XTA 5 series Operator's Manual

Dynamic audio management
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Summary of Contents for XTA 5 series

  • Page 2 Page 2 5 Series Operator’s Manual 5 Series 5 Series 5 Series...
  • Page 3: Input Section

    5 Series Quick Reference 5 Series 5 Series 5 Series Editing channels : press channel’s GAIN key. First press accesses that channel’s gain. To scroll through channel’s parameters, use the BACK and NEXT keys. Second press accesses last viewed parameter.
  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    Instructions De Securite Importantes Thanks Unpacking the unit Introduction Features Front Panel Familiarisation Rear Panel Connections Operating the 5 Series 5 Series 5 Series 5 Series Note about operation with AudioCore software. Start-up procedure Preliminary Set-up as a Crossover (DP548 & DP544)
  • Page 5 AES Inputs and Outputs AES Input AES Output AES Diagnostics and Status Information Security and Locking Entering the Password to Complete the Locking Operation Unlocking the Unit Forgotten the Password? PCMCIA Card and Compact Flash Card Usage Preset Library Updates via the card Unit Software Updates via the card Unit Cloning Copying Unit Software and Preset Files...
  • Page 6: Declaration Of Conformity

    Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC, in compliance with the following norm(s) or document(s): Technical Regulations: EN/IEC60065:2002 7th Edition Signed: ………………………………………………………………… Name: Alex Cooper Position: Research and Development Manager Date: January 2012 Page 6 5 Series Operator’s Manual 5 Series 5 Series 5 Series...
  • Page 7: Important Safety Instructions

    Important Safety Instructions CAUTION: RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK. DO NOT OPEN The lightning flash with arrowhead The exclamation point within an symbol within an equilateral triangle equilateral triangle is intended to is intended to alert the user to the alert the user of important presence if uninsulated “dangerous operating and maintenance voltage”...
  • Page 8: Instructions De Securite Importantes

    L'AVANCE DE TERRE NE DEVRAIT ÊTRE de sa prise électrique et de l’endroit où il est DÉBRANCHÉE DANS AUCUNE CIRCONSTANCE. relié à l’appareil; cela est également valable pour une éventuelle rallonge électrique. Page 8 5 Series Operator’s Manual 5 Series 5 Series 5 Series...
  • Page 9: Thanks

    Thanks Thank you for choosing an XTA 5 Series for your application. Please spend a little time reading through this manual, so that you obtain the best possible performance from the unit. All XTA products are carefully designed and engineered for cutting-edge performance and world-class reliability. If you would like further information about this or any other XTA product, please contact us.
  • Page 10: Introduction

    The comprehensive standard specification also includes up to 255 memories, and remote control via RS232 or RS485 ports, with security lockout. XTA’s new proprietary Complex Unified Nyquist Truncation algorithm ensures that no matter how much equalisation is applied to a channel, there will always be sufficient headroom available to cater for it.
  • Page 11: Front Panel Familiarisation

    Front Panel Familiarisation LCD Screen: Shows, by default, the name of the last recalled memory on the bottom line of the screen, and the current routing on the top line. Also used to show all parameters as they are edited, and all menu selections. Control Keys: Selection and adjustment of parameters.
  • Page 12: Rear Panel Connections

    AES when the digital inputs are enabled. Please see page 36 for more information. Always replace the fuse with the correct type and rating as shown on the rear panel legend. Page 12 5 Series Operator’s Manual 5 Series 5 Series 5 Series...
  • Page 13: Operating The 5 Series

    5 Series Note about operation with AudioCore software. The following operating information covers setup and control of a 5 Series via the front panel controls only. Please consult the manual supplied with this software for information regarding full computer control.
  • Page 14: Input Channel Makeup

