AEQ FORUM DIGITAL AUDIO MIXER FOR BROADCAST APPLICATIONS USER'S MANUAL ED.
TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................................... 3 1.1. OVERVIEW ........................................................................................................................... 3 1.2. FUNCTIONAL SPECIFICATIONS................................................................................................ 4 2. PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE UNIT.....................................................
1. INTRODUCTION 1.1. Overview AEQ FORUM is a digital audio mixer for Broadcast applications, specifically designed for ON AIR applications (24x7x365 operation) and highly adaptable to different operational situations. It incorporates all the basic features needed in such environments: automatic monitor muting, cough muting, Fader-start, control signalling, control signals for external equipment automation, management of external communications, intercoms, etc.
The AEQ FORUM digital mixer includes memory banks that store the settings for each signal: control surface signal distribution, routing to the output buses, management of parameters and activation of the different available audio processes. This allows the console to adapt easily to different programs with different technical requirements. Its two Ethernet ports enable the local or remote interconnectivity, facilitating set-up and maintenance, monitoring and control.
• • • • • • • • Communication control via Ethernet 10/100 connection through TCP / IP protocol. For more information see Chapter 4.-Configuration and Chapter 5.-REMOTE CONTROL SOFTWARE of this manual. Selectable Boot sequence – last mixer settings or default settings. Memory banks for mixer snapshots or settings of all the available signals: a basic configuration and 6 users definable. Processing of audio signals including system defaults to the basic configuration.
2. PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE UNIT AEQ FORUM is a self-contained, compact digital mixing console, which means that its two functional blocks are housed in the same physical chassis. On one hand the control surface, where the controls and status indicators are located and on the other, the "audio engine" which contains all electronics for audio in and outputs as well as routing blocks, summing and processing. 2.1.
AEQ FORUM Control Surface - Channel module Located in the upper part of the channel are 4 routing keys - PROGRAM, AUDITION, AUX1 and AUX 2, and a SELECT button to assign the channel to advanced settings common control (gain, dynamics, EQ and balance). Beneath this section, an OLED display shows channel name and status for balance or pan.
2.1.1.1. Routing keys There are four keys on the top of the channel that routes the channel signal to the corresponding output. Activation is indicated through the integrated LEDs in each of these keys, and indicates the creation of a cross point between the input signal on the channel and the output channel corresponding to the key. Routing keys From left to right and top to bottom, the four keys are direct routings to PROGRAM or Master 1, AUDITION or master 2, AUX1 and AUX2.
2.1.1.4. CUE Pre-fader listen to the audio channel for monitoring and control. When activated the integrated LED is lit. It is possible to send various audio signals to the CUE bus. There is the option of setting one of the keys on the Control and Monitoring section (C & M) as a general CUE RESET that disconnects all active signals from the CUE bus.
These four processes: EQ, dynamics, balance and gain are controlled from the internal menu associated with the SELECT button on the main screen of the Control and Monitoring section. 2.1.1.6. ON-AIR LED Under the lights of active processes is located the ON AIR warning light. This light is ON when the audio signal present at the input of the channel is sent to any of the outputs previously described. For further details refer to section 3.4.3.1.3.2 ROUTING MENU of this manual.
2.1.1.8. Channel activation keys The channel activation keys CHANNEL ON / OFF enable or disable the sending of the audio signal present at the input to the outputs. If the sliding fader is located in any position of the fader travel other than the minimum, the Channel on or off activation will be reflected through the ON AIR indicator previously described.
VU Meters Programmable Keys Main Display Studio, Control and Talkback Monitoring Control and Monitoring section 2.1.2.1. Control VU meters There are four 40 segment LED level meters configured by default like two stereo meters. The upper represents the MASTER output and the lower the CUE bus. From left to right, the first 25 LEDs are green, followed by an area of 5 yellow LEDs to finish with an area of 10 red. 0dB point or nominal value corresponds to the yellow LED adjacent to the first red LED.
These programmable keys can be configured through software to perform specific functions such as SALVOS, GPI, GPO, external codec control. For more information see section 4.2.1.2. INTERNAL MODULE CONFIGURATION of this manual. Section programmable keys The operation of the programmable keys allows two possibilities: • • NORMAL, The pressing of the key triggers the execution of the scheduled action.
The three rotary encoders are related to the remaining lines of the menu. Each screen is described in chapter 3 of this manual but the thumb-rule for the association of the rotary encoder to the visible functions is: option visible to the left or in the upper part of the menu is controlled from the encoder located to the left. In many cases the encoders are represented and labelled on the screen for easy operation. 2.1.2.4.
