polarity of the input signal.

CobraNet Bundle assigns digital audio data to a particular bundle number. CobraNet Bundle Numbers are used to match those of any external third-party CobraNet A/D converters being used in the system (see AudiaEXPI). Normally, 'unicast' bundles 256 ~ 61,439 are selectable. These are device specific bundles (for exchange of digital audio with only one other device). Multicast allows selection of bundles 1 ~ 255, which are not device specific (for exchange of digital audio with multiple devices). Enable turns on/off the exchange of CobraNet digital audio data from this device.

Note: CobraNet Input blocks now include an Internal Propagation

Delay field to assist in delay equalization of audio signals going

through third-party CobraNet output devices. The propagation delay through the Audia system, the CobraNet transmission delay (according to the currently selected CobraNet Latency) and the internal propagation delay in the third-party equipment will be correctly taken into account. takes into account the propagation delay through the Audia system (0.67 ms).

The "Default" setting for this field only

CobraNet Output

Right-clicking over certain settings will provide a menu of additional options.

Mute Out turns the output signal on/off. Level Out adjusts the relative output volume. Invert Out reverses the polarity of the output signal.

CobraNet Bundle assigns digital audio data to a particular bundle. CobraNet Bundle Numbers are used to match those of any external thirdparty CobraNet D/A converters being used in the system (see

AudiaEXPO). Normally, 'unicast' bundles 256 ~ 61,439 are selectable.

These are device specific bundles (for exchange of digital audio with only one other device). Multicast allows selection of bundles 1 ~ 255, which are not device specific (for exchange of digital audio with multiple devices). Enable turns on/off the exchange of CobraNet digital audio data from this device.

Note: CobraNet Output blocks now include an Internal Propagation

Delay field to assist in delay equalization of audio signals going through

third-party CobraNet input devices. The propagation delay through the Audia system, the CobraNet transmission delay (according to the currently selected CobraNet Latency) and the internal propagation delay in the third-party equipment will be correctly taken into account. "Default" setting for this field only takes into account the propagation dela through the Audia system (0.67 ms).

The

Right-clicking over certain settings will provide a menu of additional options.

Page 49

Fixed 12-Channel Input

If standard Audia

or AudiaSOLO hardware is being used, then stereo input summing is available on 12x4 configurations. However, to make use of this feature, a Fixed 12Channel Input block must be placed in the layout. This block contains all of the features normally found on an Input block, plus Sum L-R 11 and Sum L-R 12 buttons. These buttons allow each of Inputs 11 & 12 to accept an unbalanced stereo input signal, which is then summed into mono.

Page 50

Fixed 12-Channel Output

If standard Audia

or AudiaSOLO hardware is being used, then microphone level outputs are available on 4x12 configurations. However, to make use of this feature, a Fixed 12-Channel Output block must be placed in the layout. This block contains all of the features normally found on an Output block, plus Mic Lvl 1, Mic Lvl 2, Mic Lvl 3, and Mic Lvl 4 buttons. These buttons allow each of Outputs 1~4 to be set for either microphone level (-55dB) or line level (0dB).

Page 51

AEC Input

AEC Inputs provide acoustic echo cancellation and background noise reduction, and are available in pairs only as part of AudiaFLEX hardware. NOTE: Newer AEC2w inputs cards have a wider bandwidth (20kHz) than earlier AEC2 input cards (7kHz). For proper performance, AEC Inputs must be used in conjunction with Auto Mixer blocks. When placed into the Layout, AEC Inputs consist of two separate blocks. An AEC Input block represents the actual audio inputs, and an AEC Ref block provides the associated signal reference points. In conferencing applications, AEC Ref blocks should be connected as close as possible to outputs that contain 'far-end' signal only, and which include any signal processing applied for local sound reinforcement of that signal. This approach provides the most accurate reference. AEC Ref blocks should never be connected to paths containing signal from corresponding AEC Inputs.

In applications where only background noise reduction is desired, AEC can be turned off and no AEC Ref connection is required. Noise Reduction is intended for 'stationary' or steady-state background noises, such as from HVAC systems, fans, motors, or other mechanical devices.

Device IO indicates which hardware input is associated with that software channel. Gain In compensates for different input levels (mic or line), and should be set so Peak In flashes only occasionally (6dB headroom). Phan Pwr assigns +48 Volt phantom power to the input for condenser microphones. Mute In turns the input signal on/off. Level In adjusts the relative input volume. Invert In reverses the polarity of the input signal. AEC turns on/off acoustic echo cancellation. Noise Reduction In selects the amount of background noise reduction to be applied (6~15dB).

Right-clicking over certain settings will provide a menu of additional options.

With earlier AEC2 input cards, each channel has an AEC Advanced dialog box (when 'on-line'). NOTE:

Newer AEC2w input cards have no such Advanced dialog box. ERL (Echo Return Loss) shows the level

difference between a signal at the speaker output (AEC Ref) and that same signal as picked up at the mic (AEC Input). ERLE (Echo Return Loss Enhancement) indicates the amount of processing being applied on that channel. TER (Total Echo Reduction) shows the combined echo reduction achieved by acoustic damping (ERL) and signal processing (ERLE). Nonlinear Processing provides additional echo cancellation, for more challenging applications. However, increased Nonlinear Processing can also adversely affect full-duplex operation.

Page 52

EXPI

EXPI blocks are similar to CobraNet Input blocks, except they are designed for use with AudiaEXPI hardware specifically and, therefore, automatically allow for Internal Propagation Delay. CobraNet Input blocks may be used with AudiaEXPI hardware, but Internal Propagation Delay must be manually set (1.00mS).

Adjust AudiaEXPI input trim (gain) controls so that Peak In flashes only occasionally (6dB headroom). Mute In turns the input signal on/off. Level In adjusts the relative input volume. Invert In reverses the polarity of the input signal.

CobraNet Bundle assigns digital audio data to a particular bundle number. CobraNet Bundle Numbers are used to match those of the actual AudiaEXPI hardware being used in the system. Normally, 'unicast' bundles 256 ~ 61,439 are selectable. These are device specific bundles (for exchange of digital audio with only one other device). Multicast allows selection of bundles 1 ~ 255, which are not device specific (for exchange of digital audio with multiple devices). Enable turns on/off the exchange of CobraNet digital audio data from this device.

Right-clicking over certain settings will provide a menu of additional options.

EXPO

EXPO blocks are similar to CobraNet Output blocks, except they are designed for use with AudiaEXPO hardware specifically and, therefore, automatically allow for Internal Propagation Delay. CobraNet Output blocks may be used with AudiaEXPO hardware, but Internal Propagation Delay must be manually set (0.33mS).

Mute Out turns the output signal on/off. Level Out adjusts the relative output volume. Invert Out reverses the polarity of the output signal.

CobraNet Bundle assigns digital audio data to a particular bundle. CobraNet Bundle Numbers are used to match those of the actual AudiaEXPO hardware being used in the system. Normally, 'unicast' bundles 256 ~ 61,439 are selectable. These are device specific bundles (for exchange of digital audio with only one other device). Multicast allows selection of bundles 1 ~ 255, which are not device specific (for exchange of digital audio with multiple devices). Enable turns on/off the exchange of CobraNet digital audio data from this device.

Right-clicking over certain settings will provide a menu of additional options.

Page 53

EXPI-D

EXPI-D blocks are similar to CobraNet Input blocks, except they are designed for use with AudiaEXPI-D hardware specifically and, therefore, automatically allow for Internal Propagation Delay. CobraNet Input blocks may be used with AudiaEXPI-D hardware, but Internal Propagation Delay must be manually set (1.67mS).

Adjust external signal source so that Peak In flashes only occasionally (6dB headroom). Mute In turns the input signal on/off. Level In adjusts the relative input volume. Invert In reverses the polarity of the input signal.

Right-clicking over certain settings will provide a menu of additional options.

EXPO-D

EXPO-D blocks are similar to CobraNet Output blocks, except they are designed for use with AudiaEXPO-D hardware specifically and, therefore, automatically allow for Internal Propagation Delay. CobraNet Output blocks may be used with AudiaEXPO hardware, but Internal Propagation Delay must be manually set (0.00mS).

Mute Out turns the output signal on/off. Level Out adjusts the relative output volume. Invert Out reverses the polarity of the output signal.

Right-clicking over certain settings will provide a menu of additional options.

Page 54

Telephone Interface

Telephone Interfaces provide connection and control via standard analog telephone lines, and are available in pairs only as part of AudiaFLEX hardware. A Telephone Interface may consist of as many as five separate blocks, as determined during placement into the Layout via the Object Toolbar. Two primary blocks represent the audio Receive and Transmit functions. Three other control blocks may be added individually at any time, representing functions for Dialer, DTMF Decode, and Control/Status.

