Overview - QSC DSP-4 Hardware Manual

INTRODUCTION-
Overview of the DSP-4
The DSP-4 is a digital signal processor ( DSP ) accessory for
audio power amplifiers. It is designed to reduce the need for
external signal processing while increasing overall system
reliability through distributed intelligence. It is intended prima-
rily for QSC's CX, DCA, and Powerlight2 series amplifiers and
mounts directly to the rear panel of the 2-RU, 2-channel models
of these amplifiers (pre-August, 1999 date-code of the CX, DCA
and Powerlight2, and all ISA models will require use of an
external power supply). Use of the DSP-4 with Powerlight
models requires remote mounting, external power supply and
use of a special interconnect cable (PL6.0/9.0 only). Refer to the
Appendix for application information. The DSP-4 can also be
used with amplifiers that do not have a QSC DataPort (older QSC
models, non-QSC models) with a reduced feature set and
remote mounting/external power.
The signal processing capabilities include Compressors,
Limiters, multiple Parametric Filters, High- and Low-Pass Fil-
ters, Shelf Filters, Muting, Attenuation, Multiple Delays, Polar-
ity Reversal, and Audio Routing. A new feature of the DSP-4 is
amplifier output Power Limiting (QSC DataPort amplifiers only).
Analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters are 24-bit
resolution and 48 kHz. sampling rate. Post-processor audio
outputs are daisy-chainable for connection to additional ampli-
fiers. Input sensitivity and output level is software selectable.
Dynamic range is greater than 106 dB. Inputs are balanced and
the post-DSP outputs are pseudo balanced.
Physically, the DSP-4 is a small module that "piggybacks"
onto the back panel of the specified QSC amplifiers. It connects
directly to the DataPort on the back panel and is secured with
supplied hardware. When used with other amplifiers, the DSP-
4

Overview

4 is mounted remotely on a rack-mount accessory bracket
providing a solid mounting platform. There are two LED's; blue
to indicate power status and green to indicate input signal
presence.
Connections include an RS-232 port and a DataPort pass-
through connector for use with QSC DataPort products . For non-
DataPort applications, two XLR audio inputs and two XLR
outputs (post-DSP) are provided. There is a power receptacle for
use with amplifiers that do not provide DataPort power or with
non-QSC amplifiers.
Control of the DSP-4 is accomplished with the supplied QSC
Signal Manager software and an RS-232 connection between
the module and PC. The Signal Manager software provides an
easy-to-use graphical user interface where DSP "objects" are
placed onto a palette and connected. This interface allows for
almost infinite configuration possibilities. Once the DSP-4 has
been set up as desired and the configuration saved to the DSP-
4, connection to the PC is no longer required. This feature
allows essentially tamper-proof amplifier DSP setup. Further
changes can be implemented in the field by simply connecting
a PC and loading the new setup into the DSP-4.
Operation over an Ethernet network can be accomplished using
QSC's QSControl platform. Please refer to the software docu-
mentation (software Help file and Readme.txt file) for sup-
ported feature-set and operation information.
From all of us at QSC Audio, thank you for your purchase. Be sure
to check our website at http://www.qscaudio.com for the
latest software and firmware updates as well as sample DSP
configurations.