    Routing Options and Processing Blocks Due to the completely new DSP platform, the routing possibilities within the 5 Series have been made completely flexible, with a matrix available allowing any combination of inputs to be routed to any output. The additional DSP power has permitted the inclusion of more processing blocks, even considering the extra inputs and outputs, and the doubling of sample rate.
  • Page 15 4 x 2 way crossover: As shown, each input feeds a pair of outputs, odd numbers being the low frequency split, and even numbers being the high part of the spectrum. Default suggested crossover frequencies are shown by each output. 2 x 3 way crossover: Inputs A and B feed three outputs each, with output 7 being fed from input C, and output 8 from input D.
  • Page 16 1 x 8 way crossover: Inputs A is fed to all eight outputs, with initial settings being all full bandwidth. The crossover points can be adjusted as desired. Page 16 5 Series Operator’s Manual 5 Series 5 Series 5 Series...
  • Page 17: Preset Routing Configurations: Dp544

    Preset Routing Configurations: DP544 1 x 4 way crossover: Input A is routed to all four output, with default crossover points shown. Inputs B – D are muted. 2 x 2 way crossover: Input A is routed to outputs 1 & 2, input B to 3 & 4. Inputs C & D are muted. 4 x 1 way crossover: Each input is routed to a corresponding output A to 1, B to 2 etc.
  • Page 18: Free Assign Routing

    To complete the procedure, press ENTER. The wizard will continue, and if the routing has been changed, all outputs will be muted on exit. Matrix routing levels are stored in crossover memories (as with routing settings). Page 18 5 Series Operator’s Manual 5 Series 5 Series 5 Series...
  • Page 19: Editing Audio Parameters - Input Channels

    Editing Audio Parameters – Input Channels Input Gain The range of the control over the input gain is –40dB to +6dB in 0.1dB steps. Input A nput A nput A nput A Gain Gain Gain Gain Input Gain = +6.0dB Input Gain = +6.0dB Input Gain = +6.0dB Input Gain = +6.0dB...
  • Page 20 Input A DEQ1+^X DEQ1+^X 99.2Hz 99.2Hz 12dB 12dB 99.2Hz 99.2Hz 12dB 12dB Frequency Frequency Frequency Frequency ‘Q’ ‘Q’ ‘Q’ ‘Q’ Max. Gain Max. Gain Max. Gain Max. Gain Page 20 5 Series Operator’s Manual 5 Series 5 Series 5 Series...
  • Page 21: Editing Audio Parameters - Output Channels

    Editing Audio Parameters – Output Channels Output Gain The range of the control over the input gain is –40dB to +15dB in 0.1dB steps. Output 1 Output 1 Gain Gain Output 1 Output 1 Gain Gain Output Gain = +6.0dB Output Gain = +6.0dB Output Gain = +6.0dB Output Gain = +6.0dB...
  • Page 22: Output High Pass Filter

    Note that 2 bands each will be lost when using 48dB slope crossover filters, resulting in a maximum of 5 bands of EQ when both high and low pass are set to 48dB/Octave. Page 22 5 Series Operator’s Manual 5 Series 5 Series...
  • Page 23: Output Compressor

    Output Compressor The compressor on each output has adjustable attack and threshold, with a variable knee control that can be set to hard (0) so the onset of compression happens exactly at the threshold, or “softened” (up to 12) where compression starts below the threshold and gradually reaches full effect above the threshold.
  • Page 24: Output Limiter

    40dB) will mute the send and the gain will be replaced by minimum gain as shown above. Note that ganging is temporarily disabled when the matrix sends screen is shown. Page 24 5 Series Operator’s Manual 5 Series 5 Series 5 Series...
  • Page 25: Input Ganging And Output Ganging

    Input Ganging and Output Ganging The method of linking inputs or outputs together during editing is achieved in the same way, so only crossover (output) Crossover Ganging Crossover Ganging Cros Crossover Crossover Ganging Crossover Ganging Cros Cros ganging will be explained here. Having selected from the menu under the sover sover...
  • Page 26: Menu System Shortcuts

    AES Output Mode ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- Some of these shortcuts are not available on the DP544 due to the output buttons for channel 5-8 being absent! Page 26 5 Series Operator’s Manual 5 Series 5 Series 5 Series...
  • Page 27: Menus In Detail

