ARC Audio PS8 Installation & Quick Start Manual

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PS8

Installation &

Quick Start Guide

Pending the completion of the full PS8

Software and installation manual we have

created this temporary quick start manual

covering a portion of the topics most

commonly asked by users and dealers.

(THIS IS NOT THE COMPLETE MANUAL)

WWW.ARCAUDIO.COM

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Summary of Contents for ARC Audio PS8

Page 1 Installation & Installation & Quick Start Guide Quick Start Guide Pending the completion of the full PS8 Software and installation manual we have created this temporary quick start manual covering a portion of the topics most commonly asked by users and dealers.
Page 2: Table Of Contents
5.3.1 Cosmetic top cover 5.3.2 Cosmetic top cover under panel 5.3.3 PS8 Main PCB 5.3.4 PS8 Main Chassis Housing (Upper and Lower) 5.3.5 PS8 activity and status display 5.3.5.1 Illuminated ARC Audio & PS8 Logo 5.3.5.2 Digital input confirmation indicator 5.3.5.3 USB connection confirmation indicator...
Page 3 8.1 Updating the PS8’s operating firmware 9. CONNECTING THE PS8 TO YOUR PC 9.1 PS8 USB failsafe protocol 9.2 Connecting the USB to your PC and the PS8 9.3 “...” Ellipsis check box 9.4 Send preset 1 to PS8 9.5 Send preset 2 to PS8 9.6 Send preset 3 to PS8...
Page 4 10. OTHER PS8 FEATURES, USER DEFINED FEATURES AND MORE 10.1 User defined channel names and assignments 10.1.1 Outputs 10.1.2 Channel naming boxes 10.1.3 Channel assignments 10.2 Remote output turn on/off delay user panel 10.2.1 Remote turn on lead (On) delay user control 10.2.1.1 Turn on delay slider...
Page 5 11.32 Preset catagory 2 11.33 Preset catagory 3 11.34 How presets work 11.35 How to save and sync all three presets 11.36 Retrieving and Syncing from the PS8 11.4 “Setup” 11.4.1 User input/output channel assignment panel 11.42 Remote turn on/off program panel 11.43 Password definations, setup and system panel...
Page 6 12.3 Mixer Panel (Advanced Mode) 12.3.1 Input channels and invert input polarity 12.3.2 Input/Output channel intersection variable level conrols 12.3.3 Input/Output channel intersection level display box 12.3.4 Input/Output channel intersection summing button 12.3.5 Output channels 1-8 invert polarity boxes 12.3.6 12.4 Crossover Control Panel 12.4.1 Channels 1-8 crossover filter type window 12.4.2 Channels assigned name display...
Page 7 14.2 Electronic serial number display verification 14.3 Preset selection buton and status indicator 14.3.1 Software position preset status selection and status button 14.3.2 PS8 hardware physical position preset selection and status button 14.4 Offline mode seleciton box 14.5 Phase lock 14.6 Digital Indicator...
Page 8 16.12 PS8 turns on and then shuts off 2 seconds later and continues “looping”. 16.13 After sending a setting file from the PC to the PS8 the other presets do not properly reflect what the software is displaying on the other presets.
Page 9 PS8 the most transparent, dynamic and musical signal processing capability of any processor on the market. In addition, the main DSP in the PS8 uses 32-bit DA/AD converters capable of operating at 192 kHz and a multi channel DSD direct stream digital input, increasing the flexibility of applications and input types available without any compromise to the sound quality of the end product.
Page 10: Ps8 Installation And Component Description
When mounting the PS8 to the floor of the vehicle, be sure to inspect underneath the vehicle to prevent damage to the vehicles fuel delivery system or factory wiring, so as to prevent serious damage or hazardous conditions on your vehicle If you do not have experience with automotive electrical and mechanical systems, contact a professional installer.
Page 11: Dimensions
5.2- PS8 Dimensions ARC Audio PS8: External Dimensions 250mm 30mm 130mm ARC Audio PS8: Mounting Dimensions 245mm 222mm DC IN DISPLAY ANALOG +9 - +15v SPEAKER INPUT INPUT LEVEL 106mm 70mm ADVANCED DIGITAL SOUND PROCESSOR OUTPUT DIGITAL AUX IN INPUT...
Page 12: Ps8 Hardware Components
5.3.3 - PS8 main PCB The PS8 main PCB is home for all of the electronics of the PS8. The main PCB if for some reason needs to be removed please be sure to practice safe handling instructions.
Page 13: Illuminated Arc Audio & Ps8 Logo
The PS8 activity display gives users visual tools on the face of the main display unit allowing them, in real time, to see the current status of the PS8 and its different user interface based components. The display offers users a general overview of the interface features and their current mode of operation.
Page 14: Analog Signal Inputs (Rca
Each connection is capable of receiving signal levels up to 8 Volts RMS. (See diagram 6.1) 6.1.2- Differential input RCA/Speaker level switch This switch allows users to change the operation of the RCA inputs of the PS8 between Low- Level RCA and Speaker Hi-Level operation. (See diagram 6.2)
Page 15: Ps8 Speaker Autosense Turn On/Off Jumper
