WHEATSTONE CORPORATION
600 Industrial Drive
New Bern, North Carolina 28562
tel 252-638-7000 / fax 252-637-1285
Page 3
Attention!
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Compliance
Notice:
Radio Frequency Notice
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the
limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These
limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if
not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment
in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the
user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
Attention
This is a Class A product. In a domestic environment,
this product may cause radio interference, in which case,
the user may be required to take appropriate measures.
This equipment must be installed and wired properly in order to assure
compliance with FCC regulations.
Caution!
Wheatstone could void the user's authority to operate this equipment.
Any modications not expressly approved in writing by
July 2015
ReAd Me!
Page 4
IMPORTANT!
Cleaning the Acrylic Surface
An acrylic surface is a beautiful, lustrous material that is outstanding in
durability and break resistance. With proper care, it will retain its attractive
appearance for many years to come. This care should include precautions against
scratching or contact with objects of high temperature that might mar the surface.
A few simple precautions will preserve the beauty of the acrylic.
• FIRST be sure the surface to be cleaned is powered off.
• NEVER spray or pour any liquid directly onto the surface.
• TO AVOID scratching these surfaces, use a soft brush or cloth to gently
brush away any larger dirt particles. Alternately the larger particles can be blown
from the surface with the use of canned air.
• USE a soft, clean lint free cloth or micro ber cloth and clean lukewarm
water to clean the surface. For stubborn dirt and stains use a mild, nonabrasive
soap and water mixture with the gentle cleaning cloth. Use only light pressure
when cleaning. Avoid rubbing dirt or grit into the surface. Turn the cloth often
and replace with a clean cloth frequently. Dry by blotting gently with a clean,
dry cloth.
• AVOID using kleenex, paper towels, sponges or other coarse shop towels,
as these materials may contain abrasives that can scratch acrylic surface.
• DO NOT USE ketones, aromatics, esters, halogens, window cleaning sprays,
alcohol, kitchen scouring compounds, or solvents (such as acetone, benzene,
gasoline, carbon tetrachloride, or thinners).
Caution! Do not use ammonia based cleaning solutions as they can cause
the surface to yellow, and became brittle and eventually cause structural damage
to the acrylic surface.
Wheatstone will not be liable for damage resulting from improper cleaning
Meterbridge LCD Screens at a Glance ...........1-7
DIM THREE / July 2015
page 1 – 1
Page 11
GENERAL INFORMATION
General Information
Introduction
Wheatstone’s Dimension Three Digital Television Audio Control Surface is exactly the
control surface you need to make your show a success – day in and day out.
is the rst large‑format audio control surface that is so truly universal it can t into almost
any TV production environment, anywhere – whether it’s a Wheatstone TDM routed studio,
a MADI‑equipped stadium, a remote truck, or even the newest space in studio networking
based on IP connectivity. You will never run out of console with
Dimension Three’s 16 true
submixes, each of each can be mono, stereo, or 5.1 surround. There are 16 stereo AUX sends
and 16 dedicated mix‑minus busses, plus a Bus‑Minus (N‑1) / Direct output for every input
channel (up to 128 in all). That’s on top of the two stereo and two 5.1 surround master busses.
The surface is layered, so that each physical fader controls 8 sources, each of which can
be mono, stereo, or full 5.1. Each fader also has a “spill” function, which allows its individual
channels to spill out onto two faders for stereo and six separate faders for 5.1 sources. The
control surface employs motorized faders that are recalled with Event snapshots. Each fader’s
alpha‑numeric LED display always indicate a fader’s current source to eliminate operator
confusion. Two programmable soft knobs per input – can be assigned any control functions
on the control surface. The
Dimension Three gives your operators the added convenience of
four DCM/MUTE busses, and 100 Event memory locations accessed via a front panel storage
and recall system that doesn’t require an external computer to operate.
features Automatic microphone mixing ( AutoMix), which automatically optimizes the levels
of several microphones during dialogue, and Audio‑Follow‑Video (AFV), which allows the
control surface to automatically control input channels based on the video source currently
being taken. Up to 20 frames of Delay are available on any input or output fader. The control
surface incorporates programmable controls for talkback and miscellaneous routing and
switching functions. Digital audio processing is available on every input channel and on all
major output busses (EQ, compressor/limiter, gate, high/low pass lters).
Once congured, the system operates entirely independently of external computers.
Conguration is intuitive and carried out onsite by means of user‑friendly graphic interfaces
provided by Wheatstone XPoint router control software. The
Dimension Three system also
takes full advantage of Wheatstone’s exclusive VDip conguration software, so that studio
functions (like mutes, fader and timer starts, tally, etc.) are easily accomplished right at your
desktop. Once completed, all settings are retained in non‑volatile storage, allowing the entire
system to run independently. Wheatstone’s ACI Automation Control Interface protocol is
built in, providing a streamlined interface with video switchers, automation, scheduling, and
hardware controllers as you require.
Dimension Three
Dimension Three
DIM THREE / July 2015
page 1 – 2
Page 12
GENERAL INFORMATION
Control Surface Placement
The Dimension Three digital audio control surface is designed for countertop
mounting. Although the rubber feet on the bottom keep the surface from being easily
moved when simply placed on the counter, holes have been provided so that screws
may be used to mount the surface securely to the countertop. Carefully remove the
appropriate panels from the frame, screw the mainframe to the counter top, and
reinstall the removed panels. The three most common frame sizes dimensions are
shown in the drawings below. Larger frame sizes are available as well.
Do not connect the
Dimension Three control surface to its power supply (and
do not connect the power supply to the AC power line) until instructed to do so.
11-7/8"
27-1/4"
3/16";
2-1/4"
14-1/2"
27-1 /4"
27-1 /4"
47"
DIMENSION THREE - 16 INPUTS FRAME
24-5/8"17-11/16"
59-1 /2"
DIMENSION THREE - 24 INPUTS FRAME
14-1/2"
6 HOLES, D=
USE #8 SCREWS
2-3/16"
27-1 /4"
DIM THREE / July 2015
12-1/8"
25-1/16"17-11/16"
72"
DIMENSION THREE - 32 INPUTS FRAME
18-3 /4"18-3/4"17-11/16"12-1/8"
8 HOLES, D=
USE #8 SCREWS
3/16";
2-3/16"
14-1/2"
10 HOLES, D=
USE #8 SCREWS
2-3/16"
3/16";
page 1 – 3
Page 13
GENERAL INFORMATION
t
Power Supply
Front view of the PSR rackmount power supply
Rear view of the PSR with two SPS-400 units
The
Dimension Three control surface is powered by an SPS‑400 power
supply installed in a Wheatstone Model PSR rackmount unit. Each PSR
houses up to two SPS‑400 power supply units. Mount the power supply in
a standard 19” equipment rack, keeping in mind that adequate ventilation
is necessary to prevent heat build‑up within the rack.
Note the power supplies should be mounted in an equipment rack within
fteen feet of the control surface.
If failsafe redundant supplies have been ordered,
you will be installing two
SPS-400 units.
Once the supply is rack‑mounted,
it should be connected to the control
surface using the factory supplied
cable. The cable has two different
types of connectors on it: a 5‑pin
female connector that connects to
the control surface’s power supply
Power Supply
End
connector, and an 8‑pin male
connector that plugs into the PSR
power supply. The control surface’s
two power supply connectors are
located at the rear of the control
surface, in the middle of the meter‑
bridge bottom pan. If you are using
one supply, connect it to one of the
control surface connectors (it doesn’t
matter which one). If you are using the
failsafe option, connect one end of a
power supply cable to either control
surface power connector and connect
the other end of the cable to one of
the two power supply connectors.
Then use the other cable to connect
5-pin Connector
Female
RED
YEL
BLU
BLK
N/C
Control Surface
End
PS Cable Pinou
PIN
1
2
3
4
5
+V in
-V in
PIN
RED, YEL
8
BLU, BLK
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
N/C
N/C
N/C
N/C
N/C
N/C
Power Supply EndConsole End
8-pin Connector
Male
the second power supply connector
to the remaining control surface power supply connector. Connect the cable(s) rst to the
control surface, then to the rear of the rackmount power supply.
DIM THREE / July 2015
page 1 – 4
Page 14
GENERAL INFORMATION
Note each power supply is tted with a 3‑wire grounded AC cord
that should be plugged into a “clean” AC power source, that is, an AC
source that feeds only the control room audio gear. This source should
be a separate feed from those powering lighting, air‑conditioning, or any
other non‑audio machinery. The third pin ground wire of the AC source
should be tied to the central system ground point.
Failsafe Dual Redundant Supply
Wheatstone failsafe power supply systems use two SPS‑400 power
supplies for each piece of powered equipment. Though either is capable
of running a full load on its own, in failsafe operation both units run in
tandem: if one fails, the other takes over, assuring uninterrupted operation.
In order for failsafe systems to perform as designed, always have BOTH
power supplies powered up and connected to their associated equipment.
Energizing
Assuming the Dimension Three control surface mainframe is properly
placed, and its PSR power supply (or supplies) correctly rackmounted
and connected to the control surface, you may now energize the PSR
rackmount power supply by plugging it into the AC mains. The control
surface’s LCD displays will illuminate and individual module switches
will assume factory default settings.
Note: To de‑energize the control surface, unplug the rackmount power
supply’s AC cord from the AC mains. Never de-energize the control
surface by disconnecting the cable that connects the control surface
and power supply together.
The power feed recommended in the text
is often installed and
referred to in studios as
an “isolated AC ground”
outlet. It is usually orange
in color.
Once you have veried proper power-up, unplug the rackmount power
supplies to de-energize the control surface. You may now proceed to
wire up audio and control connections
DIM THREE / July 2015
page 1 – 5
Page 15
GENERAL INFORMATION
I/O Connections
All user wiring to and from the Dimension Three control surface is made via
connectors located on the control surface’s rear panel.
On the left rear of the frame a Main CPU’s connectors: a Serial Port DB‑9 connector
(not used), an Ethenet RJ‑45 connector, a Keyboard PS2 connector and a VGA DB‑15
connector for factory use only.
MIXER LINK CAT5/CAT6 or multi‑mode optical FIBER connections are made
via RJ‑45 or LC type optical connectors. Two 5‑pin male connectors are for power
supply connections.
The photo below shows connector locations.
SERIAL PORT
Not Used
COMPACT
FLASH DRIVE
ETHERNET
KEYBOARD
VGA*
MAIN CPU
* 1366x768 VGA default resolution. Plugging
in monitors with other resolutions will cause
surface screens to draw incorrectly.
BACKUP
CPU
NOTE: Keyboard
and VGA connectors
for factory use only.
CAT **
MIXER LINK
**
IMPORTANT!
CAT5/CAT6 cables
crossover wired.
There is also a dual USB connector labeled AUDIO and
USER located in the right hand end of the meterbridge facing
the operator. The AUDIO port is for USB thumb drive containing
audio WAV les and M3U playlists les. The USER port provides
le and conguration access for future conguration software.
FIBER
POWER B
POWER A
For all wiring pinout connections refer to Chapter 6.
DIM THREE / July 2015
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Page 16
Input Panel LCD Screen
The MINI FLIP button on the DCM‑D3 panel toggles the lower portion of the input channels LCD display
to show EQ and dynamics curves instead of default submix and aux assigns.
Tapping the SOURCE
knob at the top of the IS‑D3
panel at the Layer SETUP
mode opens a pop‑up
Layer Channel Select List.
Press LAYER SETUP on the DCM‑D3 to enter layer SETUP mode.
Loudness Monitor Screen
DIM THREE / July 2015
Tapping the SOURCE
knob at the top of the IS‑D3
panel opens a pop‑up Input
Sources List.
Dimension ThreeMeterbridge LCD Screens at a Glance
page 1 – 7
Page 17
MXM/AUX button located on the DISPLAYsection
of the DCM‑D3 panel toggles the standard LCD
display to show metering for the 16 stereo AUX
send outputs or the 16 Mix‑Minus outputs.
Master Panel LCD Screen
Pressing the SET button on an input channel opens up detail view screen for any fader
on the control surface.
Pressing the INFO button on the DCM‑D3 panel will
bring up into the lower right corner of the Master LCD
screen the System Information window with techni‑
cal information about the surface’s software version
and connection status to its companion rack MT link,
Ethernet link, and automation interface.
CLIP PLAY button located on the DISPLAY section of
the DCM‑D3 panel switches the player into the lower
right corner of the Master LCD screen.
DIM THREE / July 2015
Dimension ThreeMeterbridge LCD Screens at a Glance
page 1 – 8
Page 18
INPUT PANEL
Input Panel (IS-D3)
Chapter Contents
Controls and Functions ................................................................2-2
audio control surface has four identical strips.
A dedicated LCD monitor for every eight input faders
displays the currently selected DSP channel number,
Preset sources, Source and Gain reduction metering,
Automix status, Submix and Aux assignments, and
Programmable controller values.
The MINI FLIP button on the
DCM‑D3 panel toggles the lower
portion of the input channels
LCD display to show EQ and dy‑
namics curves instead of default
submix and aux assigns.
Source (X) Controllers
Pressing the SET button on an input channel opens up
detail view screen for any fader on the control surface.
DIM THREE / July 2015
page 2 – 2
Page 20
INPUT PANEL
Input Sources
Dimension Three is a router based system so any input fader may
access any source wired to the Wheatstone router.
The D3Visibility setting in XPoint software limits
what the user “sees” when they scroll through the
signal list.
Select a Source for the Input fader by dobbying
the SOURCE knob. A pop‑up list displays all
available source signals. Scroll the list until the
desired source is highlighted. Signals may be
grouped into folders (MICS, TechCore, etc.) by lling in the Location
eld for each signal name in XPoint software.
