RAM LMS 244 Software Manual

SOFTWARE MANUAL

P-85464-074

QXPDQXDoc

11/04

© 2004 by C.E. Studio-2 s.l. - Spain (EEC)

http://www.ramaudio.com

e-mail: [e-mail]

LMS 244 Digital Controller

Loudspeaker Management System

RAM Audio LMS244 Digital Controller

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Thank you for choosing the LMS244 digital signal controller.
In order to make the most of all its features and to obtain the best results from your equipment in a
correct and safe way, carefully read this manual before starting to work with your LMS244.
Should you have any suggestions with regards to the function of the configuration software or the
LMS244 controller, please inform us: we are always open to any suggestion that might improve our
products.
For more information about RAM Audio products and to download the latest version of the LMS244
software please visit our web site:

www.ramaudio.com

1. Introduction

The digital signal controller LMS244 is a modern loudspeaker system controller designed for a
maximum of operational safety. 2 Inputs and 4 Outputs enable its use in 2-way stereo operation or for
the driving of 3 to 4-way combinations in mono operation.

Furthermore, the LMS244 offers totally unrestricted system configuration possibilities by means of the
Microsoft-Windows software supplied with the device.

Functions and characteristics of the LMS244:

• High-resolution 24-bit converters with 96Hz sampling frequency.

• Digital Input with sample rate converter.

• Mathematical standard filters with up to 48dB/octave, or in custom-mode, free filter parameter
definition up to 8th order.

• Internal summing of inputs A & B forming a third input signal.

• Input delay stage with six parametric EQ’s for individual tonal definition.

• Precise limiter function, with gain and noise gate features for each output.

• Each output combined with six, system correctional parametric EQ’s and a delay stage for run-time
adjustments of each loudspeaker.

• Import of measurement-data (ASCII) for complex equalization of the connected loudspeaker
systems.

The following are just some of the operations possible with the LMS244:

• 3- or 4-way PA mono processor

• 3-way PA mono processor with sub-bass output through Aux. send.

• 2-way stereo processor.

• 2-way stereo processor with mono sub-bass + Aux.

• 4-output distribution system.

• Stereo parametric equalizer.

• Stereo delay line with EQ.

• Stereo compressor/limiter.

The editing software (for Windows® 95/98/NT/2000/Me/XP) supplied with the unit is specifically
designed for the modification of all parameters of the controller. Please study this software instruction
manual carefully before attempting to alter or build set-up configurations.

Optimal configurations of some of Space Equipment´s loudspeaker systems, as well as free memory
space for user-configurations, have been loaded into the LMS244 prior to shipping. Using the LMS244
software, the user is able to modify or configure ALL parameters of the LMS244.

Subsequently, it is only possible to change the configuration and the parameters needed for the tuning
of a system to an installation situation from the device itself (delays, gains and polarities) whereas the
parameters that characterise the equipment (EQ, crossover and limiter) remain hidden from all but the
system engineer. This ensures that no unauthorised personnel can change important system settings,
greatly increasing equipment security. For more information about front panel adjustments please read
the instruction manual for the unit.

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The LMS244 software is under constant development. For the best possible results make sure you are
using the latest release. Do not hesitate to contact us or to visit our Web site: www.ramaudio.com

for

the latest version.

As the complete DSP Operating System is stored in the LMS244's flash memory, you can update it as
many times as you wish. This way, you will always have the latest version of the LMS244 with updated
improvements of the processor without having to contact the technical department.

1.1 General features

The LMS244 processor includes two 32bit floating-point DSPs (Digital Signal Processors) with 40bit
internal resolution which guarantee an extreme dynamic range in excess of 700 dB (this is the reason
why it is completely unsaturated with regards to internal operations). Round-off errors are as low as
possible. These DSPs can develop up to 120 million mathematical operations per second providing an
immense processing capacity. All these algorithms have been developed to provide highest precision
and the smallest round-off errors in calculations. This way, the best sound fidelity and noise-free
transparency is achieved.
The processor is equipped with an LCD display and buttons via which it is possible to load set-ups
from memory and to modify some of the parameters of the current set-up as well as to copy the
configuration of one processor to another through a serial connection without the need for a computer.
It is also possible to protect set-ups in order to prevent them from being deleted or changed
inadvertently. The front-panel of the unit can also be locked and data input via the front panel can be
prevented by password protection.
The LMS244 PC-software allows the user to configure all parameters of the controller, storing them to
the processor by means of a simple serial interface.

2. Software Installation

2.1. Set-up

The minimum requirements for the installation of the LMS244 software are as follows:

- Pentium 133MHz.

