dbx DriveRack 220i User Manual
®
User Manual
System Processor with Advanced Feedback Suppression
220i
®
WARNING FOR YOUR PROTECTION
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING:
KEEP THESE INSTRUCTIONS
HEED ALL WARNINGS
FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS
DO NOT USE THIS APPARATUS NEAR WATER
CLEAN ONLY WITH A DRY CLOTH.
DO NOT BLOCK ANY OF THE VENTILA
TION OPENINGS. INSTALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH
THE MANUF
ACTURER’S INSTRUCTIONS.
DO NOT INSTALL NEAR ANY HEA
T SOURCES SUCH AS RADIATORS, HEAT REGISTERS,
STOVES, OR OTHER APPARATUS (INCLUDING AMPLIFIERS) THAT PRODUCE HEA
T.
ONLY USE ATTACHMENTS/ACCESSORIES SPECIFIED BY THE MANUFACTURER.
UNPLUG THIS APPARATUS DURING LIGHTNING STORMS OR WHEN UNUSED FOR LONG
PERIODS OF TIME.
Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has
two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or third prong are pro
vided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
Use only with the cart stand, tripod bracket, or table specified by the manufacture,
or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the
cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
Refer all servicing to to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when
the apparatus has been damaged in any way
, such as power-supply cord or plug is
damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been
dropped.
POWER ON/OFF SWITCH: For products provided with a power switch, the power
switch DOES NOT break the connection from the mains.
MAINS DISCONNECT: The plug shall remain readily operable. For rack-mount or
installation where plug is not accessible, an all-pole mains switch with a contact
separation of at least 3 mm in each pole shall be incorporated into the electrical
installation of the rack or building.
FOR UNITS EQUIPPED WITH EXTERNALLY ACCESSIBLE FUSE RECEPTACLE: Replace fuse
with same type and rating only.
MULTIPLE-INPUT VOLTAGE: This equipment may require the use of a different line
cord, attachment plug, or both, depending on the available power source at installation. Connect this equipment only to the power source indicated on the equipment
rear panel. To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, refer servicing to qualified
service personnel or equivalent.
This Equipment is intended for rack mount use only.
SAFETY INSTR
UCTIONS
NOTICE FOR CUSTOMERS IF YOUR UNIT IS EQUIPPED
WITH A POWER CORD.
WARNING: THIS APPLIANCE MUST BE EARTHED.
The cores in the mains lead are coloured in accordance with
the following code:
GREEN and YELLOW - Earth BLUE - Neutral BROWN - Live
As colours of the cores in the mains lead of this appliance may
not correspond with the coloured markings identifying the terminals in your plug, proceed as follows:
• The core which is coloured green and yellow must
be connected to the terminal in the plug marked
with the letter E, or with the earth symbol, or
coloured green, or green and yellow.
• The core which is coloured blue must be connected to the terminal marked N or coloured black.
• The core which is coloured brown must be connected to the terminal marked L or coloured red.
This equipment may require the use of a different line cord,
attachment plug, or both, depending on the available power
source at installation. If the attachment plug needs to be
changed, refer servicing to qualified service personnel who
should refer to the table below. The green/yellow wire shall be
connected directly to the units chassis.
WARNING:If the ground is defeated, certain fault conditions in
the unit or in the system to which it is connected can result in
full line voltage between chassis and earth ground. Severe injury
or death can then result if the chassis and earth ground are
touched simultaneously.
The symbols shown above are internationally accepted
symbols that warn of potential hazards with electrical
products. The lightning flash with arrowpoint in an equilateral triangle means that there are dangerous voltages
present within the unit. The exclamation point in an equilateral triangle indicates that it is necessary for the user to
refer to the owner’s manual.