The keys under the display allow select the signal to monitor on monitor speakers and headset, from left to right: • • • • PROG, monitor the audio signal “Master 1”. AUD, monitor the audio signal “AUDITION” or Master 2. SEL, allows monitor any signal of the console selected from the encoder SOURCE. CUE, selects the audio signal(s) present on the CUE bus.
Studio Monitoring display • • • • • The keys under the display allows to select the signal to monitor on monitor speakers and headset, from left to right: PROG, monitor the audio signal “Master 1”. AUD, monitor the audio signal “AUDITION” or Master 2. SEL, allows monitor any signal of the console selected from the encoder HP/SOURCE. CUE, selects the audio signal(s) present on the CUE bus.
• be used with dedicated lines, external audio codecs or telephone hybrids. The talk-back to dedicated lines, external audio-codecs or telephone hybrids can be established through the use of the programmable keys. TEL 2, talk-back to a telephone hybrid line 2. 2.1.3. VENTILATION GRILLE The base of the equipment and the top of the control surface have micro-perforations to allow the passing of a stream of air naturally created by convection due to the heat dissipated by the equipment electronics.
2.2. Rear Panel Overview and Connections The ease of installation and set-up has been a priority in the design of AEQ FORUM. The equipment is self-contained and can be installed either desktop or countersunk. To connect cough cut, remote control of external devices, ON AIR lights, etc. ... AEQ FORUM has 8 general purpose inputs (GPI), 8 general purpose outputs (GPO) and another 4 relay outputs.
2.2.1. Power Supply A On the left side of rear FORUM (seen from behind) is the power supply module which incorporates the DC / DC converters that provides the internal circuitry power of the console. Externally you can see the 48 V DC Speak-On connector to which the external 48 V DC power supply is connected.
2.2.2.1. GPIO AEQ FORUM incorporates several electronic general purpose interfaces, GPIO, either of the opto-coupled or physical contact type and always available on the rear panel of the unit. Opto-coupled General Purpose Outputs – GPO's Opto-coupled General Purpose Inputs – GPI's Relay contacts General Purpose Outputs – GPO's Location of GPIO´s resources 2.2.2.1.1.
DB9 female connector GPI inputs (2 x SUB-D female 9 pin). 1 6 2 7 3 8 4 9 5 GPIN1 GND_GPIN1 GPIN2 GND_GPIN2 GPIN3 GND_GPIN3 GPIN4 GND_GPIN4 Not connected 5 1 GPIN5 6 GND_GPIN5 2 GPIN6 7 GND_GPIN6 3 GPIN7 8 GND_GPIN7 4 GPIN8 9 GND_GPIN8 Not connected On request, this wiring kit can be supplied with connectors explicitly specified by the customer. For more information please refer to AEQ sales department or authorised distributors. 2.2.2.1.2.
Details DB9 male connector GPO outputs (2 x SUB-D male 9-pin). 1 GPOUT1 1 GPOUT5 6 GND_GPOUT1 6 GND_GPOUT5 2 GPOUT2 2 GPOUT6 7 GND_GPOUT2 7 GND_GPOUT6 3 GPOUT3 3 GPOUT7 8 GND_GPOUT3 8 GND_GPOUT7 4 GPOUT4 4 GPOUT8 9 GND_GPOUT4 9 GND_GPOUT8 5 Not connected 5 Not connected On request, this wiring kit can be supplied with connectors explicitly specified by the customer. For more information please refer to AEQ sales department or authorised distributors. 2.2.2.1.3.
Details DB9 male connector GPO Relay outputs (2 x SUB-D male 9-pin). 1 GPOUT_RL1 1 GPOUT_RL3 6 Not connected 6 Not connected 2 GPOUT_RL1_NO 2 GPOUT_RL3_NO 7 GPOUT_RL1_NC 7 GPOUT_RL3_NC 3 Not connected 3 Not connected 8 GPOUT_RL2 8 GPOUT_RL4 4 Not connected 4 Not connected 9 GPOUT_RL2_NO 9 GPOUT_RL4_NO 5 GPOUT_RL2_NC 5 GPOUT_RL4_NC On request, this wiring kit can be supplied with connectors explicitly specified by the customer.
