S O U N D S C I E N C E
Model D26
Digital System Controller
Owner’s Manual
Rev. 2
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the following European and
international
Standards for Electromagnetic Compatibility and Electrical Safety:
Radiated Emissions (EU): EN55013 (1990) Associated Equipment
RF Immunity (EU): EN50082/1 (1992) RF Immunity, Fast Transients ESD
Mains Disturbance (EU): EN61000/3/2 (1995)
Electrical Safety (EU): EN60065 (1993)
Radiated Emissions (USA): FCC part 15 Class B
Electrical Safety (USA): UL813/ETL (1996) Commercial Audio
Equipment
Electrical Safety (CAN): UL813/ETLc (1996) Commercial Audio Equipment
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
DO NOT REMOVE COVERS. NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE, REFER
SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL. THIS EQUIPMENT MUST BE
EARTHED.
IT SHOULD NOT BE NECESSARY TO REMOVE ANY PROTECTIVE EARTH OR
SIGNAL CABLE SHIELD CONNECTIONS TO PREVENT GROUND LOOPS. ANY
SUCH DISCONNECTIONS ARE OUTSIDE THE RECOMMENDED PRACTISE OF
CUSTOMER NAME AND WILL RENDER ANY EMC OR SAFETY CERTIFICATION
VOID.
For continued compliance with international EMC legislation ensure that all input and
output cables are wired with the cable screen connected to Pin 1 of the XLR connectors.
The input XLR Pin 1 is connected to the chassis via a low value capacitor, providing
high immunity from ground loops whilst ensuring good EMC performance.
Contents
Quick Start - Reference
Other features
Voltage setting
AC Power fusing
Mechanical Installation
Mains Power Connection
Controls
Input section
Output section
Rear panel
Moving about the screens
Default Screen
Inputs Menu
Outputs Menu
EQ Screens
Store and Recall
System Security
Specifications
Quick Start - Reference
AC Power connection
The D26 has a universal voltage AC Power input. Connect the D26 to AC Power with
the lead supplied. The unit will switch on automatically (there is no separate on/off
switch). The display will show the default screen, with the current program (if selected),
and overall system response curves.
Audio connections
Connect the inputs and outputs as desired. All inputs and outputs are electronically
balanced, with Pin 2 hot signal (+ve). Do not put any audio through the unit at this time.
Program settings
If your D26 has been already configured with a program, you only need to use the
RECALL mode to set the parameters to that program.
Press RECALL. Use the Parameter UP/DOWN keys to select the designated program
(which has a number and name) and press RECALL again. Programs marked with the
letter 'M' are Master ‘OEM’ programs and have been designed to match specific sound
systems.
Some units will be locked to a specific program. In this case most controls will be
disabled and the unit will be ready for use.
Setting up a system
To configure your D26, the mode of the unit should be decided upon before setting up.
Once the Config is set (In the Utilities menu), the crossover points, individual band
delays, any EQ, and limiter thresholds can be set up.
To enter the Utilities menu, press the RIGHT key from the default screen.
Configuring the D26
Band delays
Use the RIGHT/LEFT keys until the delay screen appears. The delay is adjusted by the
Parameter UP/DOWN keys. Default settings for display and adjustment of delay is in
meters (m), but can be changed to milliseconds (ms), or feet/inches (ft). Bands can also
be linked so multiple outputs can be delayed as one using the delay link facility.
Adding EQ
Use the RIGHT/LEFT keys to move to the EQ screen. The EQ shape can be edited first.
The shape of the EQ can be selected from one of the following by pushing the
Parameter UP/DOWN keys:
Hi-Shelf with 12dB slope (Hi12)
Hi-Shelf with 6dB slope (Hi6)
BELL
Low-Shelf with 6dB slope (Lo6)
Low-Shelf with 12dB slope (Lo12).
Pushing the RIGHT key from the EQ shape screen will access the following facilities, in
this order:
Filter Frequency
Cut/Boost
Filter Bandwidth
Setting the limiters
There is one screen associated with the limiters of the D26, which allows you to set the
limiter threshold.