These symbols warn that there are no user serviceable
parts inside the unit. Do not open the unit. Do not
attempt to service the unit yourself. Refer all servicing to
qualified personnel. Opening the chassis for any reason
will void the manufacturer’s warranty. Do not get the unit
wet. If liquid is spilled on the unit, shut it off immediately
and take it to a dealer for service. Disconnect the unit
during storms to prevent damage.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
ATTENTION:
WARNING:
SHOCK DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE
RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE - NE PAS OUVRIR
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC
CONDUCTOR
LIVE
L
NEUTRAL
N
E
EARTH GND
WIRE COLOR
Normal Alt
BROWN
BLUE
GREEN/YEL
BLACK
WHITE
GREEN
U.K. MAINS PLUG WARNING
A molded mains plug that has been cut off from the cord is unsafe.
Discard the mains plug at a suitable disposal facility. NEVER UNDER
ANY CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD YOU INSERT A DAMAGED OR CUT
MAINS PLUG INTO A 13 AMP POWER SOCKET. Do not use the
mains plug without the fuse cover in place. Replacement fuse covers
can be obtained from your local retailer. Replacement fuses are 13
amps and MUST be ASTA approved
to BS1362.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
ELECTROMAGNETIC
COMPATIBILITY
This unit conforms to the Product
Specifications noted on the Declaration
of Conformity. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
• this device may not cause harmful
interference, and
• this device must accept any interfer-
ence received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
Operation of this unit within significant
electromagnetic fields should be avoided.
• use only shielded interconnecting
cables.
DECLARATION OF
CONFORMITY
Manufacturer’s Name: dbx Professional Products
Manufacturer’s Address: 8760 S. Sandy Parkway
Sandy, Utah 84070, USA
declares that the product:
Product name: dbx DriveRack 220i
Note: Product name may be suffixed by the letters-EU.
Product option: None
conforms to the following Product Specifications:
Safety: IEC 60065 (1998)
EMC: EN 55013 (1990)
EN 55020 (1991)
Supplementary Information:
The product herewith complies with the requirements of the
Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC and the EMC Directive
89/336/EEC as amended by Directive 93/68/EEC.
Vice-President of Engineering
8760 S. Sandy Parkway
Sandy, Utah 84070, USA
Date: September 22, 2003
European Contact: Your local dbx Sales and Service Office or
Harman Music Group
8760 South Sandy Parkway
Sandy, Utah
84070 USA
Ph: (801) 566-8800
Fax: (801) 568-7583
Ta b le of Contents
220i
Introduction
0.1 Defining the 220i..............................................ii
0.2 Service Contact Info........................................iii
0.3 Warranty...........................................................iv
Section 1 - Getting Started
1.1 Rear Panel Connections...................................2
1.2 Front Panel .......................................................3
1.3 Connections ......................................................4
1.4 PC GUI Installation ..........................................4
Section 2 - Software Operation
2.1 DriveRack 220i Philosophy..............................6
2.2 Connections ......................................................6
2.3 Views.................................................................6
2.4 Configuration....................................................7
2.5 Editing ...............................................................7
2.6 Copy and Paste ................................................7
2.7 Meters and Mutes .............................................8
2.8 Loading .............................................................8
2.9 Storing ...............................................................8
2.10 import and Exporting.....................................9
2.11 Utilities ..........................................................10
2.12 Online/Offline ..............................................10
2.13 Preferences....................................................10
Section 3 - Detailed Parameters
3.1 Input Routing..................................................12
3.2 EQ (Graphic) or (Parametric)........................12
3.3 Feedback Eliminator (AFS) ............................14
3.4 Automatic Gain Control (AGC) .....................16
3.5 De-Esser ..........................................................17
3.6 Ducker.............................................................18
3.7 Compressor.....................................................18
3.8 Noise Gate ......................................................20
3.9 Notch Filters....................................................21
3.10 Matrix Mixer..................................................22
3.11 Post-Matrix PEQ............................................22
