dbx DriveRack PA2 Owner's Manual
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dbx DriveRack PA2 Owner's Manual

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  • Page 1 ® Owner’s Manual...

  • Page 2: Important Safety Instructions

    IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS WARNING FOR YOUR PROTECTION READ THE FOLLOWING: KEEP THESE INSTRUCTIONS HEED ALL WARNINGS FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS The symbols shown above are internationally accepted symbols that warn The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing liquid and no object filled with liquid, of potential hazards with electrical products.

  • Page 3: Declaration Of Conformity

    GREEN/YEL GREEN European Contact: Your local dbx Sales and Service Office or WARNING: IF THE GROUND IS DEFEATED, CERTAIN FAULT CONDITIONS IN THE UNIT OR IN THE SYS- TEM TO WHICH IT IS CONNECTED CAN RESULT IN FULL LINE VOLTAGE BETWEEN CHASSIS AND EARTH Harman Signal Processing GROUND.
  • Page 4 5. The foregoing is in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied, and dbx neither assumes nor authorizes any person to assume on its behalf any obligation or liability in connection with the sale of this product. In no event shall dbx or its dealers be liable for special or consequential damages or from any delay in the performance of this warranty due to causes beyond their control.

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    System Lockout ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������48 Front Panel ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 4 Factory Reset �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������49 Rear Panel �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 6 Soft Reset �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������49 Installing The DriveRack PA2 ���������������������������������� 8 Application Guide �����������������������������������������������������50 Installation Recommendations ��������������������������������������������������������������� 8 Full Range Application 1 (Standard) �������������������������������������������������50 Making Connections �������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 8 Full Range Application 2 (Sub-Satellite System) ���������������������������51...

  • Page 6: Overview

    Building upon the same great features that made the DriveRack PX, PA, and PA+ so popular, the DriveRack PA2 adds the latest advancements in dbx’s proprietary AutoEQ™ and AFS ™...

  • Page 7: Features

    • dbx Type IV™ Conversion Prevents Clipping Of The A/D Converters • Easy-To-Read LCD Display • Storage Memory Locations For Up To 75 User Presets • Various Speaker & Amplifier Tunings Included • Additional Tunings & Presets Available For Download Using The Free DriveRack PA2 Control Application...

  • Page 8: User Interface & Connectors

    Front Panel 1. RTA MIC INPUT Connect the dbx RTA-M measurement microphone (sold separately) to this balanced XLR input jack for easy calibration of your sound system using the built-in Wizards. Or use the RTA for manual adjustments and system troubleshooting.
  • Page 9 LEDs feature a peak hold function, so they will remain lit for a short period of time after the signal level drops back below the clip point. The dbx Type IV™ conversion system built into the PA2 will clamp down on excessively loud input signals and prevent the A/D converters from clipping.

  • Page 10: Rear Panel

    120V 50/60Hz 1. IEC AC Power Inlet Connect the included IEC power cord to this power inlet. The DriveRack PA2 ships from the factory configured for one of two specified power voltage ranges, they are: • 100-120V, 50Hz/60Hz • 220-240V, 50Hz/60Hz...
  • Page 11 (such as RCA connectors). If you’re not sure what the nominal output operating level of your mixer is, check the product’s manual or contact the manufacturer. It’s advisable to only switch this switch when your amplifiers are powered off or the DriveRack PA2’s outputs are muted. •...

  • Page 12: Installing The Driverack Pa2

    Connect the PA2’s outputs to the designated amplifier or powered speaker inputs. 4� If you plan to calibrate the system using the built-in Wizards, connect the optional dbx RTA-M measurement microphone 5� using a microphone cable of suitable length and place it in a microphone stand.

  • Page 13: Network Connections ��������������������������������������������������������������������������� 9 Full Range Application 3 (All Outputs Full Range)

    A DHCP enabled switch or router Wi-Fi Router must be used to assign an IP address to the DriveRack PA2 DriveRack PA2 DriveRack PA2. See ‘Networking’ on page 57 for more information on controlling the PA2 over a network. 120V 50/60Hz...

  • Page 14: Applying Power

    ® Applying Power Ensure your power amplifiers or powered speakers are turned off. 1� Make sure that the included IEC power cable provided with your PA2 has the proper connector for connection to your 2� AC power outlet and that the power screening under the IEC power inlet on the back panel of the PA2 matches your country’s voltage requirements.

