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ALLEN & HEATH iDR Series Manual
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ALLEN & HEATH iDR Series Manual

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iDR training.
Start 09.30. End 16.00. 6 ½ hrs
Requirements
To be supplied by trainee
• Laptop or PC running Windows 98, 2000, XP with Ethernet card. The trainee must have admin
rights in order to manipulate IP addresses and add/remove software.
• Allen & Heath iDR System Manager software. The latest version can be downloaded from the
Allen & Heath website at:
To be supplied by training host
• iDR hardware
The trainer will require the following to demonstrate how the various parts of the system interconnect:
o iDR-8 x2
o iDR-IN expander
o iDR-OUT expander
o iDR-Switch
o 2x PL-4
o Cat 5 network cables (2m) x6
ALLEN&HEATH
http://www.idrseries.com/system_manager.asp
iDR training JAN08
Page - 1 - of 49
iDR training
CP/LP 29/01/08

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Summary of Contents for ALLEN & HEATH iDR Series

  • Page 1 iDR training. iDR training CP/LP 29/01/08 Start 09.30. End 16.00. 6 ½ hrs Requirements To be supplied by trainee • Laptop or PC running Windows 98, 2000, XP with Ethernet card. The trainee must have admin rights in order to manipulate IP addresses and add/remove software. •...
  • Page 2 The following will be required for each trainee: o iDR-8 x1 o PL-4 x2 o PL-5 x2 o Cat 5 network cables (2m) x3 • Audio The following will be required for each trainee: o Stereo source x2. CD player (each with a different CD) with cabling to XLR i/p on iDR o Powered loudspeakers x3 (x2 will suffice) with cabling from XLR o/p on iDR •...

  • Page 3: Remote Control

    1. Introduction 10 min 09.30 • Matrix The heart of an iDR-8 and iDR-4 is a 16x16 matrix. • Fixed Architecture DSP All 16 i/p and all 16 o/p channels have full processing racks permanently loaded. The three big advantages of this are: 1.
  • Page 4 • External control The iDR system can also be controlled by MIDI, AMX, Crestron and RS232 serial commands as well as connections from third party switches and relays. This remote control is two way as the iDR can transmit control data. •...
  • Page 5 2. iDR-4 / iDR-8 Hardware 15 min 2.1. iDR-8 • Front panel : Removable cover : Softkeys : Soft LEDs : Label area : LCD : Headphone socket with level trim : Rack ears ALLEN&HEATH iDR training JAN08 Page - 5 - of 49...
  • Page 6 Remove cover : Code Update button : Front RS232. Code update and serial control. Front/Rear button. Indicator LED. This port needs to be activated from within the System Manager software. : LEDs Slave, Ext Sync Lock, 96k* : LCD navigation buttons and Menu button *NOTE: 96kHz is not available due to lack of customer demand.
  • Page 7 • Rear panel : AC 100 – 240V ~ : RS232 (Modem) : MDI/X switch. If Link LED does not light, operate this switch. It allows use of straight or crossover cable. : TX, Link LEDs : Network port : MIDI. This port needs to be activated from within the System manager software. : Rear RS232 Sysnet port.
  • Page 8 2.2. iDR-4 • Front panel : Removable cover : Softkeys : Soft LEDs : Label area : LCD No headphone socket with level trim : Rack ears ALLEN&HEATH iDR training JAN08 Page - 8 - of 49...
  • Page 9 Remove cover : Code Update slide switch No front RS232. No LEDs for Slave, Ext Sync Lock, 96k* : LCD navigation buttons and Menu button *NOTE: 96kHz is not available due to lack of customer demand. ALLEN&HEATH iDR training JAN08 Page - 9 - of 49...
  • Page 10 • Rear panel : AC 100 – 240V ~ : RS232 (Modem). This port needs to be activated from within the System manager software. : MDI/X switch : TX, Link LEDs : Network port No MIDI : Rear RS232 Sysnet port. Indicator LED. This port needs to be activated from within the System manager software.

  • Page 11: Monitor System

    • Monitor system Both the iDR-4 & iDR-8 have two balanced ¼” jack sockets for Monitor L & R IN and Monitor L & R OUT. The signal path can be monitored from: Input channel o Pre/post Delay o Pre/post Parametric EQ o Side Chain Filter o Pre/post Gate/Comp o Pre/post Fader...

