DBX PA2 Users Manual

Owner’s Manual

Warranty

1. Please register your product online at dbxpro.com. Proof-of-purchase is considered to be the responsibility of the consumer. A copy of the original purchase receipt must be provided for any warranty service.

2. dbx warrants this product, when purchased new from an authorized U.S. dbx dealer and used solely within the U.S., to be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and service. This warranty is valid to the original purchaser only and is non-transferable.

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 first be obtained from dbx. 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.

Technical Support & Service

If you require technical support, contact dbx Technical Support. Be prepared to accurately describe the problem. Know the serial number of your device – this is printed on a sticker attached to the chassis.

Before you return a product to the factory for service, we recommend you refer to this manual. Make sure you have correctly followed installation steps and operating procedures. For further technical assistance or service, please contact our Technical Support Department at (801) 566-8800 or visit dbxpro.com. If you need to return a product to the factory for service, you MUST first contact our Technical Support Department 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, which extends to the first end-user. 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. If the product is still under warranty, dbx will pay the return shipping.

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.

Table of Contents

Overview �� 2

Introduction �� 2 Features �� 3

User Interface & Connectors �� 4

Front Panel �� 4 Rear Panel �� 6

Installing The DriveRack PA2 �� 8

Installation Recommendations �� 8 Making Connections �� 8

Audio Connections�� 8 Network Connections �� 9

Applying Power ��10

Getting Started ��11

Menu Navigation Overview ��11 Operating Modes Explained��12 The Home Screens ��13

Configuring The DriveRack PA2 ��14

Using The Wizards ��14 About Speaker & Amplifier Tunings ��17 Manual System Optimization Tips ��18

1� Set Crossover Frequency & Filter Settings ��18 2� Set Driver Alignment Delays & Polarity ��18 3� Set Gain Structure & Limiters ��19 4� Balance The System’s Frequency Response ��22 5� EQ The System In The Venue ��22 6� Ring Out The System With AFS ��23 7� Add Finishing Touches ��23

Operating The DriveRack PA2 �� 24

Editing Parameters ��24 Managing Presets ��25

Recalling Presets ��25 Editing Presets ��25 Storing Presets ��26 Copying Presets ��26

The PA2 Processing Modules & Parameters ��27

Graphic EQ (GEQ) ��27 Parametric EQ (AutoEQ, HIGH, MID, LOW PEQ) �� 29 Advanced Feedback Suppression (AFS) ��31 Subharmonic Synthesis (SUB) �� 35 Compressor (COMP) ��37 Delay��39 Crossover (XOVER) ��41

Limiter��43 RTA ��45 Utility ��46

Power-Up Functions ��47

Initialize With Mutes On ��47 System Lockout ��48 Factory Reset ��49 Soft Reset ��49

Application Guide ��50

Full Range Application 1 (Standard) ��50 Full Range Application 2 (Sub-Satellite System) ��51 Full Range Application 3 (All Outputs Full Range) ��52 2-Way Application ��53 3-Way Application ��54

Preset List �� 55

DriveRack PA2 Control Application ��56

Device Requirements ��56 Networking ��57

Networking Overview ��57 Network Security ��57 Network Troubleshooting �� 57

Technical Information ��59

Firmware Updates ��59 DSP Block Diagram ��60 Cable Diagrams ��61

Ethernet Cable Diagrams ��61

Audio Cable Diagrams ��62 Dimensions ��63 Specifications ��64

Additional Resources ��65

dbx Website ��65 DriveRack PA2 Product Page ��65 dbx Support ��65 dbx User’s Forum ��65

Overview

Introduction

The DriveRack® PA2 represents the next generation of PA loudspeaker management processing from dbx®. With dynamics, EQ, feedback suppression, crossover, subharmonic synthesis, and delay processing, the DriveRack PA2 provides all the processing you need between your mixer and amplifiers to optimize and protect your loudspeakers.

Building upon the same great features that made the DriveRack PX, PA, and PA+ so popular, the DriveRack PA2 adds the latest advancements in dbx’s proprietary AutoEQ™ and AFS™ (Advanced Feedback Suppression) algorithms, a new input delay module for delaying the sound system to the backline, Ethernet control via an iOS®, Android™, Mac®, or Windows® device, and much, much more!

The updated Wizards in the PA2 are more intuitive and powerful than ever and offer step-by-step assistance with setup configuration, loudspeaker optimization, and system feedback elimination. The updated AutoEQ™ uses frequency sweeps rather than pink noise and allows you to take up to four measurements for analysis, providing an extremely accurate, timely, and non-intrusive automatic EQ experience. And the enhanced AFS algorithm is now even faster and more accurate at eliminating feedback, without adversely affecting your system’s tone.

The most exciting new feature of the DriveRack PA2 is the network and Wi-Fi control capabilities using the free DriveRack PA2 control application available for iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows compatible devices. Now you can configure and adjust the settings of your loudspeaker management processor from anywhere in the venue!

You say your speaker or amplifier tunings aren’t available in the DriveRack PA2’s default tuning list? No problem. Use the DriveRack PA2 control app to connect to the online database, where you can instantly download and apply the latest available tunings from JBL®, Crown®, dbx, and more – no firmware update necessary!