The Receive block provides an output mix of incoming audio and internal ring tone signals. Also, a Hook Switch (HS) control input node allows manual answering of incoming calls, and a Ring Indication (RI) control output node provides indication of incoming calls.

Double-clicking the Receive block produces a control dialog box.

Auto Answer selects the number of rings (or OFF) for automatic answering of incoming calls. Input provides level adjustment and muting of incoming audio signals. Ring provides level adjustment of the internal ring tone signals for incoming calls. Noise Suppression enables cancellation of telephone line noise.

Page 55

The Transmit block provides an input connection for outgoing audio signals.

Double-clicking the Transmit block produces a control dialog box.

Output provides level adjustment and muting of outgoing audio signals.

Double-clicking the Dialer block produces a control dialog box.

The Dialer block provides several control input nodes: nodes 1~16 trigger corresponding speed-dial numbers; Rdl triggers redial of last number; HF triggers hook flash; and DM selects pulse dial mode. A control output node (D) provides indication of dialing in progress.

Device IO indicates which hardware input is associated with that software channel. Keypad (1~#) allows number entry via computer mouse. A text box below the Keypad displays the number entry, and allows number entry via computer keyboard ("," = pause). Clear deletes the current number. Send dials the current number and becomes End for terminating the call. Tone/Pulse selects the dialing mode. Flash produces a hook flash on an active line. Identifier allows custom labeling for line identification. Last

Number Dialed displays the number for the previous outgoing call. Redial dials Last Number Dialed. Caller ID displays the number from the current (or last) incoming call. Idle changes to indicate call progress, while the adjacent LED indicates an active line. Buttons 1~16 initiate speed-dialing.

Page 56

Right-clicking over buttons 1~16 provides a dialog box for entering speed-dial numbers and labeling. Double-clicking over a previous entry will allow editing.

A Dialer control dialog box can be minimized to create a user control surface (see Customizing Component Objects).

The DTMF Decode block provides several control output nodes: nodes 1~D provide indication of corresponding DTMF tones; Any provides indication of any tones.

Double-clicking the DTMF Decode block produces a control dialog box. Device IO indicates which hardware input is associated with that software channel. DTMF Decode enables decoding. Decoded Data displays the characters associated with the tones.

The Control/Status block provides several control output nodes: HS indicates hook switch OFF condition; DTD indicates dial tone detected; BTD indicates busy tone detected; RTD indicates ring tone detected; LR indicates line ready (connected); LIU indicates line in use (by other extension); LI indicates line intrusion (by other extension); LF indicates line fault condition (may require service).

NOTES: Before compiling, a Country must be designated in the Receive protection of privacy, the Last Number Dialed and Caller ID displays (on the Dialer control dialog box) can be disabled via the Control/Status

Properties Sheet

block Properties Sheet. Sidetone Level can be set via the Dialer block

Double-clicking the Control/Status block produces a control dialog box. Device IO indicates which hardware input is associated with that software channel. Auto Disconnect allows automatic call termination when far-end hangs up. NOTE: Auto Disconnect reliability may be

affected by intermittent line interruptions or cellular calls. Line displays voltage, current, and

fault conditions on the line.

block Properties Sheet. For

Page 57

Mixers

These Component Objects provide typical audio mixing functions, in five categories: Standard Mixers; Matrix Mixers; Auto Mixers; Mix-Minus Combiners; and Room Combiners. Mix-Minus Combiners are provided to enhance the capabilities of Auto Mixers in mix-minus and input expansion applications. Room Combiners are provided to enhance the capabilities of Auto Mixers in room combining and zone routing applications. Mixers are available in pre-defined configurations, however, the configuration may be customized when being placed from the Object Toolbar.

see Standard Mixers Control Dialog

see Matrix Mixers Control Dialog

see Auto Mixers Control Dialog

see Mix-Minus Combiners Control Dialog

see Room Combiners Control Dialog

Right-clicking over the object provides a pop-up menu of options. Control Dialog Boxes for Room Combiner components can be minimized to create user control surfaces (see Customizing Component

Objects).

Control Dialogs

Standard Mixers

Mute In turns the input signal on/off. Level In adjusts the

relative input volume. Ch / Bus assigns inputs to specific outputs. Mute Out turns the output signal on/off. Level Out adjusts the relative output volume.

Right-clicking over certain settings will provide a menu of additional options. Unlike other components, Mixers allow labeling of inputs/outputs within their dialog boxes. See Channel Identifier under Object Properties Sheet.

Page 58

Matrix Mixers

Mute In turns the input signal

on/off. Level In adjusts the relative input volume. Ch / Bus assigns inputs to specific outputs, and right-clicking allows level adjustment. Mute Out turns the output signal on/off. Level Out adjusts the relative output volume.

Matrix Mixers w/Delay are also available. Mix Table assigns Ch / Bus to affect either level or delay settings.

Properties Sheet.

Page 59

Auto Mixers

Mute In turns the input signal on/off. Level In

adjusts the relative input volume. Ch / Bus assigns inputs to the output. Mute Out turns the output signal on/off. Level Out adjusts the relative output volume.

Mic Options opens a separate control dialog box to establish global settings.

Designated Mic On / Last Mic Hold determines which microphone (if any) will stay/become active when no signal is present. Logic Outputs Follow Mic Logic assigns logic outputs to follow Designated Mic On / Last Mic Hold. Open Mic Limits enables (and designates) a maximum allowable number of active microphones.

Right-clicking over Ch / Bus assignments allows selection of two additional dialog boxes.

Channel Settings affects individual channel settings, but may be applied to all channels. Manual turns on/off channel gating. NOM Gain turns on/off channel contribution to NOM (number of open mics) attenuation. Direct Output designates channel direct output signal as Post Gate / Pre NOM, Post Gate / Post NOM, or Off. (Direct Outputs must be enabled when placing Auto Mixers from the Object Toolbar.) Set All causes current Channel Settings to be applied to all channels. Off Attenuation determines the amount of attenuation applied when channel is inactive. Gate Hold Time determines length of time before channel becomes inactive, once signal is no longer present.

Logic Outputs affects individual Logic Output settings, but may be applied to all Logic Outputs. (Logic Outputs must be designated when placing Auto Mixers from the Object Toolbar). Logic Output selects Follow Gate, On, or Off condition of the Logic Output. Invert reverses operation of the Logic Output (off when channel active). Set All causes current Logic Output settings to be applied to all channels.

Page 60

Mix-Minus Combiners

Mix-Minus Combiners are provided to enhance the capabilities of Auto Mixers in mix-minus and input expansion applications. Mix-Minus Combiners combine control data only and, therefore, have no audio outputs. Inputs to a Mix-Minus Combiner come from outputs of separate Auto Mixers. Ch / Combine allows input channels (1, 2, 3 etc.) to be grouped into specific combinations (A, B, C, etc.). These combinations automatically determine proper routing of control data for the Auto Mixers. Control data represents NOM (number of open mics) and ATS (adaptive threshold sensing) information. Mix-Minus Combiners are used when the Auto Mixer outputs are also connected to a separate Matrix Mixer (to create multiple 'mix-minus' outputs). Also, Mix-Minus Combiners allow large Auto Mixers to be created from multiple, smaller ones. This is useful when more than 32 inputs are required, or when an Auto Mixer must be placed into multiple Audia units (for proper DSP allocation or for physical location of inputs).

Right-clicking over certain settings will provide a menu of additional options.

Room Combiners

Room Combiners are provided to enhance the capabilities of Auto Mixers in room combining and zone routing applications. Room Combiners automatically determine proper routing of audio signals & control data for the Auto Mixers. Control data represents NOM (number of open mics) and ATS (adaptive threshold sensing) information. Room Combiners are available only from the Object Toolbar (not from the Processing Library).

When a Room Combiner is placed, an Initialization Properties dialog box appears for creating physical relationships between rooms. The overall space is first defined by leftclicking multiple squares (noncontiguous rooms are allowed). Right-clicking then provides a menu of additional options, such as Merge adjacent squares into larger rooms, and Isolate rooms which have no moveable partitions. Enable Control Inputs provides the Room Combiner with control nodes, which allow combining via external devices (see Controls).

Page 61

Once a Room Combiner is placed, the Control Dialog Box is available, which displays the overall space, including zones, partitions, levels, and mutes. Moveable partitions are numbered relative to control input nodes on the block. Combining may be accomplished 'automatically' by manipulation of these partitions. Moveable partitions can be opened/closed by means of external controls (see Controls & RS-232/Telnet). Combining can instead be accomplished by recalling stored preset configurations. Preset configurations must first be created, then recalled through either a

Software User Interface or external controls (see Controls & RS232/Telnet).