Push the Parameter UP/DOWN keys to change the threshold. The output meters are
calibrated to this threshold, so the threshold will show as 'Set the 0dB point' on the
meter at all times, even if the limiters are off.
Other features
• Crossover slopes of 6,12, 18, 24 or 48dB per octave, filter types Butterworth or
Linkwitz-Riley, preset at the factory as appropriate.
• Output limiters on each band (mid-filter).
• High resolution input and output delays up to 630 seconds in 22 microsecond steps.
• Input LED metering, showing signals from -20dB to clip level.
• Output LED metering, showing signals from -20dB to +6dB over limit threshold.
• Front panel mutes.
• Polarity reverse on each output.
• Electronically balanced inputs and outputs.
• MIDI and RS-232 ports on rear panel.
Voltage setting
The D26 uses a switched-mode power supply which offers high efficiency and low heat
generation. This power supply accepts universal AC Power input voltages in the range
100V AC to 240V AC (nominal), and requires no setting adjustment for AC power
voltages in this range. Minimum AC input voltage is 90 Volts, and the maximum is 264
volts. Outside these ranges the unit will not work satisfactorily, if at all. Voltages in
excess of the maximum will probably cause damage. Voltages below the minimum will
cause complete system shutdown. The flash memory in the unit will preserve all data in
the event of a power failure.
AC Power fusing
The Green-and-Yellow wire of the mains cord must always be connected to an
installation Safety Earth or Ground. The Earth is essential for personal safety as well as
the correct operation of the system, and is internally connected to all exposed metal
surfaces. Any rack framework into which this unit may be mounted is assumed to be
connected to the same grounding circuit.
The incoming mains power is fused within the D26 by the fuse holder mounted on the
rear panel. Always replace with an identical 20mm x 5mm 'T' fuse, rated at 1A for
continued protection from equipment damage and fire.
It is most important for continued safety that this specification is strictly adhered to.
Mechanical Installation
A vertical rack space of 1U (1¾" / 44.5 mm high) is required. Ventilation gaps are
unnecessary.
If the D26 is likely to undergo extreme vibration through extensive road trucking and
touring, it is advisable to support the unit at the rear and/or sides to lessen the stress on
the front mounting flange. The necessary support can generally be bought ready-built as
a rack tray. As with any low-level signal processing electronics, it is best to avoid
mounting the unit next to a strong source of magnetic radiation, for example, a high
power amplifier, to help keep residual noise levels in the system to a minimum.
Mains Power Connection
Mains power
WARNING! THIS APPLIANCE MUST BE EARTHED.
IMPORTANT: The wires in the mains lead are colour coded in accordance with the
following code.
? The wire which is coloured Green and Yellow or Green must be connected to the
terminal which is marked with the letter ‘E’ or by the Earth signal or which is coloured
Green and Yellow or Green.
? The wire which is coloured Blue must be connected to the terminal labelled ‘N’ or
coloured Black or Blue.
? The wire which is coloured Brown must be connected to the terminal labelled ‘L’ or
coloured Red or Brown.
Controls
Input section
Store/Recall keys
Program data can be stored to internal memory, and is done by using the store facility.
The STORE key also doubles as an ENTER key for confirmation of some actions.
Program data is recalled to the unit from internal memory using the recall facility.
RIGHT/LEFT Keys
Controller keys for editing parameters displayed by the LCD screen.
RIGHT/LEFT/UP/DOWN Access Keys
Controller keys for selecting a parameter to edit.
Main Display
The main LCD screen displays current parameters being edited.
Input meter
Input signal level referenced to the clip level. Actual signal clipping will occur slightly
above the 'clip' indicator.
Output section
Mute LED
Shows the mute status of the output band.
Mute key
Pressing a mute key will toggle the associated band output on and off. The mute LED is
illuminated when the output is MUTED. Mute status is saved when a program is stored.
Output meter
Shows the output on each channel relative to the limiter threshold.
Rear panel
Mains power input
The Power inlet for the D26. Note that there is no On/Off switch for the unit.
RS-232 connector
For connection to a PC for access to one or more D26s on a MIDI loop, which provides
an easy way to upload new software.