With supported crossover configurations for full range, 2-way, and 3-way systems, enhanced algorithms and functionality, and a stylish new design, the DriveRack PA2 was engineered to continue the DriveRack legacy of great-sounding and affordable loudspeaker management processing.

Thanks for choosing dbx.

Features

• 24-Bit A/D & D/A Converters

• 48 kHz/32-Bit Floating Point Processing

• dbx Type IV™ Conversion

• Setup Wizard For Easy System Configuration

• Level Assist For System Level Balancing

• AutoEQ™ For Fast & Accurate Room Equalization Using 8-Band Parametric EQ

™

• AFS

For Ringing Out The System & On-The-Fly Feedback Suppression

• 31-Band Graphic EQ For Tailoring The System’s Frequency Response To Taste

• Subharmonic Synthesizer

• dbx® Compression

• Pre-Crossover Delay For Aligning The Sound System To The Stage Backline

• Crossover With Support For Full Range, 2-Way, & 3-Way Configurations

• Stereo 8-Band Output Parametric EQs For Speaker Tunings

• Stereo PeakPlus™ Output Limiters

• Stereo Output Driver Alignment Delays For 2-Way & 3-Way Systems

• Real-Time Analyzer

• White/Pink Noise Generator

• 2 XLR Inputs

• 6 XLR Outputs

• Front-Panel XLR RTA Mic Input With 15V Phantom Power

• Support For Mono Or Stereo Inputs

• Support For Mono Or Stereo Subwoofers

• Bright, 6-Segment Input & Output Meters

• Front-Panel Output Mute Buttons

• Security Lockout

• Easy-To-Read LCD Display

• Storage Memory Locations For Up To 75 User Presets

• Various Speaker & Amplifier Tunings Included

• Network Control Via The Free DriveRack PA2 Control Application For iOS Devices

, Android™, Mac®, & Windows® Compatible

User Interface & Connectors

1 2 3 10

4 91211 13

5 6

Front Panel

1. RTA MIC INPUT

Connect the dbx RTA-M measurement microphone (sold separately) to this balanced XLR input jack for easy calibration of your sound system using the built-in Wizards or for use with the RTA. This jack supplies +15V phantom power.

2. LCD Display

This LED-backlit LCD display provides the visual feedback required for operating the PA2 processor from the front panel.

3. BACK Button

Pressing this button will navigate back one level in the current menu tree. Pressing this button multiple times will navigate back to the home screen.

4. DATA Wheel (SELECT)

This data wheel is used for scrolling and loading presets, scrolling menus, selecting on-screen options and parameters, and editing selected on-screen options and parameters. Some functions are performed by turning the data wheel and others are performed by pressing the data wheel.

5. WIZARD Button

Pressing this button enters the Wizard menu, where you can select a specific Wizard to run or run all Wizards in succession. For more information on the different Wizards, see ‘Using The Wizards’ on page 14.

6. PRESET Buttons

The STORE and RECALL buttons are used to store and recall presets. For more information on storing, copying, and recalling presets, see ‘Managing Presets’ on page 25.

7. UTILITY Button

Pressing this button enters the Utility menu, where you can get information about the PA2’s firmware and network settings and configure global system settings which dictate how the PA2 operates. See ‘Utility’ on page 46 for information on the options and parameters available in the Utility menu.

8. INSTANT ACCESS Buttons

Pressing each of these buttons opens the menu for the corresponding processing module, where you can edit the parameters pertaining to each processing module. Pressing the RTA button enters the Real-Time Analyzer, where you can monitor the system’s signal using the optional dbx RTA-M microphone for fine-tuning and troubleshooting the system.

9. INPUT Meters

These 6-segment LED meters display the input signal level strength and available headroom, and range from SIG (signal present) to 0 (dBFS). These meters monitor the signal level right after the A/D converter and will light when the signal level is greater than or equal to the values shown in the table to the right.

Input LEDs dBFS (switch set to +4 dBu) (switch set to -10 dBV)

0 -0.1 19.9 dBu 7.7 dBV

3 -3 17 dBu 4.8 dBV

10 -10 10 dBu -2.2 dBV

15 -15 5 dBu -7.2 dBV

20 -20 0 dBu -12.2 dBV

SIG -48 -28 dBu -40.2 dBV

10. CLIP LEDs

When these LEDs light, it indicates that the PA2’s inputs are being overdriven and input clipping is occurring. These LEDs feature a peak hold function, so they will remain lit for a short period of time after the signal level drops back below the clip point. The dbx Type IV™ conversion system built into the PA2 will clamp down on excessively loud input signals and prevent the A/D converters from clipping. If you’re lighting these LEDs, you will need to reduce the output level of your mixer. If you have the +4dBu/-10dBV switch on the back panel of the PA2 set to the -10dBV position, but you’re sending a +4dBu signal to the PA2’s inputs, this may cause these LEDs to light prematurely. If this occurs, set this switch to the +4dBu position (it is recommended that you mute the PA2’s outputs before doing so).