- 16 MB RAM.

- 5 MB HD space.

- One or more available COM ports (9-pin sub-D connector)

- Windows™ 95 / 98 / NT / 2000 / Me / XP.

To install your copy of the program, follow the instructions set out below.
Before starting with the installation, make sure that all current applications are switched off.

Insert the CD-ROM provided with the LMS244 in the CD-drive of your computer, normally labelled D:
Select the EXECUTE option in the Start menu. In the window that appears write:
D:\LMS244\Software\setup.exe and press Enter.

If delivered on floppy disk, insert the disk into your floppy drive and select A:\setup.exe to install.

A few seconds later, the installation software will start. From now on just follow the instructions
displayed on the screen.

2.2. Getting the LMS244 software started

The installation program creates a tag in the program list in the Windows START menu. This new tag
is called RAM Audio LMS244 Vx.x.To run the program, select PROGRAMS in the START menu.
In the PROGRAMS window, select RAM Audio LMS244 Vx.x and then LMS244 by clicking on its icon.

If you have created a direct access to the program from the desktop, simply double-click on the icon.

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The first window requests that you indicate the PC serial port to which your LMS244 processor is
connected. You can select one of the five proposed options:

- Working without a connection (Offline)

- Processor connected to COM1.

- Processor connected to COM2.

- Processor connected to COM3

- Processor connected to COM4

Should you wish to work with your processor connected to the computer, connect the selected serial
port (COM1 - 4) to the LMS244 by means of the supplied cable. After selecting your option, confirm
the selection with the OK function button.

Selecting COM1 - 4 enables communication with the LMS244; the Main Menu appears with
Connected and the COM Port Number shown in the bottom left hand corner of the menu screen.

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If there is any problem in the communication the following error message will appear:

This message informs you that communication with the processor has not been achieved. In this
situation you should check the selected serial port is the correct one and that the processor is in its
main menu.

CAUTION!

The processor must be in its main menu to enable communication with the computer.

2.3. Software removal

The removal of the LMS244 software from your computer conforms to the usual Windows practice for
removal of programs.
From the Control Panel, choose Software and then Add/Delete Program. Select RAM Audio LMS244
and select Add/Delete.
It is advisable to keep a safety copy of all configuration files that have been created (with extension
*.dsc) in order to be able to use them at a later date.

3. Editing the LMS244

3.1. Main screen

On starting the LMS244 software, the main working screen appears, showing the internal processing
routing. The route followed by an audio signal from the input to the outputs seen on this user-interface,
is the order in which processing takes place in the device. From this main screen it is possible to
directly access all available configuration parameters.

Menu Tool Bar

Configuration

Icons

System
Icon Status Bar

If the software is started without being connected to the LMS244, the Icons on the Tool Bar will not be
available and will appear in a grey colour. The Status bar will show: Offline.

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The configuration Icons allow immediate access to any of the configuration screens.

The tool bar offers such options as Read, Create, Save configurations and all options related to the
communication with the unit: connection, DSP Operating System updating, password protection,
keyboard locking and storing configuration to memories.

The Status bar informs you of the kind of communication established with the processor: Offline,
COM1 to 4.

The Menu bar gives access to the menus:
File (working with files and exiting the program), Configuration (communication options), View (access
to configuration screens), Copy Outputs (copy configurations from one output to other) and Help.

The System button allows you to name the configuration you have created and to add more
information such as the name of the project, installation, name of the engineer and comments.

3.2. Configuration buttons

INPUT and OUTPUT: gives access to the "Input and Output configuration" window in which it

is possible to re-name inputs A and B, and outputs 1 - 4 as well as name the complete
configuration. These names are also stored in the processor subsequently appearing in the
units display.

GAIN: gives access to the "Input and Output Levels" window. From this window it is possible
to configure all input and output gains. Also in this window the options for output-mute and
output phase-invert are accessible.

DELAY: allows the configuration of the input delays (delay buttons located at the inputs) and
output delays (delay button located at the outputs). Input delays are up to 290ms (approx. 100
meters) for use as a main delay line. Output delays are available up to 10ms. (3,5 meters) for
the correct time-alignment of multi-channel systems.

INPUT EQ: Allows control of Global equalizer and parameter configuration for inputs A, B and
M which is an internally generated mono channel. 6 completely configurable filters per input
are available the type of which can be individually selected from the following: Parametric,
Shelving low 6dB and 12dB/oct, shelving high 6dB and 12dB/oct, Low pass, Band pass,
Reject band and first or second order All pass.