The Room Combiner dialog box allows rooms to be combined in groups, which are color-coded and numbered for identification. This can be used for real-time software control, or to generate various configurations to be stored as presets. Rooms can be grouped by manipulating partitions (using the mouse), or by selecting multiple rooms while holding Shift or Ctrl. This last approach allows non-contiguous and isolated rooms to be included in combined groups. Right-clicking on a room provides a menu of sixteen available groups. Level and mute adjustments become ganged for all rooms combined in the same group.

Right-clicking over certain settings will provide a menu of additional options. Control Dialog Boxes for Room Combiner components can be minimized to create user control surfaces (see Customizing

Component Objects).

Equalizers

These Component Objects provide both graphic and parametric equalization, as well as feedback suppression. Equalizers may be connected between any components within the Layout, for applications which require room equalization, tone adjustment, or feedback control. Equalizers are available in predefined configurations, however, the configuration may be customized when being placed from the Object

Toolbar.

see Graphic Equalizer Control Dialog

see Parametric Equalizer Control Dialog

see Feedback Suppressor Control Dialog

Right-clicking over the object provides a pop-up menu of options.

Page 62

Control Dialogs

Graphic Equalizer

Active Band selects the current band to be adjusted. Center Freq. displays the center frequency for the

current band. Gain adjusts the amount of cut or boost applied at the center frequency for the current band. Active Band and Gain may also be adjusted by dragging the band controls shown inside the graph. The selected band control becomes yellow, and dragging it up/down affects Gain for that band. Flatten Band & Flatten All change the band(s) Gain to '0' (flat). Bypass Band & Bypass All disable the band(s) without changing settings. Drag Points turns on/off the band controls, revealing the resultant curve only.

Right-clicking over certain settings will provide a menu of additional options.

Page 63

Parametric Equalizer

Active Band selects the current band to be adjusted. Center Freq. adjusts the center frequency for the current band. Gain adjusts the amount of cut or boost applied at the center frequency for the current band. Bandwidth adjusts the range of frequencies, above & below the center frequency, which are also affected

by the current band. These settings may also be adjusted by dragging the band controls shown inside the graph. Dragging the white dot affects both Center Freq. & Gain. Dragging either yellow dot affects Bandwidth. Flatten Band & Flatten All change the band(s) Gain to '0' (flat). Bypass Band & Bypass All disable the band(s) without changing settings. Drag Points turns on/off the band controls, revealing the resultant curve only. Band highlights the current band inside the graph.

Right-clicking over certain settings will provide a menu of additional options.

Page 64

Feedback Suppressor

Feedback Suppressors behave like automatic cut-only parametric equalizers. They utilize 'floating' bands of equalization which detect and remove feedback frequencies.

Active Band selects the current band for which settings will be displayed. Center Freq. displays the center frequency for the current band. Gain displays the amount of cut applied at the center frequency for the current band. Bandwidth displays the range of frequencies, above & below the center frequency, which are also affected by the current band. Float Limits restricts all floating bands to a selected maximum depth (cut) and bandwidth (Narrow = 1/40-octave; Wide = 1/10-octave). Reset All temporarily returns the gain of all floating bands to 0dB (flat). Fix Band & Fix All allow the band(s) to become manually adjustable (nonfloating). Bypass Band & Bypass All disable the band(s) without changing settings. Drag Points turns on/off the band controls, revealing the resultant curve only. Band highlights the current band inside the graph. Band Utilization Count indicates the quantity of floating bands currently being employed.

NOTE: Feedback Suppressors are fairly intensive in their use of DSP resources. They are limited to a maximum of sixteen bands, however, in most applications the number of actual bands used should be significantly less. Fixed bands in a Feedback Suppressor may be copied to a Parametric Equalizer. When applicable, this may be a more DSP efficient choice.

Right-clicking over certain settings will provide a menu of additional options.

Page 65

Filters

These Component Objects provide High-Pass, Low-Pass, High-Shelf, Low-Shelf, & All-Pass filters. Filters may be connected between any components within the Layout, for applications which require 'roll-offs', simple tone controls, or even phase compensation.

see High Pass Filter Control Dialog

see Low Pass Filter Control Dialog

see High Shelf Filter Control Dialog

see Low Shelf Filter Control Dialog

see All-Pass Filter Control Dialog

Right-clicking over the object provides a pop-up menu of options.

Control Dialogs

High Pass Filter

Filter / Slope selects the type (Linkwitz-Riley or

Butterworth) and slope of the filter. Cutoff Freq. selects the cutoff frequency for the filter. Cutoff Freq. may also be adjusted by dragging the cursor shown inside the graph. Bypass disables the filter without changing settings.

Right-clicking over certain settings will provide a menu of additional options.

Page 66

Low Pass Filter

Filter / Slope selects the type (Linkwitz-Riley or

Right-clicking over certain settings will provide a menu of additional options.

High Shelf Filter

Gain selects the amount of maximum cut or boost

applied by the filter. Cutoff Freq. selects the cutoff frequency for the filter. These settings may also be adjusted by dragging the cursor shown inside the graph. Bypass disables the filter without changing settings.

Right-clicking over certain settings will provide a menu of additional options.

Page 67

Low Shelf Filter

All-Pass Filter

Gain selects the amount of maximum cut or boost

Right-clicking over certain settings will provide a menu of additional options.

All-Pass Filters are so named because they do not affect frequency response. Instead, they affect signal phase only and, therefore, can be used to compensate for the phase anomalies caused by normal equalization filters. All-Pass Filters are available with up to sixteen bands.

Active Band selects the current band to be adjusted. Center Freq. adjusts the center frequency for the current band. Bandwidth adjusts the range of frequencies, above & below the center frequency, which are also affected by the current band. These settings may also be adjusted by dragging the band controls shown inside the graph. Dragging the white dot affects Center Freq. Dragging either yellow dot affects Bandwidth. Add Band & Remove Band work within the designated number of bands for the filter. Bypass Band & Bypass All disable the band(s) without changing settings. Drag Points turns on/off the band controls, revealing the resultant curve only. Band highlights the phase response of the current band inside the graph.

See Transfer Function as an effective diagnostic tool to be used in conjunction with All-Pass Filters.

Right-clicking over certain settings will provide a menu of additional options.

Page 68

Crossovers

These Component Objects provide 2-way, 3-way, & 4-way crossover functions. Crossovers may be connected between any components within the Layout, for applications which require multiple outputs with specified frequency ranges.

see 2-Way Crossover Control Dialog

see 3-Way Crossover Control Dialog

see 4-Way Crossover Control Dialog

Right-clicking over the object provides a pop-up menu of options.

Control Dialogs

2-Way Crossover

Input Level provides muting and level adjustment for the input. Output Range selects the Low or High

frequency output. Frequency selects the filter cutoff frequency for the selected output. Output Range & Frequency may also be selected by dragging the cursors shown inside the graph. Filter / Slope selects the type (Linkwitz-Riley or Butterworth) and slope of filter used at the associated Frequency. Output Level provides muting, level adjustment, & polarity reversal for the selected output. Sync forces filter adjustments on adjacent outputs to be linked. Settings for each output are displayed across the bottom of the dialog box.

Right-clicking over certain settings will provide a menu of additional options.

Page 69

3-Way Crossover

Input Level provides muting and level adjustment for the input. Output Range selects the Low, Mid, or

High frequency output. Frequency selects the filter cutoff frequencies for the selected output. Output Range & Frequency may also be selected by dragging the cursors shown inside the graph. Filter / Slope selects the type (Linkwitz-Riley or Butterworth) and slope of filter used at the associated Frequency. Output Level provides muting, level adjustment, & polarity reversal for the selected output. Sync forces filter adjustments on adjacent outputs to be linked. Settings for each output are displayed across the bottom of the dialog box.

Right-clicking over certain settings will provide a menu of additional options.

Page 70

4-Way Crossover

Input Level provides muting and level adjustment for the input. Output Range selects the Low, Low-Mid,

Mid-High, or High frequency output. Frequency selects the filter cutoff frequencies for the selected output. Output Range & Frequency may also be selected by dragging the cursors shown inside the graph. Filter /

Slope selects the type (Linkwitz-Riley or Butterworth) and slope of filter used at the associated Frequency. Output Level provides muting, level adjustment, & polarity reversal for the selected output. Sync forces

filter adjustments on adjacent outputs to be linked. Settings for each output are displayed across the bottom of the dialog box.