RJ45 Pin-out 2.2.2.3. Synch port AEQ FORUM has an external sync input for AES 11 and TTL formats. The input connector is an RJ45 on the rear panel of the unit and identified as EXT. SYNC. EXT.SYNC connector External sync input (RJ-45). 1 TTL_SYNC_IN 2 TTL_SYNC_IN_GND 3 TTL_SYNC_OUT 4 GND 5 AES_SYNC_OUT+ 6 AES_SYNC_OUT7 AES_SYNC_IN+ 8 AES_SYNC_INCHASSIS EARTH It is also possible to synchronize the unit using Ethernet port and NTP protocol. 2.2.2.4.
The speaker output for the control is called MONITOR and within the CONTROL ROOM section on the rear panel of the equipment. The speaker output for the studio is called MONITOR and within the STUDIO ROOM section on rear panel of the equipment. In order to simplify the installation phase, AEQ offers a prefabricated wiring kit specifically for monitoring outputs: CAB FR MON, female DB9 connector soldered to 4 metres of cable openend termination for two monitor outputs. More information in section 2.2.
2.2.2.6. Order Microphone Talk-back or order microphone input is identified as TBACK MIC in the CONTROL ROOM section on the rear panel of the AEQ FORUM. The input includes selector MIC / LINE and Phantom ON / OFF. XLR - Female 3p. Balanced connection. Female Connector - Input Male Connector - Output 3P XLR pin-out – solder side view Pin 1 GND Pin 2 input + Pin 3 input Talkback microphone could be dynamic or electrec external standard mic or goose-neck included like option. 2.2.2.7.
2.2.3. Audio Input/Output modules C FORUM AEQ includes enough space in its rear panel to accommodate a maximum of 14 independent modules of audio inputs or outputs in various formats. Depending on the type of audio processed, each of these modules receives a specific identifier within the family of products AEQ FORUM. AEQ is continuously developing new features for AEQ FORUM in order to meet the market demands for different solutions.
DB15 female connector pin-out detail 1 9 2 10 3 11 4 12 5 13 6 14 7 15 8 IN1+ IN1GND GND IN2+ IN2GND GND IN3+ IN3GND GND IN4+ IN4GND The 4 digital outputs available on the FR02 are available through a male DB15 connector identified as AES/EBU 4 STEREO OUTPUTS. DB15 male connector pin-out detail 1 9 2 10 3 11 4 12 5 13 6 14 7 15 8 OUT1+ OUT1GND GND OUT2+ OUT2GND GND OUT3+ OUT3GND GND OUT4+ OUT4GND The module FR02 includes SRC FR02 (Sample-Rate-Converters) for all inputs and outputs.
2.2.3.2. FR03 MIC/LINE Input Module The AEQ FORUM FR03 module includes 2 switchable monophonic microphone/line level on two female XLR connectors. Module FR03 Each of the two mic / line inputs available on the FR03 module includes separate controls on dedicated hardware button to select your operation as microphone or line input, as well as the activation or deactivation of the +48 V phantom power available.
2.2.3.3. FR04 analogue line input Module The AEQ FORUM FR04 module incorporates 8 electronically balanced monophonic line level inputs and are available physically through two DB15 female connectors identified as ANALOG INPUTS 1 TO 4 (upper), and ANALOG INPUTS 5 TO 8 (lower). Module FR04 DB15 female connector pin-out 8 analogue input lines (2 x SUB-D 15 pin female).
2.2.3.4. FR05 analogue line output module The AEQ FORUM FR05 module incorporates 8 electronically balanced monophonic line level outputs and are available physically through two DB15 male connectors identified as ANALOG OUTPUTS 1 TO 4 (upper), and ANALOG OUTPUTS 5 TO 8 (lower). Detail module FR05 DB15 male connector pin-out 8 analogue line output (2 x SUB-D 15-pin male).
2.2.3.5. FR33 telephone hybrid module The AEQ FORUM can incorporate up to two modules FR33 as internal digital telephone hybrids, each of which have the capacity to manage a single telephone line. Detail module FR33 Each FR33 module includes two RJ11 connectors, one is labelled LINE and to which the telephone line connection is accomplished.
2.2.4. Wiring All wiring kit described below are optional and have been designed by AEQ to simplify the installation of the unit. To facilitate the quick connection of the console in almost any installation, AEQ can supply audio and data cables with the corresponding DB-type connectors that are used to connect the unit.
3. DESCRIPTION OF THE INTERNAL MENU AEQ FORUM internal menu is displayed on the main screen of the Control and Monitoring section of the control surface. • • Most of them allow you to modify values shown, changing routing or gains or applying processes to the audio signals. For this purpose, the three rotary encoders and its four contextual keys associated to this screen are used. • Some screens of the internal menu are merely informative.
