Related Manuals for ALLEN & HEATH iDR-8
Summary of Contents for ALLEN & HEATH iDR-8
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Page 1: User Guide
Digital Audio Mix Processor USER GUIDE Hardware Configuration For software configuration refer to the iDR System Manager Help file Publication AP4530... - Page 2 & Heath could void the compliance of the equipment and therefore the users authority to operate it. iDR-8 User Guide AP4530 Issue 3 Copyright © 2008 Allen & Heath Limited. All rights reserved Whilst we believe the information in this guide to be reliable we do not assume responsibility for inaccuracies.
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Page 3: Important Safety Instructions
The wire which is coloured Blue or White must be connected to the terminal in the plug which is marked with the letter N. The wire which is coloured Brown or Black must be connected to the terminal in the plug which is marked with the letter L. iDR-8 User Guide... - Page 4 Allen & Heath iDR System Manager software required to configure the unit. Warnings For your own safety and to prevent damage to equipment make sure you read and adhere to all warnings. Model Serial Number Place of Purchase Date of Purchase IDR-8 User Guide...
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Page 5: Table Of Contents
Connections and Cables..........15 Backup Power Supplies ..........15 Starting Offline with the Software........16 Turning the iDR-8 On and Off ........16 Checking the Operating Code Version......17 Updating the iDR-8 Operating Code......17 The iDR-8 Setup Menus ..........18 Changing the Unit Name.......... -
Page 6: Welcome To The Idr-8
The 2U rack or desk mount iDR-8 is the main unit in the iDR system having all the DSP (digital signal processing) power needed for 16 input and 16 output channels. It has 8 XLR analogue mic/line inputs and 8 XLR analogue line outputs. -
Page 7: Main Features
Main Features • iDR-8 main processing unit 2U, 8 mic/line in, 8 • 16 Front panel soft keys can be assigned by the installer as level, mute or patch recall with different line out audio mix processor with 16x16 channel matrix. -
Page 8: Front Panel Overview
Expander soft LEDs Can be assigned as provided for stereo headphone monitoring. The audio meters, mutes or patch related indicators in level trim can be adjusted using a flat bladed the same way as the main iDR unit. screwdriver IDR-8 User Guide... -
Page 9: Rear Panel Overview
Two cables are required between the selects network or direct to PC operation. The link expander and iDR-8, one for the audio, the other LED lights when communication is established. for DR-Link control. The TX LED lights when data is communicated. -
Page 10: System Processing Overview
8x8, 16x8, 8x16 or 16x16 system to suit your requirements. The stereo monitor input and output can also be added into the matrix in a non-expanded iDR-8 to create a 10x10 system. iDR- 8 and iDR-4 units can be daisy chained together using the 8 channel wide digital expander bus to create even more flexible systems with additional local inputs and outputs and a maximum 16x16 matrix. - Page 11 There are no trimmers or internal line up and testing. The level is controlled using adjustments needed. the fader and mute function. Analogue outputs The iDR-8 and iDR-out each Source patchbays These connect the physical have 8 analogue XLR line outputs.
- Page 12 With no monitor point selected, the signal from the previous iDR unit is passed through to the output. This means that one monitor output can be used to listen to any point in a multiple iDR system. IDR-8 User Guide...