11. OUTPUT Meters

These 6-segment LED meters display the output signal level strength and available headroom, and range from SIG (signal present) to 0 (dBFS). These meters monitor the signal level after the limiter modules and output MUTE buttons and will light when the signal level is greater than or equal to the values shown in the table to the right.

Output LEDs dBFS dBu

0 -0.1 19.9

3 -3 17

10 -10 10

15 -15 5

20 -20 0

SIG -48 -28

12. TH (THRESHOLD) Indicators

These multi-colored threshold LEDs indicate output limiter activity within the specified output channels. The three colored states are:

• Green The signal level is under threshold and no limiting is occurring.

• Yellow The signal level has approached the threshold and some minor limiting is occurring. This state is only active when the limiter’s OverEasy™ setting is turned on.

• Red The signal level has exceeded the limiter’s threshold and limiting is occurring.

13. MUTE Buttons

Pressing each of these buttons will mute the corresponding output channel. When activated, the signal will be muted prior to the output meter. The state of these outputs are global and are not stored to presets. However, the state of these buttons will be retained after a power cycle. The MUTES POWERUP function, available in the Utility menu, lets you configure the PA2 to always power on with all outputs muted. See ‘Utility’ on page 46 for more information on this feature. You can also press and hold any of these MUTE buttons upon power up to force the PA2 to initialize with all outputs muted. See ‘Initialize With Mutes On’ on page 47 for more information on this feature.

Rear Panel

2 3

120V 50/60Hz

1. IEC AC Power Inlet

Connect the included IEC power cord to this power inlet. The DriveRack PA2 ships from the factory configured for one of two specified power voltage ranges, they are:

• 100-120V, 50Hz/60Hz

• 220-240V, 50Hz/60Hz

NOTE: Ensure the screening under this outlet matches the voltage specification in your country before applying

power to the PA2.

2. Ethernet Port

This RJ45 connector is used for updating the firmware and controlling the PA2 from a networked device using the free DriveRack PA2 control app. See ‘Network Connections’ on page 9, ‘Networking’ on page 57, and ‘Firmware Updates’ on page 59 for more information on using this port.

NOTE: A DHCP enabled switch or Wi-Fi router is required to assign an IP address to the PA2 for network

control.

3. USB Port

This USB connector is used for updating the PA2’s firmware. See ‘Firmware Updates’ on page 59 for more information.

4. Outputs 1–6

These six electronically balanced XLR outputs correspond to the low, mid, and high output processing chains. Note that crossover frequencies can be extended to overlap each other in the crossover processing module, allowing for more flexible crossover configuration, such as configuring multiple outputs for full range operation.

5. Inputs 1–2

Connect your mixer outputs to these electronically balanced XLR input connectors. These inputs can be configured for stereo or mono applications in the Wizard. The input sensitivity of these jacks are affected by the +4dBu/-10dBV switch.

6. Input Switches

These switches are recessed to prevent accidental switching. You may need to use the tip of your fingernail or an object with a pointy tip, such as a pen, to activate these switches.

• +4dBu/-10dBv Switch This switch sets the PA2’s input sensitivity. Select the +4dBu option (switch out) when connecting a mixer or device which has a nominal output operating level of around +4dBu. Select the -10dBV option (switch in) when connecting a mixer or device which operates at a lower “consumer” level, such as some DJ mixers or a consumer device with unbalanced output connectors (such as RCA connectors). If you’re not sure what the nominal output operating level of your mixer is, check the product’s manual or contact the manufacturer. It’s advised that you reduce your mixer’s output level and power off your amplifiers or mute the PA2’s outputs before changing the position of this switch.

• Ground Lift Switch The ground lift switch lifts the pin 1 chassis ground on both input XLR connectors. In most applications, this switch should be left in the out (disabled) position. If hum becomes an issue and is caused from a ground loop between your mixer and PA2, try engaging this switch. It’s advised that you power off your amplifiers or mute the PA2’s outputs before changing the position of this switch.

Installing The DriveRack PA2

Installation Recommendations

FOR RACK MOUNT USE ONLY. Install the PA2 in your 19” rack with the provided rack screws. When installed in a rack, make sure there is proper ventilation. The sides and back of the device should be free of any obstruction that would prevent airflow. The PA2 should not be mounted above or below anything that generates excessive heat. Ambient temperatures should not exceed 950 F (350 C) when equipment is in use. Although the unit is shielded against radio frequency and electromagnetic interference, extremely high fields of RF and EMI should be avoided where possible.

Making Connections

Audio Connections

1� Ensure the power is turned off on all interconnecting equipment and the PA2 before making audio connections.

2� See ‘Application Guide’ on page 50 for application notes and system diagrams which can be used for reference

when connecting the PA2 to your system. See ‘Cable Diagrams’ on page 61 for information on cabling.

3� Connect the outputs of your mixing console to the inputs of the PA2.