The initial screen shows the current system date (DD/MM/YY) and time (HH/MM/SS). Chrono screen The four options visible on the last line of the display are associated with the four contextual keys below, from left to right: • BACK: returns to the previous menu screen. At this point no change you may have made is saved. (When you exit any of the sub-menus present in this CLOCK menu, the chronometer and countdown functions stop and are reset to their initial values.
Chrono screen 3.2. LOGIN / LOGOUT Menu This menu allows AEQ FORUM users / operators to register in the system, so that the equipment recognizes their user level by the associated password, and assigns them an access level for subsequent operation in the various console sub-menus. AEQ FORUM enables up to four different user levels, each with its associated profiles and passwords: • LEVEL 0: users with no associated password.
By turning any of the encoders you can select the desired digit; pressing the encoder confirms your selection. Any of the three encoders enables you to enter the password; there is no association between characters on the screen and the associated physical encoders. The four contextual keys are associated with the four options displayed in the bottom line of the display: • BACK: pressing this key allows you to return to the previous menu screen. At this point no change you may have made is saved.
Memory screen Each stored memory is identified by its name and the date on which it was created. Except for DEFAULT, the names of the memories are editable from the Configuration Software (see section 4. CONFIGURATION SOFTWARE in this manual). The options available through the contextual keys below the screen, from left to right, are: • • • BACK: pressing this key allows you to return to the previous menu screen. No change you may have made is saved.
It is also possible to load the configuration using the associated remote configuration software. 3.4.1. INFO Menu This is a menu specifically for technical maintenance. The INFO menu lets you display the firmware versions installed in the various console operating modules, and monitor the different alarms that the console generates automatically.
3.4.2. SETUP Menu Through the IPSET option in a contextual key, this menu enables you to display configuration associated with the two Ethernet ports available on the back panel equipment (see section XX of this manual) in the form of an IP address (IP1 or IP2), mask (MK1 or MK2) and gateway (GW1 or GW2). Only Level 3 users are permitted to these values.
The options available through the contextual keys below the screen, from left to right, are: • • • BACK: pressing this key allows you to return to the previous menu screen. No change you may have made is saved. IN: configuration of input audio signals and processes and routing associated with those signals. OUT: configuration of output audio signals. 3.4.3.1. INPUT Menu The IN menu shows a list of all the audio input logic signals defined in the system from the Configuration Software.
• BAL enables you to modify the balance between the L and R channels in stereo signals. The operation of this indicator will activate the BAL display available in the channel on fader display. See section 2.1.1.5. Active Process Indicators. The four contextual keys under the display are associated with the four options shown in the bottom line of the screen: • • • • BACK: pressing this key allows you to return to the previous menu screen.
• • • reduced to half at the output. The highest ratio available is 50:1, which will be used to implement signal limiters. The limiter must reduce all signals exceeding a certain level to that level. ATT (Attack Time): This is the time it takes the compressor to react to an increase in the input signal. The shorter this time, the more sensitive the compressor will be to pulse signals, and the it will act on this type of signals.
Noise Gate configuration screen When establishing the settings, the threshold for the noise gate will be much lower than in the case of the compressor, as its operation is the opposite. The noise gate prevents the passing of lower levels of the signal that could be considered noise. Therefore, the range of settings is different. In addition, there is an additional parameter for noise gates, which is “Hold Time.
The four options visible on the last line of the display are associated with the four contextual keys below, from left to right: • BACK: pressing this key allows you to return to the previous menu screen. At this point no change you may have made is saved. • LPF, as a low pass filter activation key (LED lighted). Pressing this contextual key for three seconds opens the cut-off frequency configuration menu.
From top to bottom: • • • • • • The name of the channel, in alphanumeric format containing up to 6 characters. This is the same identifier as the one shown in the display of the fader channel. 2.1.1.5. Active Process Indicators. Dedicated hardware for this input audio channel, in HW format: xx.yy, where xx is the number of the slot where this input / output module is installed, and yy is the audio channel in this input / output module.
Operation of the three associated encoders: • • • Left: turning this encoder allows you to scroll through the various audio outputs on the list. Centre: pressing this encoder enables you to create or delete the cross-point. Its operation is analogous to the ADD and DEL contextual keys. Right: enables you to modify the gain in the cross-point of the highlighted output between -12dB and +12dB. By default, all of the cross-points will be configured with a neutral gain: +0dB.