  • Page 15: Getting Started

    ® Getting Started Menu Navigation Overview The DriveRack PA2’s user interface was carefully designed to provide logical navigation and avoid deeply nested menus. The menu navigation is laid out as shown in the below diagram. HOME MODE Press RTA Button...

  • Page 16: Operating Modes Explained

    Home Mode This is the default operating mode. It is the mode the DriveRack PA2 enters when it initially boots and is the mode which displays the selected Home screen. From any menu, you can get back to Home mode by repeatedly pressing the button.

  • Page 17: The Home Screens

    The Home Screens The Home screen is the first screen which appears in the LCD display after the DriveRack PA2 fully initializes (this is also referred to as “Home mode”). There are four Home screens to choose from, providing the instant visual feedback you need, when you need it.

  • Page 18: Configuring The Driverack Pa2

    Configuring The DriveRack PA2 This section of the manual describes how to configure the DriveRack PA2 for your application. The easiest way to configure the PA2 is to use the built-in Wizards. However, for the veteran sound engineers and DriveRack power users, the PA2 can also be configured and tweaked manually.
  • Page 19 ® RUN AutoEQ/LEVEL ASSIST Level Assist/AutoEQ Mic Position 1 AutoEQ Mic Position 2 When used with the optional dbx RTA-M Left Speaker Right Speaker Left Speaker Right Speaker measurement microphone, this Wizard helps you balance the left/right speaker levels, the low/mid/high speaker levels Speakers &...
  • Page 20 [dbx RTA-M, FLAT] MIC RESPONSE When the dbx RTA-M option is selected, AutoEQ will automatically compensate for the frequency response of the dbx RTA-M microphone, providing more accurate AutoEQ results. Select the FLAT option if using a measurement microphone other than the dbx RTA-M.

  • Page 21: About Speaker & Amplifier Tunings

    ® available in the PA2’s preset tuning list, you can use the DriveRack PA2 control app to access the online database where you can find additional tunings. If you can’t find tunings for your particular speakers or amplifiers, you will need to select the NOT LISTED option in the PA2’s Setup Wizard.

  • Page 22: Manual System Optimization Tips

    ® Manual System Optimization Tips HiNt: You may want to disable the TIME OUT feature located in the Utility menu before performing any of the following system optimization procedures. This will ensure the PA2 does not revert back to the Home screen throughout the process. See ‘Utility’...

  • Page 23: Gain Structure & Limiters

    ® subs, you can perform the same test between the low driver in the main speaker and sub to ensure polarity for all drivers are matched. You will also want to make sure that all drivers/speakers reference absolute polarity. This means that all drivers would push outwards then inwards during each cycle.
  • Page 24 3� ‘Rear Panel’ on page 6 for more information on this switch. Now, turn the mixer, DriveRack PA2, and amplifiers back on. Go into the PA2’s output limiters and ensure they are all 4� turned OFF, OVEREASY is turned to OFF, and their THRESHOLD’s are set all the way up to 0.0 dB.

  • Page 25: Balance The System's Frequency Response

    ® Raise the mixer’s main output faders until the INPUT CLIP LEDs on the PA2 just begin lighting. 6� Now, go to each amp channel and slowly raise its attenuator until the amp channel’s clip LED just begins to light. 7�...

  • Page 26: Eq The System At The Venue

    AutoEQ or to manually EQ the sound system in the event you don’t have the dbx RTA-M measurement microphone. Note that using the DriveRack PA2 control app on a mobile device allows you to walk around the venue while making EQ adjustments.
  • Page 27 ® further information on the available AFS TYPE options. Go to the FIXED FILTERS parameter and set it to 12. 8� Ensure no sound is present at any of the microphones then slowly raise the main mixer faders until you reach your target 9�...

  • Page 28: Operating The Driverack Pa2

    ® Operating The DriveRack PA2 This section of the manual describes how to operate the DriveRack PA2 after you have initially configured and optimized the system using the Wizards. This includes editing parameters and managing presets. Editing Parameters To edit a processing module’s parameters: Press the module’s button (e.g.,...

  • Page 29: Managing Presets

    ® Managing Presets The DriveRack PA2 has two types of presets: user and factory. The user presets occupy preset memory locations1-75. The factory presets occupy preset memory locations 76-100. The difference between these preset types is that factory presets are meant to be used as templates and cannot be overwritten and user presets can be overwritten and are designed to store your custom presets.

