Biamp NMP200 User Manual
NMP200
Noise Masking
Processor
Operation Manual
®
Biamp Systems, 10074 S.W. Arctic Drive, Beaverton, Oregon 97005 U.S.A. (503) 641-7287 http://www.biamp.com
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print update
Aug 8/01
Q: What is this ’Leveler’ inside the NMP200?
The Leveler function, in the Gain Manager section of an NMP200, 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 NMP200 input for proper levels.
(The NMP200 software input meter should indicate occasional peaks into the yellow, but never to the red.)
2) Select the Gain Manager section of the NMP200 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 NMP200 parametric equalizer to eliminate feedback nodes, before re-enabling the Gain
Manager.
the Leveler.
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space unit. Noise & audio levels, plus two
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Front & Rear Panel Features
Setup
Logic Inputs
RS-232 Control
Applications
Specifications & Block Diagram
Warranty
pg. 2
pgs. 3~12
pg. 13
pgs. 14 & 15
pgs. 16 & 17
pg. 18
NMP200
INTRODUCTION
The ADVANTAGE
noise generator, a balanced line-level audio input, and a 2-channel DSP
processor, all in a single rackchannels of EQ, gain management, & delay, are adjusted via computer
software. Sixteen presets can be recalled via contact-closures, RS-232, or
other remote control options. The NMP200 carries a five-year warranty.
NMP200 features include:
♦ pink-noise & audio input, with 2-channel DSP processor
♦ noise generator spectral purity (±0.1dB @ 0Hz~20kHz)
♦ precision pink-noise filtering (-3dB per octave low-pass)
♦ extended ‘non-apparent’ repeat time of noise (200 minutes)
♦ combined 1/3-octave & parametric equalization per channel
♦ selectable high & low frequency shelving filters per channel
♦ HPF & LPF with variable frequency & slope per channel
®
NMP200 Noise Masking Processor provides a digital pink-
♦ leveling, compression, limiting, & soft-gating per channel
♦ output delay, with distance/delay calculation, per channel
♦ two independent matrixes for channel-to-channel mixing
♦ variable noise, input, & output levels with software metering
♦ sixteen non-volatile memory presets store/recall settings
♦ balanced input & outputs on plug-in barrier strip connectors
♦ software for Windows
®
95/98/NT/2000 & cable included
♦ no manual controls on front panel, to prevent tampering
♦ remote control via RS-232 & programmable logic inputs
♦ accessory units allow control via pots (RCU) or buttons (RT)
♦ incorporates AES recommended grounding practices
♦
marked and UL / C-UL listed power source
♦ covered by Biamp Systems’ five-year warranty
1
FRONT & REAR PANEL FEATURES
ADVANTAGE NMP200
Noise Masking Processor
27V
~
50/60 Hz
serial port
12 watts
class 2 wiring
link port link
logic inputs
output 1 inputoutput 2
On Indicator: When power is applied to the NMP200, this red
LED will light indicating power to the unit is On. When power is
turned off, all current settings will be stored in non-volatile memory
and recalled when power is turned back on. NOTE: During setup
the NMP200 may instead be set to recall a special preset
whenever power is turned on (see Setup on pg. 10).
AC Power Cord: The power transformer provides 27 Volts AC to
the NMP200, and is detachable via a 5-pin DIN connector. The
NMP200 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 NMP200 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; Pi n 7 ) Request To Send (RTS)
output; Pin 8) not used; Pin 9) not used. The default baud rate
for the Serial Port is 38,400 (See RS-232 Control on pg. 16).
BiampWin software and a serial cable are provided for
programming via Windows
®
95/98/NT/2000 (see Setup on pg. 3).
NOTE: The Serial Port can also transmit commands received via
the Logic Inputs (see Setup on pg. 10). Accessory units (RCU &
RT) allow programmable RS-232 control via pots, switches, or
push-button panels.
Link Port: This 9-pin Sub-D (female) connector provides a Link
Port for RS-232 control of multiple ADVANTAGE
®
products (see
RS-232 Control on pg. 15). 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; Pi n 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. 10).
on
BIAMP SYSTEMS
Portland, Oregon
an affiliate of
Rauland-Borg Corp.
NMP200
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). NOTE: The Link switch must
remain OUT when only a single device is being used.
Logic Inputs: This 25-pin Sub-D (female) connector provides
sixteen logic inputs for controlling the NMP200 via contact-closures
(see Logic Inputs on pg. 13). Logic Inputs are programmed using
the BiampWin software and serial cable provided with the NMP200
(see Setup on pg. 10). NOTE: From the factory, Logic Inputs
1~16 have no pre-programmed function.
Outputs 1 & 2: These plug-in barrier strips provide the balanced
analog line-level Outputs from processor Channels 1 & 2. For
balanced output, wire high to (+), low to (-), and ground to (
unbalanced output, wire high to (+) and ground to (
unconnected. Signal level will be reduced by 6dB when outputs
are unbalanced.
Input: This plug-in barrier strip provides the balanced analog linelevel audio input. For balanced input, wire high to (+), low to (-),
and ground to (
ground to both (-) & (
provides a second input. Input & noise may be assigned in any
combination to the two processing channels (see Setup on pg. 4).
the final device in the system (the device
ý
). For
ý
), leaving (-)
ý
). For unbalanced input, wire high to (+) and
ý
). NOTE: The internal pink-noise generator
2
SETUP
NMP200 parameters are all adjustable using the Windows
BiampWin software provides programs for various ADVANTAGE
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
file is opened. Gain Matrix #1
, Gain Manager, EQ, Gain Matrix #2, & Delay screens are then available from the Main screen. Logic
Definition, Button Definition, & Configuration Options screens are also available from the Configure NMP200 menu. The File menu
provides functions such as save, open, download, etc. The Settings
menu arranges the active product screens. The Help
‘Run’ from the ‘Start’ menu, and enter A:\SETUP. System Requirements
(serial port required for ‘on-line’ operation).