Right-clicking over certain settings will provide a menu of additional options.

Page 71

Dynamics

These Component Objects provide Leveler, Comp/Limiter, Ducker, Noise Gate, & Ambient Noise Compensator functions. Dynamics components may be connected between any other components within the Layout, for applications which require automatic control of volume levels and/or dynamics.

see Leveler Control Dialog

see Comp/Limiter Control Dialog

see Ducker Control Dialog

see Noise Gate Control Dialog

see Ambient Noise Compensator Control Dialog

Right-clicking over the object provides a pop-up menu of options. Control Dialog Boxes for some Dynamics components can be minimized to create user control surfaces (see Customizing Component Objects).

Control Dialogs

Leveler

Levelers are automatic gain controls, which affect long-term average levels. Response Time determines how quickly the Leveler reacts to input level changes. Threshold determines what input level will trigger gain reduction. To maintain a consistent level, set Threshold to lowest desired level. A meter & numeric display indicate the amount of gain reduction. Identifier provides a custom label, when dialog box is minimized (see below). Bypass disables the Leveler without changing settings.

Right-clicking over certain settings will provide a menu of additional options. Control Dialog Boxes for Levelers can be minimized to create user control surfaces (see Customizing Component Objects).

Page 72

Comp/Limiter

Ducker

Comp/Limiters affect short-term signal dynamics (peaks). Attack determines how quickly the Comp/Limiter reacts to input level changes. Compression Ratio determines the intensity of gain reduction (input level increase vs. output level increase). Release Time determines how quickly gain reduction is released, once input signal falls below Threshold. Threshold determines what input level will trigger gain reduction. A meter & numeric display indicate the amount of gain reduction. Bypass disables the Comp/Limiter without changing settings. Identifier provides a custom label, when dialog box is minimized (see below).

Right-clicking over certain settings will provide a menu of additional options. Control Dialog Boxes for Comp/Limiters can be minimized to create user control surfaces (see Customizing Component Objects).

Duckers provide level attenuation, triggered by signal or logic inputs. Input Level provides muting and level adjustment for the normal audio input, which appears as the upper input on the left side of the Ducker. Sense Level provides muting and level adjustment for the signal trigger input, which appears as the lower input on the left side of the Ducker. Threshold determines what sense input signal level will trigger ducking. Ducking Level determines how much attenuation is applied to the normal audio signal during ducking. Attack determines how quickly the ducker reacts to trigger input (signal or logic). Release determines how quickly attenuation is released, once trigger input is removed (signal or logic). Logic In turns on/off and reverses operation (off triggers ducking) of the logic trigger input, which appears at the top of the Ducker. Logic Out provides the same functions as Logic In, but instead as a trigger output (follows ducking activity), which appears at the bottom of the Ducker. Mix Sense allows the Sense input signal to be mixed with normal audio input signal, at the output of the Ducker. Bypass disables the Ducker without changing settings.

Right-clicking over certain settings will provide a menu of additional options.

Page 73

Noise Gate

Noise Gates provide automatic muting, until triggered by signal presence. Attack Time determines how quickly the gate opens when signal is present. Release Time determines how quickly the gate closes when signal is no longer present. Threshold determines what input signal level will trigger the gate to open. A meter & numeric display indicate the amount of gain reduction. Identifier provides a custom label, when dialog box is minimized (see below). Bypass disables the Noise Gate without changing settings.

Right-clicking over certain settings will provide a menu of additional options. Control Dialog Boxes for Noise Gates can be minimized to create user control surfaces (see

Customizing Component Objects).

Page 74

Ambient Noise Compensator

Ambient Noise Compensators automatically adjust program volume in response to changes in background noise levels, as monitored by external ambient sensing microphone(s).

Program Mute turns the program input signal on/off. Program Level adjusts the relative program input volume. Program Label provides a custom label, when the dialog box is minimized (see below). Prog

Meter displays the current program input level.

Ambient Mute turns the ambient input signal on/off. Ambient Level adjusts the relative ambient input

volume. Ambient Threshold determines the ambient noise level at which program gain increases will begin. Ambient Response sets the period of time to be considered when calculating an average of ambient level changes. Ambient Label provides a custom label, when the dialog box is minimized (see below). Amb Meter displays the current ambient input level. The Set Threshold button can be used to estimate an appropriate Ambient Threshold setting.

Gain Min sets the minimum output gain (for periods of low ambient noise). Gain Max sets the maximum output gain (for periods of high ambient noise). Gain Ratio determines how much the program volume will increase, relative to a given increase in ambient noise. Gain Time establishes how quickly program gain changes are applied. Gain Time indicates the amount of time required for a gain change between Min and Max settings. Lesser gain changes will occur more rapidly. Gain Meter displays the current gain compensation being applied. Bypass disables the Ambient Noise Compensator without changing settings.

Right-clicking over certain settings will provide a menu of additional options. Control Dialog Boxes for Ambient Noise Compensators can be minimized to create user control surfaces (see Customizing

Component Objects).

see Ambient Noise Compensator setup procedure.

Page 75

ANC Setup Procedure

Connections

• Feed the "program" signal into the Program Input (top left) of the ANC block. Setup of the ANC block is best done with a relatively constant program source. This can be the actual program source or a pink noise approximation, but its level should represent the highest program material level you expect will be fed to the ANC block.

• Feed the "ambient" signal into the Ambient Input (bottom left, marked with an "A") of the ANC block. This signal should be derived from either a single dedicated sensing microphone, or from a dedicated array of sensing microphones feeding a common Mixer block. Setup of the ANC block is best done when the ambient noise in the room(s) is minimal, but the Ambient Meter should read at least -60dBu.

• Connect the output of the ANC block to its destination. Keep in mind that the ANC should be the last block in the program signal path, with no form of level control provided at the outputs, amplifiers, or speakers.

Setting Min and Max Gain

• Adjust the Min Gain and Max Gain settings for the desired amounts of minimum and maximum gain to be applied to the program signal. Remember that Min Gain is the constant gain that the ANC block will apply while the Ambient Input signal level is below the Ambient Threshold. Remember that Max Gain is the maximum amount of gain that the ANC block will ever apply to the program input.

If Min Gain and Max Gain are not known, these settings may be determined by listening to the ANC output, as follows:

• Set the Ambient Threshold to its maximum setting (+24dBu) to ensure the Ambient Input level is below threshold. This ramps the ANC to the Min Gain setting. Keep in mind that the speed of this ramping is determined by the Gain Time setting.

• Adjust Min Gain until you have the desired minimum program level comining out of the ANC block. Note this value for later.

• Adjust Min Gain until you have the desired maximum program level coming out of the ANC block. Set Max Gain to this value. Set Min Gain to the value determined in the previous step.

Setting Response Times

• Adjust the Gain Time to determine how quickly the ANC gain changes. Gain Time is the amount of time it takes for the ANC block to ramp from Gain Min to Gain Max, or vice versa.

• Adjust the Ambient Response time to determine how quickly the Ambient Input detector responds to changes in the Ambient Input signal. Ambient Response should be set fast enough to track important ambient level changes (e.g. an approaching train in a depot), but slow enough to ignore unimportant ambient level changes (e.g. someone popping their bubble gum).

Note: The overall responsiveness of the ANC output is determined by the larger (slower) of the two aforementioned times: Gain Time and Ambient Response time.

Setting Thresholds

• Press the "Set Threshold" button, ensuring that the Program Input level is a good approximation of the highest program signal level you expect will be fed to the ANC. This process records the levels of both the Ambient and Program inputs. The Ambient Threshold is set to 10dBu higher than the recorded Ambient level. This process takes up to 5 seconds.

Set Gain Ratio

• Adjust Gain Ratio to specify how many dB of gain is applied for every dBu over Ambient Threshold the Ambient level is.

Page 76

Routers

These Component Objects provide typical audio routing functions. Routers may be connected between any components within the Layout, for applications which require routing of input signals to various outputs. Routers are available in pre-defined configurations, however, the configuration may be customized when being placed from the Object Toolbar.

see Router Control Dialog

Right-clicking over the object provides a pop-up menu of options.

Control Dialogs

Router

Routers allow each input to be assigned to multiple outputs via In / Out. However, each output allows only one input assigned at a time. Therefore, Routers behave like a series of individual distribution amplifiers. For increased input/output assignment capability, see Mixers.

Right-clicking over certain settings will provide a menu of additional options.

Page 77

Delays

These Component Objects provide typical audio time-delay functions. Delays may be connected between any components within the Layout, for applications which require room delay and/or loudspeaker timealignment.

see Delay Control Dialog

Right-clicking over the object provides a pop-up menu of options.