3.12 Band Pass Filter............................................24
3.13 Limiter ...........................................................24
3.14 Delay .............................................................26
3.15 Output Phase/Polarity ..................................26
3.16 Subharmonic Synthesizer .............................27
Section 4 - Utilities
4.1 Program List/Program Change.......................30
4.2 ZC Setup .........................................................30
4.3 Front Panel lockout........................................32
Section 5- Application Guide
5.1 Mic Processing/Mixing ...................................34
5.2 Stereo/Dual Mono Processing .......................35
5.3 Room Combing...............................................36
5.4 BGM/Paging....................................................37
Appendix
A.1 Factory Reset/Flash Update...........................40
A.2 Specifications..................................................41
A.3 Prog List..........................................................42
A.4 Block Diagram ...............................................43
A.5 Gain Level Jumpers .......................................44
A.6 Tips, Tricks and Troubleshooting.................45
A.7 Zone Controller Wiring and Install...............46
DriveRack®User Manual
Table of Contents
®
INTRO
CUSTOMER SERVICE INFO
Defining the
DriveRack
WARRANTY INFO
®
INTRODUCTION
220i
Introduction
DriveRack®User Manual
ii
220i
Congratulations on your purchase of the dbx®220i! The dbx 220i processor was designed to
provide Installers with programmable system processing along with dbx’s Advanced Feedback
Suppression™ (AFS™) algorithm for superior system control and performance. While the 220i
offers all the tools necessary for processing a system, from EQ and De-Essing to Limiting and
Ducking, the thing that sets this product apart from the competition is the inclusion of our
patent-pending AFS™ algorithm that offers feedback filters with Qs up to 1/80th of an octave.
This ensures that the music, or speech that comes in, goes out unblemished by the feedback
detection and elimination process. In hundreds of demonstrations of this patent-pending algorithims, people have tried to discern between the original and processed signal, but to no avail.
Beyond the processing that the 220i is capable of, the 220i also offers control from the ZC series
wall panel controllers. These controllers provide convenient remote control capability of
Program change, Zone output volume and Muting. The zone controllers are easy to install using
CAT5 cable and fit in standard wall boxes.
This manual will be your guide to understanding the full functionality of the powerful 220i. By
combining the different components, the configuration possibilities are limitless. After you have
become familiar with the unit, we encourage you to experiment and find the most effective and
efficient way to run your system by utilizing the powerful processing of the 220i.
The dbx 220i is the most effective way to manage all aspects of post mixer processing and signal routing. The 220i essentially becomes the only device that you will need between the mixer
and the power amps. The following are just some of the features of the 220i.
220i features:
• Advanced Feedback Suppression (AFS™)
• Graphic and Parametric EQ
• Compressor
• Limiting
• Auto Gain Control (AGC)
• Noise Gate
• De-Esser
• Ducker
• Bandpass Filters
• 2x2 Matrix Mixer
• 1.3 Seconds of Delay
• RS-232 PC GUI control
• Mic/Line Inputs
• Wall Panel Control
• Security Lockout
0.1 - Defining the 220i System
INTRODUCTION
®
Introduction
220i
DriveRack®User Manual
In addition to the amazing menu of processing available, the 220i also affords you the luxury
of utilizing dbx Zone-Controller series wall-mounted control panels that will allow you to
remotely control various parameters of the 220i. The ZC-1 offers remote programmable Volume
control to any installation using the DriveRack 220i. The ZC-2 provides programmable Volume
and Mute control. Both the ZC-1 and ZC-2 can be programmed to outputs of the DriveRack
220i. The ZC-3 allows Program Selection on the 220i. The ZC-4 also offers Program Selection
via Contact Closure inputs for Room Combining applications. Up to six Zone Controllers can
be used with a single DriveRack 220i, and can either be wired in series or parallel. The ZCBOB was created to accommodate “home-run” or parallel wiring to the unit. With a maximum
length of 1,000 ft., the Zone Controllers offer a simple way to create a simple yet elegant solution to many installation applications.
If you require technical support, contact dbx Customer Service. Be prepared to accurately
describe the problem. Know the serial number of your unit - this is printed on a sticker attached
to the top panel. If you have not already taken the time to fill out your warranty registration
card and send it in, please do so now.