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Page 13: Getting Started - Check The Contents
You should find the following components: DR-8 Audio Mix Processor 1x iDR-8 UNIT. This is packed with its face plate removed and DR-8 rack ears fitted. The ears can be removed for desk mounting. AUDIO MIX PROCESSOR 1x iDR-8 FACE PLATE. -
Page 14: Installing The Idr-8
Installing the iDR-8 The iDR-8 and its expanders are supplied ready Do not obstruct the side ventilation slots. for 19” rack mounting. For desk top or shelf Ensure adequate air flow around the units. mounting remove the rack ears and fit the 4 press- in rubber feet provided. -
Page 15: Earthing
This is a requirement when an alarm or voice evacuation system is integrated. Check which safety standards apply to your installation. A backup UPS supply may be required. The standards may also apply to the grade of cable and installation methods required. iDR-8 User Guide... -
Page 16: Starting Offline With The Software
& Heath menu. To open a new session click on the blue icon, press Ctrl+N, or open the New item in the File menu. Select “Offline iDR-8” to start an offline session to get familiar with the program before you connect the iDR-8 unit. -
Page 17: Checking The Operating Code Version
Refer to any Release Notes which may apply. We recommend that you archive the current configuration before you start the Baud Rate 115200 update if the iDR-8 has settings you wish to keep. Further Data bits information is provided in the iDR System Manager Help file. Parity... -
Page 18: The Idr-8 Setup Menus
REMOVE THESE SCREWS DR-8 AUDIO MIX PROCESSOR The iDR-8 Setup Menus *1 Patch Select Scroll through the available patches and recall the one you want. This can be useful for recalling test patches for system checking without the need for connecting to a PC. -
Page 19: Changing The Unit Name
Accessing the iDR-8 Setup Menus Before your PC can take control of the iDR-8 you need to set up its unit name and communication settings. This is done using a simple front panel menu system. Once communication is established between the PC and iDR-8 you use the iDR System Manager software to configure and control the unit. -
Page 20: Getting Started - Checking The Hardware
Getting Started – Checking the Hardware The iDR-8 is supplied with its settings pre-configured so that you can turn it on and immediately get audio passing through it. This can be useful when you are installing a unit on site and need to carry out initial tests on the hardware before the custom configuration software is loaded. -
Page 21: Communicating With The Idr-8
The iDR-8 is configured using a PC running the Allen & Heath Windows™ iDR System Manager application. You need to connect your PC to the iDR-8. To get them to communicate you must first access the front panel Setup menus and set up a few communications settings. You also need to set up your PC to work with these settings. -
Page 22: Communicating Using Tcp/Ip
It is also possible that the PC you use to configure the iDR-8 is also used with a network at your place of work. If it is served by a DHCP server then it is likely that it does not have its own permanent IP address as this is leased by the server. -
Page 23: Connecting Direct To A Pc
DHCP should be turned off (see below). If an address change is needed, consider whether you want to change it on the iDR-8 unit or your PC. To make this decision you may need to consult with the network administrator if the unit or the PC is also used with a network, or the site engineer if other PCs are to be used with the unit. -
Page 24: Communicating Using A Dial-Up Connection
A and B. To use RS232 make sure one of the top three is selected. Reboot the iDR-8 for the changes to take effect. Setting up a Dial-up Connection You can simply use the factory default PPP settings. -
Page 25: Connecting To A Modem Using Rs232
NULL MODEM 9PIN FEMALE TO FEMALE CABLE RS232 SERIAL PORT 1 Connect the iDR-8 to the PC You can use either the front panel or the rear panel RS232 port. Check that the ‘active’ indicator is lit and that RS232 has been previously selected as the A port in the iDR System Manager File / Preferences / Communications Options item. -
Page 26: Working With Idr System Manager
Sync to PC button to load in the current PC time and day settings. Archiving and Loading Configurations The way the iDR-8 is set up and the contents of any patches which have been created is stored as a ‘configuration’. It can be archived as a .cfg file on your PC. -
Page 27: Xlr Analogue Inputs And Outputs
The Output Source window Click on the XLR within the Output Select window to open up its Analog Output window. Check that the source channel number displayed is the one you want to send to the output XLR. iDR-8 User Guide... -
Page 28: Monitor Inputs And Outputs
3. Patch recall The manually selected monitor settings can be stored in the patches. You could assign patch recalls to the soft keys so that the monitor is selected from front panel or remote keys for normal day-to-day operation. IDR-8 User Guide... - Page 29 Daisy chaining iDR-8 monitors The active monitor bus can ripple through multiple iDR-8 units so that the last in the chain can be used to listen to any audio signal in the R OUT L system. With no active monitor selected the signal from the previous unit is passed on to the next.
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Page 30: Adding Idr-In And Idr-Out Audio Expanders
Complies with UL6500, CSA-E65, EN60065 iDR-in and iDR-out are add-on audio expander units for the iDR-8 audio mix processor. They provide additional analogue audio inputs and outputs to add to those on the main unit. The iDR-in has 8 mic/line inputs, the iDR-out has 8 line outputs. - Page 31 Expanded multiple iDR-8 system This diagram iDR-in shows an iDR system with two iDR-8 units and both expanders fitted. DR-Link is only required to connect to the expanders, not between the main units. Make sure you connect DR-Link to iDR Unit A the iDR-8 associated with each expander.
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Page 32: Linking Idr-8 Units
This provides a flexible solution for complex installations, for example one where each floor of a building has its own iDR-8 with local inputs and outputs but have common audio such as global announcements and alarm messages passing through all. The units can be up to 250 metres apart. - Page 33 To avoid feedback oscillation make sure you do not route any output back to itself. Plan carefully how you will use the input and output source patchbays and routing matrix. Make sure all your patches are created to avoid feedback problems. iDR-8 User Guide...