®
95/98/NT/2000 ’BiampWin’ software and serial cable provided with the unit.
®
products, including the NMP200. The NMP200 program includes several
screen appears whenever an NMP200
menu recalls the Comm Port Configuration screen. The Window
menu explains the available adjustments. To install BiampWin Software: Select
: Windows® 95/98/NT/2000 with 5MB of available hard disk space
MAIN SCREEN
The Main Screen is used to adjust NMP200 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, Noise, Output 1, & Output 2 levels are adjusted by dragging the
corresponding ‘faders
’ up or down. These are the analog signal input & output circuits. ‘Meters’ are provided on each channel to display
input/output levels at specific points along the digital signal processing paths, and at the analog outputs. NOTE: For best performance,
adjust levels so the meters show occasional peaks in the yellow area, but never to the top (red). Output 1 Mute & Output 2 Mute
the respective output signal on/off, as well as indicate the output muting status. Logic Inputs
Logic Inputs are turned on via external remote control (see Logic Inputs on pg. 13). Preset
non-volatile memory. Presets must first be created & stored by the user (no factory presets). The Store
indicators will light whenever the respective
buttons recall the corresponding presets from
button opens a menu for storing
will toggle
current settings in any of the Presets 1~16. Presets may be stored and recalled (in total or in part) via remote control (see Logic Input
Definitions screen on pg. 10). 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. 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.
3
SETUP
GAIN MATRIX #1 SCREEN
The Gain Matrix #1 screen provides a channel-to-channel (2x2) mix matrix, which can be used to adjust the amount of Input & Noise signal
being routed to each of the processing channels (Output 1 & Output 2). From the factory, Input 1 is routed to Output 1 only, and Noise is
routed to Output 2 only, providing two independent signal paths. Levels are adjusted by dragging the corresponding ‘faders
’ are provided on each channel to display input/output levels at Gain Matrix #1. NOTE: For best performance, adjust levels so the
‘Meters
meters show occasional peaks in the yellow area, but never to the top (red). Invert
be reversed (180°).
The NMP200 has two basic applications which utilize Gain Matrix #1
1) Input 1 can be routed to Output 1 and Noise can be routed to Output 2. Each channel of processing is dedicated to either Input 1 or
Noise signal. Switching between Input 1 & Noise signals (to either Output) is then accomplished via Gain Matrix #2 presets (see Gain
Matrix #2 screen on pg. 8). This is effective when only a single output (zone), or two outputs (zones) with independent delay, are required.
See Courtroom application on pg. 16.
2) Gain Matrix #1 presets can be used to switch between Input 1 or Noise signal being routed to either Output. Each channel of
processing is dedicated to a specific Output (zone), via Gain Matrix #2. Separate EQ presets for Input 1 & Noise signals, as they appear at
each output (zone), can also be used. This is effective when two outputs (zones), each with dedicated processing, are required. See
Office application on pg. 17.
Of course, the NMP200 can simply be configured for processing Noise (or Input 1) signal only, at both Outputs.
:
allows the phase of each corresponding signal path to
’ up or down.
4
SETUP
GAIN MANAGER SCREEN
The Gain Manager screen is used to adjust Leveler, Compressor, Limiter & Soft Gate settings for each of the processing channels (Output
1 & Output 2). Threshold
controls determine the amount and type of gain processing to be applied to the signals. The Leveler
level. If the average signal level increases, the Leveler will reduce gain to compensate. If the average signal level decreases, the Leveler
will increase gain to compensate. The Compressor
automatically varies in ratio from 1.1:1 on signals just slightly above Threshold, to more than 10:1 at full compression. The Compressor
responds to average & peak levels, working with the Leveler to maintain a constant output level. The Limiter
signal level by providing ‘hard’ limiting, which establishes an absolute ceiling level. The Limiter provides protection against clipping
distortion, and the chance of amplifier overload or speaker damage, due to sudden transients. From the factory, the default Threshold
settings will provide approximately 6dB of gain reduction on input signals of nominal level. Bypass
Compressor, or Limiter functions for that Channel, without changing the actual settings. Soft Gate Bypass
circuit for that Channel, which reduces gain 2dB for each 1dB that signal falls below threshold (-30dBu). The Soft Gate gracefully
attenuates background/ambient noise during periods of silence. Bypass GM
functions for that Channel, without changing the actual settings. ‘Meters
well as the amount of gain reduction, at the Gain Manager section. NOTE: The Gain Manager provides gain reduction even on input
signals of nominal level. Therefore, all subsequent meters will indicate the resultant lower levels. CAUTION: The Gain Manager can
increase gain for lower level signals. Therefore, after all 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 levels or use the NMP200 parametric equalizer
to eliminate feedback nodes, before re-enabling the Gain Manager.
adjusts the signal level at which the Leveler, Compressor, & Limiter functions are triggered. Therefore, these
controls short-term peaks in signal level by providing ‘soft-knee’ compression, which
’ are provided on each channel to display input/output levels, as
defeats all Leveler, Compressor, Limiter, & Soft Gate
controls the long-term average signal
controls short-term peaks in
defeats the individual Leveler,
defeats a downward expander
5
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