Control Dialogs

Delay

Value determines the amount of delay, based on the

selected Units. Units selects either time (milliseconds) or distance (meters, centimeters, feet, or inches). Bypass disables the Delay without changing settings.

Right-clicking over certain settings will provide a menu of additional options.

Page 78

Controls

These Component Objects provide both internal and external control functions. Level Controls, Mute Buttons, and Invert may be connected between components within the Layout, for control of volume, muting, and polarity. Preset and Remote Preset Buttons may be placed within the Layout, and defined to recall specified Presets. Logic Gates and Logic Delay may be connected between component control nodes in the layout, to customize control behavior. Command Strings can provide serial control of external devices, when triggered by control nodes on other components in the layout. Event Schedulers can provide timed triggering of internal or external events. Volume 8, Select 8, Volume/Select 8, and Logic Box components may be placed within the layout, to represent their corresponding external control devices. Controls are available in pre-defined configurations, however, the configuration may be customized when being placed from the Object Toolbar.

see Level Control Dialog

see Level Inc/Dec Control Dialog

see Invert Control Dialog

see Mute Button Control Dialog

see Preset Button Control Dialog

see Remote Preset Button Control Dialog

see Logic Gates

see Logic Delay Control Dialog

see Command String Control Dialog

see Event Scheduler Control Dialog

see Volume 8 Control Dialog

see Select 8

see Volume/Select 8 Control Dialog

see Logic Box

Right-clicking over the object provides a pop-up menu of options. Control Dialog Boxes for Level, Mute, and Preset related components can be minimized to create user control surfaces (see Customizing

Component Objects).

Page 79

Control Dialogs

Level

Mute turns on/off the channel. Channel level may

be entered numerically, or may be adjusted by dragging the fader. Maximum and Minimum can be used to restrict the range of level adjustment provided by the fader. Level ID provides a custom label, when the dialog box is minimized (see below).

Right-clicking over certain settings will provide a menu of additional options. Control Dialog Boxes for Level Control components can be minimized to create user control surfaces (see Customizing

Component Objects).

When placed from the Object Toolbar, multiple Level Controls may be 'ganged' together onto a single fader. Ganged Level Controls display a 'G' in the upper-right of the Component Object, and Level ID colors are reversed on the Control Dialog. Nonganged Level Controls have a maximum of 16 channels, whereas ganged Level Controls have a maximum of 56 channels.

Page 80

Level Inc/Dec

Level Inc/Dec blocks are identical to Level blocks, except they also provide control input nodes for making incremental level changes. Inc/Dec Step determines the amount (dB) of level change to occur each time the associated control node is triggered. Control input nodes along the top of the block are labeled as positive (+) and negative (-). When triggered by control output nodes on other components within the layout design, positive nodes produce a single-step increase in level ("Increment") and negative nodes produce a single-step decrease in level ("Decrement").

When placed from the Object Toolbar, multiple Level Inc/Dec Controls may be 'ganged' together onto a single fader. Also, ramping may be enabled at this time. When ramping is enabled, Inc/Dec Rate sets timing (mS) between repetitive incremental changes (Inc/Dec Steps) which occur automatically as long as the associated control node (+ or -) remains triggered.

Invert

Invert reverses the polarity of the audio signal (180°). Identifier provides a

custom label, when the dialog box is minimized (see below).

Right-clicking over certain settings will provide a menu of additional options. Control Dialog Boxes for Invert components can be minimized to create user control surfaces (see Customizing Component Objects).

When placed from the Object Toolbar, multiple Invert channels may be 'ganged' together onto a single control. Ganged Invert controls display a 'G' in the upper-right of the Component Object, and Identifier colors are reversed on the Control Dialog. Non-ganged Invert controls have a maximum of 16 channels, whereas ganged Invert Controls have a maximum of 56 channels.

Page 81

Mute Button

Preset Button

Mute turns on/off the channel. Identifier provides a custom label, when the

dialog box is minimized (see below).

Right-clicking over certain settings will provide a menu of additional options. Control Dialog Boxes for Mute Button components can be minimized to create user control surfaces (see Customizing Component Objects).

When placed from the Object Toolbar, multiple Mute Buttons may be 'ganged' together onto a single button. Ganged Mute Buttons display a 'G' in the upper-right of the Component Object, and Identifier colors are reversed on the Control Dialog. Non-ganged Mute Buttons have a maximum of 16 channels, whereas ganged Mute Buttons have a maximum of 56 channels. Also, Mute Button blocks may be placed with control input nodes selected.

Right-clicking over a button provides a list of available Presets which can be assigned to that button. The Preset Number will appear on the button, and the Preset Name will appear to the right. Preset Numbers can be replaced with the word 'Recall' (see General Options). Control Dialog Boxes for Preset Button components can be minimized to create user control surfaces (see Customizing Component Objects).

Remote Preset Button

Remote Preset Buttons are identical to Preset Buttons, except they have control input nodes on the block. These control input nodes allow presets to be recalled via control output nodes on other component blocks. This provides remote control of preset selection, both from internal components and external controls. Unlike most other blocks, multiple control output nodes may be connected to a single control input node on a Remote Preset Button. Control Dialog Boxes for Remote Preset Button components can be minimized to create user control surfaces (see Customizing Component Objects).

Page 82

Logic Gates

Most Logic Gates have no Control Dialog Boxes. They are used only to customize behavior of other control functions in the system. Logic Gates are connected between the output and input control nodes of other components in the layout. These components can represent internal or external control functions.

Examples

Internal

External

Logic Gates alter the normal operation of component control outputs in the following ways:

NOT

AND

NAND

NOR

XOR

Flip Flop

: Auto Mixer output nodes; Ducker input/output nodes; Remote Preset Button input nodes.

: Select 8 output nodes; Volume/Select 8 output nodes; Logic Box input/output nodes.

: produces opposite/inverted operation (input ON turns output OFF; input OFF turns output ON).

: all inputs ON causes output to go ON (any inputs OFF causes output to go OFF).

: all inputs ON causes output to go OFF (any inputs OFF causes output to go ON).

: any inputs ON causes output to go ON (all inputs OFF causes output to go OFF).

: any inputs ON causes output to go OFF (all inputs OFF causes output to go ON).

: any inputs (except all) ON causes output to go ON (all inputs OFF/ON causes output to go OFF).

: produces toggle/latching operation (input ON changes output state, ON/OFF).

Logic State

NOTES: NOT and Flip Flop gates have only a single input per output, whereas most other gates have multiple inputs, up to 8. Flip Flop gates provide a control dialog box, for establishing their initial output state. Also, unlike most other blocks, multiple control output nodes may be connected to a single control input node on a Flip Flop gate. Control Dialog boxes for Logic State gates can be minimized to create user control surfaces (see Customizing Component Objects).

Sample Application

: provides manual latching operation only (includes no input node).

Normally, a Select 8 control output connected to a Ducker control input provides a momentary operation (ducking occurs only as long as the Select 8 control is being pressed). However, connecting a Flip Flop Logic Gate between the Select 8 control output and the Ducker control input produces a press-on/press-off operation (ducking begins with the first press of the Select 8 control, and ceases only upon a second press of the Select 8 control).

Page 83

Logic Delay

Command String

Logic Delays are connected between the output and input control nodes of other components in the layout. These other components may represent internal or external control functions. When a change (on/off) occurs at the Logic Delay input, and remains in that condition beyond the designated delay time, the Logic Delay output will then produce that same change.

On sets turn on delay. OFF sets turn off delay. The range for either selection is 0~60,000mS (1 minute). Bypass disables the delay without changing settings.

Right-clicking over certain settings will provide a menu of additional options.

Command String blocks allow serial control of external devices via the Serial Control Port. Control input nodes along the top of the block produce corresponding serial commands, when triggered by control output nodes on other components within the design. Commands can also be initiated using the command button which appears within the control dialog box. Command ID allows the command/button to be named. Command String allows the appropriate character string to be entered. Update sends the character string to be stored in Audia device memory.

Unlike most other blocks, multiple control output nodes may be connected to a single control input node on a Command String block. Control Dialog Boxes for Command String components can be minimized to create user control surfaces (see Customizing Component Objects).

NOTE: Some command strings may need to output nonprintable characters. The strings themselves must be printable, so this is done by including three-character sequences in the command string. The first will be a tilde, the second and third hex digits. To include a carriage return and line feed pair, for example, in the string, include the text ~0d~0a (either case may be used). A tilde may only be included by using the sequence ~7E (or ~7e) for the tilde character itself.