6 Band outputs
The D26 audio outputs are electronically balanced and floating. Transformer balancing
is available as a retrofit option.
Pin 1 Shield/Ground
Pin 2 Signal Hot (+)
Pin 3 Signal Cold (-)
2 Channel inputs
The D26 audio inputs are electronically balanced. Transformer balancing is available as
a retrofit option.
Pin 1 Open circuit
Pin 2 Signal Hot (+)
Pin 3 Signal Cold (-)
Moving about the screens
Use the Parameter UP/DOWN keys to move between Default, Utility, Input and Output
menus (Horizontal columns).
Use the RIGHT and LEFT keys to move along each menu. Use the Parameter
LEFT/RIGHT keys to select a parameter to adjust.
Moving to a new menu may not bring up the first screen shown in each row, as the D26
remembers, and moves you to, the last screen accessed in each menu.
Store and Recall are accessed by pressing their respective keys.
After powering up, the D26 performs internal checks and sets up the audio path before
releasing the output mute relays. This takes a few seconds.
Default Screen
When the D26 is powered up the Default Screen is shown. This shows the current
program name and number.
Utilities Menu
Pushing the RIGHT key while viewing the default screen will move you into the Utilities
menu. The RIGHT and LEFT keys are used to move along the 'Utilities' path, and the
Parameter UP/DOWN keys are used to change the selected parameter.
Stereo link
This mode selects whether parameters will be adjusted together, or independently on
each channel.
The stereo link pairs in 2 channel 3 way are 1 & 2, 3 & 4 and 5 & 6.
The stereo link pairs in 3 channel 2 way are 1 & 3, and 4 & 6.
Pushing the Parameter UP/DOWN keys selects Stereo Link: ON and OFF.
Configuration
Delay units
This selects the units used for displaying and adjusting delays. 'ms' represents
milliseconds, 'ft' represents feet (and feet and inches for short delays), and 'm'
represents metres.
Lock out
The Lock Out mode prevents access to editing functions on the input and output
channels. Since this utility is not password-protected, Lock Out can still be accessed
and turned off. This mode is intended only as a precaution against accidental
adjustments, and not as a tamper-proof security lock.
MIDI channel
Here, you can select the MIDI channel that the unit is assigned to (Channels 1 through
16 are available).
Contrast
This allows you to change the contrast of the LCD display.
(Turn to) MIDI dump
This mode allows you to dump the current program settings to another D26, or a MIDI
storage device for backup.
The default position for this screen is MIDI DUMP: NO. Use the Parameter UP/DOWN
keys to select YES will ask you to press STORE to confirm the dump. A percentage
complete figure will show how much data has been transferred. When the dump is
complete, the screen defaults to NO.
If you are using the MIDI Dump to transfer data to another D26, ensure that both
devices are set to the same MIDI channel, and connect the MIDI OUT of the sending
device to the MIDI IN of the receiving device. The MIDI Dump mode is totally
independent of the MIDI MODE.
(Turn to) Delete program
This facility allow any stored program to be removed from the unit. Use the Parameter
UP/DOWN keys to select the desired program, and press STORE to confirm deletion.
Programs marked with a letter 'M' on a D26 cannot be deleted as they are manufacturer
Master programs.
Inputs Menu
There are two inputs available for routing to outputs plus an internal mono sum of inputs
A and B, referred to as A+B. This gives the Input Channels:
A, B, and A+B.
The facilities described in this section are common to all inputs, except EQ, which is not
possible on the mono sum A+B signal.
The first screen in the input menu is the DELAY SCREEN. Pressing the RIGHT key will
access the EQ screens.
Delay
The delay on each input channel can be adjusted individually, in 22 microsecond steps.
Pushing the Parameter UP/DOWN keys will set the amount of delay required on the
input. This delay is typically used to set the delay for delay towers etc., or to stagger the
delays between the left and right channels to ‘move’ sound lobes in an installation.
Delays can be viewed and adjusted in metres (default), feet/inches, or milliseconds.
Note: The maximum delay value is restricted by any delay on an output which the
current input feeds.