NOTE: The +4dBu/-10dBV switch on the back panel of the PA2 must be set to the correct position for your

application in order to avoid performance issues. +4dBu is referred to as “pro level” and will be the correct setting for most applications, as most pro and semi-pro mixers will output a nominal level of around +4dBu. -10dBV is referred to as “consumer level” and will need to be used when connecting a source which has an output level approximately 12 dB lower than pro level equipment.

4� Connect the PA2’s outputs to the designated amplifier or powered speaker inputs.

5� If you plan to calibrate the system using the built-in Wizards, connect the optional dbx RTA-M measurement microphone

using a microphone cable of suitable length and place it in a microphone stand.

120V 50/60Hz 120V 50/60Hz

WAN LAN

1 2 3 4

Ethernet Router With DHCP Enabled

DriveRack PA2 DriveRack PA2

Computer

Mac® or Windows®

Computer

Mac® or Windows®

Computer With Wi-Fi

120V 50/60Hz

Computer

or or

DriveRack PA2

Wi-Fi Router With DHCP Enabled

WAN LAN

1 2 3 4

Mac® or Windows®

Computer With Wi-Fi

Android™ or iOS®

Tablet

Android™ or iOS®

Smartphone

DriveRack PA2

Computer With Wi-Fi

Tablet

Smartphone

Network Connections

1� Download and install the free DriveRack PA2 control app

on the iTunes Store®, Google Play™, or from www.dbxpro. com.

2� Connect a straight-through CAT5, CAT5e, or CAT6

Ethernet cable (sold separately) to the Ethernet port on the DriveRack PA2.

3� Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to one of the

LAN ports on a DHCP-enabled network router or switch.

4� For a wired connection, connect your computer’s Ethernet

port to one of the other LAN ports on the router or switch using a straight-through CAT5, CAT5e, or CAT6 cable.

5� Make sure the network switch or router is powered on

and fully booted then power on the DriveRack PA2. See ‘Applying Power’ on page 10 for further information on properly powering on the PA2. If the PA2 is already powered on, power down your amplifiers or powered speakers then power cycle the PA2. The PA2 must be powered on after the switch/router in order to be assigned an IP address.

6� To verify the PA2 has been assigned an IP address, press

the UTILITY button then select the SYSTEM INFO option or press the DATA wheel from the home screen to view the System Info home screen.

120V 50/60Hz

Wired Ethernet Switch

Ethernet Switch With DHCP Enabled

Mac® or Windows®

Wired Ethernet Router

Ethernet Router With DHCP Enabled

1 2 3 4

WAN LAN

7� If using a Wi-Fi router, connect to the Wi-Fi network using

your Wi-Fi equipped computer or device.

NOTE: A DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration

Protocol)-enabled switch or router must be used to assign an IP address to the DriveRack PA2. See ‘Networking’ on page 57 for more information on networking or if you’re having difficulty connecting to the PA2 over the network.

NOTE: Crossover Ethernet cables can also be used

for Ethernet connections as long as the switch or router is capable of auto-sensing the type of Ethernet cable connected and reconfiguring itself accordingly (referred to as auto-MDI/MDIX sensing). See ‘Cable Diagrams’ on page 61 for more information on the difference between straight-through and crossover Ethernet cable types.

Mac® or Windows®

120V 50/60Hz

Mac® or Windows®

or or

Wi-Fi Router

Wi-Fi Router With DHCP Enabled

Android™ or iOS®

1 2 3 4

WAN LAN

Applying Power

1� Ensure your power amplifiers or powered speakers are turned off.

2� Make sure the included IEC power cable provided with your PA2 has the proper connector for connection to your

AC power outlet and that the power screening under the IEC power inlet on the back panel of the PA2 matches your country’s voltage requirements.

3� Connect the power cable to the AC power inlet on the PA2’s back panel.

4� Apply power to the PA2 by connecting the other end to an available AC power outlet. Since the PA2 does not have a

power switch, an AC power strip or power conditioner can be used for switching power to the PA2 on or off.

5� Apply power to your mixer then your power amplifiers or powered speakers.

NOTE: When powering up a fully configured and connected PA system, it is advisable to ALWAYS turn on the mixer and

PA2 first, then turn on your amplifiers or powered speakers. It’s also a good idea to ensure you’re not passing audio to the mixer’s outputs (or ensure your mixer’s master faders are all the way down) before applying power to the amplifiers. When powering down the system, you should ALWAYS power down the amplifiers first, wait about 10 seconds to allow them to discharge, then power down the mixer and PA2. In short, every time you use your system, the power amps should be the last components turned on and the first components turned off.

Press & Hold LIMITER Button Press & Hold PEQ Button Press & Hold DELAY Button

Press & Hold XOVER Button

Getting Started

Menu Navigation Overview

The DriveRack PA2’s user interface was carefully designed to provide logical navigation and avoid deeply nested menus. The menu navigation is laid out as shown in the below diagram.