Page 84

Event Scheduler

When an Event Scheduler block is placed into the Layout from the

Object Toolbar, an Initialization Properties dialog box appears for

selecting the desired number of events (up to 8). This determines the quantity of input/output control nodes on the block as well.

Event Scheduler blocks allow timed triggering of internal or external events. Control output nodes along the bottom of the block produce a high pulse (250mS) whenever a scheduled event occurs. Control input nodes along the top of the block allow the corresponding output nodes (scheduled events) to be disabled.

Double-clicking the Event Scheduler block produces a Control Dialog. An Event menu (on the left) allows up to eight Schedules to be programmed for each Event. This allows an individual Event (output node) to be triggered by multiple, overlying Schedules. Right-clicking an Event or Schedule within the menu allows renaming, copy/paste, and clear functions. Schedule Type selections are: Periodic (repeats once each period - up to 720 minutes); Date/Time (one time occurrence); Daily (repeats by time each day); Weekly (repeats by selected days & times); Monthly (repeats by selected days & times - includes days/month adjustment). NOTE: Although data can be entered for multiple Schedule Types, only the currently selected Schedule Type remains active for any given Schedule. Test Event allows an Event (output node) to be triggered manually, when 'on-line'. Send allows scheduling updates to be sent to the system, when 'on-line'.

Clear Schedule clears the selected Schedule. Clear Event clears all Schedules for the selected Event. Clear All clears all Events and Schedules. NOTE: Default times are in 12-hour format (AM/PM), but may be

changed to 24-hour format (military) in the Properties Sheet the design file.

. This setting will affect all Event Schedulers in

Page 85

Volume 8

The Volume 8 is an external control device, which allows adjustment of eight selectable Audia volumes. Volumes can be individual or grouped levels within Audia. This includes Level

Control blocks, as well as levels within other component blocks

(such as Inputs/Outputs, Mixers, Equalizers, etc.).

Volume 8 is represented in the layout as a block with no audio or control connections. All functions are assigned using the control dialog box. Object Code selects from a list of blocks found in the layout, and Instance ID is entered automatically, but both can be found easily using Object ID Inspector. Control ID selects from a list of available levels within the chosen block. Volume up/down buttons allow control of assigned levels directly from the dialog box. Identifier provides a custom label, when the dialog box is minimized (see below).

Control Dialog Boxes for Volume 8 components can be minimized to create user control surfaces (see Customizing

Component Objects).

Volume 8 controls include a raceway (surface-mount) back-box, but will fit most US standard single-gang (flush-mount) back-boxes. Custom Control Labels may be printed for the Volume 8. Please refer to the 'Installation Guide

' (included with controls), or see Control Bus for more information. External controls must be identified (see Device Maintenance) and associated with their corresponding component blocks within the layout (see Equipment Table).

Page 86

Select 8

The Select 8 is an external control device, which allows initiation of eight selectable Audia actions. Actions can be individual or grouped functions within Audia. This includes recalling presets, ducking, combining, etc.

Select 8 components have no Control Dialog Boxes. They are represented in the layout as a block with eight control output nodes. These control output nodes are connected to control input nodes on the other component blocks to be controlled. These other components may include Remote Preset Buttons,

Duckers, Room Combiners, and Logic Boxes. Muting

and room combining routines can also be achieved using presets. Logic Boxes can provide logic outputs for controlling additional equipment, external to Audia.

Select 8 behavior can be altered using Logic Gates.

Select 8 controls include a raceway (surface-mount) back-box, but will fit most US standard single-gang (flush-mount) back-boxes. Custom Control Labels may be printed for the Select 8.

Please refer to the 'Installation Guide

Page 87

Volume/Select 8

The Volume 8 is an external control device, which combines the functions of both

Volume 8 and Select 8 controls. Therefore,

the Volume/Select 8 is represented with a control dialog box (for volume functions), as well as a component block with control output nodes (for select functions).

Control Dialog Boxes for Volume/Select 8 components can be minimized to create user control surfaces (see Customizing

Component Objects).

Volume/Select 8 controls include a raceway (surface-mount) back-box, but will fit most US standard double-gang (flush-mount) back-boxes.

Custom Control Labels may be printed for the Volume/Select 8. Please refer to the 'Installation Guide or see Control Bus for more information. External controls must be identified (see

Device Maintenance) and associated with

their corresponding component blocks within the layout (see Equipment Table).

' (included with controls),

Page 88

Logic Box

The Logic Box is an external control device, which provides twenty logic input/output connections. When a Logic Box is placed, an Initialization Properties dialog box appears for assigning the quantities of logic inputs/outputs (20 total). Logic inputs allow external switches to initiate Audia actions. Actions can be individual or grouped functions within Audia. This includes recalling presets, ducking, combining, etc. Logic outputs can be used to control additional equipment, external to Audia.

Logic Box components have no Control Dialog Boxes. They are represented in the layout as a block with a total of twenty control input/output nodes. Logic Inputs (on the box) are represented as control output nodes (on the block). These control output nodes may be connected to control input nodes on other components, such as Remote Preset Buttons, Room Combiners, Duckers, Mute Buttons, and Level Inc/Dec controls. Logic Outputs (on the box) are represented as control input nodes (on the block). These control input nodes may be connected to control output nodes on other components, such as Auto Mixers, Duckers, and

Select 8. Unlike other components, Logic Box output nodes may be connected to input nodes on the same

Logic Box block, allowing Logic Inputs (external switches) to control Logic Outputs (external equipment).

Logic Box behavior can be altered using Logic Gates. Please refer to the 'Installation Guide

Equipment Table).

Up to 20 logic inputs are availble on the Logic Box. Logic inputs allow remote control of Audia

via external circuits such as switches, relays, and logic outputs from other devices. When nothing is connected to a logic input, an internal pull-up resistor keeps it at a ‘high’ state (+5.0 VDC). The logic input is activated when its input goes ‘low’ (less than +0.8 VDC), and is de-activated when its input goes ‘high’ (greater than +2.0 VDC). A logic input can be controlled in one of three ways: 1) Using an ‘open-collector’ or ‘opendrain’ logic output from an external device to short the logic input to ground. 2) Using a switch, relay, or other contact-closure to short the logic input to ground. 3) Using an active 5V TTL output driver circuit (such as from a third-party controller) to actively drive the logic input to a ‘high’ or ‘low’ state. Multiple contact-closures or ‘open-collector’/’open-drain’ logic outputs may be wired in parallel to a single logic input (see diagram below). Open-collector or open-drain logic outputs and contact-closures should be rated for at least 5 Volts / 1mA operation. Active output driver circuits should not exceed a signal range of 0~5 Volts DC, and should have a minimum pulse width of 10 milli-seconds. The logic input impedance is approximately 10 Kohms.

Page 89

The Logic Box provides up to 20 logic outputs. Logic outputs can be used to control relays and indicators or to drive logic inputs of other devices. The Logic Box logic outputs are ‘open collector’ with an internal pull-up. Each logic output is an NPN transistor with the collector being the output and the emitter being ground (see diagram below). When a logic output is turned on, the transistor provides a path for DC current to flow, lowering the output voltage to below 0.8V. When a logic output is turned off, the internal pull-up resistor raises the output voltage to near 5V, depending on the output current. To activate external relays or indicators, an external power supply must be used (see diagram below). The logic output transistors are rated up to a maximum of 40 VDC and 500 mA per output (24 volt relay coils maximum). However, +12 Volts DC is sufficient power for most applications. When using the logic outputs to control relays, protection diodes must be used to suppress high voltage transients that are generated when the relays turn off (see diagram below).

Page 90

Control Labels

The Volume 8, Select 8, and Volume/Select 8 controls all come with a sheet of clear, adhesive-backed labels, for custom printing on a laser printer. A Word document is available on the Audia and on the Biamp web site (www.biamp.com), as a label printing template. These labels are meant to be printed using desk-top laser printers only. It is recommended that the printer be set for 'label' printing, and the label sheet should be 'short-edge' feed from the 'bypass' tray. A test printing of a single label should be done, to assure proper alignment of text. To compensate for any mis-alignment of text, margins within the Word document may be adjusted. Care should be taken in placement of the labels onto the controls. To avoid finger-prints, the use of a knife-blade or tweezers is recommended for handling. Severe bending or curling of the label may cause loss of some toner (text). When placing the label on the control panel, use the vertical column of LED indicators as a visual reference of alignment. Once the label is in place, a second (un-printed) label may be placed over the first label, to provide protection against wear. Each sheet contains 25 labels, so in case of errors, additional labels may be printed.

