Protea Ne Software; Device Options - Ashly ne 8800 Operating Manual

Operating Manual - ne8800, ne4800, ne4400 DSP Processor

9. PROTEA NE SOFTWARE

Device Options Menu
Flash Reprogram
The NE processor firmware (the internal program that runs the unit) can be updated/reprogrammed via the Ethernet control
connection. The latest firmware file can be downloaded from our web site, and installed according to the <Flash Programmer>
dialogue box . During reprogramming process, all channels are muted and both sampling rate LEDs will be lit amber .
Link Configuration
Linking allows multiple DSP processing blocks on different channels or even different Ashly NE devices to track each
other. For example - if two graphic equalizers on different channels are linked, any change made to one of the equalizers will
result in an identical change to the other . Most DSP blocks can be linked to one of eight link groups . When a DSP function is
assigned to a link group, both a colored tab and the link group number appear beneath the DSP block icon . The link group's tab
color, group name, and local/network (link across devices) status is assigned in the link configuration dialogue box. Note: If a
WR-5 or RD-8C is connected to a NE device, and a DSP function that can be controlled by the WR-5 or RD-8C (such as gain)
is linked across multiple devices, changes made by that WR-5 or RD-8C will only affect it's host NE device. Linked changes
across devices must come from the NE software, not remotes.
Meter Display
Software meter displays can be set to VU, dBu, or dBFS (dB Full Scale) . dBFS is typically used when all or most of
the gain/level adjustments occur in the DSP domain . The front panel LEDs on the NE processor are dBFS only and cannot be
changed to dBu or VU . For comparison, 0 dBFS is the same as +20dBu on a product which clips at +20dBu . Therefore, -20dBFS
is typically the desired operating range, while still allowing 20dB headroom for transient signals .
AES3 Receiver Status
With a four or eight channel AES3 input option installed, each stereo AES3 input can be monitored for detected sample
rate error and other data errors that may occur between the AES3 source and the NE processor input . This can be useful for
diagnosing problems in either communication setup or wiring . Any errors detected by the NE processor are latched, meaning
even an intermittent error will be detected and remain highlighted until the <Reset Errors> button is clicked .
Sample Rate and Master Clock Selection
This screen displays the current master clock source, current sample rate, and word clock status . Click on <Show Advanced
Control> to change master clock or sampling rate. The factory defaults are auto selection of the master clock and 48kHz sam-
pling rate. Note: Network audio may not necessarily run at 96kHz. Also, network audio has the highest master clock priority,
because most network audio formats are unable to synchronize to a word clock master.
Disable Front Panel Mutes
This control prevents the NE processor mute buttons from functioning . Mute status can still be controlled from software .
DVCA Control
One of the DSP Gain block functions is called <Gain w/VCA> . With this function a channel can be assigned to one of
four virtual subgroups, each with a master fader within software .
DSP Enable/Disable Control
The user can disable DSP functions on selected inputs, outputs, or the entire mixer to free up DSP processing power .
Network Audio Matrix
The network matrix input/output functions allow the NE processor to be integrated into a larger digital audio network . With CobraNet,
the NE processor can selectively route incoming line, mic, or AES3 signals, including DSP processing, out to the CobraNet network using
the network matrix . Likewise, individual CobraNet network channels can be selected and routed (through DSP) to the analog or AES3
outputs of the NE processor . With Dante, the net matrix input does not offer selective matrix routing, that job is performed using the Dante
Controller . Dante net matrix output channels can be assigned in the software using the DSP output mixer, or by using Dante Controller .
9