• • • Graphic representation of an encoder associated with the GAIN field, enabling modifications ranging from -12dB to +12dB. The equipment is supplied with the default value of 0dB. Identifier of the type of audio signal present in that output: AES/EBU, analogue, etc. Indication of MONO or STEREO signals.
4. CONFIGURATION SOFTWARE The AEQ FORUM is ready for use once the mixer inputs and outputs have been properly connected. The console is shipped with the Audio input and output modules as requested by each customer. However, the name tags used for the channel audio inputs and outputs are generic (MIC1, ANA 03, DIG 05 ...) and routing and effects programmed are AEQ standard that are used for functional testing of the console, whereas these settings may not be entirely to the preferences of the client.
• Right side of the screen, larger area containing parameter settings for each of the menus and sub-menus. Forum-Setup This screen shows information regarding the software version and the current user logged into the application. On the left side of the screen all the relevant menus and sub-menus are available. These are drop-down menus and are activated clicking on the desired option.
Confirmation dialogue box, application shut-down ForumSetup 4.1. ADMINISTRATION menu This menu allows you to manage levels of users that can operate the mixer and control the communication between the remote configuration software and the mixer. Clicking on the ADMINISTRATION section of the main screen the complete list of sub-menus is shown: • • • Configurations: Manages the configuration exchange between the software application and the AEQ FORUM.
• • SEND CONFIGURATION, uploads and activates the currently selected configuration to the AEQ FORUM Mixing console. thus becoming the system configuration in operation. The audio will be interrupted a few seconds while the new configuration is being loaded. RESET, replaces the currently active configuration on the AEQ FORUM Mixing console with the DEFAULT factory configuration stored in the mixer. Please refer to section 4.3.5 of this manual.
• • ACCESS LEVEL, user level associated with the user (name) and password previously configured. FORUM AEQ allows up to 4 different levels of users: • LEVEL 0: user does not have an associated password. The operations that are allowed are limited to opening and closing channels of the Mixing consoles, adjust the gain through the use of the sliding faders. These users are not allowed to carry out any modifications through the use of the ForumSetup software application.
4.1.3. Sub-menu - ABOUT FORUM SETUP To access the ABOUT FORUM SETUP sub-menu, click on the icon; ABOUT FORUM SETUP sub-menu icon. This screen shows information regarding the software version and the current user logged into the application. ABOUT FORUM SETUP sub-menu 4.2.
This menu allows you to configure the system Input and Output modules as well as the logical audio channels created from the physical inputs and outputs. Clicking on the Hardware Configuration section on the left side of the screen displays the full list of sub-menus, which includes: • • • • • BOARD CONFIGURATION allows defining the fader settings, audio input and output modules and GPIO of the Mixing Console.
Hardware Configuration Sub-menu 4.2.1.1. MODULE CONFIGURATION Section Module Configuration section HARDWARE CONFIGURATION sub-menu lets you manually configure the audio input and output modules of the 14 different slots available on the rear panel of AEQ FORUM. These 14 slots are displayed as 14 consecutive rows of a table beginning at position 1 in the top of the list and ending with 14 in the bottom.
NOTE: For more information about each of these modules, audio inputs and outputs please refer to section 2.2.3 of this manual. 4.2.1.2. Section INTERNAL CONFIGURATION MODULE The section INTERNAL MODULE CONFIGURATION of the HARDWARE CONFIGURATION sub-menu allows you to configure the General Purpose Inputs and Outputs - GPIO (both the physical contact relays and the opto-coupled that are available on the rear panel in the section of common inputs and outputs of the AEQ FORUM (Please refer to section 2.2 .2.
Menu for advanced configurations – GPI The options available in the menu for advanced configurations – GPI are: Edit the "Label" to identify the role assigned Configure at what level the GPI should trigger an action: • HIGH, GPI activated on high level. • LOW, GPI activated on low level. • ON CHANGE GPI is activated by transitions from high to low or the inverse.
• • • ON CHANGE GPO is activated by transitions from high to low or the inverse. PULSE HIGH, as an output in the form of a high level pulse with a duration that is defined in milliseconds in the field *DURATION”. LOW PULSE as an output in the form of a low level pulse with a duration that is defined in milliseconds in the field *DURATION”. 4) RELAY, allows you to configure the GPO outputs on physical contact relays as opposed to the opto-coupled GPO's on open collector transistors.
operation, the MPX2 will disappear from the available channels on the configuration screen since this channel will be added to MPX1. You can create up to 32 mono or 16 stereo mix buses, including the 7 predefined stereo buses and the 2 MPX mono buses as described above. The MPX buses can be expanded to up to 8. The remainder of mixing buses can be defined as internal.