NOTE: Originally, labels were 1.35" wide and used the Word document (V8S8 Labels.doc). However, newer control panels require labels which are only 1.25" wide and use Word document (V8S8 B Labels.doc). Check label width and use the appropriate file for printing.

In the Word document, select Show Gridlines from the Table menu. Each large cell represents a label. The first four columns are 'left-justified' to create labels for Volume 8 and Select 8 panels, as well as for the 'Volume' (left) section of Volume/Select 8 panels. The last column is 'right-justified' to create labels for the 'Select' (right) section of Volume/Select 8 panels. Left-click inside any large cell, and begin typing. Use 'Enter' to begin a new line, and again to leave a blank line. To avoid printing errors, do not change line-spacing or other formatting parameters. However, if you do not have the default font (Helvetica), or if you wish to change label appearance, you may select a different font before typing.

software CD

Meters

These Component Objects provide signal present, peak, and RMS metering functions. Meters may be connected to any component output, and may be used for diagnostic and setup purposes, or for applications which require real-time metering. Meters are available in pre-defined configurations, however, the configuration may be customized when being placed from the Object Toolbar.

see Signal Present Meter Control Dialog

see Peak Meter Control Dialog

see RMS Meter Control Dialog

Right-clicking over the object provides a pop-up menu of options. Control Dialog Boxes for Meters components can be minimized to create user control surfaces (see Customizing Component Objects).

Page 91

Control Dialogs

Signal Present Meter

Peak Meter

Threshold determines at what level the signal present

indicator will light. Identifier provides a custom label, when dialog box is minimized (see below).

Right-clicking over certain settings will provide a menu of additional options. Control Dialog Boxes for Meters components can be minimized to create user control surfaces (see Customizing Component Objects).

A peak-reading meter & numeric display indicate signal level. Hold Time determines how long the meter will display the most recent level increase. Hold Enable turns the Hold Time function on/off. Indefinite Hold causes the Hold function to be continuous, updating the display only when levels increase beyond the current reading. Identifier provides a custom label, when dialog box is minimized (see below).

RMS Meter

An RMS-reading meter & numeric display indicate signal level. Hold Time determines how long the meter will display the most recent level increase. Hold Enable turns the Hold Time function on/off. Indefinite Hold causes the Hold function to be continuous, updating the display only when levels increase beyond the current reading. Identifier provides a custom label, when dialog box is minimized (see below).

Page 92

Generators

These Component Objects provide sine-wave, sweep, pink-noise, and white-noise generator functions. Generators may be connected to any component input, and may be used for diagnostic and setup purposes, or for applications which require tones or sound-masking.

see Tone Generator Control Dialog

see Pink Noise Generator Control Dialog

see White Noise Generator Control Dialog

Right-clicking over the object provides a pop-up menu of options.

Control Dialogs

Tone Generator

Pink Noise Generator

Tone selects a single frequency. Sweep selects a

range of frequencies (instead of a single tone). Mute turns on/off the generator. Level determines the generator output level. Frequency determines the frequency for Tone. Start Frequency & Stop Frequency determine the range of frequencies for Sweep. Frequency Interval selects the spacing (and quantity) of individual tones for Sweep. Time Interval determines the time each tone is held for Sweep.

Right-clicking over certain settings will provide a menu of additional options.

Mute turns on/off the generator. Level determines generator output level.

Right-clicking over certain settings will provide a menu of additional options.

Page 93

White Noise Generator

Diagnostics

Mute turns on/off the generator. Level determines generator output level.

Right-clicking over certain settings will provide a menu of additional options.

These Component Objects provide Transfer Function displays for diagnostic purposes. Transfer Function may be connected between any two component outputs on the same signal path, for a comparative analysis of processing.

see Transfer Function Control Dialog

Right-clicking over the object provides a pop-up menu of options.

Page 94

Control Dialogs

Transfer Function

Transfer Function may be connected between any two component outputs on the same signal path, for a comparative analysis of processing. Gain displays the difference in frequency response between the two comparison points, as a white line. Phase displays the phase relationship between the two comparison points, as a green line. Unwrap removes out-of-range phase rotations from the phase display. Delays adds the effect of user-placed delay blocks (Delay and Matrix Mixer w/ Delay) into the phase display. The Phase display does not indicate inherent propagation delay within the system. Propagation delay is indicated separately at the bottom of the dialog box (1/3mS hops, if not compiled...or...real-time including equalization delay, if compiled). When a Transfer Function dialog box is open, the associated signal path is indicated as a dashed red line in the layout.

Specialty

These Component Objects provide Pass-Through and Split Pass-Through functions, to aid in the organization of system connections. Pass-Through blocks allow wiring nodes to be strategically placed, so audio or control (logic) signals can be routed in different directions. Split Pass-Through blocks allow associated input and output wiring nodes to be placed in separate locations, with an implicit or 'wireless' connection being maintained between them.

Pass Through and Split Pass Through blocks simply allow custom signal routing, and provide no actual processing of their own. Therefore, they do not have Control Dialog Boxes. Instead, an Initialization Properties window appears, for component definition and customization, when these blocks are placed into the Layout.

see Pass-Through

see Split Pass-Through Input

see Split Pass-Through Output

Page 95

Control Dialogs

Pass-Through

Pass-Through blocks allow wiring nodes to be strategically placed, so audio or control (logic) signals can be routed in different directions.

Type selects whether the block is for audio or logic connections. Channel Count selects the quantity of input/output connections to be provided on the block. Signal In determines the physical location of input wiring nodes on the block. Signal Out determines the physical location of output wiring nodes on the block.

Pass-Through blocks simply allow custom signal routing, and provide no actual processing of their own. APT stands for Audio Pass-Through. LPT stands for Logic Pass-Through. This example shows a pair of 2-channel Audio Pass-Through blocks used to create a double-bend.

Split Pass-Through Input

Split Pass-Through blocks allow associated input and output wiring nodes to be placed in separate locations, with an implicit or 'wireless' connection being maintained between them.

Type selects whether the blocks are for audio or logic connections. Channel Count selects the quantity of input/output connections to be provided on the blocks. Separate 'Link-In' and 'Link-Out' blocks are placed for input and output connections. Wiring nodes appear on the left side of input blocks and on the right side of output blocks. Link-In and Link-Out blocks are also numbered to identify their association. More than one Link-Out block can be placed in association with an existing LinkIn block (see Split Pass-Through Output).

Split Pass-Through blocks simply allow custom signal routing, and provide no actual processing of their own. APT stands for Audio Pass-Through. LPT stands for Logic Pass-Through. This example shows a 2-channel Audio Split Pass-Through.

Page 96

Split Pass-Through Output

More than one Link-Out block can be placed in association with an existing Link-In block (see Split Pass-

Through Input).

Object Code of Input Link to Associate With selects which existing Link-In block the new Link-Out block should be associated with. The new Link-Out block will include the appropriate number of output wiring nodes, and the same numbered association, as other Link-Out blocks already associated with the selected Link-In block. Additional Link-Out blocks allow a single set of input connections to be distributed to multiple sets of output connections.

Pass-Through blocks simply allow custom signal routing, and provide no actual processing of their own. APT stands for Audio Pass-Through. LPT stands for Logic Pass-Through. This example shows an existing 2channel Audio Split Pass-Through with an additional 2channel Link-Out block.

Page 97

System Design

Placing Component Objects

Audia

in two ways. The simplest way is to select a component category from the Processing Library, and then drag & drop a pre-defined component into the Layout. Processing Library component categories can also be selected from the Processing Library Menu (at the top of the screen), which indicates keyboard shortcuts as well. However, component placement can instead be done using the Object Toolbar, located directly above the Layout. On the Object Toolbar, next to each category icon is a drop-down menu of components. Selecting a component from the menu, then clicking over the Layout, will place the selected component at that location. Holding the Shift key allows multiple copies of the component to be placed. Certain components will provide a pop-up window, allowing further component definition & customization before placement. Using the Object Bar also allows the Processing Library to be closed (providing greater width to the Layout). Component Objects, and their current settings (DSP data), can also be placed using the Copy/Paste functions on the Standard Toolbar or the Edit Menu. Selected objects can also be copied by holding the Alt key while dragging and dropping. NOTE: Components cannot be selected when the current Layer is invisible (see Layers Sheet).

system design begins with the placement of Component Objects into the Layout. This can be done

Arranging Component Objects

The physical arrangement of objects within the Layout can be modified in several ways. Objects can be packed side-by-side, have their edges aligned, be centered in the view, be spaced evenly, and be made the same size. Objects can also be arranged from front to back, when multiple objects are overlaid. In addition, objects can be forced to snap to an adjustable grid. See Layout Toolbar and Layout Menu. Objects within the Layout can also be organized in separate groups called Layers (see Layers Sheet).

