Hughes & Kettner DFC User Manual
BEDIENUNGSANLEITUNG
MANUAL
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ENGLISH
DEUTSCH
FRANÇAIS
ILLUSTRATIONS
TECHNICAL DATA
MIDI INREMOTE MIDI OUT DIGITAL IN DIGITAL OUT FULLRANGE IN LF OUT MF OUT HF OUT
ON LIFT
MAX. POWER CONSUMPTION 17 VA
230 V / 50 – 60 Hz
GROUND
~
ENGLISH
DEUTSCH
FRANÇAIS
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MENU
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TECHNICAL SPECIFICAT I O N S
Classification: Digital Crossover with Limiter and EQ, mono
All level indications refer to 0 dBV (1 V RMS).
I n p u t s
FULL-RANGE IN C o n n e c t o r XLR (1 = Ground; 2 = +; 3 = -)
Input type e l e c t ronically balanced & floating
Input impedance 15 kΩ
S e n s i t i v i t y 0 dB
Max. input level + 24 dB
D I G I TAL IN C o n n e c t o r XLR (1 = Ground; 2 and 3 = signal)
Input type balanced and transform e r- i s o l a t e d
Input impedance 250 Ω
S e n s i t i v i t y 200 mV
Data form a t AES / EBU
Sampling rate 44.1 kHz
MIDI IN C o n n e c t o r XLR (1 = Ground; 2 = +; 3 = current loop)
O u t p u t s
LF/MF/HF OUT C o n n e c t o r XLR (1 = Ground; 2 = +; 3 = -)
Output type e l e c t ronically balanced & floating
Output impedance 47 Ω
Max. output level +10 dB
D I G I TAL OUT C o n n e c t o r XLR (1 = Ground; 2 = +; 3 = current loop)
Output type b a l a n c e d
Output impedance 110 Ω
Max. output level 5 volts
Data form a t AES/ EBU
Clock rate same as DIGITAL IN clock rate
MIDI OUT C o n n e c t o r XLR (1 = Ground; 2 = +; 3 = current loop)
R E M O T E C o n n e c t o r D-Sub 9-pin
EQ Section
28-band EQ
C u t o ff fre q u e n c i e s f reely variable
Filter Quality variable from 0.02 to 3.62 for each filter
Response curv e Peak with Constant Q for each filter
Hi-shelving 6 or 12 dB, low-shelving 6 or 12 dB
hi-pass 6 or 12 dB, low-pass 6 or 12 dB
G a i n variable by ± 15 dB for each filters
Master Gain variable from - 30 dB to + 12 dB
L i m i t e r
F U N C T I O N P redictive peak limiter, computes limiting thresholds according to
a thermal model (thermal data of the moving coil)
D i s t o rtion
THD input voltage - 83 dB; Input: analog, +21 dB, 1kHz; Output: analog, +21dB
THD fre q u e n c y : - 87 dB; Input: analog, 0 dB, 50 Hz - 20 kHz; Output: analog, 0 dB
I N T E R M O D U L ATION (DIM 100) - 62 dB; Input: analog, +4 dB; Output: analog, +4 dB
M O D U L ATION (SMPTE 60 Hz/ 7 kHz) - 80 dB; Input: analog, 0 dB; Output: analog, 0 dB
DIFFERENTIAL TONE (10.5 kHz/ 11.5 kHz) - 88 dB; Input: analog, 0 dB; Output: analog, 0 dB
FREQUENCY RESPONSE 10 Hz - 20 kHz, ±0.2 dB; Input: analog, 0 dB; Output: analog, 0 dB
NOISE (unweighted) - 118 dB; 10 Hz - 20 kHz, Input: analog; Output: analog
DYNAMIC RANGE (unweighted) - 128 dB; 10 Hz - 20 kHz, Input: analog; Output: analog, +10 dB
RESOLUTION, A/D CONVERT E R 24 bits
RESOLUTION, D/A CONVERT E R 20 bits
SYSTEM DELAY (latency) 20 ms
General Electrical Specifications
Max. current consumption 65 milliampere at 230 volts mains voltage
Max. power consumption 17 volt-ampere
Mains voltage range 200 to 253 volts
Ambient temperature range -10° to +60°
General Mechanical Data
D i m e n s i o n s Width 482 mm/19 inches
Height 44 mm/ 1 rack space
Depth 227 mm/9 inches
We i g h t 3 kg/6.6 lbs
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WELCOME TO THE FA M I LY OF HK AUDIO USERS!