    Menus in Detail GLOBA GLOBAL MEM. GLOBA GLOBA L MEM. L MEM. L MEM. Recall a Memory Recall a Memory Recall a Memory Recall a Memory Recall Graphic, Input and Crossover Memories or combinations of. Store a Memory Store a Memory Store a Memory Store a Memory Store Graphic, Input and Crossover Memories or combinations of.
  • Page 28 Compressor LED Compressor LED Compressor LED Choose how LED meters on outputs behave when editing compressors – only when Meters Meters Meters Meters editing/always on/all except limiter editing/off. Page 28 5 Series Operator’s Manual 5 Series 5 Series 5 Series...
  • Page 29: Memory Structure

    Memory Structure As with the DP226 and DP224, the 5 Series 5 Series have their memories split into sections, allowing independent recall of 5 Series 5 Series crossover settings (i.e. all parameters associated with outputs), and input settings. Additionally, the graphic equaliser settings and dynamic equaliser settings are stored in independent locations.
  • Page 30 The unit has 256 memory locations, but these are dynamic in nature – obviously a memory containing Input, Graphic, DEQ and Crossover settings takes up more space than one containing just Input settings. Page 30 5 Series Operator’s Manual 5 Series 5 Series 5 Series...
  • Page 31: Remote Control Interface Operation

    Remote Control Interface Operation XTA has a range of tried and tested interfaces, all of which are listed in the XTA Interface Guide, available from our website. We can supply all the interfaces described in this guide directly – please get in touch.
  • Page 32: Loading New Software Via A Pc

    Download the latest version of the loader program and the unit software from www.xta.co.uk, and follow the instructions included with this zip file. An RSS feed is available on the website to ensure immediate notification of software releases.
  • Page 33: Shadow Id Numbers

    The combined length of cables 01 + 02 + …NN < 1000 metres. Note that this includes any units set up as shadow IDs. XTA has a range of tried and tested interfaces, all of which are listed in the XTA Interface Guide, available from our website. We can supply all the interfaces described in this guide directly –...
  • Page 34: Rs485 Connection

    Both the converter and the required adapter cables are available from XTA. The adapter is available in a kit, which includes an RJ-45 adapter, the XLR to 9-pin adapter, and the converter itself. This complete kit is part number INT-485.
  • Page 35 This complete kit is part number USB-485. XTA has a range of tried and tested interfaces, including USB and wireless solutions, all of which are listed in the XTA Interface Guide, available from our website. We can supply all the interfaces described in this guide directly –...
  • Page 36: Aes Inputs And Outputs

    AES Inputs and Outputs The 5 Series units have a full AES implementation built in as standard. This allows the unit to both receive digital audio directly, and to transmit digital audio on to other devices. The switching of input and output can be performed independently, and the inclusion of sample rate converters on the inputs allows the unit to accept sample rates from 32kHz up to 192kHz.
  • Page 37: Aes Diagnostics And Status Information

    AES Diagnostics and Status Information AES/EBU Sub Menu AES Status Information Also under the is the option, which can be used to check the incoming sample rate(s) and confirm that the data is being received correctly. Pressing ENTER ENTER will first show ENTER ENTER AES Device Status...
  • Page 38: Security And Locking

    ENTER To prevent external computer control being used to adjust locked settings, be sure to set the external interface to OFF before locking out the unit. *DP548 only Page 38 5 Series Operator’s Manual 5 Series 5 Series 5 Series...
  • Page 39: Unlocking The Unit

    EDIT EDIT in the locking section. Forgotten the Password? Don’t panic! Your unit can still be unlocked. In an attempt to improve the security system on the 5 Series 5 Series, and prevent 5 Series 5 Series a standard master password from becoming common knowledge, the units now have a random password key generator.
  • Page 40: Pcmcia Card And Compact Flash Card Usage

    PCMCIA Type I or Type II Card, 512Kb or greater; SRAM. XTA can supply you with these cards – the part number is OPT-PC1. Cards bigger than 512Kb in size may be used, but the units will only use the first 512K (i.e.
  • Page 41: Unit Cloning

    Please only undertake this procedure if you are confident with internal workings of electronic devices – dangerous voltages exist internally and XTA cannot be held responsible for any damage caused to the unit, or user. If you are in any doubt about what to do, please call us and we can talk you through the process, or return the unit to your local distributor.
  • Page 42: Advanced Audio Features