  • Page 12: Single Unit

    3. Plugging up 30 min 3.1. Single unit An iDR-8 or iDR-4 can operate as a single stand alone unit. 3.2. Daisy chain The audio from the first iDR unit in the chain is transferred to the following units via the A&H digital audio buss in a unidirectional stream.
  • Page 13 3.3. Loopback If the digital audio output of the last unit in a chain is connected to the digital audio input of the first unit in the chain, any input in the system can be routed to any output in the system. When looping the audio, you need to designate one unit to...
  • Page 14 3.4. iDR-IN & iDR-OUT Expanders An input expander has 8 XLR inputs. An output expander has 8 XLR outputs. Expander units terminate the system – it is only possible to have 1x input expander and 1x output expander in any system. It is not possible to loop audio when using expanders.
  • Page 15 3.5. DR-switch An iDR-switch, connects to DR-Link. If expanders are used in the system, these connect after the DR- switch. Up to three DR-switch units can be connected to any iDR-8 or iDR-4. Each DR-switch has 24 switch connections and 16 DC outputs supplying +10V 500mA or +24V 200mA. A total of 72 switches and 48 logic outputs are available to each iDR unit.
  • Page 16 4. PL-Anet 15 min 4.1. PL-family PL-6 8x fader 16 button PL-1, 2, 3 24 LED PL-10 PL-4 with 8x rotary PL-5 IR 16 button remote 24 LED ALLEN&HEATH iDR training JAN08 Page - 16 - of 49...
  • Page 17 Custom GUI for user PC PL-7 on left. PL-7 on right shown with PL-4 fitted PL-9 7 way hub PL-8 4x switch 4x DC o/p ALLEN&HEATH iDR training JAN08 Page - 17 - of 49...
  • Page 18 4.2. Constantly scanned Cat 5 The PL-Anet port has to be activated in the System manager software Communication Options. Once it is selected, the port is constantly scanned for PL devices. PL devices, when connected, are automatically detected and addressed. As an example: if you have four PL-3 connected, the iDR will address them as PL-3 01, PL-3 02, PL-3 03, PL-3 04.
  • Page 19 The PL-9 hub allows for 7x branches. This allows for star configurations. It is not possible to loop. Each Branch has its own re-settable fuse. PL-9 Outputs can be used to provide dedicated plug-in points for a PL remotes which may be removed when not in use Root PL-9...
  • Page 20 4.4. PL-Calculator The maximum number of PL devices on any Root or branch depends on the combined current requirement of the PL devices and the voltage drop over the cable run. The number and type of PL devices on each cable run are entered into the calculator and a result is obtained.
  • Page 21 Due to the nature of the spread sheet calculation, sometimes a negative result can be given when the system design is actually ok. If a negative result is given, use the Solver. This will give a valid result. Tools The Solver Valid result Note: The Solver function may not be enabled on your PC.
  • Page 22 4.5. PL-designer and PL-client PL-designer is a bitmap based program that allows you to drag and drop various controls such as faders, meters, switches etc onto a custom background. These bitmap images are linked to controls within the iDR system. Custom LCD display background...
  • Page 23 Break 10.40 10 min ALLEN&HEATH iDR training JAN08 Page - 23 - of 49...
  • Page 24 5. iDR System manager software 20 min 10.50 5.1. Open the software ALLEN&HEATH iDR training JAN08 Page - 24 - of 49...
  • Page 25 5.2. The software bundle Show on projector screen. Open each item and briefly discuss - iDR-4_label - iDR-8_label - iDR MIDI Control Protocol - iDR PL Calculator V1.30. - iDR Softwre Release Notes - iDR Sys-Net Control Protocol - iDR System Manager - iDR System Manager Help - iDR Telnet Control Protocol - PL-5 IR Protocol...

  • Page 26: Configuration File

    5.3. Basis of the System Manager software Configuration file. • An entire setup is called a ‘Configuration’. Many Configurations can be stored on a PC or laptop and as they are small files they can be easily emailed. We will refer to a Configuration as .cfg •...
  • Page 27 6. Programming 40 min 6.1. Overview of GUI Show on projector screen. It may be necessary to click View in order to view the input and output channels. • Inputs There are 16 input channels in the DSP matrix. From the bottom of a channel strip we have: : Strip number : Write on strip.
  • Page 28 • Outputs There are 16 output channels in the DSP matrix. From the bottom of a channel strip we have: : Strip number : Write on strip. Double click this and name the channel. : Limiter : Polarity : Mute : Level in dB : Fader/meter Point out the EQ, and All buttons at the top of the strip.
  • Page 29 • Hardware simulators : Click View to see the range of hardware simulators available. : PL simulators will only be available if they are included in the configuration you are viewing offline, they must be activated in File/Preferences: select one that includes PL-Anet, then repeat File/Preferences to choose type and number of devices.
  • Page 30 • Toolbar : New Opens new session of System manager, either with an offline simulated iDR-8 / 4 or any online iDR unit. : Open Configuration An iDR unit only holds a single.cfg. This icon allows you to open .cfg files stored on your PC/laptop. : Archive Configuration Either save to PC/laptop a .cfg from a connected iDR unit or save to PC/laptop a .cfg that you are editing offline.
  • Page 31 : O/P delay : Ducker : Automatic Mic Mixer : Pager : LCD Settings Display setup : Set Time At the time of writing, with software version 3.5xx the real time clock has no auto adjustment for daylight saving. : Scheduled Events : Soft Keys Assign soft keys on iDR front panel and up to three switch boxes.
  • Page 32 6.2. Preset Manager window Two of the main functions of the Preset manager window are to create presets and to store parameters and changes. • Select devices to add / Contents / Update To save changes it is necessary to select the device to be worked on – in this example it is the Inputs, Mutes and Groups –...
  • Page 33 After parameters have been set – levels or EQ for instance – it is necessary to highlight the device in the Contents list and click Update. ALLEN&HEATH iDR training JAN08 Page - 33 - of 49...
  • Page 34 • Power-up preset The .cfg file contains 250 user programmable presets. If the iDR unit is to be powered off then on again, it needs to be instructed which preset to activate on power up. Only a single preset can be selected to be recalled on power up.