Before you return a product to the factory for service, we recommend you refer to the manual. Make sure you have correctly followed installation steps and operation procedures. If you
are still unable to solve a problem, contact our Customer Service Department at (801) 568-7660
for consultation. If you need to return a product to the factory for service, you MUST contact
Customer Service to obtain a Return Authorization Number.
No returned products will be accepted at the factory without a Return Authorization Number.
Please refer to the Warranty information on the following page, which extends to the first enduser. After expiration of the warranty, a reasonable charge will be made for parts, labor, and
packing if you choose to use the factory service facility. In all cases, you are responsible for
transportation charges to the factory. dbx will pay return shipping if the unit is still under warranty.
Use the original packing material if it is available. Mark the package with the name of the shipper and with these words in red: DELICATE INSTRUMENT, FRAGILE! Insure the package properly. Ship prepaid, not collect. Do not ship parcel post.
0.2 - Service Contact Info
iii
ZC-BOB
ZC-1
ZC-2
ZC-3
ZC-4
®
Introduction
DriveRack®User Manual
iv
220i
This warranty is valid only for the original purchaser and only in the United States.
1. The warranty registration card that accompanies this product must be mailed within 30 days
after purchase date to validate this warranty. Proof-of-purchase is considered to be the burden of the consumer.
2. dbx warrants this product, when bought and used solely within the U.S., to be free from
defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and service.
3. dbx liability under this warranty is limited to repairing or, at our discretion, replacing defective materials that show evidence of defect, provided the product is returned to dbx WITH
RETURN AUTHORIZATION from the factory, where all parts and labor will be covered up to
a period of two years. A Return Authorization number must be obtained from dbx by telephone. The company shall not be liable for any consequential damage as a result of the product's use in any circuit or assembly.
4. dbx reserves the right to make changes in design or make additions to or improvements upon
this product without incurring any obligation to install the same additions or improvements
on products previously manufactured.
5. The foregoing is in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied, and dbx neither assumes
nor authorizes any person to assume on its behalf any obligation or liability in connection
with the sale of this product. In no event shall dbx or its dealers be liable for special or consequential damages or from any delay in the performance of this warranty due to causes
beyond their control.
0.3 - Warranty
®
Getting Started
Section 1
220i
®
Getting Started
DriveRack®User Manual
2
Section 1
220i
IEC Power Cord Receptacle
The DriveRack 220i comes with a power supply that will accept voltages ranging from 100V120V at frequencies from 50Hz-60Hz. An IEC cord is included. EU version accepts 220V-240V
at frequencies from 50Hz-60Hz.
PC Connection
This DB-9 type null modem connection is used to send and receive information to and from
the GUI interface.
RS485 Zone Control Input (RJ-45 connector type)
This input connection is used to send information and power to the ZC wall controllers.
Inputs 1-2
The input section of the DriveRack 220i offers two electronically balanced XLR connectors
mic/line inputs with Phantom Power.
Outputs 1-2
The output section of the DriveRack 220i offers two electronically balanced XLR connectors. In
addition, the 220i offers Euroblock input connector options.
Signal/Clip LED
This LED is used to indicate microphone signal input or clip.
Mic Gain Control
This knob is used to set the input gain for the microphone input.
Line/Mic Selector
This switch is used to select either a line or microphone input.
1.1 - Rear Panel
®
PC Connection
This DB-9 type connection is used to send and receive information to and from the computer
running the DriveWare™ software. Note: this connection is parallel with the DB-9 connection
on the rear panel.
Load Button
The load button is used to load the selected program.
Program Display
This program display is used to indicate the currently selected program of the 220i.
Program Up and Down (Filter Clear Ch1 and Ch2)
These program up and down buttons are used to scroll through the program menu of the 220i.
Pushing and holding these buttons will clear the live filters on these channels if there are AFS
modules in the signal path.
PC LED
This LED (when lit), indicates that the 220i is connected to the PC. When it is flashing, the 220i
is sending/receiving information from the PC.
CLIP LED
This LED (when lit), .indicates that a signal is clipping, either in the analog input section, or in
the DSP.
Input Meters
These meters monitor the signal level at the output of the A/D converter.