HOME MODE

Press SELECT

Conguration

Home Screen

Dynamic Meters

Home Screen

RTA

Home Screen

System Info

Home Screen

Press RTA Button

Press RECALL Button

Press STORE Button

Press UTILITY Button

Press GEQ Button

Press AFS Button

Press SUB Button

Press COMP Button

Press XOVER Button

Press LIMITER Button

RTA Menu

Preset Recall Menu

Preset Store Menu

Utility Menu

Graphic EQ Menu

AFS Menu

Subharmonic Synth

Compressor Menu

Crossover Menu

Limiter Menu

Turn DATA Wheel / Press SELECT

High Crossover Menu

Mid Crossover Menu

Low Crossover Menu

High Limiter Menu

Mid Limiter Menu

Low Limiter Menu

AutoEQ Menu

Press PEQ Button

Press DELAY Button

Press WIZARD Button

Parametric EQ Menu

Delay Menu

Wizard Menu

Turn DATA Wheel / Press SELECT

High PEQ Menu

Mid PEQ Menu

Low PEQ Menu

Input Delay Menu

High Output

Delay Menu

Mid Output Delay Menu

Low Output Delay Menu

Run All Wizards

Run Setup Wizard

Run AutoEQ/

Level Assist

Run AFS Wizard

Wizard Options

Operating Modes Explained

This section describes the different operating modes available in the DriveRack PA2 and how to enter each mode.

Home Mode

This is the default operating mode. It is the mode the DriveRack PA2 enters when it initially boots and is the mode which displays the selected home screen. From any menu, you can get back to Home mode by repeatedly pressing the BACK button. How many times you must press the BACK button to return to Home mode is determined by how deeply you have navigated in the current menu.

Wizard Mode

This mode is entered by pressing the WIZARD button. This mode is used to create a new system configuration or edit an existing one. It is also used to AutoEQ a system (optional RTA-M microphone required) and ring out a system for feedback. When running the Wizards, pressing and holding the WIZARD button will abort the Wizard and return to the main Wizard menu.

Edit Mode

Edit mode is entered by pressing any of the INSTANT ACCESS buttons or the UTILITY button. This mode is used to edit processing module parameters, RTA parameters, and global system parameters.

Preset Recall Mode

This mode is entered by pressing the preset RECALL button and is used to load an existing factory or user preset.

Preset Store Mode

This mode is entered by pressing the preset STORE button and is used to store the current preset to a user preset memory location.

HIGH LIMITER

MID LIMITER

LOW LIMITER

30 12 5 0

COMPRESSOR

HIGH LIMITER

MID LIMITER

LOW LIMITER

30 12 5 0

MID LIMITER

LOW LIMITER

The Home Screens

The home screen is the first screen which appears in the LCD display after the DriveRack PA2 fully initializes (this is also referred to as “Home mode”). There are four home screens to choose from, providing the instant visual feedback you need, when you need it. All home screens will display the currently loaded preset number and name, so you always know which preset is currently loaded. To toggle between Home screens, simply press the DATA WHEEL from Home mode. Below is a description of each available home screen.

Configuration Home Screen

This is the default home screen. This screen shows the configuration and signal flow of the currently loaded preset. The far left of the screen indicates input configuration. The far right of the screen indicates output configuration. All the blocks in-between represent the processing modules.

Configuration Home Screen

Dynamic Meters Home Screen

This home screen shows dynamic processing activity in the input compressor and output limiter modules. The meters on the left of this screen show threshold activity.

icon indicates the signal is below threshold and no dynamics processing is

The occurring. The some minor compression or limiting is beginning to occur (this icon will only light if the dynamics processor is configured with “OverEasy” enabled). The the signal is over threshold and full compression or limiting is occurring. The meters on the right show how much gain reduction is occurring in each processing module.

icon indicates that the signal level is within the “OverEasy” region and

icon indicates that

Dynamic Meters Home Screen

RTA Home Screen

This home screen provides quick access to the Real-Time Analyzer. When the optional RTA-M measurement microphone is connected to the RTA Mic Input, this RTA can be used for manually fine-tuning and troubleshooting the system.

RTA Home Screen

System Info Home Screen

This home screen shows the currently installed firmware version and the network IP address assigned to the PA2.

System Info Home Screen

NOTE: After a power cycle, the DriveRack PA2 will return to the home screen selected before the unit was powered

down.

NOTE: The TIME OUT feature in the Utility menu will determine if the DriveRack PA2 will return to the home screen

after a period of inactivity and how long it will wait before timing out. See ‘Utility’ on page 46 for further information on the TIME OUT feature.

Conﬁguring The DriveRack PA2

This section of the manual describes how to configure the DriveRack PA2 for your application. The easiest way to configure the PA2 is to use the built-in Wizards. However, for the veteran sound engineers and DriveRack power users, the PA2 can also be configured and tweaked manually. For example, you can create the basic configuration using the Setup Wizard, or load an existing preset, then tweak the parameters as necessary from there. The RTA can then be used to analyze the system’s frequency response for making manual adjustments or for troubleshooting system issues.

Using The Wizards

The PA2 Wizards are accessed by pressing the WIZARD button. These Wizards walk you through the configuration process with simple, step-by-step instructions, making it easy to configure the PA2 for your amplifiers, speakers, and the venue.