The Digital Field Controller by HK Audio is a single-channel (mono) digital contro l l e r
for PA systems. It offers a host of options and features that go far beyond what
you might expect from the average cro s s o v e r. The DFC unites the functions of a
c ro s s o v e r, peak and temperature limiter, as well as a delay, volume control and
equalizer in a single device tuned specifically for use with HK Audio components.
To fully utilize the DFC’s many features, HK Audio has developed a new AmpRack
(see Section 6.5) that incorporates it and is controlled by it. When running larg e
systems, you can network up to 32 DFCs quite conveniently with the help of dedicated software that runs on a PC located at the FoH console.
The crossover splits a mono signal into a maximum of three ways. The DFC store s
i n f o rmation about frequency response, phase characteristics, and power- h a n d l i n g
capacity of the diff e rent speaker systems off e red in the HK Audio product range.
Using this information, the DFC ensures the adjustments and corrections that it
makes are ideal for the speakers that you have deployed as part of your setup,
thus enabling the best possible sound and impulse response. At the same, the DFC
e n s u res that your speakers are aff o rded maximum overload protection. The limiter
anticipates and calculates the perf o rmance re q u i rements of the power amps and
c o n t rols their power output so that power remains within the range
of permissible values for the system that you are using.
The delay lets you adjust the times of the individual frequency bands as well as the
delay of the entire system (up to 2 seconds). Delay values can be entered in meter
or millisecond increments. You can also control the volume levels of the
individual frequency bands as well the volume level of the entire system. As an
additional handy feature, the DFC ships with an on-board 28-band equalizer.
As we said, to simplify handling of large system configurations featuring several
AmpRacks, you can network up to 32 DFCs via a MIDI interface, controlling them
remotely with the aid of a PC. With the requisite control program, you can manage
even extremely large PA systems very conveniently, accessing all installed DFCs
i n d i v i d u a l l y, if you wish, equalizing and correcting delay values for each single
device separately.
At the same time, you have the choice of grouping several DFCs together so that
you can control an entire group of speakers (PA wing, delay tower, subs) that are
p o w e red by several AmpRacks as one. All settings that you enter for a given gro u p
a re automatically transferred to the appropriate controllers.
For example, this option lets you eff o rtlessly implement a delay station: All you
have to do is assign all of the DFCs that control the speakers of the delay station
to a group and set a single delay value. This value is automatically transmitted to
all DFCs in that group. This feature considerably reduces the amount of cables you
have to connect and simplifies the entire signal-processing operation markedly. The
g roup control function lets you comfortably handle PA systems of any size, fro m
club gigs to major open air festivals.
The widely recognized advantages of digital signal processing such as a dedicated
m e m o ry for saving settings, digital in-/ outputs as interfaces to digital systems and
many more are of course part of the DFC package, whereby one feature is part i c ularly noteworthy: Correction and signal splitting for connected speakers is executed
by FIR filters (see also Section 6.4). This feature ensures that the phase re s p o n s e
of the audio signal remains absolutely tru e .