Connection 6.2.2 - USB Connection Diagram 6.4 This port is used to connect your computer to the PS8 via the provided USB A TO B cable. This connection is required for the PS8's user utility software to communicate with the PS8 and adjust its onboard DSP functions.
Page 16 TAKE SPECIAL NOTE- The PS8's remote output current capacity is rated at 250mA. This voltage out is capable of driving several ARC Audio amplifiers without the need of a relay. If you are using amplifiers other than ARC Audio, and they do not use an ultra low current microprocessor-triggered turn on circuit, we recommend using a quality low current relay for this operation.
Page 17 The PS8's digital platform is capable of receiving a variety of digital signals. Please note that if you choose to run any of the PS8's digital signal inputs, you will be required to use the PSC controller (sold separately) in order to have control of the system’s volume.
Page 18 Connect to this location any unbalanced signal source device such as a hardwired MP3, iPod, navigation system, Etc. This input is selectable thru the user utility and upon activation, removes the PS8's Channel 5&6 RCA input from the available input sources while in this user operation. 6.6 - PS8 RCA signal outputs 6.6.1 - Channels 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 outputs.
Page 19 7.1- PS8 Software Installation and Removal General Comments The PS8 software and user utility is designed to give you full access to the complete power and feature set of the ARC Audio PS8. Installation can be completed in a matter of minutes for most users and is compatible with an extremely wide and diverse selection of laptop computers and operating systems.
Page 20 If you receive this mes- Diagram 7.2 sage when attempting to install the PS8 software, no worries as long as you are loading this file from the original disc the software is safe for installation on your computer.
Page 21 Step 7- Read the PS8's "End User License Agreement" (EULA) and then check the check box next to the "I Agree to the above terms and conditions" then select "NEXT" to proceed with the installationor "Cancel" to stop the installation.
Page 22 - If the installation process is interrupted and you are prompted with a pop up box labeled "PS8 Installation Error" close the install utility and restart your computer and the proceed with the installation process - If during the installation process the install utility prompts you with a pop up that .NET framework is...
Page 23 7.6 - PS8 Software Update To update the PS8 software to the newest version you will be required to do a full uninstall of the current version you have installed on your PC. After uninstalling your current version you can update to the latest version of soft- ware by installing it the same way you did the first time.
Page 24 Please follow the instructions below exactly for a successful PS8 firmware update. These quick steps will allow you for a smooth, easy and trouble free update of the PS8's opera- tion firmware. (Please note your PC must be able to connect to...
Page 25 No worries this is normal. Diagram 8.5 Step 7 - Return to your PC and on the PS8 software user utility find and locate the "Help" tab and click on it (See diagram 8.5) Step 8 - Find and locate on the new drop down window the header "Check for new PS8...
Page 26 "Erase failed" this means you did not follow the exact steps above and you will be required to shut down your PS8 software, restart the software and then redo all of the steps once again involving the PS8 user utility.)
Page 27 Step 13- After the PS8 has restarted click on the Red X in the top right corner of the (See Diagram 8.10) firmware update window.
Page 28 PC's hard drive. If you are wanting to send an existing setting file from your PC to the PS8 you must first click on the "..." ellipsis and then select (Double Click) the desired setting file before syncing to the PS8.
Page 29 "To PS8" and the desired preset ("Preset 1", "Preset 2", "Preset 3") you want the selected setting preset files to be loaded to on the PS8. For more information on how the PS8 presets operate please Diagram 9.5 9.6 Send Preset 3 to the PS8...
Page 30 If you do not want to send a setting file to the PS8 and want to retrieve a setting from the PS8 that is currently active on the PS8 you must choose one of the three retrieve setting options below.
Page 31 PS8. 9.11 Work Offline (See Diagram 9.11) If your PC is not connected to the PS8, you have the option to operate your PS8 user software in a stand alone, virtual mode. Offline mode will allow you to set up all of the system settings prior to ever connecting to the PS8.
Page 32 10) OTHER PS8 FEATURES, USER DEFINED FEATURES, AND MORE 10.1 - User defined channel names and definitions The PS8’s output assignments and labels panel allows users the ability to define the names of all input and output channels for a improved reference and ease of use when using the tuning features of the PS8.
Page 33 (See Section 6.3.5) PS8. This panel is accessible thru the “Setup” tab drop down menu 10.2.1- Remote turn on lead (On) delay user control Diagram 10.4...