Sources may be mapped into the PRESET1 or PRESET2 button.
Scroll the SOURCE knob until the desired source appears in the
SOURCE window, then press and hold the PRESET1 or PRESET2
button until the switch’s LED lights. Once loaded, this source can be
connected at any time by pressing the PRESET1 or PRESET2 button.
TIP:
DOBBY (pronounce dahbee) - means to quickly
press and release an encoder knob.
GAIN Control
The GAIN level control allows gain of an incoming source to
be trimmed. The relative gain setting can be read from the input
fader’s LCD screen or from the selected channel’s detail screen
if the channel’s SET button is pressed.
NOTE: Gain settings are NOT saved
with Events. This is to prevent accidental
changes in multi surface systems.
Phantom Power
The PHANT on/off switch applies phantom voltage to any selected
microphone. The phantom power attribute stays on even when the
microphone is not selected on the control surface.
SOFT
Each Input channel strip has two SOFT encoders/
switches. Each bank of these “soft” controls may be
mapped to control almost any input channel parameter
located in the central control section. For instance, you
could map the top bank of SOFT controls to be Aux
Send 1. Then map the lower bank to be DELAY.
SOFT Encoder – The SOFT encoder’s behavior
will change depending on which function is mapped
DIM THREE / July 2015
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Page 21
INPUT PANEL
to it. Usually the encoder acts as a level control, turning full
clockwise is maximum. For Panning or Blend the control
defaults to center. Double tapping the control will reset it to
its nominal position for some selected parameters.
SOFT Switch – Each SOFT encoder is paired with a
switch located just to the bottom right. The switch function
depends on which parameter (Aux Send, Blend, etc.) has
been mapped to the encoder. Typically the switch acts as an
ON/OFF for the function.
Mapping SOFT Functions
To map a control to a SOFT encoder bank do the following:
• Press and hold any SOFT encoder until it lights up
• Tap the knob of the function you wish to map to all the
SOFT encoders in that bank. For example, the AUX 1
knob located on the DCM‑D3 panel.
• Press the ashing SOFT switch next to the SOFT knob
you lit up in step one.
Input fader LCD screen shows what is programmed to
the SOFT encoders.
Mode Selector Indicator
MODE selection switches in the EFS‑D3 panel (see Chapter 3) enable
input channels to operate in Mono, Left only, Right only, Blend, and Stereo.
The switch lights up to indicate the selected mode. Channel’s mode displays
on the top of the input fader’s LCD screen. This feature is activated for
a given channel by pressing the channel’s SET button (see page 2-7).
Pan/Balance Knob
The PAN‑LT/RT knob (5.1 SURROUND section in the EFS‑D3 panel)
acts as a panpot in MONO, LEFT only and RIGHT
only modes, and as a balance control in STEREO
mode. In BLEND, both the left and right input signals
are sent to both the left and right sides of assigned
stereo destinations, with the PAN‑LT/RT knob acting
as a mix control between the left and right inputs.
Once again, this feature is activated for a given
EFS-D3 Panel
control twice in rapid succession, like double‑clicking a mouse button.
channel by pressing the channel’s SET button.
To easily set the PAN to center, you can press the
EFS-D3 Panel
DIM THREE / July 2015
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Page 22
INPUT PANEL
Bus Minus (BUS-) / Direct Output
Each input channel can generate its own independent mix‑minus output,
called BUS MINUS (BUS‑); thus each anchor, each announcer, each host,
each guest can have a dedicated mix‑minus feed.
Start by assigning any desired input channels to the Bus Minus bus. This
is accomplished by pressing the IN switch, which places a summed signal
of those input channels onto a special dedicated mix bus. This bus now
becomes available to other input channels for use in their own Bus Minus
outputs. Each channel’s input signal is omitted from the MIX at it’s own
direct output. A BUS‑ encoder controls the level for each of the
individual IFB channel/direct outputs. A TB switch located next to
SPILL lets the control surface operator talk back to that individual
IFB/direct output, allowing communications between the opera‑
tor and the talent receiving that mix. A PFL switch allows the
operator to monitor the individual channel’s Bus minus output.
Use the DIRECT switch to convert the Bus Minus output into
a Direct post fader/EQ output. The Direct output may be routed
to any physical analog, digital, or MADI output. Press the input
fader channel’s SET button, then use the DESTINATION knob
of the SYSTEM ROUTER section on the EFS‑D3 panel to select
a destination. Press TAKE next to the DESTINATION knob to
complete the route.
EFS-D3 Panel
Main Bus Assign
Buttons 5.1‑1, 5.1‑2, ST1, and ST 2 assign the input channel signal to
the four main busses. The buttons light up to show which buses the input
channel has been assigned to. As indicated on these buttons, non‑5.1 signals
assigned to a 5.1 bus are automixed up to 5.1, while 5.1 signals assigned to
an ST bus are automixed down to stereo.
Dynamics and EQ
Dynamics (GATE and COMP) and EQ buttons allow dynamics and EQ
functions which have been set for that channel on the DCM‑D3 (Chapter 5)
and EFS‑D3 (Chapter 3) control panels to be applied or not to the input
channel. The buttons light up when input channel signal processing is ac‑
tive on the channel. Available Dynamics functions include compression,
gating, and limiting. Available Equalizer functions include four band
parametric EQ with high‑pass and low‑pass lters.
MXM/SUB Indicators
These 16 indicators show which mix‑minus(es) or submix(es) busses the
channel has been assigned to using control switches in the MIX‑MINUS
ASSIGN (page 3‑10) or SUBMIX ASSIGN (page 3‑6) section of the
EFS‑D3 panel. The MXM or SUBMIX bus assigns are accessed by
means of the channel SET button.
Switch between MXM and SUBMIX mode using the MXM/SUBS
button on the DCM‑D3 panel.
DIM THREE / July 2015
NOTE: Use the EQ and
Dynamics controls on
the EFS-D3 and DCM-D3
panels to adjust these
settings.
page 2 – 5
Page 23
INPUT PANEL
AFV Button – Audio Follow Video
The AFV function allows an input channel to be automatically faded
up and down when the input channel is turned ON/OFF either locally or
from remote logic. The ramp time value is set globally for all faders by
overpressing the DELAY knob (on the DCM‑D3 panel). The ramp value
is a relative setting of 0‑31, with 0 being fastest and 31 being slowest.
You can quickly hear the effect by manually turning an input channel
ON/OFF, vary the ramp values and listen to the results.
AUTOMIX Button
Auto-Mix Overview
The Dimension Three has an Auto‑Mix control bus which any input fader may join.
The basic idea of automixing is to automatically ride multiple open mic channels’ gates
using a host mic’s level as the control. For example, if you have one host mic and four
guest mics, you might set it up so the AUTOMIX switch is pressed on all four guest
mics and you overpress the AUTOMIX switch on the HOST mic (LED is brighter in
HOST mode).
Now when the host speaks the four guests’ levels will duck. You can tailor the effect
by adjusting each mic’s GATE THRESHOLD (see DCM‑D3 panel).
Operation
Each input fader may be added to the Auto‑Mix control bus by lighting the AUTOMIX
switch. A long overpress of the AUTOMIX switch will cause the channel to become
the HOST or master controller of the Auto‑Mix bus.
SPILL Button
The SPILL function lets the user spill a Stereo or 5.1 surround source out to individual
faders for re‑balancing purposes.
Spill two channel sources (like news packages) played back in BLEND mode to
quickly re‑balance editing problems with Voice over and Nat sound.
Spill 5.1 sources to re‑mix or x balancing problems like hot sub or center channels.
5.1 SPILL only works when a six channel surround source is routed to a six channel
surround input fader. The surround source will spill out to the left or right depending
on its physical location. Once spilled you will have six individual faders each with a
single surround component: LF, RF, C, SUB, LS, RS. Adjust each component level
using the individual spilled faders. Press SPILL again to exit.
Talkback
Talkback to Bus Minus / Direct Output using this TB switch. Talkback signal can be
any mic or line source in the router. Cross connect the TB mic signal to the surface’s
TB input signal.
DIM THREE / July 2015
page 2 – 6
Page 24
INPUT PANEL
DCM (Digital Control Master) Indicators
Each channel can be assigned to any combination of the four DCM masters (DCM‑D3
panel). The assigned setting is displayed in the DCM ABCD indicator group. Any channel
that is assigned to a DCM will have its level controlled in a subgroup manner, much like
a VCA function in an analog console. For example, all announcer voices could be on
DCM A, all remotes could be assigned to DCM B, and commercial source material could
be on DCM C. The channels can then be easily adjusted in groups by means of faders on
the DCM‑D3 panel. Furthermore, these DCMs may be used as group mutes,
to cut out or in an entire bank of faders by simply toggling the appropriate
MUTE switch on the DCM‑D3 panel.
Channels are assigned to these DCMs in the following manner: press the
channel SET button on the input fader section and then press the desired DCM
ASSIGN button, located in the center of the EFS‑D3 panel.
When an input is muted by a DCM master, it is as if the input fader strip’s
ON button was turned off. Any Studio muting and ON AIR Tally logic is
turned off and mix‑minus feeds are turned off.
Source Display
The currently selected source name shows on the alphanumeric display
above the ON switch. This name is the 8‑character name as dened in the
Wheatstone Gibraltar Router.
Channel ON Switch
The CHANNEL ON switch turn the channel signal on and off and res the
channel ON (START)/OFF (STOP) logic. The switch LED lights to indicate
the channel is on.
SET Button
This allows the operator to access various controls and displays on the
EFS‑D3 and DCM‑D3 panels and apply them to the selected channel. SET
can access SOURCE select, GROUP, MIX‑MINUS, DYNAMICS and EQ
functions. To use, press the SET button and then make your appropriate
section settings in other areas of the control surface. Once a SET button has
been pressed, various encoders and buttons light up, and the input fader’s
LCD screen changes to the selected channel’s detail screen which displays
the current settings (EQ, MODE, DYNAMICS, AUX SENDS, etc.) for that input channel until a different input SET button is pressed. Or if you don’t
use any SET‑related controls for 20 seconds, the current SET selection will time out and
the SET button will go off.
PFL – Pre Fade Listen
The PFL switch lets the control surface operator monitor the channel’s pre‑fader signal.
AFL – After Fade Listen
The AFL switch lets the control surface operator monitor the channel’s post‑fader signal.
DIM THREE / July 2015
page 2 – 7
Page 25
INPUT PANEL
Fader
Channel output level is set by a long‑throw motorized fader
for automated level control. Fader position (in dB) shows in the
input fader’s LCD screen or in the selected channel’s detail screen
if the channel’s SET button is pressed.
DIM THREE / July 2015
page 2 – 8
Page 26
CONTROL PANEL
Control Panel (EFS-D3)
Chapter Contents
Controls and Functions ................................................................3-3
The Dimension Three digital audio control surface
is equipped with one Control panel. This panel contains
monitors, bus, submix and mxm assigns, PFL, talkback,
equalizer, 5.1 surround, mode, aux/mxm masters outputs,
system router, events, switched meters, copy, and test tones
sections.
Monitors
There are four monitor outputs available: CONTROL
ROOM, STUDIO 1, STUDIO 2, and HEADPHONE.
Each monitor has a LEVEL control, a SET button, a
DIM switch, a TB button (CR monitor does not have a TB
button), and a MIX display that is located on the bottom
section of the EFS-D3 panel.
The CR monitor section also contains a mode indicator
and two speaker select buttons.
Monitor sources can be selected several ways:
• Four PRE-PROGRAMMED
MONITOR MIX switches
(5.1-1, 5.1-2, ST1 and ST2)
allow direct access to the
main mixes most frequently
monitored.
• Sources can be randomly selected with the SELECT knob
and its attendant SOURCE
display and TAKE button.
DIM THREE / July 2015
page 3 – 3
Page 29
CONTROL PANEL
• A source can also be loaded as a monitor preset by rst
selecting it with the SELECT knob and the SOURCE display,
and then holding the PRESET button down until the source
shows in the PROGRAMMABLE PRESET display. That
source can then be monitored by pressing the PRESET button.
To select a source for a monitor by one of the above methods,
rst press the SET button next to the knob for the desired monitor.
The knob controls the level of the monitor signal.
Control Room Section
In a typical television application the control surface is located in the audio control
room. Speakers in the control room allow the control surface operator to listen to the
various control surface bus outputs to be assured that the control surface is performing as desired. These speakers are fed by a stereo or 5.1 signal routed from the control
surface’s CONTROL output. In addition to the control room output, the operator may
also desire to listen to specic isolated faders via the external cue speaker.
CR SET Button – Lets the operator select the source to be listened to in
the control room speakers.
MIX Display – The eight character display shows the source that is selected
for monitoring in the control room.
CONTROL Level Control – Determines the overall loudness of the signal
being monitored as it appears in the control room speakers.
DIM Button – Lets the operator “dim” the control room speakers (drop in
level). Actual DIM level is set by the DIM encoder at the top of this panel.
Mode Indicators – A set of ve LEDs indicates which mode, LT (left), RT
(right), MN (mono), ST (stereo), or SR (surround), the CR signal is operating
in (see also page 3-6).
SPKR A, SPKR B – These two switches are used to determine which of two outputs
will be fed by the CR signal. Each feed may have its mode programmed separately (see
Selecting Output Mix Destinations on page 3-13).
Any open mics in the vicinity of the
Dimension Three are potencial sources of audio
feedback via the control room speakers. To avoid this a mic channel can be set to MUTE
the control room speakers when on. See the sub-heading Speaker Muting on page 3-5.