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Page 34: Adding The Idr-Switch Expander
Complies with UL6500, CSA-E65, EN60065 The iDR-switch is an add-on control expander for the iDR-8 audio mix processor. It provides an additional 24 switch closure control inputs and 16 logic control outputs in a 1U high rack or desk mount case. Up to three units can be connected providing up to 72 additional switch and 48 additional logic controls. - Page 35 Do not use the chassis ground screw which is for cable shielding and safety earthing only. INTERNAL DR-switch CIRCUIT (1 OF 8 SHOWN) For reliable operation we recommend the use of heavy duty OPTO sealed switches. iDR-8 User Guide...
- Page 36 3-colour LEDs which can be hard wired to the unit. It can be fitted into a UK or US standard single wall box. For further details visit the Allen & Heath web site. iDR-switch link power iDR-switch 24 IN 16 OUT SWITCH CONTROLLER Switch closures Open-collector logic Relays Lamps IDR-8 User Guide...
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Page 37: Midi, Sysnet And Pl-Anet Ports
Together with RS232, the MIDI, SysNet and PL-Anet serial ports are part of the communications options available. The iDR-8 offers huge flexibility by offering all these popular ports. However, they are not all available at the same time. The iDR allocates two ports A and B. You need to select two of these four options using the iDR System Manager software Communications Option window. -
Page 38: The Idr-8 Memory System
The iDR-8 Memory System The iDR-8 has onboard flash memory. This is non-volatile memory that retains its settings when power is removed. Although the unit is configured using a PC, it holds its own operating code and settings in this memory for stand alone operation once the PC is removed. -
Page 39: Starting With Patches
The patch system is the key to the iDR system’s unique flexibility. Unlike some systems which simply take a ‘snapshot’ of all the current settings, the iDR-8 can store and recall any number of chosen settings from a huge list of parameters. -
Page 40: Technical Specification
FOR CONTINUED PROTECTION AGAINST RISK OF FIRE REPLACE FUSE WITH SAME TYPE AND RATING. CAUTION: RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK. DO NOT OPEN. AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE - NE PAS OUVRIR. Made in the UK by ALLEN&HEATH LIMITED Complies with UL6500, CSA-E65, EN60065 IDR-8 User Guide... - Page 41 LF FILTER XOVER FILTER PAGER SILENCE PHONES TRIM FADER MONO SIG GEN SIDECHAIN SOURCE OSCILLATOR FILTER FREQ PINK NOISE WHITE NOISE 1/3 OCT BP MONITOR DUCKING OUTPUT MUTE MONITOR INPUT STEREO FADER 15+16 ACTIVE MONITOR BUS MUTE iDR-8 User Guide...
- Page 42 Description Mic/Line Inputs x8 (x16 expanded) iDR-8 8 mic/line in 8 line out main processor Female 3pin XLR iDR-in 8 mic/line in audio expander Electronically balanced, pin 2 hot iDR-out 8 line out audio expander Impedance 2k ohm (pad out), >10k ohm (pad in)
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Page 43: Power Supply
Connects to PC COM1 or COM2 port AC mains input 100-240V AC 50/60Hz Rear Panel RS232 (MODEM) Port Variable speed cooling fan in iDR-8 For connection to modem or PC iDR-8 80VA max, T1.6AL 20mm fuse Use standard 9pin female to male cable to modem... -
Page 44: Lcd Display
Downloadable from Allen & Heath web site Up to 99 patches, memory usage dependent iDR-8 operating code – can be updated via RS232 Patch name – up to 8 characters, displays on PC, can using Windows™ HyperTerminal, or via network using... -
Page 45: Level Control
Display – level response curve, gate active, in, out and sidechain meters Source variable frequency sine wave, white noise, Controls – in/out, sidechain in/out pink noise, band pass pink noise Sine wave / band pass range 20Hz to 20kHz Controls – fader, mute iDR-8 User Guide... -
Page 46: Factory Default Settings
Input faders, mutes, groups Fader levels off Mutes off Group assignments none Group levels 0dB Input patchbay XLR 1 to Channel 1…. XLR 8 to Channel 8 Expander 9 to Channel 9…. Expander 16 to Channel 16 IDR-8 User Guide... -
Page 47: Template For Front Panel Label
Overall size of each label is 187 x 13 mm. Insert the labels into the iDR-8 front face plate, between the plastic LED facias and the metal face plate. Once fitted the labels are protected by the face plate plastic windows. - Page 48 IDR-8 User Guide...
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