    GQ600, or a “Special” type of response. Both types will be explained in this section, and what primarily makes them sound as they do. XTA’s AudioCore software has been used in the following screenshots.
  • Page 43: The "Special" Behaviour

    When the band is boosted to its maximum value, it can be seen that the response has become quite narrow. This is useful when cutting bands (for example to remove troublesome feedback resonances) as it has less effect on the surrounding areas. The “Special”...
  • Page 44: What Is Dynamic Eq

    49mS and the release to 100mS. As the bass drum causes the EQ only to be applied on peaks, there is no additional muddiness added to the bottom end of the spectrum. Page 44 5 Series Operator’s Manual 5 Series 5 Series...
  • Page 45: Uses Of "Cut Above" Mode

    Quadrant/Mode II: “Cut Above” This is one of the more traditional modes of operation. Having selected the frequency band to work with, the dynamic eq will listen to this band and act upon it by cutting(compressing) any frequencies present in it that go above the predetermined threshold.
  • Page 46: Uses Of "Cut Below" Mode

    Try the filter set to a wide band at 8kHz, and a maximum gain of 12dB, attack 25mS, release 100mS. The threshold setting is more crucial in this mode than usual, with the trade-off being effective removal of noise against possible intrusive dulling of the program material. Page 46 5 Series Operator’s Manual 5 Series 5 Series 5 Series...
  • Page 47: Uses Of "Boost Below" Mode

    Quadrant/Mode IV: “Boost Below” This mode operates in a slightly unconventional manner insofar as behaving as an ‘upwards expander’, as opposed to the more traditional ‘downwards expander’. What this means is that as the signal drops below the threshold, the selected band of frequencies will be progressively boosted in relation to the rest of the spectrum, offering a perceived ‘lift’...
  • Page 48: Dynamic Eq Operating Modes

    The rule of thumb we suggest is that if you’ve not used dynamic EQ before then work in parallel mode, but if you’re familiar with the xta D2, our 3 band DEQ unit, then use series mode as this is how it operates.
  • Page 49: Deq Filter Types And Use Of Full Bandwidth Mode

    DEQ Filter Types and Use of Full Bandwidth Mode In addition to a standard parametric “bell” response, each DEQ band can be set to either a high shelving or low shelving response, and also a “full bandwidth” mode. The shelving responses operate in the similar manner to the “bell” response, insofar as there are parametric adjustments for frequency, ‘Q’...
  • Page 50: Setting The Attack And Release Times

    The best way to ensure that the signal is not being excessively distorted is to make good use of the ‘BYPASS’ button, constantly comparing the original signal with the effected version. Page 50 5 Series Operator’s Manual 5 Series 5 Series 5 Series...
  • Page 51: The Compressor 'Knee' Control

    (6dB above and 6dB below the threshold), reducing the severity of the compressor. This shows on the graph as a curving around the threshold, rather than a sharp bend. Software screenshots are from AudioCore control software, available free from www.xta.co.uk Operator’s Manual Page 51 ¡...
  • Page 52: Program Limiter And "D-Max" Limiter

    Program Limiter and “D-Max” Limiter The 5 Series 5 Series have two levels of dynamic protection on its outputs – a traditional program limiter, and a newly 5 Series 5 Series introduced “D-Max” limiter. Program Limiter High performance digital limiters are provided for each output with control over attack time, release time and threshold parameters - see page 44 for details.
  • Page 53: D-Max" Clip Limiter

    “D-Max” Clip Limiter The main limitation with traditional dynamics control is the inability of the processing to react truly instantaneously to the signal. One of the most significant advantages of digital signal processing over analogue is the ability to delay the audio signal precisely and without extensive complex hardware.
  • Page 54 The 5 Series 5 Series “D-Max” limiter pre-delays the sidechain signal, resulting in a “zero overshoot” limiter, which is able to 5 Series 5 Series catch all peaks and provide a reliable absolute maximum setting for the output of any channel.
  • Page 55: Setting Accurate Limiter Thresholds