Studio Section
In addition to the control room, there may be one or two studios in which one or
more performers will be assembled, usually with microphones
so that their voices can become part of the mix. Speakers may be
provided in the studio to allow the talent to listen to the various
control surface bus outputs at times that they are not actually on
air. These speakers are fed from one of the control surface’s stereo
studio outputs.
As in the control room, the potential for feedback also exists
in the studio. The talent microphones will usually provide a part
of the signal that is going out over the air. If that signal is the one
being monitored with the studio speakers, feedback will occur.
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CONTROL PANEL
To prevent this, the studio mic faders are usually set to mute the
studio output in the conguration software to prevent the occurrence of feedback.
Studio SET Button – Lets the operator select the source to be
listened to in the studio.
MIX Display – The eight character display shows the source
that is selected for monitoring in the studio.
ST Level Control – Determines the overall loudness of the
signal being monitored as it appears in the studio speakers.
DIM Button – Lets the operator “dim” the studio speakers
(drop in level). Actual DIM level is set by the DIM encoder at the top
of this panel. Note the DIM function also affects the talkback interrupt.
Note also if the studio is muted, talkback cannot be heard. However, if
the studio is dimmed, talkback audio could presumably make it from the
studio monitor speakers to the open studio mic.
TB (Talkback) Button – There may be times when the control surface
operator wants to talk to one of the talent in the studio. When the TB button
in the studio monitor section is pressed, a predened signal, usually the
operator’s mic, will “interrupt” the speaker feed that is normally heard in
the studio.
If there is a live mic in the studio which has activated the mute feature,
talkback will also be muted in the speakers.
TIP:
PFL DEFEAT
Press the STUDIO output
SET button, then light the
PFL DEFEAT switch at
the top of the same panel
to stop PFL from going to
STUDIO speakers.
MUTE DEFEAT
Press the STUDIO output
SET button, then light
MUTE DEFEAT button
at the top of the same
panel to cancel STUDIO
speaker muting.
On the top right corner of the EFS-D3 control panel is the TB GAIN master level
control that sets the talkback output and the level of the talkback interrupt signal. The
normal studio feed, which is interrupted by the TB signal, will fall to a level set by the
DIM control.
Speaker Muting
To activate studio speaker muting you must program the surface using the
Congure>VDip Settings form located in the XPoint software. This is typically done at
install time by the Engineering staff or a Wheatstone representative, and is detailed on
the XPoint Software chapter of the Wheatstone Gibraltar Digital Audio Network System
Technical Manual.
Each MIC input signal may be individually congured to mute any or all Studio or
Headphone outputs when the fader is ON AIR.
Headphone Section
The HEADPHONE output may be used to feed the video CR or third Studio.
Headphone SET Button – Lets the operator select the source to be listened
to in the headphone.
MIX Display – The eight character display shows the source that is selected
for monitoring in the headphone.
HEADPHONE Level Contol – Determines the overall loudness of the
headphone output signal.
DIM Button – Lets the operator “dim” the headphone output signal (drop
in level). Actual DIM level is set by the DIM encoder at the top of this panel.
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CONTROL PANEL
TB (Talkback) Button – Takes the assigned TB signal and feeds it to the
headphone output, allowing direct communication between the operator and
talent. The normal headphone feed falls to a level set by the DIM control.
Monitor outputs are normally subject to the control surface’s muting and
solo/cue interrupt circuits; however, these may be defeated by front panel
switching (DEFEAT button – see page 3-8).
Mode Control and Indicators
These switches and LEDs give local visual control and indication of the
selected mode for the various monitors (stereo, mono, left only, right only or
surround). Note that the mode status of the CR monitor can always be seen on
its mode indicator LEDs next to the CR level control.
Mode may be changed in the following way: press the SET
button for the desired monitor and select the allowed MODE button
in the center of the panel. Similarly, the mode of an input source
is selected by these controls by rst pressing the SET button for
the desired input channel.
Note that SURR mode requires that the CR be congured for
six channel operation in software. Not all systems support this
mode. Consult factory for details.
Bus Assign Section
All bus assignment is accomplished through a bank of BUS ASSIGN
switches on the EFS-D3 panel, consisting of four master
assign switches and sixteen submix assign switches. The
switches illuminate to indicate the assign status of the input
channel or submix whose SET switch is currently active.
Indicator windows on the submix section of the MFS-D3
panel show the assign status for each individual source.
Bus assignment may be made in any combination, and is
accomplished by rst pressing the SET button on the desired
input channel (IS-D3 panel) or submix (MFS -D3) panel.
The switches in the EFS-D3 panel BUS ASSIGN section
illuminate to show the source’s current bus assignment. Press
required switches to create the desired set of bus assigns.
The local indicators on the IS-D3 or MFS-D3 panel will
change to reect the new bus assignment.
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CONTROL PANEL
Surround/PAN System
NOTE: The 5.1 Surround panning system is used only for those signal
paths assigned to a 5.1 destination.
Programming a Channel for Surround Sound: Select the channel
you wish to program by pressing its SET button. Assign it to the 5.1
destination by means of the BUS ASSIGN switchbank. The 5.1 SURROUND section will indicate the current settings of the encoder LT/RT,
FRNT/REAR, SUR/CTR, and CTR/LFE knobs. The meterbridge
display will also show a multi-color graphic representation of this system. The system
can generate 5.1 signals from MONO or STEREO sources, and can modify the 5.1
signal of existing 5.1 input sources. Double-clicking any of the encoders will return
that parameter to its default setting (for example, LT/RT returns to center).
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CONTROL PANEL
Mode Select Section
You have already been introduced to the MODE switches earlier in this chapter,
in the discussion of the monitor controls. Mode may also be set for input channels
and output mixes.
To select a MODE, press the SET button of the desired channel or mix; the
SET button will illuminate, and the current mode setting for that channel will be
displayed on the MODE switches. MODE can be recongured by pressing any
allowable button.
The mode selector switchbank (ST, LT, RT, MONO, BLEND, and SURR
buttons) and PAN-LT/RT knob are located in the center of the Control panel.
There are six available channel modes: STEREO, LEFT ONLY, RIGHT ONLY,
MONO, BLEND, and SURROUND. When pressed, the switch will light up to
indicate the selected mode.
The PAN-LT/RT knob acts as a panpot in MONO, LEFT ONLY and RIGHT
ONLY modes, and as a balance control in STEREO mode. In BLEND mode, where
both the left and right signals are sent to both the left and right sides of assigned
stereo destinations, the PAN-LT/RT knob acts as a mix control between the left
and right inputs. The PAN-LT/RT knob is only used with input channels, and has
no effect when setting the mode of the monitor signals.
Mute/Dim/PFL/AFL Section
The PFL master level control and DEFEAT switch are located on
the top section of the EFS-D3
panel. The PFL signal is prefader, and is normally used to
check signals. When a channel
is CUEd, its pre-fader signal
will appear in the external
cue speaker, and the switched
meter array in the master LCD display will show the level of the
pre-fader signal.
The PFL level control determines the overall loudness of the
cue signal.
The surface’s PFL mix is usually routed to an analog output
connected to an external CUE speaker. The PFL DEFEAT switch
prevents PFL/AFL from interrupting a Studio or CR output. PFL
DEFEAT is saved with EVENTS, be sure you have PFL DEFEAT
engaged for Studio ports that feed studio speakers.
The DIM master level control and defeat switch are also located on the top of the
EFS-D3 panel. Press SET on any CR, HEADPHONE, or STUDIO, then press PFL
or MUTE DEFEAT to activate function. The DIM level control sets the amount of
attenuation applied to a monitor signal (such as control room output) when its DIM
switch is engaged, and also sets the level of the normal feed when it is interrupted
by the TB signal. The dim DEFEAT switch allows for temporarily overriding the
attenuation to bring all DIMmed signals back to their normal level.
NOTE: PFL and CR MUTE is only
required when a MIC is open in
the Control Room.
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CONTROL PANEL
Clear PFL
When any PFL/AFL button on the control surface is pressed, its light
will be illuminated and should ash slowly. The PFL CLEAR button will
also ash synchronously with any active PFL buttons. Any signal can be
released from cue/solo by pressing its individual PFL button a second
time. All PFL activated buttons can be cleared at once by pressing the PFL
CLEAR button.
AUX/MXM Masters Outputs
This section is used to adjust the master gain, select PFL, and engage
the talkback for the sixteen AUX SEND and MXM mixes.
It is comprised of a shared GAIN knob, TB button and PFL switch.
Additionally, there is a bank of sixteen AUX MASTERS buttons and a
bank of sixteen MXM MASTERS buttons.
To set a gain, press any of the sixteen AUX MASTERS or MXM
MASTERS buttons and rotate the GAIN knob.
To set a PFL, again press any of the sixteen AUX MASTER or MXM
MASTER buttons and then press the PFL button.
To interrupt a signal with the TB signal, press any of the sixteen AUX
MASTER or sixteen MXM MASTER buttons and then press the TB button.
The meterbridge display will show AUXSENDS or MIXMINUS
metering switchable by the MXM-AUX button located on the DISPLAY
section of the DCM-D3 panel.
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CONTROL PANEL
MIX-MINUS Assign
These buttons are used to control the makeup of the sixteen MIX-MINUS
buses. Press the SET button on any input. If that input is assigned to feed
an MXM bus, the corresponding MIX-MINUS ASSIGN switch will be
lit. Pressing a MIX-MINUS ASSIGN switch will toggle that input’s signal
into or out of the corresponding MXM bus. Indicator windows on the input
panels show the assign status for each individual source.
By default, the surface is congured so that when the MIX-MINUS
ASSIGN LED is lit, the audio from that fader is removed from the
MXM bus output. This makes it easy to see which input fader is NOT on a given
MIX-MINUS output.
DCM Assign
To assign a DCM to an input, submix or master, place the input, submix
or master channel in SET mode and press any combination of the DCM
ASSIGN buttons. The appropriate DCM display cluster on the inputs (IS-D3
panel), or submixes or masters (MFS-D3 panel), will be illuminated, as
well as the assign buttons.
Switched Meters Section
The control surface also provides a switched meter.
To select a signal to meter, rotate the
SELECT encoder. Available sources
will be displayed in the eight character
SWITCHED METERS display. When
the desired signal is displayed, press
the TAKE button. The switched meter
array will then display the signal level.
If, however, after a timeout period of
5 seconds, the TAKE button is not pressed, the array will revert
back to its previous selected program. The meterbridge display
will show metering for selected source.
Any time a channel PFL button is pressed, the PFL level will
be temporarily shown in the switched meter display until the PFL
button is deactivated.
Copy Section
This system provides a convenient means of copying input channel
settings and duplicating them to other input channels. To go into COPY
MODE, press the COPY button. It will ash. Choose the desired channel
to be copied by pressing its SET button (IS-D3 panel). The SET button will
then ash in concert with the COPY button and the PASTE and PASTE
ALL buttons will light. To go into PASTE mode, press the PASTE button.
It will ash, and the COPY and PASTE ALL buttons will go out. Then
press the SET button of the target module you wish to copy to. It will
begin to ash in concert with the PASTE button, and the TAKE button will light.
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CONTROL PANEL
To accomplish the copy, press the TAKE button.
Note, the copy function does not copy source assigns, destinations,
presets, or input gain.
The UNDO button is used to undo a TAKE copy. Simply press UNDO
and then TAKE to return the modied channel to its pre-TAKE status. There
is only one level of UNDO. If you do a copy operation, then do another
copy operation, then press UNDO to go back to the status before the last
copy, pressing UNDO again will have no effect.
Copy Multiples
It is possible to take a bank of channels and duplicate it to another channel bank of
equal number. Press the COPY button, then press the desired SET buttons on the source
bank. The COPY button and the source bank SET buttons will ash in concert. Then
press the PASTE button, which will begin ashing; press the desired target channel
SET buttons, which will ash in concert with the PASTE button. To execute, press the
TAKE button.
This function can be used to copy the settings from any number of channels to an
equal size group of channels. The channels in each group do not have to be consecutive,
and channels within a group can be a mixture from each PAGE if desired. There can
even be overlap; for example, you can choose to copy from channels 1, 2, and 3 to
channels 2, 4, and 5. After this copy, channels 1 and 3 would not have changed, channel
2 would be set as channel 1 had been, channel 4 would be set as channel 2 had been,
and channel 5 would be set as channel 3 had been.
When selecting channels for the COPY and PASTE sets, the order in which you
press the buttons matters. For example, if you selected, in order, channels 1, 2, 4 and 3
for COPY, and then selected, in order, channels 5, 7, 6, and 8 for PASTE, the end result
would be that channel 5 would have channel 1 settings, channel 6 would have channel
4 settings, channel 7 would have channel 2 settings, and channel 8 would have channel
3 settings. Not that this is something you would necessarily want to do, but that’s what
would happen. To reiterate, order matters when selecting the COPY and PASTE sets.
If the size of the COPY and PASTE groups are different, TAKE will not effect the
change, except for the special case of Copy One and Paste Many, described next.
To Copy One and Paste Many
Press the COPY button, and then the desired source channel SET button; both will
ash in concert. Then press the PASTE button and the target channel SET buttons,
which will ash in concert with the PASTE button. To execute, press the TAKE button.
To Copy One To All
Press the COPY button, and then the desired source channel SET button; both will
ash in concert. Then press PASTE ALL, which will commence ashing. To execute
the global paste, press TAKE.
NOTE: If the TAKE button is not pressed within a timeout period of 10 seconds,
the entire copy/paste operation will cancel out.
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CONTROL PANEL
Test Tones Oscillator
The TEST TONES section, located on the top of the
EFS-D3 panel, provides adjustable frequency test signals,
a pink noise source, and a stereo ID source. Test Tones
may be routed
Controls
FREQ – Selects single frequency mode. Use the encoder
to select a audio test tone in the from 20Hz to 20 kHz range.