Input delay and output delay for any signal path is limited to 630ms.
EQ
To add EQ to an input, step through the functions on the desired channel using the
RIGHT/LEFT keys until you reach the screen that shows the EQ parameter you wish to
edit. (See ‘EQ screens’ for more details).
Outputs Menu
To select any of the output bands, press the UP/DOWN keys until the output is shown
on the screen.
Name
The first screen in the Output menu is the Name function. Here you can identify each
output with a name suitable to its function, selecting from a list of names in the D26,
such as SUB, or 2” HORN. Use the Parameter UP/DOWN keys to select the desired
name. If the name selected while stereo is NOT linked begins with L<space> or
R<space>, then the L or R will not be displayed when stereo linking is on.
Source
To change the source input, use the Parameter UP/DOWN keys until the desired input
source is selected.
Band gain
Adjusts the output gain from -25dB to +4dB using the Parameter UP/DOWN keys.
Limiter threshold
The band limiter threshold can be adjusted by pushing the Parameter UP/DOWN keys
to set the desired value to match the sensitivity of the amplifier in use. The default units
are dBu, but can be changed to mV. CUSTOMER NAME recommends setting the limiter
thresholds below the amplifier clipping sensitivity by about 2dB. This prevents any
transient overshoot driving the amplifier into clip and so damaging your loudspeakers.
Threshold setting also determines the output meter sensitivity.
Delay
The output delays are most often used to electronically align the driver voice coils with
the other drivers in the system, so the sound sources are coherent to the listener.
Each increment is only 22 microseconds, which translates in physical terms to a
distance of 6.8mm
Delay link
The Delay Link option allows you to control several band delays with a single
adjustment. This means that once all the drivers in a single cabinet have been aligned,
the whole cabinet can be delayed relative to the input signal, or another cabinet, by
linking these band delays as one. Any offsets applied before linking will be retained after
linking. In the Delay Link screen, Use the Parameter UP/DOWN keys until the desired
linking configuration is shown.
In mono configuration, 1 will link to 2, 2 will link to 3 etc.
In 2 channel 3 way configuration, 1 will link to 3, 3 will link to 5, 2 will link to 4 and 4 will
link to 6.
In 3 channel 2 way configuration, 1 will link to 4, 2 will link to 5 and 3 will link to 6.
Polarity
The polarity invert function. Default is uninverted. Pushing the Parameter UP/DOWN
keys will invert the polarity of the output. Turning anticlockwise will return the polarity to
uninverted.
EQ
To add EQ to an input, step through the functions on the desired channel using the
RIGHT/LEFT keys until you reach the screen that shows the EQ parameter you wish to
edit. (See ‘EQ screens’ for more details).
EQ Screens
If the D26 is configured for MONO, all EQs will be mono. If configured for 2x2+1
("stereo"), EQs will be marked as Stereo 'S' when STEREO LINK is ON, and the stereo
marker will show an 'S' next to the EQ number. Available spare EQ filters are also
shown.
Adding a new EQ:
If you press the RIGHT key and the screen does not change, then you have reached the
last EQ currently in use. To add an EQ, the cut/boost of the highest EQ must be edited.
Another EQ (assuming there are spare EQs) will then be inserted automatically.
NOTE: The A+B signal is mixed after the EQ sections on A and B, so the A+B signal is
affected by A and B EQ.
EQ shape
The shape of the EQ can be selected from one of the following by pushing the
Parameter UP/DOWN keys:
Hi shelving with 6dB slope (Hi6)
Hi shelving with 12dB slope (Hi12)
BELL
Low shelving with 6dB slope (Lo6)
Low shelving with 12dB slope (Lo12).
Frequency
Pushing the Parameter UP/DOWN keys adjusts the EQ frequency. The filter position is
shown graphically by the cursor, and the Frequency of EQs can range between 15Hz
and 16kHz.
Cut/Boost
Pushing the Parameter UP/DOWN keys to add boost (+ gain) or anti-clockwise for cut (gain). Cut/boost is available between +15dB and -15dB, in 0.2dB increments.