    Setting Accurate Limiter Thresholds The limiters built into the 5 Series 5 Series are intended to be used for loudspeaker driver protection, as opposed to amplifier 5 Series 5 Series protection. All modern professional power amplifiers designed for live sound use have their own limiters, which are tailored to protecting the amplifier from clipping.
  • Page 56: Crossover Filter Slopes

    Please see page 22 for details of how to adjust the high and low pass crossover filter settings. Time Alignment A further advantage of the 5 Series 5 Series over conventional products is the provision of an independently adjustable delay 5 Series 5 Series section for each output.
  • Page 57: Parametric Filter Types And Their Uses

    Parametric Filter Types and Their Uses A wide selection of filter types has been made available under the PEQ section when editing input or output filters. Scrolling through the various filter types is achieved by repeated presses of the ENTER ENTER key.
  • Page 58: Shelving Eq (High Shelf Shown)

    +10dB. Varying the ‘Q’ affects the slope of the response – values above 0.75 will cause overshoot as shown. Assymetrical responses may be achieved by adjusting the ‘Q’ of each filter independantly. Page 58 5 Series Operator’s Manual 5 Series 5 Series 5 Series...
  • Page 59: Notch Filter

    Bandpass Filter Input A put A BPS:1/\ \ \ \ BPS:1/ put A put A BPS:1/ BPS:1/ 1k00Hz Q=3.0 Bandpass 1k00Hz Q=3.0 Bandpass 1k00Hz Q=3.0 Bandpass 1k00Hz Q=3.0 Bandpass Remember – to change filter types, press BYPASS BYPASS to bypass BYPASS BYPASS the filter, and then use ENTER...
  • Page 60: All Pass Filter

    This graph shows the phase shift relative to the input (ignoring processing delays), in 10° steps – the filter will actually provide higher resolution than this, operating in 2° steps.The filter is centred at 1kHz in this example. Page 60 5 Series Operator’s Manual 5 Series 5 Series 5 Series...
  • Page 61: Low/High Pass Variable 'Q' Filter (Low Pass Shown)

    Low/High Pass Variable ‘Q’ Filter (Low Pass shown) Input A Input A LPF:1~~\ \ \ \ LPF:1~~ Input A Input A LPF:1~~ LPF:1~~ 1k00Hz Q=3.0 LPF VarQ 1k00Hz Q=3.0 LPF VarQ 1k00Hz Q=3.0 LPF VarQ 1k00Hz Q=3.0 LPF VarQ Remember – to change filter types, press BYPASS BYPASS to bypass BYPASS BYPASS...
  • Page 62: Elliptical Filters

    Input A Input A HPF:1/~~ HPF:1/~~ Input A Input A HPF:1/~~ HPF:1/~~ 250Hz 250Hz 250Hz 250Hz HP Ellip HP Ellip HP Ellip HP Ellip Page 62 5 Series Operator’s Manual 5 Series 5 Series 5 Series...
  • Page 63: Specifications

    Specifications Inputs: 4 electronically balanced Compressors Impedance: > 10k ohms. Threshold: +22dBu to -10dBu CMRR : >65dB 50Hz - 10kHz. Attack time: 0.07 to 512mS Release time: 45mS to 3.4S Outputs: 4/8 electronically balanced Knee control 0(hard) to 12(soft) in 13 steps Source Imp: <...
  • Page 64: Warranty

    USB-Serial-RS485 Converter kit XTA has a range of tried and tested interfaces, including USB and wireless solutions, all of which are listed in the XTA Interface Guide, available from our website. We can supply all the interfaces described in this guide directly – please get in touch.
  • Page 65: Index

    Index Accessories · 64 Editing Adding HF Sparkle · 45 Base Delay · 16 AES Diagnostics · 37 Graphic EQ · 16 AES Interface · 35 High Pass Filter · 20 AES Menu · 25 Input Gain · 16 All Pass · 60 Limiters ·...
  • Page 66 Voice Clarification · 48 Phase · 60 Polarity · 19, 60 Preset Updates · 40 Program Limiter · 22 Punch Gate · 45 Warranty · 64 Quick Setup · 11 Page 66 5 Series Operator’s Manual 5 Series 5 Series 5 Series...

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