LEVEL – Switches the encoder to adjust the level as displayed in the TEST TONES
display.
ASSIGN – Used in tandem with any Output SET switch to route the tone to the
desired master bus output. Once assigned, turn oscillator ON to interrupt the assigned
output with tone. See ROUTING section below for an example.
PINK – Selects the Pink Noise generator. Pink noise spectral density is inversely
proportional to frequency, resulting in a decrease in power as the frequency increases.
The ear perceives pink noise as at across the audible bandwidth. Use this signal with
a RTA (real Time Analyzer) to evaluate and equalize room response.
ST ID – Selects the Stereo ID tone; 440Hz appears on the left, 1kHz on the right
channel. This is useful for signal tracing channel inversions in plant wiring and external
gear.
ON – Turns the test tone source ON and interrupts the outputs of any master output
the oscillator is assigned to.
ENCODER – The encoder knob operates as both a frequency select and a level
control knob. Encoder function follows the FREQ or LEVEL button selection.
Routing Test Tones
Test Tones may be routed to any master output, sub, aux send, mix-minus or monitor
output.
• Select a Destination SET button (e.g. 5.1, ST1, AUX3, etc.)
• Press the ASSIGN button in the TEST TONES section.
• Press the TEST TONE ON switch to interrupt the assigned output with tone.
System Router Section
This section provides a means of selecting sources for
input channels and destinations for output mixes.
Selecting Input Channel Sources
The operator designates the desired input channel by
pressing its SET button in the Input section. Its current input
source is shown in the SOURCE display and the location
of that source shown in the LOCATION display (assuming
that a location has been assigned - see the XPoint chapter of
the Wheatstone Gibraltar manual for details). Input channel
meterbridge LCD displays will mirror that same information.
A different input source may be chosen by rotating the
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CONTROL PANEL
SOURCE knob. When displaying the current source the CLEAR button lights; when
displaying any other source the TAKE button lights. When the desired source is shown
in the SOURCE display, pressing the TAKE button will execute the take command on
the downstroke, and the new input will be shown in the SOURCE display and in the
meterbridge LCD display. This function operates the same as the SOURCE knob on
the input panels. To remove the input source from the input channel and leave nothing
connected, press the CLEAR button. The connection will be broken and the display
will show “NO SOURCE”.
Selecting Output Mix Destinations
When a SET button on an output mix channel (i.e., any of the auxes,
monitors, or MXM masters) is pressed, its most current destination
will be shown in the DESTINATION display, and the location of that
destination will be shown in the LOCATION display. A mix is capable
of being sent to one or many outputs. To see all the destinations that
the mix feeds, rotate the DESTINATION knob. If the mix feeds the
displayed destination the CLEAR button will light; if the mix doesn’t
feed the displayed destination the TAKE button will light. You may also
“dobby” the DESTINATION knob to step through all of the currently
routed destinations.
EXAMPLE: An example might be a MXM feed routed to several listeners
participating in the program, or an AUD bus routed to multiple recording devices.
TIP:
The CR monitor SPKR A
and SPKR B buttons act
as SET buttons to program
the SPKR A and SPKR B
destination(s) separately.
TIP:
DOBBY (pronounce dahbee) - means to quickly
press and release an encoder knob.
Changing Output Mix Destinations
Rotate the DESTINATION knob until the desired destination is shown in the DESTINATION display. If the operator
wishes to add the destination shown, press the TAKE button to execute the command and the new destination will
become the current destination, shown in available displays
elsewhere on the control surface. Disallowed destinations
(established in the conguration software) will not be shown.
Removing Output Mix Destinations
Press the mix channel’s SET button, rotate the
DESTINATION selector knob, and the TAKE and CLEAR
buttons will indicate which destinations are currently being
fed by the mix (see above). When the required destination
to be deleted is shown in the DESTINATION display, press the CLEAR button.
X-Y SET Button
Pressing the X-Y SET button allows the source and destination controls to act as
a standard X-Y type router controller for making connections between sources and
destinations that are not associated with the control surface.
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CONTROL PANEL
Event Controller Section
This section provides a means for storage and retrieval
of control surface settings, and naming those settings as
“events.” In this manner complete conguration and setting
information that is used repeatedly (for example, morning
show) can be saved and recalled. Up to 100 different events
can be stored.
Storing an Event
When an event is stored, all of the control surface’s
current settings are saved and will be recalled when that
event is executed through the TAKE command. To create
a new event from current control surface settings, hit the
NEW button, and then hit the SAVE button. To overwrite an
existing event with the current settings, turn the PREVIEW
SCROLL knob until the desired event is displayed in the PROGRAM/PREVIEW
window, then quickly press MODIFY, then SAVE.
Taking an Event
Rotate the PREVIEW SCROLL encoder until the desired event is shown in the
PROGRAM/PREVIEW display. To prevent accidental takes, the ARM button must be
pressed to arm the function. The TAKE button will now ash indicating that the panel
is ready to act on a take. Then press the TAKE button to execute the EVENT.
Undoing an Event
To recover from a premature or erroneous EVENT take, press the ARM and UNDO
buttons. This will return the system to its status prior to the last take, with the last
program event being once again the current program event, and the last preview event
(the one just taken) becoming the preview event once again. There is only one level
of undo. If undo has been done and a subsequent take has not been done, pressing the
UNDO button again will do nothing.
Modifying the Currently Selected Event
It is presumed an event has already been executed on the control surface. Modications
to that event can be accomplished by simply adjusting the controls and switches as
desired and then pressing the MODIFY button, then the SAVE button. In this way the
modied event will overwrite the old event setting and be saved, with the same name,
in its place.
Deleting an Event
Rotate the PREVIEW SCROLL encoder until the Event to be deleted is shown in
the PROGRAM/PREVIEW display. Press the Modify button, then press the PREVIEW
SCROLL knob; the display will ask “DELETE?” Press the TAKE button to delete the
previously displayed Event. Do nothing and Delete mode will time out after approximately
7 seconds. Deleted Events may NOT be restored.
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CONTROL PANEL
Previewing an Event
Rotate the PREVIEW SCROLL encoder and available
EVENT names will be shown in the 8-character PROGRAM/
PREVIEW display. When the desired event is shown in the
display, press the ARM button, then press the PREVIEW
button. This will cause the entire control surface to display
all settings associated with that event, without disturbing the
current operative event. The preview status will be indicated
by illumination of the PREVIEW button and ashing of
all source and destination displays, to remind the operator
that these would be the intended settings when the change
is made. Pressing the PREVIEW button a second time will
cancel the preview. It should be noted that no audio signals
are changed in any way by the preview feature.
Event Default Button
This control allows rapid access to a default or home control surface setting. Push
it, and the TAKE button in the Preview section will ash. Hit the TAKE button and the
default setting will be executed.
Establishing the Default Setting
This setting would normally be set only once. For
have all controls set to zero, or everything programmed to typical nominal settings.
example, it may be desirable to
To
establish the default setting, adjust all the control surface controls to their desired settings,
press the MODIFY button and then the DEFAULT button. The default setting is stored.
Naming an Event
When events are saved, they receive a default event designation number. This way
events can be saved quickly without having to name them. However, an event may be
custom named when saved, or at a later time. To rename the displayed event, press the
T and CURSOR RT buttons will light and the
ALPHA SCROLL knob. The CURSOR
L
cursor, indicated by a ashing character, will be at the beginning of the name. Also, the
SAVE button will begin to ash. At any time you can use CURSOR LT and CURSOR RT
to move to a character you want to change. Once the cursor is at the desired character,
rotate the ALPHA SCROLL encoder until the desired new character is displayed. Once
all desired characters have been changed, simply press SAVE to save your changes.
The event is stored with the desired name. At any time you can cancel the name edit
by pressing the ALPHA SCROLL knob. Also, if you stop making name changes but
fail to press the SAVE button, the name edit process will automatically cancel after a
delay of several seconds.
Control Modes
The D
imension
T
control surface is operated in one of three modes. In
hree
Administrator mode access is allowed to all surface functions. In User mode a limited
set of user
functions is allowed.
The set of functions allowed in User mode is set inde-
pendently for each console using the XPoint software (see the Bridge Router manual
for details). The third mode, Guest, blocks out MXM level, MXM assign, Event takes,
and visibility changes from being controlled by the surface.
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CONTROL PANEL
To change the control mode, begin by pressing and holding the PREVIEW SCROLL
knob until the display reads “Admin” and the TAKE button lights (if the surface is
currently in Admin mode the ARM button will also light). Turn PREVIEW SCROLL
until the desired new mode (Admin, User, or Guest) is showing in the display and
press TAKE. Turn PREVIEW SCROLL again to select the rst digit of the password.
Default passwords, which may be changed in XPoint, are “1234” for Admin, “2222”
for User, and “0000” for Guest. After dialing up the rst character of the password,
press TAKE. Then dial up the second digit. Continue this procedure until the four
characters have been entered. Upon pressing TAKE after entering the fourth character,
the display will read “Okay...” if you were successful and “Sorry...” if you were not.
When nished, turn PREVIEW SCROLL until the display reads “<<Exit” and press
TAKE to nish the mode select operation.
The ARM button lights as you select the mode that the surface is currently in. If you
press TAKE when displaying the current mode, the display will switch to “Okay...” and
you will not need to enter the password. If you stop partway through the procedure,
the mode selection process will time out after about 15 seconds.
Once a given control mode is selected for a surface, that setting will persist through
a power cycle or surface reset.
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Page 42
EQ Section
The EQ section consists of a
bank of knobs and various associated
switches. The EQ system consists of
a four-band parametric EQ with low
band and high band PEAK/SHELF
switching, plus variable frequency
high and low pass lters. As any of
the controls are adjusted, a real time
graphic display is presented on the
LCD monitor panel showing the
resulting frequency response curves.
CONTROL PANEL
To access EQ on individual input channels, press the appropriate channel’s SET button and make the desired adjustments in the EQ section. To
actually place the adjusted EQ in the signal chain, press the EQ IN button. The input channel’s EQ button will light. Either the input channel EQ
switch or the master EQ switch on the EFS-D3 panel can be used to engage/
disengage the EQ functions on a channel.
High-Pass Filter
This is a 24dB/octave variable high-pass lter with Butterworth
characteristics, tunable between 16.1Hz and 500Hz, and with a separate
in/out switch (“HPF” switch). The relatively high order of lter is necessary
to allow denite and decisive removal of unwanted low-frequency artifacts
(air-conditioning rumble, line hum, trafc or footstep impacts) with
Note: Butterworth Filters
typically yield excellent
atness, no ripple in the
pass band, and a rounded
amplitude response near
the cutoff frequency.
minimal effect on the required program.
Low-Pass Filter
This is a 24dB/octave variable low-pass lter with Butterworth characteristics, tunable
between 1kHz and 20.2kHz. This lter is used to remove unwanted high frequency
artifacts (noise, squeaks, etc.) with minimal effect on the required program.
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CONTROL PANEL
Equalizer
This consists of four bands of parametric control used for modifying the sonic qualities
of a signal. Each band has +/-14dB of BOOST/CUT capabilities (+/- knob), sweepable
center frequency over the range of 16.1Hz to 20.2kHz, and with a lter “Q” or sharpness
[BW (Band Width) knob] sweepable between 0.3 and 5.0 octaves. The LOW and HIGH
bands also have a shelving function. The composite effect of any EQ adjustments, as
well as text describing the equalizer settings, are shown on the LCD screen.
EQ OUTEQ IN
Phase
A pair of switches, one for left and one for right, are provided to cause the reversal
of absolute phase of the signal path.
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MASTER PANEL
Master Panel (MFS-D3)
Chapter Contents
Controls and Functions ................................................................4-2
Master Program Outputs ............................................................................................4-2
The Dimension Three digital audio control surface is
equipped with one MASTER panel. This panel houses four
master program outputs and eight submixes outputs.
Master Program Outputs
Mix Destination 5.1 Surround
NOTE: There are four different mix destinations: 5.1‑1 Surround,
5.1‑2 Surround, Stereo 1 (ST1), and Stereo 2 (ST 2). For descriptive
purposes we will be discussing the controls for one section only,
5.1‑1 Surround, with occasional references to other sections. Control
descriptions for one section also apply to identical controls at the
other three destinations on the MFS‑D3 panel.
Input channels are assigned to the
5.1‑1 Surround master by means of
BUS ASSIGN button “5.1‑1” (BUS
ASSIGN section on the EFS‑D3
panel). Mono input sources would
pan between the left front and right
front. Stereo inputs would route to
EFS-D3 Panel
routed to the masters (including the 5.1‑1).
left front/right front.
Mono and stereo inputs may be
processed into 5.1‑1 Surround signals
by means of the 5.1‑1 SURROUND
section on the EFS‑D3 panel.
5.1‑1 input sources would preferably
route to the SURROUND output
unmodied. Groups may also be
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MASTER PANEL
Master Mix Routing
Master Mix outputs may be routed using the SYSTEM
ROUTER control section on the EFS‑D3 panel.
To route a Master Mix output:
• Press SET on the desired master output.
• Scroll the DESTINATION knob to select output.
• Press TAKE.
• To see where the mix is routed to, dobby the
DESTINATION knob to step through the list of routes.
• Press the CLEAR switch to remove the route.
EFS-D3 Panel
The SYSTEM ROUTER controls act like an electronic
patch bay. By pressing SET on any mix bus output, you are selecting
the electronic patch cable “source” signal. You can now spin the
TIP:
DOBBY (pronounce dah-bee)
- means to quickly press and
release an encoder knob.