Page 34 10.2.1.2- Turn on display readout When a change is made for the timing delay of the remote turn on lead, the exact user defined value will be displayed here. (See diagram 10.7) 10.2.2- Remote turn on lead (Off) delay user control Diagram 10.7 The remote turn on lead (Off ) delay control interface allows users to delay the turn off period...
Page 35: Illumination Trigger Lead
The user preference selection panel allows users to access a few personalized features that can be changed to the users territory measurement preferences as well pop up indicators and illumination controls. This panel is accessible thru the PS8's "Setup" tab drop down menu. 10.3.1- Show Temperature In Celsius...
Page 36 (See diagram 10.20) (Please note that if you are not online and connected to a PS8 you will not be able to access this function panel.) Diagram 10.20 ****DEFAULT PASSWORD STORED ON PS8 IS ALL SPACEBAR ENTRIES****...
Page 37 10.4.2 - Setting a new password - "New Password" This display category allows users to enter a new user defined pass word onto the PS8. To enter a new password you must first have Diagram 10.22 entered a password in the above "PS8 Password Display"...
Page 38 (Please note that after programming a password to your PC, if you attempt to connect to another PS8 you will be required to enter a password that is correct for the PS8 that you are connect- ing to. If you store another password for a different PS8 and return to the original PS8 you will have to re-enter the password as only one password is stored on your PC at a time.)
Page 39 10.5 - Advanced User Mode The PS8 offers first of its kind, multi-level user interface modes. These dual user interface levels allow a combination of user modes that can meet the experience levels of most any user. By selecting the Advanced Mode operation you will unlock a plethora of advanced tuning features and controls.
Page 40 10.6 - Export Settings to CSV / Printable Settings File Diagram 10.31 Export to CSV allows users to export their entire settings files to a CSV Excel file that can be stored on the PC or printed for a manual record. When using this operation, it will only export the active settings file that is currently on the screen at this time.
Page 41 PS8 output channels. To access the "Frequency Range Limits" feature you must be connected to the PS8 and on the Crossover user interface panel. When on this panel you will find the access button located below the "Low Pass"...
Page 42 Once the file is located and selected, double click on the file and you will be prompted to choose between working Off Line, On Line, or to send the file to the current active present on the PS8. 11.1.2 - Save settings as button "Save Settings As"...
Page 43 "Sync" allows users to access the Sync settings file access panel. This panel allows users to send and retrieve settings to and from the PS8. Uses may load complete setting file packages from their PC and send multiple or individual presets to the PS8 from within this panel.
Page 44 Menu access for preset load and copy commands for Preset 1 • Load Preset 1 - Allows users to load saved settings on Profile 1 (Preset 1) of the PS8 to become active and also reflect correctly on the user interface.
Page 45 11.35 - How to save and Sync all three presets from your PC to the PS8 After you have connected your PC to the PS8 you will be prompted with a pop up panel that will ask you to send or retrieve presets from the PS8 or work offline (See Section 9.0). For the purpose of this manual we will discuss sending three new presets or one individual setting file to a PS8.
Page 46 3 to the PS8 Diagram 11.18 11.36 - Retieving Presets and Syncing from the PS8 to the PC-If you are retrieving presets from the PS8 you will repeat this same process however instead you will be indicating the user utility to "Retrieve Preset 1"...
Page 47 If you do not have the assigned password you will not be able to retrieve and sync your PC to the current settings on the PS8 and should take it back to the dealer who established the password on your system. You may also restore the system back to its default settings and start a new customized tune yourself.)
Page 48 (intentional or not), improper use (direct or indirect), or as a result of the PS8 being used outside of its defined parameters.)
Page 49 8 channels of output post mixer/router controls on the PS8. This Meter is a great tool to use to verify signal level and correct configuration of the router/mixer into the DSP's cros- sover section to prevent overdriving or Diagram 11.27...
Page 50 11.6 - "Help" 11.6.1 - About Access button to the information hub panel for the PS8. When in the "About" panel you have access to a variety of information including current software version, firmware version, your PS8 electronic serial number and ARC Audio copyright information.
Page 51 This tab gives access for users to the input control section of the PS8 (See diagram 12.1) This adjustment panel allows users to adjust the input gain of each of the PS8's input Diagram 12.1 channels. (See diagram 12.2) Most adjustments will be global in a lot of...