Using the optional dbx RTA-M measurement microphone, the Wizards can optimize your sound system by helping adjust your left/right speaker balance, low/mid/high level balance, and analyzing your room and applying accurate room EQ – in a fraction of the time it would take to manually analyze and calibrate the system.

The updated DriveRack PA2 Wizard section now also includes options for altering existing configurations (presets), making it possible to use the Wizards to update portions of a configuration without having to recreate the whole configuration from scratch. Below is a list and description of each of the available options in the PA2’s Wizard menu.

RUN ALL WIZARDS [CURRENT SETTINGS, NEW SETTINGS]

Select this option to run through all the Wizards in succession. Select the NEW SETTINGS option to default all the Wizard settings and configure a new system from scratch. Select the CURRENT SETTINGS option to alter an existing configuration or to view the selections made when the preset was configured – note that you can only view these settings if the currently loaded preset was created using the Setup Wizard.

RUN SETUP WIZARD

This Wizard allows you to enter your speaker and amplifier models and automatically sets the crossover, output parametric EQ, driver alignment delay (for bi-amped main speakers), polarity, and limiter settings. The Setup Wizard in the PA2 now stores all selections made with the preset. So if you load a preset that was created using the Setup Wizard, all the selections made during creation can be viewed at any time by entering the Setup Wizard. The available options in this menu are as follows:

• RUN ALL SETUP Select this option to run through the entire Setup Wizard (which consists of all Setup Wizard items listed below).

• RUN INPUT SETUP [MONO, STEREO] Select this option to switch the input configuration between mono or stereo.

• RUN GEQ SETUP [DUAL MONO, STEREO LINKED] Select this option to switch the GEQ configuration between dual mono or stereo linked.

• RUN SPEAKER/AMP SETUP Select this option to update speaker and/or amp selections (tunings).

RTA-M Mic Placement 1 Reference

Right Speaker

RTA-M Mic Placement 1 Reference

Left Speaker

AutoEQ Mic Position 2

RTA-M Mic Placement 1 Reference

Right Speaker

Level Assist/AutoEQ Mic Position 1

Left Speaker

RUN AutoEQ/LEVEL ASSIST

When used with the optional dbx RTA-M measurement microphone, this Wizard helps you balance the left/right speaker levels, the low/mid/high speaker levels (for 2-way and 3-way systems), and automatically equalizes the speakers to the current room environment. After selecting this option, you can select whether you would like to run both the Level Assist and AutoEQ functions, Level Assist only, or AutoEQ only.

Speakers & Mic Form an

Equilateral Triangle

Right Speaker

Left Speaker

RTA-M Mic

Placement 2

/

The diagrams to the right show the recommended Level Assist and AutoEQ RTA-M mic positions. When running AutoEQ, you will be prompted to select how many mic positions you would like AutoEQ to analyze – the selections are 2, 3, or 4.

The Level Assist and AutoEQ mic position 1 measurements should be taken with the microphone placed equidistant from the speakers, so that the three components form an equilateral triangle, as shown in the Level Assist/AutoEQ Mic Position 1 diagram.

Each time you move the RTA-M mic position it should move approximately 1/3rd the distance the speakers are apart from the initial “RTA-M Mic Placement 1 Reference”, as shown in the AutoEQ Mic Position 2–3 diagrams.

Mic position 4 is the exception as it should be placed 2/3rds the distance from the RTA-M Mic Placement 1 Reference. For example, if your speakers were 20 feet apart, you would move the microphone approximately 7’ (20 * (1/3) = 6.6) from the RTA-M Mic Placement 1 Reference for mic positions 2–3 and approximately 14’ from the RTA-M Mic Placement 1 Reference for mic position 4. However, as a general rule of thumb and for the sake of simplicity, a distance of 5’ should work well for most venues. If the recommended placement of the mic in positions 2–4 are not possible, just place the mic in a position that differs from the other measurement positions.

AutoEQ Mic Position 3 (Optional)

/

RTA-M Mic

Placement 3

/

RTA-M Mic Placement 1

/

Right Speaker

AutoEQ Mic Position 4 (Optional)

Left Speaker

/

/

RTA-M Mic

Placement 4

/

rds

RUN AFS WIZARD

This Wizard walks you through the process of ringing out the system to provide higher system gain before feedback. This is accomplished by pushing your system into feedback so AFS can detect the initial frequencies which cause feedback and notch them using Fixed filters. When the AFS Wizard is complete, it will automatically enable the Live filters, for automated protection during system use.

WIZARD OPTIONS

The available options in this menu are:

• AutoEQ TARGET [RECOMMENDED PA CURVE, FLAT, REFLECTIVE ROOM] When a sound system’s frequency response is flattened, it can sound a bit thin on the bottom end. The AutoEQ TARGET option makes up for this by adding a bass boost. Select the RECOMMENDED PA CURVE option (this is the default setting) to allow AutoEQ to automatically enhance the low end. Select the FLAT option if you want the system to be tuned flat when running the AutoEQ Wizard. Select the REFLECTIVE ROOM option when operating a sound system in a room with excessive acoustic reflections; this option will still apply bass boost, as well as a slight attenuation on the higher frequencies to compensate for the excessive reflections.