SYSTEM ROUTER’s DESTINATION knob to select the physical
destination you would like to send the mix to.
Channel Master ON/OFF
The ON switch turns the channel signal ON; pressing it again
turns the channel signal OFF. The switch LED lights to indicate the
channel is ON.
EQ
This switch inserts EQ functions that have been preset by the operator in the
EQ section of the EFS‑D3 panel. When any knob of the EQ section is rotated,
the LCD displays a graphical representation of the EQ settings.
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EFS-D3 Panel
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MASTER PANEL
GATE
This switch inserts dynamic functions that have been preset by the operator in the
DCM‑D3 panel. When any knob is rotated, the display automatically shows the proper
setting units and parameters for the active knob. The display settings (and the settings
themselves) change as the knob is rotated.
The dynamics settings are also shown graphically on the LCD screen.
DCM-D3 Panel
COMP
This switch inserts compressor functions that have been preset by the op‑
erator in the DCM‑D3 panel. When any knob is rotated, the display automati‑
cally shows the proper setting units and parameters for the active knob. The
display settings (and the settings themselves) change as the knob is rotated.
The dynamics settings are also shown graphically on the LCD screen.
DCM Master Displays
Each channel can be assigned to any combination of the four DCM masters
(EFS‑D3 panel). The assigned setting is displayed by the
four indicators of the DCMS display group. Channels
are assigned to these DCMs by pressing the channel
EFS-D3 Panel
SET button and then pressing the desired DCM ASSIGN
button(s) (EFS‑D3 panel).
PFL – Pre Fade Listen
This switch lets the control surface operator monitor the master’s pre‑fader
signal.
Master Faders
These linear controls set the levels of the master channels.
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MASTER PANEL
Submixes Output
Generally the sixteen audio submixes would
operate in stereo mode. They may be mixed to two
duplicate mono channels by means of the channel
SET button and mode buttons in the MODE section
of the EFS‑D3 panel. The current mode will be shown
by the LED indicators in the MODE buttons.
Output Destinations, Submix 1
Example
Output destinations are selected by pressing
the SET button. The DESTINATION display
( EFS‑D3 panel) will show the most recent output destination
assigned. It should be noted, however, that a mix channel can go
to multiple destinations, and for this reason the list of destinations
(up to four, with ellipsis indication if more than four) that channel
is assigned to is displayed in the LCD display when that channel’s
SET button is active. If the mix is not assigned anywhere the
display will show “NoDest”.
EFS-D3 Panel
master outputs are handled in a like manner.
As you rotate the DESTINATION knob in the EFS‑D3 panel the
names of allowable destinations will appear in the DESTINATION
display. If SUBMIX1 is not currently routed to the displayed output,
the TAKE button will be lit; if SUBMIX1 is currently
routed to the displayed output, the CLEAR button will be
lit. Press the TAKE button when lit to add the currently
displayed output as a SUBMIX1 destination, or press the
CLEAR button when lit to delete that output as a SUBMIX1
destination. You can also “dobby”
the DESTINATION knob to step
through all of the currently routed
destinations.
Destinations for the remaining
TIP:
DOBBY (pronounce dah-bee)
- means to quickly press and
release an encoder knob.
Submixes Output Display
Each submix can be assigned to any of the four main (5.1‑1, 5.1‑2, ST1,
ST2) output buses in the center section of the EFS‑D3 panel. The assigned
setting is displayed by the four indicators of the MSTR display group.
SUB Button
The Dimension Three has eight physical sets of controls. In order to
accommodate the sixteen submix outputs, the controls are shared and group
into two pages. When the SUB switch is off, submixes 1‑8 are active. When
the SUB switch is lit, submixes 9‑16 are active. You may page submixes indi‑
vidually using the SUB switches. You may also page all groups at once using
the PAGE SUBS button located on the DCM‑D3 panel. Audio settings for the
submixes are always active even if you have “paged” to the opposite layer.
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MASTER PANEL
EQ
This switch inserts EQ functions that have been preset by the operator in the EQ section
of the EFS‑D3 panel. When any knob of the EQ section is rotated, the LCD displays a
graphical representation of the EQ settings.
EFS-D3 Panel
GATE
This switch inserts dynamic functions that have been preset by the operator
in the DCM‑D3 panel. When any knob is rotated, the display automatically
shows the proper setting units and parameters for the active knob. The display
settings (and the settings themselves) change as the knob is rotated.
The dynamics settings are also shown graphically on the LCD screen.
DCM-D3 Panel
COMP
This switch inserts compressor functions that have been preset by the operator in the
DCM‑D3 panel. When any knob is rotated, the display automatically shows the proper
setting units and parameters for the active knob. The display settings (and the settings
themselves) change as the knob is rotated.
The dynamics settings are also shown graphically on the LCD screen.
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MASTER PANEL
DCM Submix Displays
Each submix channel can be assigned to any combination of the four
DCM masters (EFS‑D3 panel). The assigned setting is
displayed by the four indicators of the DCMS display
group. Channels are assigned to these DCMs by pressing
EFS-D3 Panel
the submixes’s SET button and then pressing the desired
DCM ASSIGN button(s), located in the EFS‑D3 panel.
ON Switch
The ON switch turns each submix channel signal ON, pressing it again
turns the submix channel signal OFF. The switch LED lights when the group
is ON. Note that there are sixteen groups divided into Two PAGES. Submixes
1‑8 are controlled while the SUB# switch is OFF. Submixes 9‑16 are controlled
while the SUB# switch is lit on a particular submix.
PFL - Pre Fade Listen
This switch lets the control surface operator monitor the submix’s pre‑fader
signal.
Submix Faders
These linear controls set the output levels of the submix channels.
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DYNAMICS PROCESSING CONTROL PANEL
Dynamics Processing
Control Panel
(DCM-D3)
Chapter Contents
Controls and Functions ................................................................5-3
The DCM‑D3 panel provides gate, compression and
limiting functions for individual input channels. These
sections can be accessed by means of the SET buttons on
the desired input channels. As you turn the knobs in these
sections, the LED display shows the current settings of that
knob for the channel currently in SET mode. The knobs
may be pressed to obtain a display reading without actually
turning them. Any current settings of the active channel will
also be graphically shown in real time on the LCD display.
This panel also contains the AUX, MXM condence
feed section, the audio delay section, the talkback preselects
section, the display buttons, the programmable buttons, and
the DCM section.
Audio Delay
Audio delay is shown in the DELAY display. Delay is
accomplished for inputs, submixes, master mixes, aux sends
and mix‑minuses by means of activating their corresponding
SET button and simply
dialing in the audio
delay. Delay may be set
in milliseconds (0.0 to
667.5) or frames (0.0 to
20.0 in 0.5 frame steps)
by means of the MILLI SECS/FRAMES button.
Delay settings are vitally important, permitting audio time
delay adjustments to allow for video processor delays or satellite‑
to‑terrestrial link audio/video timing discrepancies.
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DYNAMICS PROCESSING CONTROL PANEL
Gate
The Gate section contains a noise gate, useful for reducing sounds below a certain
threshold.
Threshold
The THRESH control determines the signal level at which the gate operates. This level
be anywhere between ‑60.0dB and +10.0dB. This setting will determine the minimum
available setting of the Compressor THRESH knob; the Compressor THRESH cannot
be set lower then the Gate THRESH.
Open and Close
The OPEN knob determines how quickly the gate opens to allow signal passage once
the threshold is reached. It can be set anywhere in the range of 0.1mS to 330.0mS. The
gate CLOSE time is adjustable over the same range.
Depth
The DEPTH knob sets the amount of attenuation given to signals below the Gate
THRESH setting, and can be adjusted to be between 0dB and 60.0dB.
The HANG knob determines how long the gate will stay open after the signal falls
below the Gate THRESH level before it begins to close, and can be adjusted between
50.0mS and 3.0 Seconds.
Compressor/Limiter
The compressor algorithm used in the Dimension Three control surface is designed to:
‑ allow smooth, inaudible, and unobtrusive level control on uneven sources;
‑ be able to act as a peak limiter for inadvertent overload control;
‑ enable deep effects if required.
The DCM‑D3 panel Compressor section is a compound of many diverse dynamics
elements.
The level detector is a pseudo‑RMS averaging type with its own symmetrical ‑ in‑time
attack‑and‑release characteristic adjustable between 0.1mS and 330mS (ATTACK
control). At the slower end of its range, by itself it achieves a nouveau‑classic “dbx” style
syllabic‑rate level control. As the time‑constant is shortened, it becomes progressively
shorter in relation to the lower audio frequencies themselves; the effect is to turn the
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DYNAMICS PROCESSING CONTROL PANEL
detector into more of a peak‑level detector, necessary for limiting
or wilder effects. A secondary effect at intermediate to fast attack‑
times is that low frequencies are peak sensed while high frequencies
are average sensed, resulting in an effective high‑frequency bias
(up to as much as 6dB differential) which helps to mitigate the
detrimental limiting effect of the resulting audio seeming “bottom
heavy” normal to most compressors.
While the overall gain‑reduction scheme is “feed‑forward,” the
heart of the detector stage itself is a feedback limiter; this allows
for this carefully‑contrived loosely‑damped servo‑loop to permit
far more interesting dynamic effects.
The compressor is “soft‑knee,” meaning the compression ratio increases slowly
with increasing applied level, greatly easing the sonic transition into full compression;
it helps avoid the “snatching” and “pumping” at threshold that many “hard‑knee”
dynamics units exhibit.
A full range of controls is available over the compressor’s behavior:
Threshold
The THRESH knob sets the level at which the compressor is fully into compression
of whatever ratio is set. This can be set anywhere in the range of ‑30.0 to + 10.0dB.
Attack
This control determines how quickly (between nominally 0.1mS and 330mS) the
compressor reacts to signals. Faster attack times result in “tighter” and more obvious
control; longer attack times lend themselves well to gentler automatic volume control.
Ratio
This control determines how much the compressor’s gain is reduced in relation
to the applied signal. For instance, if the ratio is set at 3:1 and the input level above
threshold changes by 12dB, the output level will changed by 4dB. Normal usage is
between approximately 2:1 and 4:1; anything greater than, say, 7:1 may be considered
“limiting.” The ratio can be set anywhere from 1.0 : 1 to 20.0 : 1.
Release
This knob determines the nominal time the compressor takes to recover after excitation
(between 50.0mS and 3.0 Seconds). Short release times make for more intense, denser,
obvious processing; longer release times are better suited to automatic gain control.
Makeup Gain
When fairly deep compression is invoked (large gain reduction) it can be necessary
to increase the compressor’s output level back up to nominal system signal level; up to
20dB of output gain is available to allow this.
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DYNAMICS PROCESSING CONTROL PANEL
AUX Sends
There are a total of 16 AUXs available
in the
A level control, on/off push‑button, and
pre‑fader/post‑fader switch are provided
for each pair of the 16 AUX sends.
operation for AUX 1/9. The same
discussion can be applied to any of the
eight AUXs pair.
determine whether the channel feeds
AUX 1 or AUX 9.
channel of the IS‑D3 panel, then press the ON button for AUX 1. If the button is already
lit when you press the channel SET button, then that channel is already feeding AUX 1.
button (post on).
Options.txt le. See Appendix 1 of this manual for details.
fader position by pressing the PRE FDR button (PRE). PRE ON and PRE FDR can be
used in any combination.
affects the signal level to AUX 1 of the channel that currently has its SET button lit. Thus
you can generate a mix to AUX 1 from several channels if desired.
can adjust the output level of AUX 1 by using the AUX 1 MASTER,
the knob labeled “1” in the MASTERS area. The actual destination
of AUX 1 is as a PAN. NOTE that surround sends are not created. A surround source will
send the LF‑RF signals to a stereo AUX.
Dimension Three control surface.
We will begin by explaining the
Two XFR switches (1 and 9),
Any surface input channel can feed AUX 1. To do so, press the SET button on the input
Channels normally feed the AUX a post fader signal that follows the channel’s ON
PRE ON – Any AUX send bus may be congured to be PRE ON in the surface’s
The channel can be made to feed a constant signal level to the AUX regardless of its
You can set the level of each channel feeding AUX 1 independently. The AUX 1 control
Once you have the desired channel(s) feeding AUX 1 send, you
that AUX 1 is routed to is assigned
by rst pressing the AUX 1 SET
button, then dialing up the desired
destination on the DESTINATION
knob on the EFS‑D3 panel and
pressing the associated TAKE
button.
EFS-D3 Panel
AUX 1 can be mono or stereo.
Press the AUX 1 button, then press the appropriate
MODE button on the EFS‑D3 panel. If AUX 1 is in
STEREO mode, and if the selected channel is in STE‑
REO mode as well, the AUX 1 control will act as a
EFS-D3 Panel
BAL control if it is pressed down while being turned.
If the selected channel is in MONO, the pressed action
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DYNAMICS PROCESSING CONTROL PANEL
MXM Confidence Feed
Condence audio is a known audio source, such as your station’s master control pro‑
gram signal, that is automatically routed to Mix Minus destinations whenever the pro‑
duction audio control room is not ON‑AIR. The idea is that remote truck engineers and
talent will be able to conrm audio connectivity to the audio feed originating back at the
station, and monitor commercial breaks without the need for audio operator intervention.
The Condence audio signal
is usually routed to all 16 MXM
outputs when the production/
audio CR is ofine. When Master
Control “takes” Production Con‑
trol audio, the condence audio
is switched OFF and the normal Mix Minus audio is then sent to devices connected to
the audio console’s mix minus destinations.
Confidence All and Remote Trigger Switches
The CONF ALL and REM TRIG switches are used together to control the behavior
of the system.
• CONF ALL – This toggle switch ips the audio source feeding all 16 Mix Minus
destinations between local MXM busses when OFF, to Condence audio when ON.
