Biamp MSP11 User Manual

MSP11

Multi-Function DSP

System Processor

Operation Manual

Biamp Systems, 10074 S.W. Arctic Drive, Beaverton, Oregon 97005 U.S.A. [phone] www.biamp.com

an affiliate of Rauland Borg Corp.

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print update

September 7, 2005

Q: What is this 'Leveler' inside the MSP11 & MSP22e?

The Leveler function, in the Gain Manager section of an MSP11 or MSP22e, is an automatic gain control (AGC). This means
that the Leveler automatically adjusts volume levels up or down to compensate for signals that are softer or louder than normal.

Q: What can this 'Leveler' do for me and my customer?

The two most common applications for the Leveler are to control music sources which have been recorded at different levels,
and to control different levels of speech caused by the person(s) speaking and/or their varying distances from the microphones.

Example #1
levels, the volume from one CD to another can vary significantly. In the background music system it is desirable for the music
to maintain a consistent level. A Limiter or Compressor could be employed, but they would only squash the dynamics, and
diminish the quality of the music signal. A Leveler, on the other hand, actually controls the overall level of the signal, without
adversely affecting the dynamics of the signal itself. Therefore, a Leveler can be used to provide a constant volume from the
system, regardless of varying CD levels. This is also true for systems with a variety of music sources (i.e...cassette, tuner,
etc.).

Example #2
alternately, a witness may become timid (soft), the volume from one participant to another can vary significantly. In the
courtroom system it is desirable for all participants to be heard clearly. A Limiter or Compressor could be employed, but they
would squash the dynamics, and only on signals that were louder
increases level when signals are softer than normal and
Leveler can be used to provide a constant volume from the system, regardless of varying speech levels or proximity to the
microphones.

: A background music system utilizing a CD player as the primary source. Since CDs can be recorded at different

: A courtroom with multiple microphones for the participants. Since an attorney might get aggressive (loud) and,

than normal. A Leveler, on the other hand, actually

decreases level when signals are louder than normal. Therefore, a

Q: How should I adjust this 'Leveler' to do what I want?

1) Using a typical input signal, adjust the source output and the MSP11 / MSP22e input for proper levels.
(The MSP11 / MSP22e software input meter should indicate occasional peaks into the yellow, but never to the red.)

2) Select the Gain Manager section of the MSP11 / MSP22e software.

3) Bypass all Gain Manager functions except
(This allows the Gain Reduction meter to be used for setup of the Leveler specifically.)

4) Adjust the Leveler 'threshold' so the Gain Reduction meter indicates the desired amount of gain reduction.
(The amount of gain reduction employed on 'normal' level signals equals the gain available for raising 'softer' level signals.)
(Example: Play a normal level CD. Adjust for 6dB of gain reduction. CDs with lower levels can be raised as much as 6dB.)
(Likewise, 'louder' signals will be lowered. The Leveler will attempt to bring softer or louder signals to the threshold level.)

NOTE: The Gain Manager provides gain reduction even on input signals of nominal level. Therefore, all subsequent software
meters will indicate the resultant lower level. This lower level can then be compensated for by increasing the input level on the
next device in the system (i.e...power amplifier).

CAUTION: The Gain Manager can increase gain for lower level signals. Therefore, once all of the system settings have been
adjusted, temporarily bypass the Gain Manager as a test of system feedback stability. If acoustic feedback occurs, reduce the
system amplifier level or use the MSP11 / MSP22e parametric equalizer to eliminate feedback nodes, before re-enabling the
Gain Manager.

the Leveler.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Front Panel Features

Rear Panel Features

Setup

Logic Inputs

RS-232 Control

Specifications & Block Diagram

Warranty

pg. 2

pg. 3

pgs. 4~11

pgs. 12 & 13

pgs. 14 & 15

pg. 16

MSP11

INTRODUCTION

The MSP11 Multi-function DSP System Processor combines gain
management, equalization, & delay, all in a convenient and affordable single
rack-space package. This DSP-based unit includes leveling, compression,
limiting, & soft-gating gain functions, as well as a combination of 1/3-octave &
parametric equalization functions, with additional high-pass & low-pass filters,
and it provides calculation for proper distance/delay settings. The MSP11 is
covered by a five-year warranty.

MSP11 features include:

♦ 24-bit Digital Signal Processing (DSP) with 48kHz sampling

♦ single-channel gain management, equalization, & delay

♦ leveling, compression, limiting, & soft-gating gain functions

♦ combined 1/3-octave & parametric equalization (34 bands)

♦ high-pass & low-pass filters with variable frequency & slope

♦ broad delay range useful for room delay or driver alignment

♦ delay includes distance calculations to insure proper settings

♦ balanced inputs & outputs on plug-in barrier strip connectors

♦ no manual controls on chassis, to help prevent tampering

♦ controls & indicators provided by software graphic interface

♦ Windows

®

95/98/NT/2000/XP software & cable included

♦ non-volatile memory presets store/recall processor settings

♦ remote control via RS-232 & programmable logic inputs

♦ incorporates AES recommended grounding practices

marked and UL / C-UL listed power source

♦

♦ covered by Biamp Systems' five-year warranty

1

FRONT PANEL FEATURES

On Indicator: When AC power is applied to the MSP11, this red
LED will light indicating power to the unit is On. When power is
removed, all current settings will be stored in non-volatile memory
and recalled when power is restored. NOTE: During setup the

MSP11 may instead be set to recall a special preset whenever
power is restored (see Setup on pg. 9).