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1 CONTENTS
2 DFC Control Feature s
2.1 F ront Panel
2.1.1 LIMITER Display
2.1.2 INPUT LEVEL Display
2.1.3 LCD Display
2.1.4 <MENU> Key
2.1.5 +/- Keys
2.1.6 ENTER Key
2.1.7 RESET Key
2.1.8 MIDI IN Connector (XLR female) and MIDI OUT Connector (XLR male)
2.2 Rear Panel
2.2.1 2 3 0 - Volt Connector
2.2.2 GROUND-LIFT Switch
2.2.3 REMOTE Connector (9-pin D-Sub)
2.2.4 MIDI IN Connector (XLR female) and MIDI OUT Connector (XLR male), optional
2.2.5 D I G I TAL IN Connector (XLR female)
2.2.6 D I G I TAL OUT Connector (XLR male)
2.2.7 FULL-RANGE IN Connector (XLR female)
2.2.8 High F/ Mid F/ Low F OUT Connector (XLR male each)
3 DFC Connections
3.1 F ront Panel
3.1.1 MIDI IN and MIDI OUT
3.2 Rear Panel
3.2.1 2 3 0 - Volt Connector
3.2.2 REMOTE Connector (9-pin DSub)
3.2.3 D I G I TAL IN and DIGITAL OUT
3.2.4 FULL-RANGE IN
3.2.5 H I G H / M I D / L O W-FREQUENCY OUTS
4 The DFC Menu
4.1 K e y s
4.2 The Menu Windows in Detail
4.2.1 Volume Wi n d o w
4.2.2 S t o re Setup Wi n d o w
4.2.3 Load Setup Wi n d o w
4.2.4 Lock Keys Wi n d o w
4.2.5 Master Reset Wi n d o w
4.2.6 Audio Input Wi n d o w
4.2.7 Parametric EQ Wi n d o w
4.2.8 Submode + Relays Wi n d o w
4.2.9 Speaker Type Wi n d o w
4.2.10 Delaybase Wi n d o w
4.2.11 C o n t roller No. Wi n d o w
4.2.12 Hi Del/Mi Del/LoDel Wi n d o w
4.2.13 Delay Wi n d o w
4.2.14 Hi-Gain/Mi-Gain/Lo-Gain Wi n d o w
5 The Reset Functions of the DFC
5.1 Master Reset
5.2 RESET Key
5.3 Hot Reset
6 Useful Facts
6.1 The Speed of Sound
6.2 F requency-dependent Attenuation Factors of Air
6.3 L a t e n c y
6.4 Speaker Data Records of the DFC
6 . 5 The Standard AmpRack
2 DFC CONTROL FEAT U R E S
2.1 Front Panel
2.1.6 ENTER Key
P ress this key to exit the main menu and open a window where you can enter
values and change settings. Once you confirm the desired value, the display will
re t u rn to the previous window.
2.1.1 LIMITER Display
An LED for each of the three frequency bands High-F/Mid-F/Low-F indicates that the
respective limiter is active: if the LED flashes, the peak limiter is engaged, and if the
LED stays on continuously, the temperature limiter is active.
2.1.2 INPUT LEVEL Display
LED ladder indicating the input signal level.
2.1.3 LCD Display
Two rows of 16 characters each indicate the controller number and the selected
speaker model, or it displays the main menu. See also Section 4.2
2.1.4 <MENU> Key
This key enables you to switch back and forth from the basic display, featuring the
c o n t roller number / speaker model, to the main menu. In several multi-parameter
windows you can choose the settings you want.
2.1.5 +/- Keys
These allow you to navigate to the next or previous menu item within the menu. In
windows in which parameter values / settings can be modified,
these are used to increase or decrease the selected value.
2.1.7 RESET Key
Activates a software or hot reset. See also Sections 5.2 and 5.3
2.1.8 MIDI IN Connector (XLR female) and MIDI OUT Connector (XLR male)
To network several DFCs, use these jacks to connect the other devices together via
a looped MIDI circuit. All connected DFCs can then be re m o t e - c o n t rolled via a PC.