  • Page 30: Storing Presets

    ® Storing Presets Once you are satisfied with the changes made to a factory or user preset, you are ready to store the changes to a user preset memory location. The STORE button is used to store modifications made to a preset. To store a preset: Press the button.

  • Page 31: The Pa2 Processing Modules & Parameters

    ® The PA2 Processing Modules & Parameters This section of the manual provides descriptions of all the processing modules available in the DriveRack PA2 and their associated parameters. Graphic EQ (GEQ) The 31-band GEQ module lets you manually tune the sound system’s frequency response and is meant to be used alone or alongside the AutoEQ PEQ (which is set when you run the AutoEQ).
  • Page 32 ® • MYBAND This option is optimized for live music performance using a portable PA system in small to medium sized venues (small coffee shops or clubs for example). It offers some low-end boost with low-mid cut, which enhances the low end while preventing the system from sounding too muddy.

  • Page 33: Parametric Eq (Autoeq, High, Mid, Low Peq)

    ® Parametric EQ (AutoEQ, HIGH, MID, LOW PEQ) There are two types of PEQs available in the PA2: the AutoEQ PEQ and the output PEQs (labeled LOW, MID, and HIGH). The AutoEQ PEQ is an 8-band parametric EQ which resides in the input processing side of the PA2 (pre crossover) and is automatically adjusted by the built-in AutoEQ Wizard.
  • Page 34 ® • [20 Hz - 20 kHz] BAND(1-8) FREQUENCY This parameter adjusts the center/cutoff frequency of the selected EQ band. • [-12 dB - +12 dB] BAND(1-8) GAIN This parameter adjusts the gain of the selected EQ band. • [0.1 - 15.909] BAND(1-8) Q This parameter is only available with BELL type filters and adjusts the width of the selected PEQ filter.

  • Page 35: Advanced Feedback Suppression (Afs)

    ™ The AFS algorithm in the PA2 is a little different than the AFS algorithm used in any previous dbx products. That’s because the dbx engineers revisited the already-stellar AFS algorithm to see if they could improve it. And guess what? They did! The updated AFS algorithm in the PA2 can now detect and eliminate feedback faster than ever before and with even higher precision.
  • Page 36 ® HiNt: AFS works best when the signal entering the PA2’s inputs is sufficient. This requires proper gain staging between the mixer and PA2. If the signal level is too low, AFS may be slow to respond to feedback. See ‘Manual System Optimization Tips’...
  • Page 37 ® begin to round robin – meaning that if all Live filters have been set and new feedback occurs, the first Live filter set will be released then re-set at the new feedback frequency location. The Live filters can be set to release after a period of time by enabling the LIVE LIFT option and adjusting the LIFT AFTER parameter.
  • Page 38 ® HiNt: Since it’s not really possible to predict exactly how many Fixed filters you may need, a good setting to start with is the default setting of 6. If after ringing out the system, you feel you need to squeeze a little more gain out of the system before feedback, you can increase the FIXED FILTERS setting and run the AFS Wizard again or manually ring out only the newly added Fixed filters in the AFS menu.

  • Page 39: Subharmonic Synthesis (Sub)

    ® Subharmonic Synthesis (SUB) dbx’s subharmonic synthesis (or sub-synth) processing has been specifically optimized to enhance the low frequencies in audio material and was designed for use in a variety of professional audio applications, including nightclub and dance DJ mixing, theatre and film sound, music recording, live music performance, and broadcasting. Using traditional EQ to enhance this extremely low frequency region can increase noise potential and stage rumble (low-frequency feedback) in live PA systems.
  • Page 40 ® Note: If you experience low-frequency artifacts on a voice when using subharmonic synthesis, try engaging a high pass filter, using EQ, or a combination thereof on the vocal’s mixer channel to reduce the artifacts. If a high pass filter and EQ are not enough, try lowering the overall amount of Subharmoic Synthesis applied to the signal by adjusting the SUBHARMONICS parameter.

  • Page 41: Compressor (Comp)

    ® Compressor (COMP) A compressor is used to compress the dynamic range of the audio signal, bringing up the lower level portions of the signal and restricting the higher level portions of the signal. In live sound applications, it is common to compress the audio at different stages in the signal chain.
  • Page 42 ® a 2:1 ratio would allow the output signal level to increase by only 1 dB for every 2 dB of level increase over threshold. In other words, 1 dB of compression will be applied for every 2 dB increase in level above threshold. For light compression, choose a lower ratio.