• LEVEL ASSIST AUTO TRIM [ON, OFF] When this option is turned on, Level Assist will automatically make fine level adjustments under the hood for any system level mismatches which are 3 dB or less. When this option is turned off, no automatic level adjustments will be made by Level Assist and all system level mismatches will need to be adjusted using the amplifier attenuators until they are within a 1 dB tolerance.

NOTE: Level adjustments made by the LEVEL ASSIST AUTO TRIM function cannot be seen or edited. To clear

them you must turn the LEVEL ASSIST AUTO TRIM function off then re-run Level Assist in the Wizard menu.

• MIC RESPONSE [dbx RTA-M, FLAT] When the dbx RTA-M option is selected, AutoEQ will automatically compensate for the frequency response of the dbx RTA-M microphone, providing more accurate AutoEQ results. Select the FLAT option if using a measurement microphone other than the dbx RTA-M.

• SETUP AUTO NAMING [ON, OFF] When this option is on, the PA2 will automatically name presets based on the speaker selections made when running the Setup Wizard – the automatically generated preset name can still be edited when storing the preset if desired. When turned off, preset names will remain as they were stored unless you manually edit them and store the changes.

To use the Wizards to configure a new system:

1� Press the WIZARD button.

2� Select the RUN ALL WIZARDS option using the DATA wheel.

3� Select the NEW SETTINGS option by turning the DATA wheel. Press the D ATA wheel to confirm your selection.

4� Follow the on-screen instructions. Turn the DATA wheel to edit on-screen selections and press the D ATA wheel to confirm

on-screen selections.

NOTE: Pressing and holding the WIZARD button at any time during the Wizard procedure will exit the current Wizard

and return to the main Wizard menu.

About Speaker & Ampliﬁer Tunings

The PA2 has a Setup Wizard to help you configure your sound system. When you run the Setup Wizard, it will ask you to select the make and model of your speakers and amplifiers from a list of available options, referred to as “tunings”. There are speaker tunings and amplifier tunings. When you select your speakers from the tuning list, the PA2 will automatically configure the crossover, output PEQs, polarity, and in some cases, driver alignment delays. When you select your amplifiers from the tuning list, the PA2 will automatically set your output gains (located in the crossover) and limiter threshold settings.

The PA2 includes a variety of speaker and amplifier tunings from JBL®, Crown®, and more. If your particular tunings are not available in the PA2’s preset tuning list, you can use the DriveRack PA2 control app to access the online database where you can find additional tunings. If you can’t find tunings for your particular speakers or amplifiers, you will need to select the NOT LISTED option in the PA2’s Setup Wizard. The PA2 will automatically set usable default settings which may sound and work just fine, however, you may wish to manually calibrate the PA2 in order to realize the full potential of your sound system and ensure your loudspeakers are protected. Providing full details on how to manually calibrate a sound system is beyond the scope of this manual, but you can find books and free information on the Internet which cover these topics. This section of the manual will cover some of the basics to help get you started.

Loudspeaker manufacturers perform extensive testing on their products and will often provide much of the data necessary to optimize their loudspeaker systems. Check your speaker manufacturer’s website or contact them directly to see if they can provide a speaker tuning data sheet that you can use for manually entering speaker tuning parameters into the PA2. These tuning data sheets will typically include recommended crossover, polarity, driver alignment delay, and sometimes, parametric EQ settings.

Manual System Optimization Tips

TIP: You may want to disable the TIME OUT feature located in the Utility menu before performing any of the following

system optimization procedures. This will ensure the PA2 does not revert back to the home screen throughout the process. See ‘Utility’ on page 46 for more information on disabling this feature.

1. Set Crossover Frequency & Filter Settings

The active crossover in the PA2 is used to allow each speaker or driver in a multi-way loudspeaker systems to operate within its frequency range limits. If you can’t find any tuning information for a particular speaker/driver, get the specification sheet for it from the manufacturer. It can give you a good idea where to set crossover frequency settings by providing the speaker or driver’s frequency response, which is the range of frequencies each speaker or driver is capable of reproducing.

If you’re bi-amping main speaker cabinets, the speaker manufacturer should be able to provide you with the recommended crossover frequency settings, and oftentimes, filter types and slope rates. If you’re using subs and can’t find recommended crossover frequency settings, you can dial it in by ear. Typically, subs and mains will be crossed over at around 80–100 Hz, so somewhere in this range is a good place to start. You can then fine-tune the settings from there by ear using full-bandwidth reference material that you are familiar with. When auditioning these crossover settings, it helps to first balance the amp levels for all drivers or cabinets to achieve a frequency response that suits your taste. When auditioning the sound system, don’t turn it up too loud until you’ve calibrated the gain structure – more about this later.

If you’re configuring a simple full-range system then you don’t necessarily need to enter any crossover parameters. However, it is a good idea to take note of the speaker’s frequency response spec and set a high-pass filter at the lower frequency limit specified (45 Hz, for example). This will prevent excessive driver excursion caused by subsonic frequencies and allow for more headroom in your amp. You’ll then want to choose a filter type and slope rate that will effectively roll-off the low end without dramatically compromising the low-end response of the sound system (try auditioning BW 24–BW 48 filter types).