See also Section 3.1.1
2.2 Rear Panel
2.2.1 230-Volt Connector
Be sure to check the local mains voltage before powering up the DFC. The DFC
ships in a 230-volt or 115-volt version. If you connect the DFC to the wrong mains
voltage, you can seriously damage the device. See also Section 3.2.1
2.2.2 GROUND-LIFT Switch
This switch separates the signal ground from the chassis ground in order to
eliminate hum caused by ground loops. The ground circuit is interrupted when the
key is pressed in.
2.2.3 REMOTE Connector (9-pin D-Sub)
Connect the re l a y - c o n t rolled patchbay of the new standard AmpRacks here.
See also Section 3.2.2
2.2.4 MIDI IN Connector (XLR female) and MIDI OUT Connector (XLR male),
o p t i o n a l .
These factory-drilled ports are covered by panels when we ship the device. The MIDI
connectors which are normally located on the front panel can be re t rofitted here
instead, for example for permanent installations.
2.2.5 DIGITAL IN Connector (XLR female)
Tr a n s f o rm e r-balanced input for digital audio signals in AES/EBU format. See also
Section 3.2.3
2.2.6 DIGITAL OUT Connector(XLR male)
Balanced, AES/EBU format. See also Section 3.2.3
2.2.7 FULL-RANGE IN Connector (XLR female)
E l e c t ronically balanced signal input. Wa rning: Do not under any circ u m s t a n c e s
connect a cord that routes MIDI signals here! See also Section 3.2.4
2.2.8 High-F/Mid-F/Low-F OUT Connector (each XLR male)
E l e c t ronically balanced signal outputs for the three frequency bands.
See also Section 3.2.5
3 DFC CONNECTIONS
Please also refer to the overview of all connections and control features of the DFC
on the previous page. There, all connections and control features are explained
briefly; this section takes an in-depth look at select connections.
3.1 Front Panel
3.1.1 MIDI IN and MIDI OUT
These two XLR connectors are used to connect the DFC to a PC for the purpose of
conveniently controlling several devices at the same time. A software program, and
a MIDI interface connected to the serial interface of the PC, are available for this
purpose. Since the DFCs not only receive commands from the PC, but also send
data back to the PC, you must establish a looped MIDI circuit via send and re t u rn
cables for bi-directional communication. In other words, patch a cable from the PC
to the first DFC, from the first DFC to the second, and so forth on through to the
final DFC in the chain and then back to the PC. This MIDI loop must always be a
complete, closed circuit for the control functions to be possible via a PC. We used
XLR connectors for the MIDI connections rather than standard MIDI ports to make it
as easy as possible for you to route MIDI signals via standard snakes (multi-core
cables). The fact that the XLR format is used for both MIDI and audio inputs means
you have to be very cautious and never connect a MIDI cable to an audio input and
vice versa, or you run the risk of seriously damaging the input stages of the DFC!
3.2 Rear Panel
3.2.1 230-Volt Socket
Connect the DFC from this socket via a standard power cable to the AC power suppl y. However, before you plug the DFC into a wall outlet, ensure your local mains
voltage matches the specification indicated on the device near the AC socket. The
DFC ships in versions for either 115 or 230 volts mains voltage.
If you attempt to run your DFC on the wrong mains voltage, you run a serious risk
of damaging the unit!
3.2.2 REMOTE Connector (9-pin D-Sub)
The DFC can control two relays, for example to switch the patchbay of a
s t a n d a rd HK Audio AmpRack from full-range to subwoofer mode.
Connect these here .
3.2.3 DIGITAL IN and DIGITAL OUT
These are the DFC interfaces to digital environments. Digital signals compliant with
the AES/EBU standard can be sent directly from other digital devices to the DFC
and processed there without having to be converted from the digital level. The
signal input must be switched to DIGITAL in the Audio Input menu to enable these
connections. See also Section 4.2.6
3.2.4 FULL-RANGE IN
Input for analog audio signals that you want to process in the DFC. Caution:
Do not under any circumstances connect a MIDI or AES/EBU signal to this
c o n n e c t o r, otherwise you may damage the input stage, and possibly also damage
any connected power amps and speakers.