Page 52 12.2 - Router Control Panel (Standard Mode) Diagram 12.5 12.2.1- Input Channel Assigned Name Display When in standard user mode, this area indicates (See diagram 12.5) the individual input channel and the user defined name for this input. (See Section 10.1). Diagram 12.6...
Page 53 The Input/Output router assignment grid allows you to select the specific path and route of any of the 6 channels of analog in any configuration to any of the eight channels of output on the PS8. To select a path intersection, simply click on the desired checkbox.
Page 54 When in Advanced mode, the numerical values down the left side of the active panel window identify the PS8's six RCA input channels. Below each number is a check box that gives users the ability to invert the polarity of the signal coming into the mixer on its individual channels.
Page 55 It is recommended that when combining any number of input channels to a single or combined output, to use the PS8's on board real time signal status meters (See Section 11.5)
Page 56 The crossover type selection window gives users the ability to identify the individual output channels and the types of crossovers that are available on each of the PS8's output channels. (See diagram 12.16) 12.4.2 - Channel Assigned Name Display After users have established user defined channel...
Page 57 Diagram 12.18 12.4.4.2 - HP Crossover Frequency Selection Controls The PS8 offers the most extensive selection of crossover frequencies available to the car audio market. Available from 20.0hz to 20.0kHz, the PS8 gives users 199,800 different frequencies per band, per filter type, to choose from.
Page 58 PS8. When using band pass mode on the PS8, you may have different types of damping on each portion of the channel you are on (For example Butterworth on HP and Linkwitz-Riley on LP).
Page 59 If, at any time, you are uncertain of how to use any of these features, please stop, put down the computer, have a beverage, visit www.arcaudio.com, or use Google to find an authorized ARC Audio retailer for help.)
Page 60 PS8. When using band pass mode on the PS8 you may have different types of damping on each portion of the channel you are on (For example Butterworth on HP and Linkwitz-Riley on LP).
Page 61 Variable "Q" is available only in advanced user mode and is only recommended for users with plenty of experience, and previous experience, with this feature. ARC Audio does not offer technical support, tuning suggestions, or help with this feature. If you "MUST"...
Page 62 12.5.1 - Channels 1-8 Signal Delay Adjustment Utility Window The PS8's Signal delay panel offers users the ability to manually adjust each of the output channels with up to 12ms of variable signal delay. The signal is adjustable in true .021ms increments found in 48mHz processors, which is also the maximum sampling rate found in 99.9% of today's traditional high end car...
Page 63 12.5.1.4- Channel Signal Delay Adjustment Value (See diagram 12.33) When making changes to the PS8's signal delay value sliders, these display boxes will indicate your individual channel’s current level of signal delay in an accurate readout to the nearest .021ms incre- ment.
Page 64 12.6 - Equalization Control Panel The PS8 offers users one of the most advanced equalizer options available to the car audio market. Depending on the user mode being accessed during operation, users have access to eight channels of 31-Band, 1/3rd Octave equalization in .25dB steps, and a first of its kind, global and linking mode, unheard of in existing mobile...
Page 65 (See Diagram 12.36) Diagram 12.36 (Note: The PS8 is the first of its kind processor to allow unlimited linking/Unlinking of channels for independent and grouped adjustment without the loss of a combined channel’s existing settings. When channels are grouped in groups of 2 channels or more, the EQ display will display the current settings of the lowest numbered channel in the grouping.
Page 66 Diagram 12.40 EQ Plot Display (Only displays channels that are checked) 12.6.8 - Parametric EQ Mode Selection This feature activation checkbox allows you to activate the PS8's Parametric EQ mode. This mode is only accessible when in Advanced User Mode.
Page 67 Diagram 12.42 When using the EQ adjustment panel, this area will provide you with all controls needed for adjustment of the different bands of EQ, +/- 24dB, for each of the selected output channels of the PS8. (See diagram 12.42) 12.6.10.1 - Individual Frequency Adjustment Slider And Bar...
Page 68 This button is part of the PS8’s proprietary failsafe protocol. In the event of a USB communication error when sending or syncing files to or from the PS8 on long runs of cable or thru multiple exten- sion cables etc and one of the 1/3rd Octave EQ frequency bands incorrectly reads 20.0K users may manually correct this error if the automated system fails to correct it due to out of parameter condi- tions.