Once the crossover frequencies have been set, it’s time to set the filter types and slope rates. Determining which settings to use here can be a bit difficult. These settings are dependent on the natural frequency response and roll-off characteristics of each speaker cabinet or driver. The goal is to achieve a flat frequency response throughout the loudspeaker system with seamless transitions throughout the crossover overlap regions. For example, a midrange driver in a 3-way system may inherently exhibit a fairly gradual roll-off up into the high end, whereas the tweeter may require a steep roll-off to protect it from over-excursion. In this case, the midrange driver can be set with a more gradual roll-off to fill in the “gap” created from the steep roll-off of the tweeter. You can use a combination of the RTA and your ears to dial in these settings. Just make sure you don’t exceed the frequency range limitations of the drivers. The difference between the LR and BW filter type options is in the way they sum together. You want to select the filter types that provide the flattest frequency response throughout the crossover overlap regions. Note that it’s okay to mix and match these filter types if that’s what it takes to achieve a flatter system response. Also note that you may not be able to achieve a flat response at this stage of the process due to driver alignment and/or polarity issues. Therefore, just get it as close as you can for now. For more information on LR and BW filters, see “LP TYPE” and “HP TYPE” under the section, ‘Crossover (XOVER)’ on page 41.

2. Set Driver Alignment Delays & Polarity

Once the crossover frequencies, filter types, and slope rates have been set, you’re ready to optimize the system’s phase response. All drivers in the system need to work in unison in order for the sound system to sound its best. This is accomplished by setting driver alignment delays to make up for any physical driver offsets and matching the polarity for all drivers.

The PA2’s output POLARITY parameter (located in the crossover) is used to match polarity between drivers. Some multi-way main speakers will require certain drivers to be polarity inverted when operating in bi-amped mode (bypassing the internal passive crossover network). When selecting any bi-ampable main speaker from the PA2’s speaker tuning list in the Setup Wizard, such polarity inversion will be performed for you automatically. If your multi-way main speaker model isn’t listed in the PA2 and you can’t find tuning information for them, check the loudspeaker’s spec sheet or documentation, or contact the speaker manufacturer as they will usually be able to provide this information.

If you’re unable to find polarity information for your speakers, or just want to verify your drivers are in phase, you can do some investigative work using a tone generator or some sine wave tone samples (which can be downloaded for free online). To do so, take note of the crossover frequency setting used between the drivers being tested and play a sine wave tone of that frequency through the system.

TIP: Make sure any active AFS modules are turned off before passing sine tones through the PA2. Failing to do so may

cause Live AFS filters to be set.

For example, if you’re testing the woofer and high frequency driver in a bi-amped main speaker cabinet and the active crossover frequency between the two is set at 2.5 kHz, play a 2.5 kHz sine wave tone through the system. Both drivers will reproduce the tone simultaneously as long as the crossover frequency is indeed within the range of frequencies both drivers are capable of reproducing. Stand in the “sweet spot” of the venue (the audience position equidistant from the speakers) and invert the polarity in the PA2’s crossover for the low output and find out which setting provides the loudest signal level (note that results are most noticeable if sound pressure levels between the drivers have been matched). The setting which provides the loudest signal level is the one which is more “in phase” and is the setting you should use. If applicable, perform this same test, working your way down through the lower-frequency drivers.

Once polarity is matched for all drivers in the system, you’re ready to optimize the driver alignment delays. The “polarity” test mentioned in the previous paragraph can also be used for determining if driver alignment delay is necessary. Play the selected sine tone through the system (once again, the sine tone frequency should match the set crossover frequency of the drivers being tested) and invert the polarity on the lower driver so that the two drivers are out of phase. If necessary, adjust the drivers’ levels until the most phase cancellation is achieved. Try adjusting the driver alignment delay for each driver to see if either produces more phase cancellation. Set the delay for the most phase cancellation on whichever driver requires it. When done, set the polarity back for proper phase alignment. Repeat this procedure for the remaining speakers/drivers if applicable. For more information on setting driver alignment delays, see ‘Delay’ on page 39.

Changes to all these settings can be difficult to judge when heard in the context of the whole system, but by zeroing in on the specific crossover frequency regions, matching levels, and inverting polarity on one of the drivers, you are free to experiment with different settings to determine the best settings for your loudspeaker system. Adjust each of these parameters until the most phase cancellation is achieved then switch the polarity back so the drivers are once again in phase. Optimizing these parameters using this test will allow your system to work in harmony and improve its magnitude and phase response.

3. Set Gain Structure & Limiters

Now that the crossover settings are optimized and the loudspeaker drivers are in phase, it’s time to calibrate the gain structure of the system. This will provide ample headroom for all system components in the signal chain and optimize your system’s signal-to-noise performance.

Your amplifiers play a vital role in system setup, because they are the last devices in the signal chain before your loudspeakers and offer the greatest amount of gain (that is their job after all). If your amplifiers are setup incorrectly you will not be using

+ 47 hidden pages