Connecting Component Objects

Each Component Object includes Nodes for making system wiring connections. Nodes are provided in four types, each with a specific location on the Component Object. Audio input Nodes are always on the left. Audio outputs Nodes are always on the right. Control (logic) input Nodes are always on the top. Control (logic) output Nodes are always on the bottom. An exception to these rules is the Pass-Through block, which allows wiring nodes to be strategically placed for routing signals in different directions. When an object (such as a Ducker) includes an audio control (sense) input, it will be below the audio inputs (on the left).

To make a connection, select a Node and drag/drop a Line Object (wire) to a corresponding Node. Multiple Nodes on one object can be selected, and then connected to a matching set of multiple Nodes on another object. If multiple Nodes from individual objects are to be connected to multiple Nodes on a single object, select the individual object Nodes first (drag to select as group). Nodes from multiple individual objects must be connected to Nodes of other individual objects one at a time.

An output Node can be connected to multiple input Nodes, but an input Node cannot be connected to multiple output Nodes. (NOTE: Exceptions to this rule are the control input nodes of Remote Preset,

Command String, and Flip Flop Gate blocks.) Audio Nodes & Control (logic) Nodes cannot be connected to

each other. Input & Output Nodes on the same object cannot be connected to each other. (NOTE: An exception to this rule is the control input and control output nodes of a Logic Box block.) Nodes of the same type (Input or Output) cannot be connected together.

An individual Line Object (wire) or Node connection can be moved (but not copied). The appearance & properties of Line Objects (wires) in the Layout can be changed (see Format Toolbar and Property Sheet).

Page 98

Component Object Properties

Component Object Properties are the control settings available for each component. These represent the same settings normally found on equivalent analog audio products. Component Object Properties for a selected component can be viewed/edited (in table form) using the Object Property Sheet. They can also be copied & pasted (as DSP Data) between components of the same type, using the Edit Menu. However, once a Component Object is placed into the Layout, all available settings can be accessed by doubleclicking over the object. This produces a Control Dialog Box, which displays the component controls in a more conventional user interface.

There are twelve Component Object categories, with some categories providing several component variations. Each component type will have a unique Control Dialog Box. For more information on Control Dialog Boxes for specific components, select the desired category from the list below.

see Input Output

see Mixers

see Equalizers

see Filters

see Crossovers

see Dynamics

see Routers

see Delays

see Controls

see Meters

see Generators

see Diagnostics

Customizing Component Objects

Component Objects can be customized in several ways. First, when using the Object Toolbar to place components into the Layout, certain components will present the user with a pop-up window of configuration options. Several pre-defined configuration (input/output) options may be available for the component, as well as a 'custom' selection that allows the user to more specifically configure the component. Some components (such as Auto Mixers) allow activation of additional features (such as Logic Inputs & Direct Outputs). Multiple channels of Level Control may be 'ganged' onto a single fader. Multichannel Invert and Mute Button Controls may be set for 'horizontal alignment' and/or 'no labeling' when minimized as a user control.

Actual component settings can be customized through Control Dialog Boxes (see Component Object

Properties). Control Dialog Boxes for certain Combiners, Dynamics, Controls, Meters, & Telephone Interface components can be minimized to create customized control surfaces (room combiners, meters,

level controls, mute buttons, preset buttons, telephone dialers, etc.). These control surfaces can then be made user accessable only on specific Layers and with specific Passwords. (See Software User Interface.)

Individual or multiple Component Objects can be customized, connected, and then saved as new Component Objects in the Processing Library. This can be done by selecting the desired object(s) in the Layout, then pressing ALT and dragging the object(s) into an appropriate category in the Processing Library. ALT can also be used to drag object(s) between design (.DAP) files, and to copy objects within the same Layout. Right-clicking over objects (to Copy) and then right-clicking over a Processing Library category (to Paste), can also be used.

Page 99

Multiple component objects may be merged together using the Custom Blocks menu. Custom Blocks can then be copied to the Processing Library as mentioned above. Custom Blocks can simplify the design process by integrating frequently used component combinations, and can provide password protection for intellectual property such as unique processing and component settings.

Right-clicking over the Processing Library will also allow new category files (.APL) to be created, for quick access to specialized or often-used components. Existing category files (.APL) can be closed, to customize the Processing Library. All available category files (.APL) can be viewed and opened from the Processing Library Menu and from the Open dialog box.

Object and Layout Text

The size and appearance of both text and objects can be customized. Special Text Objects can be placed into the Layout using the Text cursor on the Object Toolbar. When selected, Component & Text Objects display handles which can be dragged for re-sizing. Right-clicking over an object provides a pop-up menu which includes the Edit Text option. Edit Text can also be accessed for a selected object by simply pressing the Enter key. Text (and object) appearance can be customized using the associated tools on the

Format Toolbar.

System Compiling Considerations

Once a system design is created (components placed & connected), the system can be compiled by selecting Compile from either the File Menu or the Standard Toolbar. Compile provides system design analysis and calculates DSP processing requirements. Compile also makes initial determinations of quantity/type of Audia and I/O channel number assignments. In addition, Compile will provide indication of system design errors.

Although Compile is an automatic process, certain settings can be pre-determined to help guide this process. DSP blocks (components) can be Allocated To Unit, which assigns them to a particular Audia device. This can be useful either to dedicate particular audio functions to specific physical locations, or to reduce the number of CobraNet channels being transmitted between Audia devices (reduces propagation delay).

Propagation Delay (also known as Latency) is an inherent time delay of the audio signals, which increases with the amount of DSP processing and CobraNet routing applied. Each CobraNet 'hop' (one-way transmission) produces 5.33mS delay (see CN Latency). Therefore, system outputs can have different amounts of propagation delay. Compile determines worst-case propagation delay for a system, and applies Delay Equalization to synchronize all audio outputs. In applications where audio output synchronization is not important (audibly isolated areas), then Delay Equalization may be disabled on individual Input Output components (DSP blocks) or system wide. See Object Property Sheet and Compile Options.

Compile also attempts to 'group' simple DSP blocks together, reducing the number of DSP blocks to be allocated to the available (DSP blocks) into the same group and, therefore, the same device.

Compile will automatically add appropriate Audia devices to the system, based upon Input & Output needs of the design. However, this Auto Device Add function may be defeated, and Audia devices may be added manually, using the Equipment Table. Also, I/O Preference can be changed, to force Compile to use a specific Audia device (Input/Output configuration).

devices needed, CobraNet™ channel assignments, allocation of DSP resources,

Audia devices. Allocated To Gang can be used to 'gang' specific components

For visual aids in determining DSP block allocations, see Display Options. A system design file must be compiled before it can be downloaded to Audia devices (see Send Configuration).

Compile results may be reviewed at any time (see Tools Menu > Layout Compile Results).

Page 100

Example Compile Results

see a list of possible Compile Error Messages

Channel Number Assignments

Release Notes for Audia® version 1.2

The assignment of channel numbers to Audio Input and Output blocks has been modified. It is still the exclusive function of the compiler to make channel number assignments, but now the user can influence the way the compiler does this.

Here is the suggested procedure for assignment of channel numbers to I/O blocks. It is assumed that all blocks are assigned to the same Audia unit. If the system contains multiple units, the following procedure should be performed several times.

As always, the compiler does not modify the existing channel assignments if the I/O block has a fixed allocation to an Audia unit. Therefore, in order to reassign the channel numbers in the desired way, it is necessary to unassign them first. To do this, select all I/O blocks for the unit in question and open the Property Sheet. Select the "DSP Attributes 1" tab and change the value in the "Allocated To Unit" field to 0 (you will have to set the flag "Fixed In Unit" to "No" first). This will reset the channel number assignments in the selected I/O blocks. Then change the "Allocated To Unit" field back to its original value and set the flag "Fixed In Unit" back to "Yes". Unselect all DSP blocks by left clicking in the view.

The next step is to indicate to the compiler the desired order in which you want the channel numbers assigned. Repeat the following sequence for each I/O block in the order you want the channel numbers assigned, i.e., I/O block with the lowest channel number(s) first, I/O block with the highest channel number(s) last:

- Select the block by left-clicking on it

- Bring it to front by hitting CTRL+F.

Now recompile, and the channel numbers will be assigned in the order you selected the blocks.

Note: the Input and Output blocks for a given single unit can be processed at the same time.

100

Biamp AudiaSOLO, Audia, AudiaFLEX Operation Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual