miniDSP PWR-ICE 250 User Manual

PWR-ICE250 Manual

PWR-ICE 250

USER MANUAL

Revision Description Date

V1.0 Initial revision 26-02-2014

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PWR-ICE250 Manual

Contents

1 Product Introduction ..............................................................................................................................................................................................3

Safety Instructions.............................................................................................................................................................................................................4

2 System Connectivity...............................................................................................................................................................................................6

2.1 PWR-ICE front panel........................................................................................................................................................................................6

2.2 PWR-ICE Rear panel........................................................................................................................................................................................6

2.3 AC power 115/230v switch ............................................................................................................................................................................7

2.3.1

2.3.2

2.3.3

2.3.4

2.3.5

2.3.6

2.3.7

Features ...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................11

Features ...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................12

2.4 System diagram.............................................................................................................................................................................................12

2.5 Typical setup ..................................................................................................................................................................................................12

2.6 Network configuration..................................................................................................................................................................................12

2.7 Amplifier key specifications .........................................................................................................................................................................13

2.8 Amplifier absolute maximum ratings..........................................................................................................................................................13

2.9 Amplifier output power specifications.......................................................................................................................................................14

3 Software setup.......................................................................................................................................................................................................15

3.1.1

3.1.2

3.1.3

3.1.4

3.1.5

3.1.6

3.1.7

3.1.8

3.1.9

3.1.10 Compressor /Limiter ...........................................................................................................................................................................21

3.2 Load/Save/Restore a configuration...........................................................................................................................................................21

3.2.1

3.2.2

3.2.3

3.2.4

4 Troubleshooting.....................................................................................................................................................................................................24

5 Mechanical drawings ..........................................................................................................................................................................................25

SE configuration for stereo mode / 2x 250W Max @ 4Ohms .........................................................................................................8

BTL configuration for bridged mode (Mono mode) / 1 x 450W Max @ 4 Ohms ........................................................................9

Enclosure fitting.....................................................................................................................................................................................9

Audio connectivity.............................................................................................................................................................................10

Analog Audio input sensitivity jumpers ...........................................................................................................................................10

Amplifier jumper pads .......................................................................................................................................................................10

Digital Link OUT....................................................................................................................................................................................11

Main Page ...........................................................................................................................................................................................17

Preset Memory selection...................................................................................................................................................................17

Input source selection .......................................................................................................................................................................17

Channel Mode ...................................................................................................................................................................................18

Analog Outputs ..................................................................................................................................................................................19

Custom Label......................................................................................................................................................................................19

Output volume....................................................................................................................................................................................19

Crossover .............................................................................................................................................................................................19

Parametric Equalizer ..........................................................................................................................................................................20

Load configuration: ...........................................................................................................................................................................21

Save configuration.............................................................................................................................................................................21

Restore Factory default.....................................................................................................................................................................21

Upgrade firmware..............................................................................................................................................................................21

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PWR-ICE250 Manual

1 Product Introduction

PWR-ICE 250 is a Digital Audio Signal Processor (DSP) capable of performing a wide range of applications, from filtering, equalization
to time alignment. Using a computer and an ETHERNET connection, you will be able to control your platform from the “plug-in”: an
intuitive software application allowing real time modification to your configuration.

Besides its audio specs, a great part of our product concept lies in its simplicity of use. The sequence of steps required to control a
miniDSP can be summarized as follow:

- Connect the board to your PC using an ETHERNET cable

- Launch the plug-in to configure settings as required

- The device is automatically discovered and advertised in the “device tree” by its custom name

- Connect to one of the discovered PWR-ICE250 and perform live configuration of your unit. All settings are automatically

saved to both the DSP and the Flash for long term memory.

- Once happy with your configuration, you can disconnect the board from your computer since from this point on, the audio
configuration will run as last modified in on-line mode and recalled following every reboot.

- Enjoy!

Minimum System Requirements for software installation

MiniDSP software requires in a PC environment with the following minimum requirements:

PC Environment

- PC with 1GHz or higher processor clock speed recommended / Intel® Pentium®/Celeron® family, or AMD K6®/AMD
Athlon®/AMD Duron® family, or compatible processor recommended.

- 512 megabytes (MB) of RAM or higher recommended

- ETHERNET 100Mbps port or higher

- Keyboard and mouse or compatible pointing device

- Microsoft• ® Windows® Vista® SP1/ XP pro SP2/Win7

- Microsoft• ® .NET framework v3.5

- Adobe AIR environment (latest version)

- Adobe Flash player (latest version)

Package content

Your miniDSP package includes:

• 1 x PWR-ICE 250

• 1 x RJ45 cable, 2m long

• 1 x IEC power cable

• 4 x black wood screws for mounting

• 1 x set of speaker cables from amplifier to speakers (60cm)

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PWR-ICE250 Manual

DISCLAIMER / WARNING

An incorrect miniDSP configuration could easily damage your audio system. MiniDSP can not be responsible for any damage that
may result from the improper use of this product. As with any other product, we do recommend that you carefully read the manual
and other technical notes to insure you fully understand how to operate the board.

As a general guideline, you should first configure your miniDSP board before connecting anything to the outputs of the MiniDSP
(loudspeakers/other output sources). Doing so will insure that you have the software correctly configured and won’t cause any
damage to your system. Once again, miniDSP can not be responsible of any damages the board make cause to your system.

Finally, MiniDSP is a very flexible board and 99% of typical questions we receive at the tech support department are already
answered in this user manual. So please take the time to carefully read this user manual. Thanks for your understanding!

WARRANTY TERMS

miniDSP Ltd warrants all our products to be free of from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one year from the
invoice date. Our warranty terms do not cover failure of the product due to an external trigger, misuse, servicing or usage outside of
the recommended use. With this said, make sure to carefully read the user manual when customizing the board. Any board damage
investigated as failure to follow proper installation may void the warranty. So if in doubt, please make sure to contact us first.

Safety Instructions

• Read the information for use

• Please keep this user manual in a safe place during the lifetime of the product. The user manual forms an integral part of the
product. Reselling of the product is only possible if the user manual is available. Any changes made to the product have to be
documented in writing and passed on to the buyer in the event of resale.

• Heed all warnings.

• Follow all instructions.

• Do not use this product near water (for example, in damp rooms or near a swimming pool).

• Clean only with dry cloth.

• Do not cover the heat sink. Install in accordance with the user manual.

• Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus that produce heat.

• Protect the power cord from being walked on, pinched or damaged in any other way. Pay particular attention to plugs and the
point where they exit from the Amplifier Unit.

• The product may only be used in accordance with the information provided in the user manual. Before and during the usage of the
amplifier please ensure that all recommendations, especially the safety recommendations as detailed in the user manual, are
adhered to. The Amplifier Unit is designed for the amplification of pulsed audio signals and the Amplifier Unit should only be
connected to speakers with average impedance that is not lower than the impedances specified in the User's Manual.

• Do not place the product on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table. The device may fall, causing serious injury, and
serious damage to the device itself.

• The Amplifier Unit can only be disconnected from the power supply by removing the plug, which must be freely accessible at all
times. Unplug this Amplifier Unit during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.

• Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.

Damages that require service

Unplug the Amplifier Unit from the mains supply and refer to your dealer/distributor or other authorized repair workshop. Servicing is
required when

1. The power-supply cord or plug has been damaged,

2. Liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the amplifier,

3. The amplifier has been exposed to rain or moisture,

4. The amplifier has been dropped or suffered damage in any other way,

5. The amplifier exhibits a distinct change from its normal function or performance.

Servicing

Do not attempt to service this product yourself. As opening or removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage or other
hazards, the amplifier may only be opened by qualified personnel. Please refer to your dealer/distributor.

Servicing and Replacement Parts

All service and repair work must be carried out by an authorized dealer/distributor. When replacement parts are required, please
ensure that the dealer/distributor only uses replacement parts specified by the manufacturer. The use of unauthorized replacement
parts may result in injury and/or damage through fire or electric shock or other electricity-related hazards.

Safety Check

Upon completion of any service or repairs to this product, ask the dealer/distributor to perform safety checks to determine that the
amplifier is in proper operating condition.

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Read the information for use (user manual)

When shipping the product, always use the original shipping carton and packing materials. For maximum protection, repack the unit
as it was originally packed at the factory.

Environments

Use this product only in E1, E2, E3 or E4 environments according to EN55103-2 “Electromagnetic compatibility – Product family
standard for audio, video and audio-visual and entertainment lighting control apparatus for professional use – Part 2: Immunity”

Ventilation and heat sink

The heat sink is provided to ensure reliable operation of the Amplifier Unit and to protect it from overheating. The heat sink must not
be blocked or covered. This product should not be installed unless proper ventilation is provided or manufacturer’s instructions have
been adhered to.

Water And Moisture

Do not use this product near water (for example, in damp rooms or near a swimming pool).

Cleaning

Unplug the Amplifier Unit from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners.

Power-cord Protection

Power supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon them or against
them, paying particular attention to cords and plugs, and the point where they exit from the Amplifier Unit.

Lightning

For added protection of the product during lightning storms, or when it is left unattended and unused for long periods of time, unplug
it from the wall outlet. This will prevent damage to the product due to lightning and power-line surges. Disconnection from the mains
power supply can only be achieved by removing the plug from the mains socket and by external disconnection of all poles from the
mains.

Interference of external objects and/or liquids with the appliance

Never push objects of any kind into this product through openings as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts that
could result in a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind on the amplifier.

Accessories

Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table. The product may fall, causing serious injury, and
serious damage to the product. Any mounting of the product should follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and should use a
mounting accessory recommended by the manufacturer.

Connecting

When you connect the Amplifier Unit to other equipment, turn off the power and unplug all of the equipment from the supply source.
Failure to do so may cause an electric shock and serious personal injury. Read the user's manual of the other equipment carefully and
follow the instructions when making the connections.

Sound Volume

Reduce the volume to minimum before you turn on the amplifier to prevent sudden high levels of noise which may cause hearing or
speaker damage.

Output connectors

WARNING: Output connector marked with the lightning flashes indicate high voltages that are potentially life threatening.
Wiring to these terminals requires installation by an instructed person and the use of ready-made leads or cords. Custom
wiring should only be carried out by qualified personnel.

To prevent electric shock, do not operate the product with any of the conductor portion of the speaker wire exposed.

NOTE: For reasons of safety and performance, use only high-quality fully insulated speaker cables of stranded copper wire. Use the
largest wire size that is economically and physically practical, and make sure the cables are no longer than necessary.

Precautions when connecting to MAINS IN

When mounting or connecting the product always disconnect it from mains. Only connect the product to an appropriate AC circuit
and outlet, according to the requirements indicated on the rating plate.
If a power cut occurs while the amplifier is switched on, it will restart automatically once the power supply has been restored. All
settings prior to the loss of power will be maintained.
IMPORTANT: Always connect the Product to mains through the MAINS IN connector on the Amplifier Unit.

PWR-ICE250 Manual

DO NOT REMOVE MAINS CONNECTOR GROUND, IT IS ILLEGAL AND DANGEROUS.

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MECHANICAL DRA

WINGS

2 System Connectivity

PWR-ICE250 Manual

2.1 PWR-ICE front panel

Stereo RCA

analog

input

Master

IEC POWER

with ON/OFF switch

115/240V

selection

Analog In

Analog OR
AES-EBU IN

Clip/Thermal/S

AES-EBU out

ource LED

RJ45 control

2.2 PWR-ICE Rear panel

To prevent electric shock, do not operate the product with any of the conductor portion of the speaker wire
exposed. The PWR-ICE250 operates at hazardous voltage. For this reason, you should never operate the plate
amplifier and touch the rear of the unit.

ALWAYS DISCONNEC THE AC POWER FROM THE UNIT BEFORE DOING ANY MODIFICATION TO YOUR PLATE
AMPLIFIER.

amplifier without proper installation (i.e. mounted to your speaker).

Always plan for a clearance of 12mm with any elements of the rear of the module for a safe distance.

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See below rear of the unit. All red sections are Live section (primary). You should never operate this plate

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amplifier

amplifier

LIVE/PRIMARY

SECTION of the

PWR-ICE250 Manual

LIVE/PRIMARY

SECTION of the

2.3 AC power 115/230v switch

The PWR-ICE 250 requires to be configured for the AC voltage. Make sure to correctly configure with the correct
voltage of your country. Our team will “pre-configure” the module based on your choice in the shopping cart.

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115V setting

230V setting

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PWR-ICE250 Manual
Amplifier output wiring
The PWR-DSP250 amplifier can operate in Single Ended (SE) or Bridge Tied Load (BTL) mode. The following wiring configuration shows
the typical wiring. Note that amplifier output wiring is already labeled at the factory with the channel # (OUT 1, OUT2). Pay close
attention to the wiring diagrams below to insure you correctly configure your drivers.

Few tips & tricks when setting a 2 way speaker to insure your configuration is safe:

a) Always start with low levels (e.g. min volume @ back of speaker)
b) Always un-mute in the DSP the “High Frequency output” (channel 2 in a default DSP configuration) as a FIRST STEP! If

incorrect wiring, you’ll send high frequency to the LF driver. You won’t damage anything. The other way around isn’t true.
c) Slowly increase the level and confirm your signal is coming out from the correct driver.
d) Do the same for the other driver.

2.3.1 SE configuration for stereo mode / 2x 250W Max @ 4Ohms

The PWR-ICE250 operates by default in this mode. The configuration is done from the plug-in software to “Stereo mode”.

See wiring from the amplifier module and to the speakers. Pay close attention to the polarity (+/-) and OUTPUT numbering.

OUTPUT 2

2.3.2

OUTPUT 1

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-

BTL configuration for bridged mode (Mono mode) / 1 x 500W Max @ 8Ohms

The PWR-ICE250 can operate in “bridged” mode where both channels are combined to a mono output. To enable the bridged
mode, you first need to configure the amplifier from the software to “Mono/Bridged” mode.

PWR-ICE250 Manual

See below picture for the wiring in a Bridged mode. Note that both RED wires(positive) are used in this configuration.

POSITIVE OUT

NEGATIVE OUT

2.3.3 Enclosure fitting

The PWR-ICE250 is not completely sealed for the XLR connectors + Reset. Some of these connectors not having a way to be 100%
sealed. For that reason, it may require a separate “sealed” enclosure for high power/low frequency applications such as a sub.

Please consult the mechanical drawings at the end of this user manual for more info about dimension and recommended cut out.

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