  • Page 35: Routing Matrix

    6.3. Routing Matrix • Switch Matrix The Routing Matrix allows connection of inputs to outputs by clicking the cross points in the Switch Matrix tab. Routing Matrix icon I/P 5 routed to O/P 4 Switch matrix tab ALLEN&HEATH iDR training JAN08 Page - 35 - of 49...
  • Page 36 • Preset Select When cross point routings have been selected, it is necessary to go to the Preset Select tab. In the Preset Select tab, clicking on a cross point makes it either Green = armed and ready to be saved or Grey = unarmed and the setting will not be saved.
  • Page 37 7. Programming Modules 60 min The trainees should now work through printed copies of the programming modules, and program the training configuration. • Programming Module 1 Set up a new configuration • Programming Module 2 Source selection • Programming Module 3 Programming a PL-4 & PL-5 ALLEN&HEATH iDR training JAN08 Page - 37 - of 49...
  • Page 38 Lunch 12.50 40 min ALLEN&HEATH iDR training JAN08 Page - 38 - of 49...
  • Page 39 8. Direct connection to PC 50 min 13.30 8.1. TCP/IP explained. • Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol These are languages by which network-able equipment such as computers, printers and iDR communicate, commonly known as Ethernet or network. Each device on a network has its own address.
  • Page 40 192.168.0.1 is the factory default IP address of an iDR unit. The first three numbers are an accepted international standard. The network relies on all devices being in the same country, city and street – however – they all have to have different house numbers. A typical network would have addresses such as: - 192.168.0.1 PC #1 192.168.0.2 PC #2...
  • Page 41 • The PC/laptop a) Start / settings or control panel / Network Connections / LAN or local connections b) Open Local Area Connection / click Properties c) Highlight Internet Protocol [TCP?IP] d) Select Use the following IP address e) Enter 192.168.0.3 (the last number can be anything other than 1 because 1 is used by the iDR).
  • Page 42 • The iDR front panel menu DHCP The iDR is capable of receiving automatic IP addresses from a server on a network. Out of the box, the iDR is set with the static IP address 192.168.0.1 to facilitate quick connection with PC/laptop. DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is a set of rules used by devices on a network to allow them to request and accept an IP address from a server.
  • Page 43 iDR IP address The default IP address in the iDR unit can be changed. a) Hold the front panel Menu button until Setup menu *1 shows. b) Scroll down to Setup menu *5 Network setup. c) Scroll to menu *5.1 DHCP Setup. d) Set DHCP to YES for automatic IP address from server or NO for manual IP address.
  • Page 44 8.2. Plug up the iDR-8, 2x audio sources, 2x PL-4 After completion three programming modules, you will have a .cfg that can control two audio sources into two rooms. We will now connect our PC / laptop to an iDR system, open the .cfg and see how the system operates.
  • Page 45 9. Advanced communications 20 min 9.1. Remote connection over the Internet The advised method of connecting to a remote iDR is via the internet. Other methods such as VPN (Virtual Private Network) can open up security issues. The engineer is connected to the internet.
  • Page 46 9.2. RS232 and Telnet • Our designers advise that Telnet is a less than ideal method of connecting. However, Telnet protocol is provided in the System Manager bundle. • RS232 serial connection running System Manager Software is very slow. Connection is more cumbersome than network connection or internet connection.
  • Page 47 9.4. Wireless • Direct connection to an iDR via a wireless network connection allows the operator to adjust EQ and dynamics whilst freely moving around the venue. Break 14.40 20 min ALLEN&HEATH iDR training JAN08 Page - 47 - of 49...
  • Page 48 10. Quick reference documents 45 min 15:00 10.1. iDR Principles 10.2. Getting Started 10.3. Cross Fade 10.4. Monitor ripple through 10.5. Pager 10.6. Preset recall on a downstream iDR (slave) unit 10.7. The PL-Anet system 10.8. Trouble-shooter ALLEN&HEATH iDR training JAN08 Page - 48 - of 49...
  • Page 49 11. Sales opportunities 20 min • Power Point presentation The slide show illustrates many possible applications for iDR. 40 min 12. Debrief & questions & Hands-On ALLEN&HEATH iDR training JAN08 Page - 49 - of 49...

This manual is also suitable for:

Idr-8Idr-4