• REM TRIG – When activated, this switch enables remote control of the CONF
ALL switch via a contact closure from a Master Control switcher. Disable remote
control by turning this OFF.
• A bank of sixteen buttons allows for individual override of condence feed audio to
any of the 16 MXM outputs. This is useful when recording an ofine interview, etc.
Making It All Work
For the system to work you have to do three things:
• Route any audio source (i.e WXYZ AIR) to the surface’s Condence Feed destina‑
tion. You can now manually test this using the CONF ALL switch while listening
to or metering the MXM outputs.
• Create a physical logic Input in the Destination column of XPoint that is connected
to a relay output on your master control switcher. See Wheatstone Gibraltar Digital Audio Network System Technical Manual, LIO‑2001 chapter, for logic signal cre‑
ation details.
• Cross connect the surface’s “Condence ALL” LED logic signal to this newly
created logic Destination. This is always the last DxCONF4 source signal of your
mixer’s signal set.
Routing Confidence Feed Audio
It is easiest to route condence audio in XPoint, alternately you can route from the
surface’s XY Controller. Locate the surface’s condence feed Destination signal in XPoint.
Its name will be in the form of “DxCFDx”. Then simply cross connect the desired con‑
dence audio Source.
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DYNAMICS PROCESSING CONTROL PANEL
Select the CONF ZOOM button to gain a view of the
Master LCD panel to verify the MXM audio routing. This
switch is located above the layer buttons.
Info Button
Pressing the INFO button will bring up the System
Information window on the LCD
display with technical information
about the surface’s software version and
connection status to its companion rack
MT link, Ethernet link, and automation
interface. Press the INFO button again
to revert the display to the previous screen.
Talkback Preselects
These four switches may be programmed to interrupt any
control surface mix output with talkback. Once a specic
output has been programmed into the preselector, the talkback
signal can be sent to that output at any time by pressing the
corresponding switch.
Each individual TB button is programmed as follows:
press the PGM TAKE button (this button will light), then
press the TB button you want to program (the TB button and
its associated display will ash). Then rotate the SELECT
knob (programmable section on the EFS‑D3 panel) and
available destinations will be shown in the SOURCE display.
When the desired channel is shown, press the TAKE button
located next to the SELECT knob (EFS‑D3 panel), and the
appropriate TB PRESELECTS display will then match what
is shown in the SOURCE display on the EFS‑D3 panel.
Repeat this procedure for each of the four TB buttons. The
procedure will time out after about 5 seconds if you fail to
complete one of the steps.
When EVENTS are stored, the four TB preselects as
displayed at the time of the EVENT SAVE action will be
also stored and can be recalled with that EVENT.
DCM-D3 Panel
EFS-D3 Panel
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DYNAMICS PROCESSING CONTROL PANEL
Display Buttons
These switches control the display modes for the LCD monitor.
MXM/AUX – Toggles
the standard LCD
display to show metering
for the 16 stereo AUX
send outputs or the
16 Mix‑Minus outputs.
CLIP PLAY – switches the player into
the lower right corner of the Master
LCD screen.
Refer to pages 5‑12 to 5‑14 for the Audio
Clip Player description.
MINI FLIP – Toggles the lower
portion of input channels LCD
display to show EQ and dynamics
curves instead of default submix
and AUX send assigns.
DIM THREE / July 2015
CONF ZOOM – Zooms the
condence feed portion of the
LCD display to double size.
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DYNAMICS PROCESSING CONTROL PANEL
Programmable Buttons
These (4) momentary switches and indicating LEDs
are designed for user accessible external functions
(GPIs). With these switches the user can re Salvos or
make a temporary crosspoint without having to wire any
physical logic ports. These switches may also be mapped
to control physical Logic card output ports, and the LEDs on the PROGRAMMABLE
buttons may also be lit by a remote device connected to a Logic card input port. See
the Wheatstone Gibraltar Digital Audio Network System manual for details.
Layers
A Dimension Three Gibraltar mixing system can have up to one‑hundred twenty‑eight
5.1 input faders. Building a console layer is the process of mapping input DSP processing
channels to physical faders and then saving the layout to one of the eight available Layer
memory locations. Once layers are stored, they may be freely recalled or edited at any
time from the dedicated Layer control buttons. There are 8 dedicated layer locations.
Note that all 8 layers are stored with the surface snapshot Event recall system. That
means you have access to 8 layers in 100 Events for a total of 800 layer combinations!
Building a Layer is easy. Simply enter Layer Setup mode and use the SOURCES
knob at the top of each input strip to select the desired Input channel, Subgroup, Aux
Send or Mix‑Minus Master channel you would like to map to the fader. Once you have
completed the layout, simply exit LAYER SETUP mode to save the Layer to memory. To
Edit a layer simply enter LAYER SETUP mode, make the desired changes and then exit.
The
Dimension Three ships with multiple Layers pre-congured for easy access to
all Input DSP channels right out of the box.
Configuring Layers
To congure a Layer use the LAYERs control
buttons located on the center of the panel. Follow the
basic process below to create a layer.
• Press LAYER SETUP
• Select LAYER 1 through 8
• Tap the SOURCE knob at top of any input fader
– opens Signal List
• Scroll pop‑up Signal List to select any input DSP
or master signal.
• Tap SOURCES knob to route selected signal.
• Repeat for remaining faders.
• Press LAYER SETUP at any time to Save and Exit.
• If you wish to store the layer conguration with the Event, use the Event
Modify‑Save buttons to update your surface snapshot. (See Event Controller
Section, Chapter 3, page 3‑14)
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DYNAMICS PROCESSING CONTROL PANEL
Layer Setup Details
1. Press LAYER SETUP to enter layer SETUP
mode. LAYER SETUP LED is lit steady, the
previously selected layer (LAYER1‑ LAYER8)
LED is ashing.
2. Once in SETUP mode, begin editing the currently
selected layer, or press another Layer select button
to choose another layer to be edited. The selected
Layer switch ashes and SETUP is lit steady.
3. Tap the SOURCE knob at the top of the
Input panel to open a pop‑up Signal List.
Select the desired Input DSP, Submix, Aux
or Mix‑minus Master, push knob once to Take. Repeat for other faders as
required. The desired EQ’s/Mixes are stored to the layer as you assign them.
Signal List – DSP channels will be listed with both a DSP channel number,
Source Signal name (Mic‑01, Anchor‑R, etc.), and the Signal width (Stereo
or 5.1). This allows users to easily identify which stereo and 5.1 DSP channels
are currently assigned. The list is continuous with heading labels for each color
coded category; Input, Aux, MXM, Groups.
4. Press any other Layer select switch (LAYER1‑ LAYER8); its DSP map is recalled
and its LED begins ashing. Assign desired signals as required.
5. Save/Exit programming – Press the SETUP switch at any time to exit programming.
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DYNAMICS PROCESSING CONTROL PANEL
Layer COPY - PASTE
Enter SETUP mode – Press LAYER SETUP.
Select layer to copy LAYER1‑ LAYER8, SETUP is lit steady as before.
Press COPY; COPY is lit, PASTE ashes. (Press COPY to cancel).
Select layer(s) to paste to, LAYER1- LAYER8, selected Layer(s) also ashes.
Press PASTE, layer is copied to new memory location(s), the LED of the source layer
is lit steady.
Press COPY to exit Copy mode, and continue editing layers.
Press the SETUP switch to exit programming mode.
Layer Options
The LAYER SETUP button may be congured to automatically time out after
30 seconds. Refer to the Options.txt le conguration in the Appendix 1 of this manual
for details. Default is 30 sec timeout. Pressing Setup while it is ashing or lit steady
always exits programming mode.
Audio Clip Player
The Dimension Three surface features a built in audio
le player called Clip Player. The player uses Soft knobs and
switches on the input fader strip to navigate Playlist and Track
titles and also to manually Cue and Play selected tracks. The
Clip Player may be congured to start the selected track from the
Input channel ON switch or by moving the fader up. The player
automatically reads in Playlist les stored in the .m3u format.
Clip Player supports playback of uncompressed, stereo/mono,
16/24bit, 44.1kHz /48kHz WAV les. Audio les stored on USB
memory are automatically loaded for playback once connected to
the AUDIO USB port built in the
The Clip Player signal appears as a stereo Source signal and may be
mapped to any input fader. Once assigned, the input strip’s Soft 1 and 2
knobs are used for control.
All clip player settings are saved as part of the snapshot Event.
The currently selected Track will load with the selected Event (recall 5PM
news event, the “open” music track is already loaded.) The Clip Player
may also be controlled over an Ethernet network via Wheatstone’s ACI
(Automation Control Interface). All functions are supported.
Dimension Three meterbridge.
USB
All devices in the
system must be
set to the same
sample rate!
Open Clip Play Screen
Locate the CLIP PLAY button in the DISPLAY
section of this panel to show the CLIP PLAY screen.
Insert a USB drive with audio tracks and playlists. Once
open you should see a Playlist and Track window.
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DYNAMICS PROCESSING CONTROL PANEL
Clip Player Control
The Clip Player signal appears as a stereo Source signal called “ClipPlay” and may
be mapped to any input fader. Once assigned to an input fader, the input strip’s Soft 1&2
knobs are used for control. A dedicated CLIP PLAY switch located on the DCM‑D3 panel
switches the player into the lower right corner of the Master LCD screen.
Assign the input SOURCE signal called ClipPlay to any input fader. Once assigned
to an input fader strip you get the following controls:
• Soft knob 1: Playlist Select, scroll through available *.m3u formatted playlist les;
Tap knob to select a playlist.
• Soft switch 1: Single press not used, 2 sec over‑press disables Auto Advance of
cuts in playlist. Auto Advance status is indicated on player screen.
• Soft knob2: Track Select, scroll through current playlist tracks; track is highlighted
as you scroll. Tap to select track.
• Soft switch 2: Single press toggles Play ‑ Stop; 2 sec over‑press stops clip and cues
track to beginning.
Track Start Control
The Clip Player may be congured to start a track from the input fader ON switch,
Fader up, or from the Soft Switch 2 only. Default is from the input fader ON switch.
Use ON switch of clip‑player input channel to select Start Mode: “None ‑ ON Sw ‑
Fader Up” options in the Clip Player screen.
• Press and hold ON switch of clip‑player channel to enter “Start Mode” selection
entry, ON switch ashes medium.
• Single press to step through “Start Mode” selections.
• Press and hold selects mode and exits.
Notes:
• If “None” is selected, user must use the Soft switch 1 to start clip.
• If Fader Up is selected, either fader up or ON switch starts clip.
• Soft switch 1 always starts track regardless of the Start Mode setting.
• Stop of track is done from Soft Switch 1 or by selecting another track while current
track is playing.
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Sample Playlist File
Clip Player playlist les are simple text les saved with a .m3u extension. Note the
format may include comments by starting the line with the # symbol. Start each new line
with the path to the track followed by the track lename
Filename: AM-Weekday News.m3u
# AM Weekday playlist for D3 Clip Player – (this is a user comment).
am_weekday/AM-Weekday Open.wav
am_weekday/AM-Weekday Bump-1.wav
am_weekday/AM-Weekday Weather-1
am_weekday/AM-Weekday Bump-2.wav
am_weekday/AM-Weekday Bump-3.wav
am_weekday/AM-Weekday Sports-1.wav
am_weekday/AM-Weekday Weather-2
am_weekday/AM-Weekday Outro.wav
In the sample playlist le above:
am_weekday/ #points to the folder “am_weekday” on the USB
drive.
AM-Weekday Open.wav #points to the full track name.
Page Subs Button
The PAGE SUBS button, when pressed, places all submasters into page if
any of them are not in page, or takes all subsets out of page if they are all cur‑
rently in page.
MXM/Subs Button
This button toggles the lower portion of the input channels LCD display
to show status of SUBMIXES or MIX MINUS.
BS.1770-3 Loudness Monitor
The implementation of the CALM Act in December 2012 has focused the
attention of broadcasters in the U.S on taming the audio levels at various stages
of the on‑air signal chain.
The Loudness Monitor provides a exible tool which audio operators may use to track
the apparent loudness of the program material mixed on the console and delivered for
recording or broadcast. Logging functions allow the engineering staff to verify and docu‑
ment audio levels leaving the control surface over specic periods of time.
The Multi-channel Loudness Algorithm
The Loudness Monitor uses the multi‑channel loudness measurement algorithm
specied in the ITU recommendation document ITU-R BS.1770-3 (03/2011). The algorithm
DIM THREE / July 2015
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DYNAMICS PROCESSING CONTROL PANEL
calculates weighted measurement values for subjective loudness as it is perceived over
time. Extensive testing has shown a strong correlation between subjective listening and
objective measurements.
The four stage processing chain applies a K weighting lter which accounts for “acoustic
effects of the head” followed by a mean square calculation for each channel. The results are
summed with surround channels weighted slightly higher to compensate for psychoacoustic
effects. The LFE subwoofer channel is not currently included in the measurement and is a
focus of continuing work. A nal gating stage prevents silence and momentary low levels
from adversely affecting the results.
Units and References
The following units and references are used in scale markings and meter conguration.
Note that the ITU specied LKFS units and the EBU specied LUFS units are synonymous
and the values are numerically identical.
• dBFS – Decibels full scale referenced to a maximum output level of 0dBFS (+24dBu
analog)
• USER Mode: Custom, can be set to the station’s “dialnorm” metadata value in dB.
Reference Documents
• ITU‑R BS.1770‑3 Algorithms to measure audio program loudness and true peak
audio level
• AT/85:2011 ATSC Recommended Practice: Techniques for Establishing and
Maintaining Audio Loudness for Digital
Television.