3.2.5 HIGH/MID/LOW-FREQUENCY OUT
Outputs for the three frequency bands LOW, MID, HIGH. In two-way mode, take the
bass signal from the LOW connector, and take the mid-to-high signal from the HIGH
c o n n e c t o r.
4 THE DFC MENU
4.1 Keys
Four keys on the device are used to execute specific functions throughout the entire
m e n u :
< M e n u >
This key is used to navigate back and forth from the welcome window to the main
menu and back. In windows in which several parameters can be modified, this key
is used to select individual values.
E n t e r
This key switches from the main menu to the windows in which you can enter
values. After you have selected or entered a value, the Enter key is used to confirm
these values. Once you have confirmed your entries, the program will re t u rn to the
main menu.
+ / -
These keys are used to navigate among menu items and increment or decre a s e
v a l u e s .
R e f e rence: You will find a complete survey of all menu windows on page 4!
4.2 The Menu Windows in Detail
4.2.1 Volume Wi n d o w
Main volume level control. Adjust the overall volume of the DFC here. Press the
Enter key to open a window where you can select and enter values. You can adjust
levels from -40 decibels to +6 decibels via the +/- keys. Press the Enter key to
c o n f i rm the settings and re t u rn to the main menu.
4.2.2 Store SETUP Wi n d o w
The DFC can store ten diff e rent user setups. Press the Enter key to go to a selection
menu. Here you can select one of ten memory slots. (Press the <Menu> key to
exit the menu item without saving any changes.) All entries that you made to the
selected user slot are saved when you press the Enter key, after which the pro g r a m
will re t u rn to the main menu.
4.2.3 Load SETUP Wi n d o w
The user settings stored under "Store Setup" can be loaded in this window. Pre s s
the Enter key to open a selection window. (You can exit this box without loading a
s t o red setup by pressing the <Menu> key.) Use the +/- keys to select one of the
ten stored setups. Confirm the selection by pressing the Enter key. The selected
setup is loaded and the program re t u rns to the main menu.
4.2.4 Lock Keys Wi n d o w
The keys on the DFC can be disabled to prevent you or others from inadvert e n t l y
entering commands. Press the Enter key to open a window in which you can disable
the keys. Press the + key and confirm the entry by pressing the Enter key. The program will ask you if you really want to disable the keys; if you do, press the + key
again to confirm. Here you cannot press the Enter key to go to the next window,
you have to press the + key yet again. Then you must use the +/- keys to set a
counter to the indicated value. The keys are disabled when you confirm this value
for the counter via the Enter key. The program then re t u rns to the main menu. The
p ro c e d u re is indeed complex—it was designed to be this complicated in order to
avoid accidentally disabling the keys.
4.2.5 Master Reset Wi n d o w
This function is designed for use by qualified service engineers only. Inappro p r i a t e
use of this key will render the DFC inoperable.
See also Section 5.1
4.2.6 Audio Input Wi n d o w
In this window, you can select an analog or digital input for the audio signal. Pre s s
the Enter key to open the appropriate selection window. Use the +/- keys to select
f rom one analog and several digital options. The AES/EBU format, which transport s
a signal in stereo format, is responsible for the diff e rent digital input options. In
other words, it allows you to determine if the DFC processes the left (Digital Left)
or right (Digital right) signal side, or whether it will create a mono signal (Digital
L+R) out of the signals from the two sides. Confirm your selection by pressing the
Enter key, after which the program will re t u rn to the main menu.
4.2.7 Parametric EQ Wi n d o w
The equalizer is a bit more complicated to handle because you have 28 fully parametric filters with a greater number of variable parameters than in any other menu.