MSP11

on

on

2

REAR PANEL FEATURES

27V

~

50/60 Hz

serial port

12 watts

class 2 wiring

link port logic inputslink

AC Power Cord: The power transformer provides 27 Volts AC to
the MSP11, and is detachable via a 5-pin DIN connector. The
MSP11 has two internal ‘self-resetting’ fuses (there are no user
serviceable parts inside the unit). If the internal fuses blow, they
will attempt to re-set after a short period. However, this may be an
indication that the MSP11 requires service.

Serial Port: This 9-pin Sub-D (male) connector provides an RS­232 Serial Port for remote control via computer or third-party
controllers (see RS-232 Control on pg. 14). The Serial Port has
the following pin assignments (left-to-right & top-to-bottom): Pin 1)
not used; Pin 2) Receive Data (RxD) input; Pin 3) Transmit
Data (TxD) output; Pin 4) Data Terminal Ready (DTR) output;
Pin 5) Ground; Pin 6) not used; Pin 7) Request To Send (RTS)
output; Pin 8) not used; Pin 9) not used. BiampWin software
and a null-modem cable are provided for programming (see Setup
on pg. 3). NOTE: The Serial Port can also transmit commands

received via the Logic Inputs (see Setup on pg. 9).

Link Port: This 9-pin Sub-D (female) connector provides a Link

Port for RS-232 control of multiple BIAMP products (see RS-232
Control on pg. 14). The Link Port of one device simply connects to
the Serial Port of the next device (and so forth). Link cables are
available as an option (Biamp #909-0057-00). NOTE: All but the

final device in a system should have the Link Switch pressed in
(see below). The Link Port has the following pin assignments

(right-to-left & top-to-bottom): Pin 1) not used; Pin 2) Transmit
Data (TxD) output; Pin 3) Receive Data (RxD) input; Pin 4) not
used; Pin 5) Ground; Pin 6) not used; Pin 7) not used; Pin 8)
not used; Pin 9) not used. NOTE: The Link Port will also

transmit commands received via the Logic Inputs (see Setup on
pg. 9).

output

input

BIAMP SYSTEMS

Portland, Oregon

an affiliate of

Rauland-Borg Corp.

MSP11

MADE IN U.S.A.

Link Switch: The Link Switch is used when connecting multiple
devices in a ‘Link Port to Serial Port’ configuration (see Link Port
above). From the factory, the Link Switch is released (out). When
connecting multiple devices, the Link Switch must be depressed
(in) on all devices except
with no Link Port connection).

Logic Inputs: This 9-pin Sub-D (female) connector provides eight
logic inputs for controlling the MSP11 via contact-closures (see
Logic Inputs on pg. 12). Logic Inputs are programmed using the
PC Control Software and serial cable provided with the MSP11
(see Setup on pg. 9). NOTE: From the factory, Logic Inputs 1~8

have no pre-programmed function.

Input: This plug-in barrier strip provides the balanced analog line­level Input to the MSP11. For balanced input, wire high to (+), low
to (-), and ground to (
and ground to both (-) & (

Output: This plug-in barrier strip provides the balanced analog
line-level Output from the MSP11. For balanced output, wire high
to (+), low to (-), and ground to (
high to (+) and ground to (
level will be reduced by 6dB when the output is unbalanced.

the final device in the system (the device

d

). For unbalanced input, wire high to (+)

d

).

d

). For unbalanced output, wire

d

), leaving (-) unconnected. Signal

3

SETUP

MSP11 parameters are all adjustable using the 'BiampWin
provides programs for various BIAMP products, including the MSP11. The MSP11 program includes several control screens, which are
described on the following pages. Once the software is started (and Comm Port Configuration is set), the control screens are accessed via
the drop-down menus at the top of the opening screen. The Main
& Delay

screens are then available from the Main screen. Logic Definition, Button Definition, & Configuration Options screens are also
available from the Configure MSP11
recalls the Comm Port Configuration screen. The Window
adjustments. To install BiampWin Software
Requirements: Windows® 95/98/NT/2000/XP with 8MB of available hard disk space (serial port required for ‘on-line’ operation).

menu. The File menu provides functions such as save, open, download, etc. The Settings menu

: Select ‘Run’ from ‘Start’ menu, and browse to 'BiampWin' on appropriate drive. System

' software and null-modem cable provided with the unit. The BiampWin software

screen appears whenever an MSP11 file is opened. Gain Manager, EQ,

menu arranges active product screens. The Help menu explains available

MAIN SCREEN

The Main Screen is used to adjust MSP11 input/output levels, to access the processing control screens, and to store/recall Presets 1~16.
Adjustments are made with the computer mouse (or keyboard). Input & output levels are adjusted by dragging the corresponding ‘faders
up or down. These are the analog signal input & output circuits. ‘Meters
the digital signal processing path, and at the analog output. NOTE: For best performance, adjust levels so the meters show occasional
peaks in the yellow area, but never to the top (red). Mute
respective Logic Inputs are turned on via external remote control (see Logic Inputs on pg. 12). Preset
presets from non-volatile memory. Presets must first be created & stored by the user (no factory presets). The Store
for storing current settings in any of the Presets 1~8. The title bar across the top of the Main screen will indicate the Device #, the custom
Device Name, and the model of product being controlled. The BiampWin software can operate ‘off-line’ (with no product connected) by
opening a ‘new’ file for the desired product. The Device # for ‘off-line’ files is assigned sequentially as a negative number.

will toggle the output signal on/off. Logic Inputs indicators will light whenever the

’ are provided to display input/output levels at specific points along

buttons recall the corresponding

button opens a menu

’

4