• EBU‑TECH 3341 Loudness Metering:
EBU Mode metering to supplement
loudness normalization in accordance
with EBU R128.
Meter Components
Audio Source
The audio source feeding the Loudness
Monitor is user selectable. You may route
any mono, stereo, or 5.1 surround source
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DYNAMICS PROCESSING CONTROL PANEL
available in the router to the control surface’s
DxLKFS destination. This exibility allows
for monitoring of any analog, AES digital,
MADI, or SDI source as well as any surface
mix bus output, de‑modulated program sources,
pre‑recorded programming, etc.
Bargraphs
• Peak Program (PK) – Sample peak meter
displays highest peak from any meter
channel.
• (M)omentary Loudness – K weighted
loudness measured in a 400mSec sliding
window.
• (S)hort Term Loudness – K weighted loudness measured in a 3Sec sliding window.
Integrated Loudness
This large format three digit readout displays the integrated K weighted loudness
of the program material. The default integration time is 10 seconds and can be set to
3 seconds in the surface’s Options le – see options section page 5-18. The units are
displayed as LKFS in AT/85 mode and LUFS in EBU mode. Operators must understand
that this value is integrated over time and does not instantaneously react to fader moves.
Operators should use the (M)omentary bargraph meter for in‑hand level adjustments as
riding fader levels from the Integrated digits will result in over or under compensation
in output level as they “chase” the target value.
Gating
The DSP algorithm for measuring loudness incorporates a two‑stage gating mechanism
that “pauses” integration during silent or momentarily soft passages in program material.
The absolute and relative thresholds are applied in accordance with the BS.1770‑3
specication to eliminate skewing of the measured result from program material lower
than an absolute value of ‑70LKFS or a relative value of ‑10LU as measured in a sliding
window.
Loudness Range
The loudness range bar provides a way for an operator to see where the program
has been and alerts the user to loudness levels that are too soft or loud. The range bar
follows the long term integrated loudness value displayed in the main three digit display.
The loudness range provides a +9 to ‑18 LU window with the “zero” centered on the
currently selected 0 LU reference. Loudness “history,” the measured loudness level over
time, is displayed as a solid white bar in the center. History tracking begins when the
timer starts and is cleared when the timer is reset.
Program Duration Timer
The program duration timer is provided to co‑ordinate the capture, display, and
logging of program loudness for a specic period of time – such as a live newscast or
pre‑recorded program.
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DYNAMICS PROCESSING CONTROL PANEL
The LOUDNESS‑RESET switch controls the Program Duration Timer. Press the
switch to begin a period of measurement. Pressing the switch again pauses integration
and displays GATED on the meter. Press and Hold the switch for 3 sec to reset the timer.
Operation
To repeat: Operators must understand that the large digit value is integrated over time
and does not instantaneously react to fader moves. Operators should use the (M)omentary
bargraph meter for in‑hand level adjustments as riding fader levels from the Integrated
digits will result in over or under compensation in output level as they “chase” the target
value. When drawing a comparison to the primary mix bus VU meters, a good rule of
thumb is to target a ‑4dB average level on the main mix meters (‑24dBFS).
Logic Control
The Program Duration timer may be controlled from an external contact closure.
For convenience, the timer has been designed to work off the existing contact closure
for the Condence Feed input. This allows the integrated loudness level to be automati‑
cally gated whenever master control goes to a break and resume when you return to live
programming.
This feature may be disabled by turning off the REM TRIG switch in the Condence
Feed section of the surface or with the surface’s Options le – see Options section
page 5‑18.
Using External Control
To enable control make sure the REM TRIG switch is lit in the Condence Feed
section of the surface. Make sure the timer is reset BEFORE the show begins and the
timer will automatically begin measurement and logging when master control takes the
control room to air.
Logging
Loudness monitor values are logged to a text le using the Xpoint software. Each
entry is date and time stamped and provides the measured loudness level, program dura‑
tion timer value, and logic control state transitions.
To access the log go to the main screen of Xpoint and click on the Loudness Status
Log button at the bottom of the screen. The following is a sample of the log:
INFO :06 Nov 2012, 05:11:13, -24.0 LKFS, 00:00:00
INFO :06 Nov 2012, 05:11:13, Timer - Started, 00:00:00
INFO :06 Nov 2012, 05:11:14, -24.5 LKFS, 00:00:00
INFO :06 Nov 2012, 05:11:15, -25.3 LKFS, 00:00:01
INFO :06 Nov 2012, 05:11:16, -26.3 LKFS, 00:00:02
INFO :06 Nov 2012, 05:11:17, -27.0 LKFS, 00:00:03
INFO :06 Nov 2012, 05:11:18, -26.8 LKFS, 00:00:04
INFO :06 Nov 2012, 05:11:19, -27.0 LKFS, 00:00:05
INFO :06 Nov 2012, 05:11:20, -26.8 LKFS, 00:00:06
INFO :06 Nov 2012, 05:11:21, -26.8 LKFS, 00:00:07
INFO :06 Nov 2012, 05:11:22, -26.8 LKFS, 00:00:08
INFO :06 Nov 2012, 05:11:23, -26.8 LKFS, 00:00:09
INFO :06 Nov 2012, 05:11:24, -26.8 LKFS, 00:00:10
INFO :06 Nov 2012, 05:11:25, -26.8 LKFS, 00:00:11
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DYNAMICS PROCESSING CONTROL PANEL
INFO :06 Nov 2012, 05:11:26, -26.8 LKFS, 00:00:12
INFO :06 Nov 2012, 05:11:27, -26.8 LKFS, 00:00:13
INFO :06 Nov 2012, 05:11:28, -26.3 LKFS, 00:00:14
INFO :06 Nov 2012, 05:11:28, Timer - Paused by LIO, 00:00:14
INFO :06 Nov 2012, 05:11:33, Timer - Started by LIO, 00:00:14
INFO :06 Nov 2012, 05:11:34, -26.3 LKFS, 00:00:15
INFO :06 Nov 2012, 05:11:35, -26.3 LKFS, 00:00:16
INFO :06 Nov 2012, 05:11:36, -26.3 LKFS, 00:00:17
INFO :06 Nov 2012, 05:11:37, -26.3 LKFS, 00:00:18
INFO :06 Nov 2012, 05:11:38, -26.3 LKFS, 00:00:19
Options Settings
The following options may be set by FTPing to the surface and editing the surface’s
options text le, then re-booting the console. The le is in the surface’s root directory
and is called Dx_OPTS.TXT; note the “x” in Dx is the D series model number, D1, D3,
D32, D8, D20, etc.
BS1770_BAR:0
// Syntax: BS1770_DIGITS:?
// Whether to use 10s or 30s integration for the loudness digit display
// ? 1 = 30s, 0 = 10s
BS1770_DIGITS:0
// Syntax: GATE_TIMER:?
// Whether to use the CONFALL logic input to trigger pause/restart of timer
// ? 1 = enable, 0 = disable
GATE_TIMER:1
// Syntax: LUMODE:?
// Which mode to user for loudness integration and display
// ? 0 = AT/85, 1 = EBU, 2 = User (custom)
LUMODE:0
// Syntax: LUREF:?
// Value to use as loudness reference (only used when LUMODE is USER)
// ? Any value between -36 and -1
LUREF:-24
// Syntax: LUNITS:?
// Units to use for loudness readout
// ? 1 = LUFS, 0 = LKFS
LUNITS:0
Mute Groups
The MUTE switch for each DCM provides a rapid way to mute a group
of signals. Any signals that are assigned to a DCM will be muted when the
MUTE switch is on.
Fader
The DCM will reduce the levels of all signals assigned to that DCM as it
is lowered. When the DCM fader is brought all the way down, any Input or
Output faders assigned to the DCM will mute.
All devices in the
system must be
set to the same
sample rate!
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HARDWARE
Host Controller (HC‑D2)
Overview
The host controller card used in the Dimension Three incorporates a PC/104
computer mounted in the frame. The host computer utilizes RAM, a ash disk (which
emulates a standard IDE hard drive) and an Ethernet port. There is no hard disk drive.
Keyboard, oppy controller and video ports are for factory use only.
The purpose of the host controller is to control the operation of the
control surface. The HC‑D2 communicates to the XPoint Conguration PC via
TCP/IP over Ethernet through a standard ethernet hub or switch. It also communicates
to the Gibraltar Router system via a redundant, crossover wired mixer link connections.
Hardware and software conguration, as well as real time crosspoint information, is saved in non‑volatile storage on the HC‑D2 card and is restored at power
up or reset. This conguration information provides details to the host application
running on the HC‑D2, such as the specic audio hardware available and serial port
allocation. The HC‑D2 host controller card can be tted with an optional 2nd PC/104
computer for redundancy.
Dimension Three
HC‑D2 BIOS Settings/Format
BIOS Setup and formatting of the Host CPU is completed prior to the testing of
your
Dimension Three control surface at the Wheatstone factory. There are no user
adjustable settings.
Ethernet IP Addressing
The Wheatstone Dimension Three control surface ships with the host controller
IP address set to 192.168.1.11 (Backup CPU is 192.168.1.12). Stand‑alone systems
(not interfaced to a station’s existing network) require no IP address changes. A Web
Server interface allows IP address editing from a standard Web Browser.
Ethernet Interface Wiring
The surface’s 100BaseT Ethernet interfaces are connected to your Ethernet
network hub or switch via a straight (pin to pin) CAT‑5/CAT6 cable. Typical
CAT‑5/CAT6 cable pinouts are included in the “Hook‑Ups” section near the end of this
chapter. These connections are for communicating with the conguration computer;
a separate ethernet connection must be provided for each CPU on the control surface.
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HARDWARE
Mixer Link Wiring
Mixer Links are similar to a 100BaseT interface but are NOT Ethernet and use a
proprietary protocol on the wire. These RJ‑45 (or optical) connections provide the control
link between the control surface and the Gibraltar Router system. All settings and commands generated on the control surface pass through this link. Special CAT‑5/CAT6 cables
wired in “crossover” fashion are used for this link. These cables connect the RJ‑45 jacks
on the control surface to the matching RJ‑45 jack on the Gibraltar Router system. Please
note that, in a typical system, there will be many RJ‑45 jacks in the Gibraltar Router, and
for proper operation, the control surface must be connected to the specic RJ‑45 jacks
dened for it in the system conguration.
Internal Programming Options
All internal programming options are made via PCB mounted dipswitches.
Switch Settings
SW1 ‑ SW4 ‑ CAT5/CAT6 vs. Fiber & Transceiver Select
These slide switches can be used to select the CAT‑5/CAT6 or ber optic mixer link
connection.
To set MIXER LINK 1 for CAT‑5/CAT6 connection, slide switches SW2 ‑ TX and
SW4 ‑ RX to the up position (toward the surface’s rear). Sliding these switches down
selects ber optic connection for transceiver 1.
To set MIXER LINK 2 for CAT‑5/CAT6 connection, slide switches SW1 ‑ TX and
SW3 ‑ RX to the up position (toward the surface’s rear). Sliding these switches down
selects ber optic connection for transceiver 2.
Note that the setting of these switches and SW7 pos 4 (see below) must be made to
the same selection. The Mixer Link is either CAT‑5/CAT6 or FIBER.
SW5 ‑ Master Failover
This switch can be used to force takeover by the backup CPU if the main CPU has
failed and automatic failover has not been accomplished.
SW6 - CPU Reset
This switch can be used to reset the host controller’s main CPU without powering down
the system. If the system is running from the backup CPU this switch will NOT cause the
main CPU to take over again. To do that you must recycle the surface power.
SW7 Position 1 ‑ Sample Rate
This dipswitch position must be set to agree with the sample rate of the
system. The switch is ON for a sample rate of 44.1kHz and OFF for a sample
rate of 48kHz.
SW7 Position 2 ‑ Redundant CPU
All devices in the
system must be
set to the same
sample rate!
To enable automatic failover from the main CPU to the backup CPU this switch
position must be ON.
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HARDWARE
SW7 Position 3 ‑ Not Used
This dipswitch position is reserved for future use.
SW7 Position 4 ‑ CAT5/CAT6 vs. Fiber
The mixer link can be connected via CAT‑5/CAT6 cable or ber optic cable. Set position 4
of SW7 ON if you are using CAT‑5/CAT6 or OFF if you are using ber. Note that switches
SW1 ‑ SW4 must also be set to agree with the SW7 position 4 setting.
SW8 ‑ Not Used
Hook‑Ups
All user wiring to and from the host controller is made via I/O connectors located on the
control surface rear. There are two RJ‑45 Ethernet connectors. CAT‑5/CAT6 or multi‑mode
optical ber Mixer Link connections are made via RJ‑45 or LC type optical connectors.
The pinout drawing on page 6‑7 shows all wiring connections at a glance.
Used for connecting the host controller to your network hub.
TyPiCal CroSSover Cable
RJ-45
Plug
White/Orange
Orange
White/Green
Blue
White/Blue
Green
White/Brown
Brown
PIN
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
TXD +
TXD -
RXD +
N/
N/
RXD -
N/
N/
RXD +
RXD -
TXD +
N/
N/
TXD -
/
N
N/
PIN
White/Green
1
Green
2
White/Orange
3
Blue
4
White/Blue
5
Orange
6
White/Brown
7
Brown
8
White/Orange
Orange
White/Green
Blue
White/Blue
Green
White/Brown
Brown
RJ-45
Plug
RJ-45
Plug
Used for MIXER LINK connector.
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HARDWARE
Optical Fiber Interface
The Di men sio n T h ree control surface supports
an optional fiber connection to the Gibraltar Router.