  • Page 43: Delay

    ® Delay There are two different delay module types available in the PA2, they are: the input (also known as pre or backline) delay module and the output (also known as driver alignment) delay module. The output delay modules (labelled HIGH, MID, and LOW) are used to time align loudspeaker drivers which require it. Typically, driver alignment delay is only required when configuring a bi-amplified (2-way) or tri-amplified (3-way) system.
  • Page 44 ® LOW DELAY for the LOW outputs. If you’ve configured a 3-way system, you will see an additional MID DELAY for the MID outputs. Turn and press the wheel to select the desired delay module. Turn the wheel to scroll through the list DATA DATA of parameters.

  • Page 45: Crossover (Xover)

    ® Crossover (XOVER) A crossover is used to divide the broadband signal into separate frequency bands. This allows you to drive each loudspeaker or driver in a sound system within its optimal frequency range. Using an active crossover, like that in the PA2, has the additional benefits of increasing the efficiency of your power amplifiers, lowering intermodulation distortion, and in some cases, improving the drivers’...
  • Page 46 ® summed, a 3 dB increase in level will be created at the crossover frequency. LR stands for Linkwitz-Riley. When two Linkwitz-Riley filters are summed, there is no increase in level around the crossover frequency, which makes these type of filters very popular.

  • Page 47: Limiter

    If tunings aren’t listed for your amplifiers, check the ever-growing online database using the DriveRack PA2 control app to see if they’ve been added. If tunings cannot be found for your amps, select the NOT LISTED option.
  • Page 48 ® L O W L I M I T E R • [-60 dB to 0 dB] THRESHOLD M I D L I M I T E R This parameter sets the level at which the limiter will kick in and begin limiting the THRESHOLD METER signal.

  • Page 49: Rta

    ® The 31-band RTA (Real-Time Analyzer) module allows you to monitor frequency levels. This information can help with identifying system issues – such as improperly set crossover settings, blown drivers, or driver/speaker dependent level issues. It can also be used when manually tuning the sound system. RTA Parameters The RTA menu can be accessed by pressing the button.

  • Page 50: Utility

    Security feature. When enabled, the PA2 will require a password before it can be controlled over a network using the DriveRack PA2 control app. Follow the on-screen instructions to edit the password. Changing the password back to ‘administrator’ will disable the Security feature.

  • Page 51: Power-Up Functions

    Power-Up Functions Power-up functions allow you to reset DriveRack PA2 presets and settings, lock out the front panel controls, and configure the PA2 to always power up with the output mutes enabled. These power-up functions are accessed by pressing and holding certain buttons upon power-up.

  • Page 52: System Lockout

    ® System Lockout This power-up function locks out the PA2’s front panel controls to prevent unauthorized tampering. The following options are available: • System Unlocked This is the default setting and allows access to all PA2 functions from the front panel controls. •...

  • Page 53: Factory Reset

    3� WIZARD STORE Soft Reset The Soft Reset function resets all Utility settings in the DriveRack PA2 back to their factory default state without resetting user presets. To perform a Soft Reset: Power down the DriveRack PA2. 1�...

  • Page 54: Application Guide

    • In the Setup Wizard, select your main speakers from the list. If prompted, select the PASSIVE option for your main speaker configuration. If your speakers are not listed in the PA2, use the DriveRack PA2 control app to check the online database to see if your speaker tunings have been added.

  • Page 55: Full Range Application 2 (Sub-Satellite System)

    If the PA2 does not contain tunings for your speakers and you are unable to download them from the online database using the DriveRack PA2 control app, it is recommended that you configure the system as shown in the following system diagram.
  • Page 56 ® Full Range Application 3 (All Outputs Full Range) Some full range systems may require more than two full range outputs from the PA2. The PA2 can accommodate these systems as well, but such systems are atypical and cannot be properly configured using the PA2’s Setup Wizard alone. Typically, you can parallel your amps or powered speakers in such a system and just use a pair of outputs from the PA2 to feed the system –...

  • Page 57: 2-Way Application

    2-WAY main speaker configuration option when prompted. If your speakers are not listed in the PA2, use the DriveRack PA2 control app to check the online database to see if your speaker tunings have been added.

  • Page 58: 3-Way Application

    • In the Setup Wizard, select your main and sub speakers from the list. When prompted, select the 2-WAY main speaker configuration option. If your speakers are not listed in the PA2, use the DriveRack PA2 control app to check the online database to see if your speaker tunings have been added.