Threshold Meters
The threshold meters indicate indicate that the threshold level has been crossed within the output dynamics section. The tri-color LED will be green when the signal is below the threshold
for a Compressor, Limiter and AGC, and above the threshold for the Gate. Yellow indicates
that the signal is in the over-easy region in the Compressor or Limiter and within the Window
of the AGC. Red indicates that the signal has passed over the threshold for the Compressor,
Limiter and AGC, or below the threshold for the Gate.
Output Meters
These meters monitor the signal level at the input of the D/A converter.
1.2 - Front Panel
Getting Started
Section 1
220i
DriveRack®User Manual
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®
Getting Started
DriveRack®User Manual
4
Section 1
220i
• When setting up the DriveRack 220i, make connections as follows:
• Always
make connections prior to applying power to the unit.
• Connect the output from the sending device (mixer) to either of the two XLR inputs con-
nectors shown below.
• Make output connections from any one of the 2 output XLR or Euroblock connectors
shown below to the input of the selected power amps.
• It is recommended that the power amps are turned off prior to cycling power to the
DriveRack 220i. Always make sure that your power amps are the last item turned on and
the first turned off.
Once all of the connections have been made and the unit is powered up, you can navigate
through the entire signal path of the DriveRack 220i from the included DriveWare GUI. The
display provides you with a clear and concise overview of each aspect of the signal path
from the input to the output section.
Minimum System Requirements
• 266MHz processor
• Windows 98 edition 2 or Windows NT 4.0
• 16 bit color
• 64 meg RAM
Installation
• Install the DriveWare interface from either the dbx Professional Products software download
website at: http://www.driverack.com/software.htm or from the included CD ROM onto your
computer.
• Once the software setup is downloaded, double click on the file named: DriveRack setup
.
• The application will proceed to prompt you for the installation location.
• Once the software installation has been completed, it is recommended that you restart your
computer.
1.4 - PC GUI Installation
1. 3 - Connections
®
SOFTWARE
OPERATION
®
Section 2
220i
Software Operation
6
Section 2
220i
For your convenience, all editing functions of the DriveRack 220i are performed via the included Driveware GUI. This section has been created to act as a tutorial for performing various
editing aspects of the unit.Programs
The philosophy of the DriveRack 220i is built around the idea of a program.
Programs
A program consists of processing modules configured to form the desired signal path. The processing modules and all their parameters are saved as part of the program. The quickest way
to get up and running with the DriveRack 220i is to select one of the programs that are already
configured. If modifications are needed then the program can be reconfigured to select the
appropriate processing modules and parameters can be edited to taste. All module parameters
are part of the program and as such they are saved off when the program is stored. These parameters are also saved as part of the program file when the program is exported to a computer.
Utilities and Mutes
Utilities and Mutes are global functions and are independent of the program. Utilities and Mutes
are not saved as part of the program when it is stored but they can be saved as part of the
device file. This can be helpful as Utilities can be set up just once rather than having to set up
the utilities for each program. The same applies to Mutes; output Mutes can be used regardless of the program that is being recalled. If the need arises to mute an output as part of a program and have that level remain with the program, the output level can be set to –inf in the
Matrix Mixer. This means that no matter whether the output mute is engaged or not, that output will have no output level.
Once the software has been loaded and the DriveRack unit is connected via the included Null
Modem cable, run the DriveWare Graphic User Interface (GUI) by double clicking on the application icon. You will see the DriveWare window open with an icon of the DriveRack 220i unit.
Double clicking on the unit will open the unit to the program screen where you will be able
to see the processing modules and the configuration.
There are three different views within the DriveWare GUI; Venue view, Unit view, and Module
view. V
en
ue view
provides you with an overall system view of the DriveRack network including other DriveRack units if you are using 480 series DriveRack units that can be networked
together. Double clicking on a unit icon in the Venue view takes you to the Unit view. Unit
view (often called program screen) provides you with a graphic representation of the configuration of the individual DriveRack unit, including all the processing modules and their positions
in the signal path. Unit view offers access to meters and output muting, program selection and
loading, processing configuration, program import and export, program storing, as well as utility menu control. Double clicking on the processing module takes you to the Module view.