ROUTE: allows the selection of input signal to each output. When selecting device
configuration from the Operation mode list, the Route buttons are configured according to the
selected mode. Route modification is only freely configurable in the mode Free Route.

XOVER (Crossover): allows access to the crossover configuration window, where the
configuration of the frequency dividing filters for each output can be set. Filters available are:
Linkwitz-Riley, Butterworth, Bessel and Custom (where resonance frequency and Q-factor are
editable for each second order filter) with slopes of up to 48 dB/oct. Bypass is also selectable
permitting the configuration of a full-range output.

Output EQ (output channel equalizer): situated after the crossover, provides access to the
individual equalization parameters of each output channel. There are 6 filters in each output
with the same features as in the INPUT EQ. This window also displays the effect of the
different filters and gains to the total input-output frequency response, as well as the effect of
delays and the response of the loudspeakers in both magnitude and phase.

DYNAMIC: allows access to the "Dynamic configuration - Noise Gate" window. Here the
configuration of all compressor/limiter and individual noise gate parameters per output can be
performed.

SYSTEM: a general identification window showing system name, the project it belongs to, the
installation, the system engineer and general comments.

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Now that you are familiar with the functions of the buttons on the main screen, you can begin to work
with the program. First of all, to prevent future loss of configurations, you should give a name to each
project, or the equipment you are setting up. This can be achieved using the System button which
opens the System window revealing several blank sections for: System Name, Project name,
Installation, Engineer and Comments.

3.3. Operating Mode

Once the system you are to work with has been identified, the operating parameters have to be
defined. The first step is to select the Operating Mode according to the system or installation to be
configured. The following modes are available:

4-way mono: 4-way mono system. Configuration for 4-way PA systems, which are normally,
sub-bass, bass, mid and high and require the use of two LMS244 units to work in stereo.
Source input is via Input A.

3-way mono + aux.: 3-way mono system with the fourth output free for an auxiliary input. This
configuration could be used in a PA system of three ways (bass, mid and high) driven by a
source signal at Input A. The fourth Output is supplied with a signal from Input B which could
be used for a side-fill monitor or a near-fill for FOH.

3-way mono + sub mono: 3-way mono system with mono sub bass (in principle) at the fourth
output. This configuration is similar to the previous one but instead of providing an auxiliary
send signal it provides a mono sub bass signal derived from the summing of inputs A and B.

2-way stereo: 2-way stereo system. Outputs 1 and 2 are the bass and mid-high channels of
Input A; Outputs 3 and 4 are the bass and mid/high channels of Input B.

2-way stereo + sub mono + full range: 2-way stereo system with common mono sub-bass
and a possible full range signal at the fourth output. This configuration is similar to the
previous one but groups the bass signals to a single mono output leaving a free output to be
used if necessary, as an auxiliary send.

Free route: This is a free mode. Here the user is free to choose the input signal source (A, B
or M) driving each output. Each input has its own gain, delay and independent equalization. In
this mode, the Route buttons remain unlocked so that the engineer can adjust the
configuration to any installation. This is the default setting when starting a new configuration.
All of the above predetermined Operating Modes can be constructed from this mode.

If you want to change the Operating Mode, open the mode list and select the one you require: the
Route buttons for each output will be configured automatically. In all modes other than the Free Route
mode, the route buttons will remain locked. Should you however, try to modify them the program will
inform you that it is necessary to change the mode setting to Free Route.

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3.4. Input & Output Configuration

Once you have defined the mode you wish to work with, you will start to configure each of the
operating parameters of the processor. Firstly, you should identify the inputs and outputs you are
going to use. This is achieved by pressing any of the input or output buttons. The following window will
appear:

12 characters are available for the name of the system and 4 characters for each of the inputs and
outputs. These names will subsequently appear in the unit's LCD display and in the relevant buttons of
the main window of the software program in order to easily identify the configuration of inputs and
outputs.

3.5. Input & Output Levels

Next you should configure the input and output gains according to your requirements. On pressing any
Gain Icon the following window appears:

Default values are set at 0dB except the Mono Input which is set at -6dB in order to compensate for
the summing of two signals. 10dB gain and -40dB attenuation in 0.1dB increments are available.
To adjust the settings, click and drag the relevant fader to the required level. Alternatively click the
required fader and by means of the cursor up and down keys you will be able to adjust at the more
precise step-rate of 0.1dB. Inputs and outputs can be muted simply by clicking on the corresponding
box below the fader. Muting a channel results in the corresponding button in the main window
receiving a red cross. The polarity of the respective channels signal can also be inverted through 180°
by clicking the appropriate field in the required channel.