Width
Pushing the Parameter UP key widens the EQ (lower Q), pushing the DOWN key
makes the EQ narrower (higher Q). EQ Width is available between 0.05 and 3 Octaves,
in 0.05 increments.
Store and Recall
Storing and Recalling a program can be done at any time using the STORE and
RECALL keys on the left hand side of the LCD, unless Backup and Swap has been
turned on. The D26 can hold 60 programs internally. To reset a unit to default values,
use the configuration parameter in the utilities screen.
NOTE: If the unit is prompting for confirmation of an action at any time, the STORE key
is used to conform the action, and pressing it at this point will not access the STORE
facility.
Storing
Pressing the STORE key will access the Store screen.
Use the RIGHT/LEFT keys (or push the Parameter UP/DOWN keys ) to move along the
program name.
While the Program number is highlighted, pushing the Parameter UP/DOWN keys will
cycle through programs 1-60.
While each of the letters in the Program name are highlighted, pushing the Parameter
UP/DOWN keys will cycle through all available characters.
The last space in the program name is reserved for Program lock. Pushing the
Parameter UP/DOWN keys will turn this on/off. If a program has this flag set to on (so
the program name displays a key at the right hand side), a new program, or edited
version of the current program, cannot later be stored in this location. This lock can be
turned off at any time in order to delete or overwrite the program. If you try to store a
program in place of a locked program, the unit will display "PROGRAM LOCKED!", but
will then highlight the key icon,
giving you the option to turn off the lock if you wish to overwrite the existing program.
NOTE: The edit flag appears when there are unsaved changes to a program,
compared to the initial status of the last recalled/stored program. When a program
is stored to internal memory, the edit flag will disappear. Once the program name has
been entered, and the Program lock status cleared, pressing the STORE key again will
prompt the message "STORE UNLOCKED?", asking whether the program should be
stored with a Program lock on/off. Use the Parameter UP/DOWN keys to turn the Lock
on/off, the default setting being ON. Once the Lock status is set, push the STORE key a
final time to commit the program to memory. The display will now default back to the
screen displayed before the STORE facility was accessed. To exit from the store screen
without storing a program, press the recall button.
Recalling
Pressing the RECALL key will access the recall screen. This facility is displayed in the
same way as the store facility.
The Parameter UP/DOWN keys are used to select the program number to recall (when
highlighted). When the program you wish to recall has been selected, push the RECALL
key again to recall the program. The unit will display a message showing that data is
being recalled, and will then display the default screen once the recall is complete.
To exit from the recall screen without recalling a program, press the store button.
System Security
Any changes made to an audio system have the potential to be damaging, even if only
accidentally made. For this reason several different security systems are built in to the
D26 to protect the speakers. Each of the security levels locks different groups of
variables away from accidental or malicious adjustment.
Program lock
This is a flag that is available for each stored program. A program can be locked when it
is stored - the user is prompted when Store is pressed for the second time. Locking a
program in this way is purely to protect the user against accidentally overwriting a stored
file. The lock status can be changed by anyone unless the program is OEM locked (see
next page).
Lock mode
The Lock Mode in the Utility Menu can be turned on at any time.
When Lock Mode is set to ON, no variables can be changed except for the Display
Angle and Backlight and, of course, the Lock Mode. The user can move around the
screens to look at any variable mutes are available to be adjusted.
Locking the unit in this way is only to protect the user against other users changing the
system setup accidentally or against unauthorised people intentionally changing the
system. This status can be changed by anyone who knows how to operate the D26.
Specifications
Dynamic Range Typically >99dB, unweighted
22Hz to 22kHz
Frequency Response <±0.25dB, 15Hz-20kHz with filters out
Distortion (THD) <0.01%, 20Hz-20kHz @+10dBu input level
Inputs Electronically balanced & floating
Input Impedance 10k?
Maximum Input Level +20dBu, balanced
Outputs Electronically balanced & floating
Maximum Output Level +10dBu into 600?
Channel Separation >80dB, 20Hz-20kHz
Power Supply AC Mains 50/60Hz, 90V - 264V
Power Consumption <30VA
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