Module view (also called edit screen) provides access to the processing and utility parameters.
Editing of parameters is done in Module view.
2. 3 - Views
2. 2 - Connections
2. 1 - DriveRack 220i Philosophy
DriveRack®User Manual
®
Configuration of the DriveRack units is done in Unit view. The DriveRack 220i configuration
can be changed by clicking on the CONFIG button. Once the CONFIG button has been
clicked, the modules can be changed by right clicking on the module to be changed. For
example, if you want to change the processing module in one of the inserts, you simply rightclick on that module and you will be able to select another processing block as well as unlink
that module (if it is stereo linked). To link modules in stereo, click on one of the module that
you want to link. While holding the Ctrl button click the other module that you want to link
it to; both modules should now be highlighted. By right-clicking on either module you can
now select LINK. Once the desired configuration is created you must click the CONFIG but-
ton once more to load the configuration.
To edit a processing module double click on that module. Adjust the module to taste; make
sure that the module is engaged, this is usually indicated by the module on button in the upper
left corner of the parameter section. Although process editing is done in real-time, the changes
can either be discarded or accepted by selecting the OK or CANCEL button.
Parameters can be copied and pasted between channels in the DriveRack devices. From the
program screen right click on the module that you want to copy and select Copy. To paste,
right click on a like module and select Paste. Obviously you cannot copy parameters to and
from unlike modules, for example from a Compressor to a Parametric EQ.
2. 6 - Copy and Paste
2. 5 - Editing
2. 4 - Configuration
Software Operation
Section 2
220i
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DriveRack®User Manual
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Software Operation
8
Section 2
220i
The input and output level meters and mute buttons can be seen by clicking on the METER
button in the upper right corner of the program screen. Outputs can be muted by clicking on
the mute buttons.
The LOAD button is used for loading one of the programs in the program table. Right click
on the program name (directly below the large 220i in the upper left hand corner of the Unit
view), to see a list of programs. Select one of the programs by clicking on it. At this point this
new program is not loaded; to load this program click on the load button.
Programs can be stored in the DriveRack unit or saved on the computer. To store a program
in the DriveRack unit the GUI software must be on-line with the unit. The DriveRack 220i
allows both program naming and along with that name you can also select where in the user
program table you would like to store the program. Clicking the STORE button enters the
2. 9- Storing
2. 8 - Loading
2. 7 - Meters and Mutes
DriveRack®User Manual
®
store routine where a name for the program can be entered. Under the name lies the Program
Table position selector for this new program. To complete the storing process, make sure that
the “Replace an Existing Program” button is selected and click OK.
To save a program to your computer click on File on the Menu Bar and select Save, then select
Export Program – you are exporting a program from the DriveRack unit to the computer. You
will then be taken to a folder where you can save this DriveWare Program (.dwp). You can
also save the DriveRack device file (.dwd). The difference between the device file and the program file is the device file saves all the utility information in addition to the program information. To import a program from the computer select File on the Menu Bar and click on Open,
then select the file you would like to import to the DriveRack unit.
2. 10 - Import and Exporting
Software Operation
Section 2
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DriveRack®User Manual
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Software Operation
10
Section 2
220i
The DriveRack 220i utilities can be entered by clicking on Edit on the Menu Bar and selecting
Utilities.
The DriveWare GUI provides a mechanism for creating programs while not physically connected to the DriveRack unit. The GUI can be opened and a DriveRack unit can be inserted using
the Insert menu from the Menu Bar. The unit can be configured and edited just the way a real
unit can. The program can then be Exported to the computer and saved.
Preferences can be found by clicking on File on the Menu Bar. Preferences allow you to change
your communication preferences. It is recommended that you not adjust these unless there is
a specific problem that is keeping you from connecting to the DriveWare GUI.
2. 13 - Preferences
2. 12 - Online/Offline
2. 11 - Utilities
DriveRack®User Manual
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