• • • √, accept changes to the selected entry. X, reject changes to the selected entry. refreshes the information provided in the list. Clicking the column headers will sort the information by the column header. 4.2.3. I/O CONFIGURATION Sub-menu To access the I / O CONFIGURATION sub-menu, click on the corresponding icon.
4.2.3.1. Advanced Configuration menu of input channels Even if all configuration options and possibilities are explained hereunder, it should be taken into account that the on-screen options may vary depending on the Input/Output module that the logical audio channel has been configured for; • Headers o "FRzz Input configuration" means that we are setting the inputs of a FR"zz" type card o "INPUT HW: xx.
with the “GPI SOLO” function”. This is useful when for example multiple microphones are used for the invited guests and the moderator needs to cut all the mics except his own. This option is only available for inputs and is typically used for microphone signals as explained and usually for the main microphone. If you associate the "GPI SOLO" to any other signal it will cut all the microphones when activated.
Additionally channels defined in this section will force the muting or DIM of SRM according created configuration. • CONTROL ON AIR associates the CHANNEL ON/OFF of this channel with the triggering of a GPO for the “ON-AIR” Lights of the Control room. Typically you would associate this GPO to microphone channels. Additionally channels defined in this section will force the muting or DIM of CRM according created configuration. 4.2.3.2.
There are two distinct parts in this sub-menu; the upper part is dedicated to the configurations associated to the Studio section and the lower to the Control Room and the Control monitoring. MONITORING CONFIGURATION sub-menu: Choosing GPO to studio green light 4.2.4.1. STUDIO ROOM SECTION This section of MONITORING CONFIGURATION sub-menu lets you choose how the four keys under the display of the STUDIO ROOM SECTION shall work – either in MIXER or EXCLUSIVE mode.
selection. In this section you can also allocate the of physical outputs - “GPO´s” associated with “OFF AIR” green lights (i.e. no sources especially microphones, are activated in the studio,) and “ON AIR”, red light (i.e. no sources, especially microphones are activated in the studio) of the Studio. You can choose between the opto-coupled GPO´s (1 to 8) or the contact relay GPO´s (9 to 12). See section 2.2.2.1 of this manual 4.2.4.2.
NTP Client Configuration Sub-menu The on-screen options are: • • • • ACTIVE, ON or OFF NTP / SNTP Server (IP), IP address for the remote master clock. UPDATE EVERY (MIN), refresh period, the frequency with which AEQ FORUM will contact the remote NTP time server to confirm that there are no deviations. The default value is set to 10 minutes. TIME ZONE OFFSET is used to compensate for the difference in time zone(s) between the location of the console and the time zone where the remote NTP clock is located.
Detail PROGRAMMABLE CONFIGURATION menu and associated sub-menus 4.3.1. ROUTING CONFIGURATION sub-menu Sub-menu is accessed from the drop-down ROUTING Programmable Configuration menu, clicking on the icon; CONFIGURATION Internal Icon ROUTING CONFIGURATION sub-menu The ROUTING CONFIGURATION sub-menu allows you to define the cross-points between input channels or internal summing buses and output channels.
ROUTING CONFIGURATION sub-menu The bottom of the workspace in this sub-menu contains two options: • DELETE ROUTING, eliminates the selected cross-point. Confirmation to delete is requested. Request confirmation to delete cross-point dialogue box. • INSERT ROUTING, you can create a cross-point through a simple process that requests the name of the input channel or the internal summing bus as the source, and the output channel name as the destination.
4.3.2. PROGRAMMABLE KEYS Sub-menu Access the PROGRAMMABLE KEYS sub-menu clicking on the icon; Icon PROGRAMMABLE KEYS PROGRAMMABLE KEYS sub-menu lets you configure the actions associated with each of the 15 programmable keys found in the section Control and Monitoring of the AEQ FORUM control surface. Please refer to Section 2.1.2.2. of this manual. Within this sub-menu there are two distinct areas: • • The upper part of the screen that allows for the basic configuration of the 15 programmable keys.
To set a programmable key, simply click on it with the mouse and select from the list on the right to associate action; • • • • • • NONE, no action associated. GENERAL, associated with activation of GPI and GPO. SALVO, configure a Salvo. CODEC functions associated with remote control of peripheral communications equipment through GPIs and GPOs. MULTIPLEX, associates the key to sending the clean feed, or summing bus to the corresponding codecs or telephone hybrids.