Page 69 12.6.10.7 - All 1/3 Octave Reset Button This feature, when clicked, will reset all bands of equalization while in Parametric EQ mode back to original 1/3 octave frequencies on each of the 31 bands of EQ on all 8 channels. (See diagram 12.47) Diagram 12.47 12.6.10.8 - Parametric EQ Band Variable Frequency Selection Slider...
Page 70 Diagram 12.52 12.6.10.13 - EQ Frequency Plotting Chart Display The PS8 gives users the ability to visually see the individual and grouped response curves of their EQ settings by clicking on any one of the EQ Plot channel selection boxes...
Page 71 8 output channels, reducing the physical output of each channel individually or as paired channels. This feature allows for great flexibility of the PS8 with other brands of amplifiers that cannot handle 8 volts of input signal, as well as allowing users to use the output trim circuit as a way to assist in tuning a system when using an RTA for an optimized balance without the need of excessive equalization.
Page 72 Diagram 12.57 12.7.4 - Channel Trim Level Adjustment Slider Each of the PS8's individual channel’s output trim levels are controlled by individual sliders . These sliders can be adjusted by either using the PC's pointer/Mouse and dragging (See diagram 12.58) to the desired value, or clicking on the slider control button and then adjusting incrementally with the PC's arrow keys.
Page 73 Diagram 12.59 12.7.6 - Output Fader Controls The PS8 has a fully user defined fader and name interface function for all of its individual input and output channels . This panel allows (See Section 10.1)
Page 74 12.7.8 - Output Fader Adjustment Slider The PS8's individual fader sliders give (See diagram 12.62) users independent adjustment controls of the dedicated features within this user panel including L&R Balance, F&R Fader, Center and Bass, which are all user defined in the Assign Faders panel.
Page 75 (See diagram 13.1) The Master Volume slider control adjusts the main output volume of the PS8. The adjustment is made post EQ, Crossover, Delay etc. so that the dynamic range and accuracy of the signal is not changed or altered in any way.
Page 76 (See diagram 14.1). Each of the PS8's 8 output channels can be muted individually or all together at once thru this channel muting interface. This invaluable tuning tool is available at all times thru the PS8 user software interface without the need to change screens or user modes.
Page 77 (See diagram 14.3) (NOTE: If you have the software active and are using a hard wired preset trigger switch the PS8 itself and the software may be on a different preset. Not to worry if you click on the preset you desire the software and the preset will override the switch and update both the software and the PS8.
Page 78 (See diagram 14.7) The “Phase Lock” indicator notifies users when the PS8 is seeing an active digital signal thru any of the PS8’s digital inputs (Optical, Digital Coaxial & Bluetooth). If the indicator is red there is no active digital signal present.
Page 79 14.8 - System Voltage Display (See diagram 14.10) The system voltage display allows you to see your vehicle’s system voltage in real time at the PS8's main input connector. Diagram 14.10 14.9 - PS8 Internal Temperature Readout (See diagram 14.11) The PS8's internal temperature readout displays the real time active temperature of the onboard DSP.
Page 80 The PS8 offers a first of its kind user customizable platform allowing the most discriminating of audiophiles to change out the PS8's four output devices. The Opamps can be changed without the need of a soldering iron or specialty tools potentially resulting in damage to the PS8. We have included instructions for this change out process as well as a list of approved output devices that have been tested compatible and will not result in voiding the warranty if they are changed out.
Page 81 16.0 Trouble Shooting Guide 16.1 System turn on/off pop Make that your amplifiers remote turn on leads are connected to the PS8's remote turn on output lead (See Section 6.3.5) Make sure that your source unit is not turning off before the PS8 or the amplifiers.
Page 82 16.9 Firmware update Failed (Display reads "Erase Failed..." during update process) Check to make sure the PC is connected to the PS8 and that both are powered on. Turn off your Software and the PS8 and follow the steps shown in exactly as (See Section 8.0)
Page 83 16.12 PS8 turns on then shuts off 2 seconds later and continues “looping”. This is caused by a variety of conditions that can result in a corrupt settings file. To get the ps8 out of this "looping" cycle you must follow the steps below exactly. (NOTE THIS IS NOT THE SAME PROCESS AS A STANDARD FIRMWARE UPDATE) With the system and source unit turned on unplug the PS8's main power block connector.
Page 84 16.13 After sending a setting file from the PC to the PS8 the other presets do not properly reflect what the software is displaying on the other presets. Each setting file stored on your PC contains all of the information for all three presets. When starting the PS8 software you are prompted to choose to either send or receive the full or part of a individual setting file stored on your PS8 or the PC.