  • Page 59: Preset List

    ® Preset List User Preset # Factory Preset # Name Description 1, 26, 51 ST.Full Range Stereo Full Range 2, 27, 52 M.FullRange Mono Full Range 3, 28, 53 ST.2WaywST.Sub Stereo 2-Way with Stereo Subs 4, 29, 54 ST.2WaywM.Sub Stereo 2-Way with Mono Sub 5, 30, 55 M.2WaywST.Sub Mono 2-Way with Stereo Subs...

  • Page 60: Driverack Pa2 Control Application

    ® ® Note: You can control one PA2 unit on the network at a time. The DriveRack PA2 can be controlled via one networked control device at a time. Device Requirements Visit dbxpro.com for the latest information on device requirements for the DriveRack PA2 control application.

  • Page 61: Networking

    4. If the PA2’s IP address reads “0.0.0.0”, power cycle the PA2 (ensure your amplifiers are off) then check the IP address again. If the PA2 now has an IP address, see if you can connect using the DriveRack PA2 control app. If the PA2 still does not have an IP address or you still cannot connect with the DriveRack PA2 control app, go to step 2.
  • Page 62 If this fixes the problem, refer to your firewall manufacturer’s documentation on how to reconfigure your firewall to allow the DriveRack PA2 control app, or ports 19272 (TCP and UDP) and port 21 (FTP), to pass through the...

  • Page 63: Technical Information

    Firmware Update Utility application will be made available on the DriveRack PA2 product page at www.dbxpro.com as updates become available. If using the DriveRack PA2 control app , you can also update the PA2 via the Ethernet port straight from the application, regardless of the device you’re using for control (i.e., iOS...

  • Page 64: Dsp Block Diagram

    ® DSP Block Diagram Mute Mute Mute Mute Mute Mute Alignment Delay Alignment Delay Alignment Delay PeakPlus Limiter PeakPlus Limiter PeakPlus Limiter 8-Band PEQ 8-Band PEQ 8-Band PEQ Crossover w/Polarity Pre Delay Compressor Subharmonic Syntesizer Advanced Feedback Suppression AutoEQ 8-Band PEQ Real Time Analyzer (RTA) 31-Band Graphic Equalizer...

  • Page 65: Cable Diagrams

    ® Cable Diagrams Ethernet Cable Diagrams Straight-Through Use straight-through CAT5e or CAT6 Ethernet cables to connect the PA2 to your network switch/router. The below diagrams show the pinout of such cables. These are the most common type of Ethernet cables available. TIA/EIA 568A Straight-Through CAT5e or CAT6 TIA/EIA 568B Straight-Through CAT5e or CAT6 RJ-45...

  • Page 66: Audio Cable Diagrams

    ® Audio Cable Diagrams TO NEXT DEVICE (INPUT) TO NEXT DEVICE (INPUT) FROM SOURCE DEVICE (OUTPUT) FROM SOURCE DEVICE (OUTPUT) SLEEVE RING RING SLEEVE (COLD -) (GROUND) (GROUND) (COLD -) HOT + HOT + COLD - COLD - SLEEVE SLEEVE (HOT +) (HOT +) FEMALE XLR TO TRS PHONE...

  • Page 67: Dimensions

    ® Dimensions...

  • Page 68: Specifications

    Alignment Delay: Up to 10ms per output channel pair A/D PERFORMANCE A/D Converter: 24-bit with dbx Type IV™ Conversion System A/D Dynamic Range: 112 dB A-weighted, 110 dB unweighted Type IV Dynamic Range: 123 dB with transient material, A-weighted, 22kHz BW;...

  • Page 69: Additional Resources

    ® Additional Resources dbx Website http://www.dbxpro.com DriveRack PA2 Product Page http://www.dbxpro.com/en-US/products/driverack-pa2 dbx Support http://www.dbxpro.com/en-US/support dbx User’s Forum http://www.dbxpro.com/forum...
  • Page 70 10653 South River Front Parkway, #300 South Jordan, Utah 84095 Phone: (801) 566-8800 Website: www�dbxpro�com Support: http://www�dbxpro�com/en-US/support dbx Professional Products is a registered trademark of Harman © 2014 Harman All rights reserved DriverRack PA2 Owner’s Manual ® PN: 5044138-A Macintosh, iOS, iPhone, iPad, iTunes, and App Store are trademarks of Apple Computer Incorporated, registered in the U.S.

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