• • • • • GROUP, indicating the group of keys to assign this programmable key. Assign a key to a group when you need to define exclusive operation between various programmable keys. LATCH MODE, you can define the programmable keys as LATCHING or NON LATCHING,. GPI, lets you select the physical GPI input in the section for common system I/O's associated to the programmable key. GPO, lets you select the physical GPO output in the section for common system I/O's associated to the programmable key.
The GENERAL tab of the SALVO configuration is identical to the way a GENERAL function is assigned to a programmable key and as described in section 4.3.2.2 and allows you to configure the operational sequence of the programmable key and its relationship with the system GPI´s and GPO´s. This way it is possible to execute a SALVO either by pressing the programmable key or by the remote activation of the programmable key through GPI.
• • • • FR33, optional module digital telephone hybrid of the AEQ FORUM. For more information see section 2.2.3.5 of this manual. TH02, digital telephone hybrid AEQ TH02EX. For more information see http://www.aeq.es/eng/pr_th02ex.htm EAGLE, ISDN audio-codec AEQ EAGLE. For more information see http://www.aeq.es/eng/pr_eagle.htm PHOENIX, IP/ISDN audio-codec AEQ PHOENIX STUDIO. For more information see http://www.aeq.es/eng/pr_phoenixstudio.
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4 Procedure to setup correctly the remote control of AEQ EAGLE codec 4.3.2.5. Configuring the programmable keys as “MULTIPLEX” Icon Programmable key with MULTIPLEX function assigned The “MULTIPLEX” function associates the programmable key to send preconfigured audio to the corresponding summing bus. Its function is to enable the send of additional auxiliary to codecs, hybrid or other auxiliary destinations.
4.3.2.6. Configuring the programmable keys as “CUE RESET” CUE RESET option to configure the programmable key to disconnect all signals that are being sent to the CUE. Icon Programmable key with CUE RESET function assigned The area of the screen related to the “Key Configuration” will not show any options for the CUE RESET.
The three buttons at the bottom of the screen allow you to manage the list of groups of microphones and their individual configuration. • DELETE GROUP deletes the selected group of microphones. Confirmation to delete is requested. Confirmation to delete dialogue box • INSERT GROUP, creates a new group of microphones and allows you to insert and set up the signals through the following menu options: 1. LABEL , name or ID for the group of microphones. A maximum of 6 characters is recommended. 2.
• MODIFY GROUP, modifies a previously created group of microphones selected. The menu is identical to previously described “INSERT GROUP”. 4.3.4. PRESET CONFIGURATION Access to the PRESET CONFIGURATION from the Programmable Configuration drop-down menu, clicking the icon; PRESET CONFIGURATION Icon PRESET CONFIGURATION allows you to create default settings associated with the different audio processes available in AEQ FORUM: equalizers, filters, compressors, limiters and noise gates.
Advanced settings menu pre-sets, which leads to the specific options of configuration for each of the pre-set effects. The bottom of the main screen PRESET CONFIGURATION includes a set of standardized buttons/tools that simplify the management of this list: • • • • • • • • • • I ◄, scroll to the top of the list. ◄, move to the position immediately above the list ►, move to the position immediately below the list ► I, scroll to the last position in the list. +, insert a new entry in the list.
Configuration screen Compressor / Limiter Dynamics processors are used to modify the dynamic ranges of an audio signal to adapt it to specific needs or to produce certain sound effects. A compressor enables you to reduce the dynamic range of the signal. Your purpose may be to adapt a signal with a very broad dynamic range to a circuit that will not support such wide variations in level, or to generate a certain sound in a signal.
• • • • the signal. A short time will enable the compressor to adapt more quickly to pulse fluctuations in the signal. (Compression) Ratio: is the compression ratio. A ratio of 1:1 does not involve any variation in the signal, as the level of the input signal is maintained at the output. A ratio of 2:1 indicates that the level of an input signal which exceeds the threshold will be reduced to half at the output. The highest ratio available is 50:1, which will be used to implement signal limiters.
When establishing the settings, the threshold for the noise gate will be much lower than in the case of the compressor, as its operation is the opposite. The noise gate prevents the passing of lower levels of the signal that could be considered noise. Therefore, the range of settings is different. In addition, there is an additional parameter for noise gates, which is “Hold Time.
4.3.4.3. Advanced Configuration Equalizer From the Advanced menu screen Pre-set Settings you can activate or deactivate the equalizer through the option EQUALIZER ACTIVE (tic-box). Press the “Configure” button to access the graphic display where the operational parameters for the equalizer are modified: freq, Q and Gain. EQ control screen 4.3.4.4.