The
Dimension Three surface uses an SFP module interface
with integral LC connectors. Note that the QOT‑2001 rear
panel on the Gibraltar Router uses SC connectors, so a patch
cable tted with LC connectors on one end and SC connectors
on the other end is required.
Optical Transceiver
Optical Transceivers convert physical signals from
electrical to optical (and vice‑versa) in a network and
couple the optical signals into (and out of) optical ber.
Small form factor pluggable (SFP) transceivers, used in
the
Dimension Three surface, are designed to be hot‑
swappable in industry standard cages and connectors
(for easy eld repair), and offer high speed and physical
compactness.
Connector Types
Optical Transceiver
The high‑density LC (Lucent connector) Duplex
connector has a tabbed locking mechanism similar to
what you would nd on a phone jack. This enables
secure connectivity and easy removal.
The SC (subscription channel) Duplex connector
is a low insertion loss connector using a push/pull
locking mechanism.
Optical Fiber Cable
The SC‑LC optical ber cable required in this
application is a multimode duplex ber optic patch
cable with a core/cladding size 62.5/125 micron
suitable for low‑to‑moderate‑speed data links
(≤100Mbps). The Fiber Instrument Sales, Inc. part
LC
Surface End
number X2YLM3FISC may be used to reference
the physical characteristics of the required cable
Optical Fiber Cable
assembly. The full‑duplex nature of the audio network interface requires one ber for transmit, and one for receive; hence dual zip
cables are recommended.
Optical ber cables are manufactured with a variety of jacket materials, which
directly affect cable cost, including Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE), Kynar®
and Teon® FEP. Physical properties of the jacket material determine a cable’s
resistance to abrasions, ame retardancy, etc. Check local codes to be sure the
cable you plan on using is compliant in your application.
SC
Gibraltar End
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HARDWARE
r
r
r
l
HC-D2 Host Controller
HC-9 Host Controlle
I/O Connections
I/O Connections
Ethernet Connections
"A" Main Ethernet
Connector
(RJ-45)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
CAT5
Connecto
(RJ-45)
TXD +
TXD -
RXD +
N/C
N/C
RXD -
LN LED
LK LED
Mixer Link Connections
"B" Optional Redundant Compute
Ethernet Connector
(RJ-45)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
TXD +
TXD RXD +
N/C
N/C
RXD LN LED
LK LED
Optional Optica
FIBER
(LC Connector)
DIM THREE / July 2015
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
TXD +
TXD RXD +
N/C
N/C
RXD -
N/C
N/C
(crossover)
TX
RX
page 6 – 7
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APPENDICES
Appendices
Appendix 1
Options Text File ...........................................................................A-3
Modifying The Options Text File .................................................................................A-3
A Simple Example From The File ...............................................................................A-4
A Second Example .....................................................................................................A-5
An Example File - Complete .......................................................................................A-6
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APPENDICES
Options Text File
Introduction
There are a number of operational features on the Dimension Three surface that are
controlled by the contents of the Options Text File (D3_OPTS.TXT) that resides on the
surface’s ash drive. In order to congure these features it is necessary to modify this le.
Modifying The Options Text File
There are several steps involved in modifying the le:
1. Establish an FTP (File Transfer Protocol) session with the surface. This is best done
using an FTP program with a graphical interface, such as FTP Surfer by Whisper
Technology. You will set up an anonymous session using the following information:
Name: something useful, assuming you will save the setup
Address: use the IP address of the surface
User name: knockknock
Password: whosthere
2. When the FTP session connects you will see a list of les and folders that are on
the surface. One of those les is the Options Text le, named as specied above.
Drag this le over to your PC’s desktop so you can save a copy.
3. Make any required changes to the copy of the le on your desktop, according to
the information in the following sections, then save the le and drag its icon back
to the FTP window to send the modied le back to the surface.
4. Once the modied le is on the surface, wait a full minute to be sure that the le
has actually been written to the surface’s ash memory. Then close the FTP session.
5. Reboot the surface for the changes to take effect.
6. If the surface has a backup CPU you should also save the same modied le to
the backup CPU, which needs to be accessed by a separate FTP session using its
IP address. You can wait to reboot the surface until you have sent the modied le
to both surfaces; in this way you need only reboot the surface once.
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APPENDICES
A Simple Example From The File
As a simple example let’s look at the MUTE_METHOD option. Scroll
through the Options Text File (or look at the sample le listing at the end of this
Appendix) until you see the following three lines of code:
// Syntax: MUTE_METHOD:?
// ? 0 (default) = ON button, 1 = ON AIR.
MUTE_METHOD:0
The rst line describes the syntax for this option. It starts with two
slashes, which are interpreted as the start of a comment line. Comment lines
are made for us to read, and the surface CPU ignores them. This line shows
that the syntax for the option is the keyword MUTE_METHOD followed by
a colon (:) followed by some character, as represented by the ‘?’ character.
The next line indicates that the ‘?’ can be replaced by a ‘0’ (a zero, not the
letter O) if a muting channel being ON will trigger the mute, or a ‘1’ if the
muting channel must be both ON and assigned to a main bus (thus making it
ON AIR) before it will trigger the mute. This specic example shows that the
default setting is ‘0’ for this option. Please note that this may or may not be
the case for your particular surface, as the default option is subject to change.
The idea of how to use the le remains true.
The third line is not a comment; this is the line the surface CPU actually reads
from the le. This line, as shown, sets the muting method to ON (channel must
be ON to activate a mute, but need not be ON AIR). If this is not the desired
operation, this line must be edited. Change the ‘0’ to a ‘1’ and the muting method
will change so that a channel is required to be ON AIR before it will activate a
mute. As indicated in the instructions above for modifying the le, the actual
change to operation will not happen until the surface has been rebooted and has
read the modied le.
The edited line must follow the established syntax precisely or the surface
may not behave as expected.
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APPENDICES
A Second Example
As a second example, lets look at something a little more involved. Once again,
scroll through the Options Text File to nd the following code (please note that some
surfaces may have a different number of code lines in this section; the following
is just for the purposes of example):
// Syntax: SPARE#:?
// # is the spare button number (1 - 12)
// ? is the mode (default = 2)...
// 0 = None, Button presses are ignored, LED controlled by DIO
// 1 = Toggle, Button state toggles on each press, LED controlled by Surface
// 2 = Momentary, Button is active when held down, LED controlled by Surface
// 3 = Momentary, Button is active when held down, LED controlled by DIO
// 4 = Automation, Button & LED are controlled by automation interface
// 5 = Preset Select, Button selects pre-congured preset, LED controlled by
Surface
SPARE1:2
SPARE2:2
SPARE3:2
SPARE4:2
SPARE5:2
SPARE6:2
SPARE7:2
SPARE8:2
SPARE9:2
SPARE10:2
SPARE11:2
SPARE12:2
Once again, our rst line is a comment line that shows the syntax used for this
particular option. In this case there are several code lines, each one referring to a
different spare (or programmable) button. Thus the ‘#’ in the example syntax is
replaced with a number on the actual code line to indicate which of the spare buttons
that particular code line refers to. This fact is described on the second comment line.
The third comment line explains that a number indicating button mode will be
used in place of the ‘?’ on each actual code line.
The next few comment lines explain the possible modes that the spare buttons
can operate in. You may have fewer or greater modes available depending on the
surface model and vintage. In any event you can select the same or a different mode
from the available modes for each programmable button on the surface.
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APPENDICES
An Example File - Complete
The following listing shows a typical Options Text File for the surface type covered
by this manual. Your actual Options Text File may be somewhat different, depending
on vintage, but the general ideas involved in editing the le will apply.
// --------------------------------
// --------------------------------
// MIX MINUS OPTIONS
// --------------------------------
// Syntax: MM#:?
// # is the mix minus bus number (1 - 8)
// ? is the mode (default = 0)...
// 0 = Post Fader, Post ON (default mode)
// 1 = Pre Fader, Post ON
// 2 = Post Fader, Pre ON
// 3 = Pre Fader, Pre ON
MM1:0
MM2:0
MM3:0
MM4:0
MM5:0
MM6:0
MM7:0
MM8:0
MM9:0
MM10:0
MM11:0
MM12:0
MM13:0
MM14:0
MM15:0
MM16:0
// --------------------------------
// AUX BUS OPTIONS
// --------------------------------
// Syntax: MM#:?
// # is the mix minus bus number (1 - 8)
// ? is the mode (default = 0)...
// 0 = Post ON (default mode)
// 1 = Pre ON
AUX1:0
AUX2:0
AUX3:0
AUX4:0
AUX5:0
AUX6:0
AUX7:0
AUX8:0
AUX9:0
AUX10:0
AUX11:0
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APPENDICES
AUX12:0
AUX13:0
AUX14:0
AUX15:0
AUX16:0
// --------------------------------
// SPARE OPTIONS
// --------------------------------
// Syntax: SPARE#:?
// # is the spare button number (1 - 12)
// ? is the mode (default = 2)...
// 0 = None, Button presses are ignored, LED controlled by DIO
// 1 = Toggle, Button state toggles on each press, LED controlled by Surface
// 2 = Momentary, Button is active when held down, LED controlled by Surface
// 3 = Momentary, Button is active when held down, LED controlled by DIO
// 4 = Automation, Button & LED are controlled by automation interface
// 5 = Preset Select, Button selects pre-congured preset, LED controlled by Surface
SPARE1:2
SPARE2:2
SPARE3:2
SPARE4:2
// --------------------------------
// MISC OPTIONS
// --------------------------------
// Syntax: SET_TIMEOUT:?
// ? 1 (default) = 20 sec set button timeout enabled, 0 = no timeout.
SET_TIMEOUT:1
// Syntax: INFO_TIMEOUT:?
// ? 20 (default) = Number of seconds before programmable control info times out
// ? 0 (default) = send machine start/stop DIOs whenever input channels go on/o.
// 1 = supress machine start/stop DIOs when input channels on/o via ACI.
// 2 = supress machine start/stop DIOs when input channels on/o via remote on/o DIO.
// 3 = supress machine start/stop DIOs when input channels on/o via ACI and/or DIO.
ACI_DISABLE_MSS:0
// Syntax: USE_0DB_MIC_GAIN:?
// ? 0 = (default) Mic gain cards are +20 -> +80dB. 1 = 0->10, 30.5->80dB
USE_0DB_MIC_GAIN:0
// Syntax: SWAP_MT_LINKS:?
// ? 0 = (default) normal, 1 = swap primary/backup connections
SWAP_MT_LINKS:0
// Syntax: FORCE_PRESET_DESTS:?
// ? 0 = (default) When preset is recalled, do not disconnect destinations that were not
// connected when preset was saved.
// ? 1 = When preset is recalled, disconnect any destinations that were not
// connected when preset was saved.
// NOTE: This option only aects signals connected to the control surface.
FORCE_PRESET_DESTS:0
// Syntax: FADER_MONITOR_PARAMS:p,n,r
// ? p = Fader monitor period in seconds (0 to disable)
// ? n = Maximum # of fader commmands allowed in period p (per fader)
// ? r = Recovery time in seconds (fader motors will be disabled for this long
FADER_MONITOR_PARAMS:0,20,45
// Syntax: MOTORIZED_FADERS:?
// Tells the software if the surface has motorized faders
// ? 0 = no, 1 = yes
MOTORIZED_FADERS:1
// Syntax: AUTOMIX_THRESHOLD:?
// Gate value used to consider an input “ON”
// ? 0 - 255
AUTOMIX_THRESHOLD:144
// Syntax: AUTOMIX_DIM_DB:?
// dB to DIM automix members when prioty channel is active
// ? 0.0 - 80.0
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APPENDICES
AUTOMIX_DIM_DB:40.0
// Syntax: AFV_FADE_RATE:?
// Rate from fastest to slowest for AFV fading
// ? 0 - 31
AFV_FADE_RATE:10
// Syntax: BS1770_BAR:?
// Whether to use 3 sec or 10 sec integration for the loudness bar display
// ? 1 = 3s, 0 = 10s
BS1770_BAR:0
// Syntax: BS1770_DIGITS:?
// Whether to use 3 sec or 10 sec integration for the loudness digit display
// ? 1 = 3s, 0 = 10s
BS1770_DIGITS:0
// Syntax: GATE_TIMER:?
// Whether to use the CONFALL logic input to trigger pause/restart of timer
// ? 1 = enable, 0 = disable
GATE_TIMER:1
// Syntax: LUMODE:?
// Which mode to user for loudness integration and display
// ? 0 = AT/85, 1 = EBU, 2 = User (custom)
LUMODE:0
// Syntax: LUREF:?
// Value to use as loudness reference (only used when LUMODE is USER)
// ? Any value between -36 and -1
LUREF:-24
// Syntax: LUNITS:?
// Units to use for loudness readout
// ? 1 = LUFS, 0 = LKFS
LUNITS:0
// Syntax: MXM_CENTRIC:?
// Whether to make the indicators on the input panels show MXM or submix assignments
// ? 1 = MXM, 0 = Submix
MXM_CENTRIC:1
// Syntax: SPILL_MODE:?
// Whether to use the DCM faders when surround spill is activated
// ? 0 = Spill onto Inputs, 1 = Spill onto DCMs, 2 = Spill onto both
SPILL_MODE:0
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APPENDICES
Appendix 2
Contents
Replacement Parts List ................................................................A-11
For the most part there are no user-replaceable parts in the
Dimension Thre e control surface. Exceptions are those controls and
components that in the course of normal use may need maintenance (i.e.,
faders, pots, switches, etc.). A complete list of available components is
shown on the next page. Contact Wheatstone technical support for further
information.
Wheatstone Corporation (600 Industrial Drive, New Bern, North Carolina, USA
28562) may be reached by phone at 252-638-7000, fax 252-637-1285,