This is why you'll find not one but three diff e rent windows into which you can enter
values. Use the Enter key to navigate among these windows. In the first window,
you can adjust two parameters: equalizer on/off and the master volume level of
the equalizer. Use the <Menu> key to move the cursor from one parameter to the
o t h e r. If the cursor is located under PEQ, you can use the +/- keys to activate ON
or OFF. When you select ON, the equalizer is active, when you select OFF, it is
bypassed, i.e. taken completely out of the signal path. If the cursor is located
under VOLUME, you can adjust the level of the equalizer from -30 decibels to +12
dB. Confirm your entries by pressing the Enter key, after which the program will go
to the next window.
H e re you can select one of the 28 filters and determine its response curve. Move
the input cursor between the two values via the <Menu> key. If the cursor is located next to FILTER, you can select one of the 28 available filters. If it is located
under FILTER, the center frequency of the currently selected filter is displayed. The
default center frequencies of these 28 filters are like those of a graphic 1/3-octave
EQ (bands from 31Hz to 16kHz). If the cursor is located under TYPE, you can change the response curve of the selected filter.
The following settings are possible: Hi-P (high-pass filter with a slope of 6 or 12
decibels), Lo-P (low-pass filter with a slope of 6 or 12 decibels), PEAK (bell curv e
with Constant Q), Hi-S and Lo-S (shelving curves, open towards the top and bottom
with a slope of 6 or 12dB each). Confirm your entries by pressing the Enter key,
after which the program will go to the next window.
Now you can adjust the three standard values of a fully parametric filter:
boost/cut, filter quality, and the cutoff or center fre q u e n c y. Use the <Menu> key to
move the cursor among these three parameters. If the cursor is located under GAIN,
the filter can be boosted or cut by ± 15 decibels. If the cursor is located under Q,
the filter quality can be adjusted from 0.02 (extremely broad-band filtering) to
3.62 (very narrow-band filtering), whereby the Q-value scale is comparable to that
of an analog equalizer. If the cursor is located under FREQ., you can determine a
c u t o ff (high/low pass filter, shelving) or center frequency (bell curve) of 20 to
20,000 Hz depending on the selected filter curve. Confirm your entries by pre s s i n g
the Enter key. The program will re t u rn to the main menu. In order to enter settings
for other equalizer bands, repeat this pro c e d u re in its entire t y.
4.2.8 Submode + Relay Wi n d o w
The DFC can control two relays (See also Section 3.2.2). A potential
application for the first relay is to use it to adapt the patchbay of the new
HK Audio AmpRack so that all power amps in the rack amplify bass fre q u e n c i e s
o n l y. The second relay is re s e rved for future applications and at this time does not
have a function. Press the Enter key to open a window into which you can enter
the desired settings. Use the <Menu> key to move the cursor to the desired re l a y
and the +/- keys to switch the relay on and off. Since several values must be adjusted for Submode (e.g. cutoff frequency and slope of the low-pass filter), you can
only activate this mode from a PC. You can, however, deactivate it directly at the
DFC, for instance at the end of a show. Confirm your entries by pressing the Enter
k e y, after which the program will re t u rn to the main menu.
4.2.9 Speaker Type Wi n d o w
This window accesses the speaker database of the DFC and lets you select the
a p p ropriate filter data for the speakers you are currently using. Press the Enter key
to open the window into which you can enter the desired settings. Use the +/keys to scroll sequentially through the data re c o rds that are archived in the device.
If the requisite data re c o rd is not archived in the device, the database may have to
updated using a MIDI connection. Confirm your entry by pressing the Enter key. The
p rogram will re t u rn to the main menu.
4.2.10 Delaybase Wi n d o w
The delay values can optionally be displayed and entered in meters or milliseconds.
The units are converted via a formula based on a sound velocity of 340
meters/second. This speed varies depending on temperature and humidity. For
detailed information, refer to Sections 6.1 and 6.2. Press the Enter key to open a
window into which you can enter the desired settings. Use the +/- keys to select
one of the two options (m=meters, ms=milliseconds). Confirm your entry by pre ssing the Enter key. The program will re t u rn to the main menu.
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