Low pass filter configuration screen High-pass filter configuration screen. 4.3.5.
SNAPSHOT CONFIGURATION allows you to manage different configurations stored in the AEQ FORUM and available to operators through the internal menu of the main screen of the Control and Monitoring section of the unit. Please refer to section 3.3 of this manual. SNAPSHOT CONFIGURATION Sub-menu The main screen of this menu is presented as a list of all the snapshots stored. There is a default configuration (labelled DEFAULT) and up to six memory positions that are free for userdefined configurations.
Advanced settings menu snapshot memories The options under the advanced settings menu memory snapshots, described from left to right and top to bottom: • • • • • • LABEL, alphanumeric label for the snapshot memory. Faders, twelve drop-down menus allow you to assign an audio channel that corresponds to one of the physical faders of the AEQ FORUM mixing console. The faders are numbered from left to right, 1 through 12.
Advanced settings section CONFIGURE INPUTS, OUTPUTS AND MIXERS • • OK, accepts configuration. CANCEL, cancels the configuration. 4.3.5.1. Advanced Settings INPUTS Within the advanced settings screen CONFIGURE INPUTS, OUTPUTS AND MIXERS, the column on the left shows the complete list of all the units available audio input channels. • • • INPUT, as an internal control, numeric identifier for the input. LABEL, name associated to the channel.
• • • • • • • • • • • • NAME OF THE CHANNEL ROUTING, activate or configure the access keys to routing that are available above each fader channel of the AEQ FORUM control surface. BALANCE / PANORAMA, manages the balance or panoramic control for this input channel. BUTTONS, to select the initial status of the PFL (CUE) or CHANNEL ON / OFF buttons of the AEQ FORUM control surface.
4.3.5.3. Advanced Settings MIXER Within the advanced settings screen CONFIGURE INPUTS, OUTPUTS AND MIXERS, the column on the right shows the complete list of all the mixers available internal summing buses. • • • INPUT, as an internal control, numeric identifier for the internal summing bus. LABEL, name associated to the summing bus. CONFIG, allows you to configure the specific options for the internal summing bus through a dedicated screen.
FIRMWARE UPGRADE menu and sub-menus Any FIRMWARE UPGRADE or other operation in this section of the ForumSetup application should only be accomplished by qualified personnel in possession of all necessary technical information relative to this system and with the possibility to establish a direct communication with AEQ's technical support (sat@aeq.es). 4.4.1. TREE VIEW sub-menu Access to the sub-menu TREE VIEW from the drop-down menu under the Firmware Upgrade clicking on the icon.
TREE VIEW Selecting any of the modules through right-clicking the mouse and choosing the option UPGRADE, the screen for firmware upgrade will appear. The firmware update files are “AFU” type files (AEQ Firmware Upgrade) and are encrypted for reasons of security. Advanced Configuration Upgrade process.
4.4.2. UPGRADE VIEW sub-menu UPGRADE VIEW Sub-menu is accessed from the Firmware Upgrade drop-down clicking on the icon; Sub-menu UPGRADE VIEW icon UPGRADE VIEW displays information regarding the selected functional module to be upgraded and the progress of the upgrade operation. The following fields are visible on screen: • • • • • • • • • WRITE, progress bar concerning the AFU file copy process from the computer that is running ForumSetup.exe to the AEQ FORUM internal memory.
4.4.3. LOG VIEW Sub-menu LOG VIEW Sub-menu is accessed from the Firmware Upgrade drop-down menu, clicking on the icon; LOG VIEW icon LOG VIEW represents the record containing all the actions associated with a particular upgrade process and as a sequence of independent events chronologically ordered and its specific status (OK or ERROR) . This information is complementary information to the UPGRADE TREE VIEW.
5. REMOTE CONTROL SOFTWARE The AEQ FORUM mixing console optionally includes a remote control software called VIRTUAL FORUM. This application enables the remote virtual operation of the unit. VIRTUAL FORUM application icon This remote control software should not be confused with the remote configuration software as described in the previous chapter 4. CONFIGURATION SOFTWARE that is used to set-up and configure the operational parameters of the mixer.
6. STANDARD AEQ PRODUCT GUARANTEE AEQ warrants that this product has been designed and manufactured under a certified Quality Assurance System and according to the ISO 9001/2002 Standard. AEQ therefore warrants that the necessary test protocols to assure the proper operation and the specified technical characteristics of the product have been followed and accomplished. This includes that the general protocols for design and production and the particular ones for this product are conveniently documented. 1.
