iDR-4 Digital Audio Mix Processor USER GUIDE Hardware Configuration For software configuration refer to the iDR System Manager Help file Publication AP5230
Limited One Year Warranty This product is warranted to be free from defects in materials or workmanship for period of one year from the date of purchase by the original owner. To ensure a high level of performance and reliability for which this equipment has been designed and manufactured, read this User Guide before operating.
Important Safety Instructions – Read First Read instructions: Retain these safety and operating instructions for future reference. Heed all warnings printed here and on the equipment. Follow the operating instructions printed in this User Guide. Do not open: There are no user serviceable parts inside. competent technical personnel only. Power sources: Connect the unit to mains power only of the type described in this User Guide and marked on the rear panel.
Introduction This user guide is intended for the technical engineer in charge of the installation and configuration of the audio system. It is not intended for the day-to-day operator who should be provided with operating instructions specific to the application by the installer. The function, application, installation and technical details of the iDR hardware are described. It is kept short and to the point so that you can quickly find the information you need.
Contents Important Safety Instructions .......................................... 3 Welcome to the iDR-4 ..................................................... 6 Main Features.................................................................. 7 Front Panel Overview ...................................................... 8 Rear Panel Overview ....................................................... 9 System Processing Overview ....................................... 10 Getting Started - Check the Contents.......
Welcome to the iDR-4 The Allen & Heath iDR system is a set of components whose hardware, control and signal processing flexibility make it well suited to many installed, live sound and special project applications. Two main units are available, the 2U high 8 in 8 out iDR-8, and the 1U high 6 in 6 out iDR-4. This user guide describes the iDR-4. The 1U rack or desk mount iDR-4 is the main unit in the iDR system having all the DSP (digital signal processing) power needed for 16 input and 16 output channels.
Main Features • iDR-4 main processing unit 1U, 2 mic/line in, 4 line in, 6 line out audio mix processor with 16x16 channel matrix. The heart of the iDR system, it features 2 24bit Motorola DSPs. • 8 Front panel soft keys can be assigned by the installer as level, mute or patch recall with different types of press action. Similar applies to the iDRswitch functions. • Daisy chain iDR-4 units Any number may be interconnected via the 8 channel digital bus using CAT5 cable.
Front Panel Overview < iDR-4 AUDIO MIX PROCESSOR L9 L10 L11 L12 CODE UPDATE MENU L2 L3 L4 S1 S2 S3 S4 scroll < L1 < > ESC ENTER L13 L14 L15 L16 L5 L6 L7 L8 S5 S6 S7 S8 SETUP MENUS hold for 2 sec lock link power iDR-4 AUDIO MIX PROCESSOR iDR-in AUDIO INPUT EXPANDER lock link power iDR-out AUDIO OUTPUT EXPANDER link power iDR-switch 24 IN 16 OUT SWITCH CONTROLLER 1 Rack ears Mount the unit into a standard 19” equipment rack.
Rear Panel Overview NETWORK 100 - 240V~ 47-63Hz ~ 75W MAX MDI/X TX RS232 SYSNET active LINK FUSE: T1.6AL PL-ANET TO AVOID DAMAGE ONLY CONNECT COMPATIBLE PL-ANET EQUIPMENT WARNING THIS APPARATUS MUST BE EARTHED. ATTENTION: REMPLACER LE FUSIBLE AVEC UN DES MEMES CARACTERISTIQUES. 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.
System Processing Overview The iDR-4 has 6 analogue inputs and 6 analogue outputs. However, it has the onboard processing for a full 16 input and 16 output channels. An extra 8 physical inputs and/or outputs are available when the iDR-in and/or iDR-out audio expanders are added. Only one of each may be added. This means that you can create an 6x6, 14x6, 6x14 or 14x14 system to suit your requirements.
iDR PHYSICAL INPUTS NAME INPUT CHANNELS OUTPUT CHANNELS NAME NAME +20V GAIN MIC/LINE INPUT 1,2 MIX MATRIX PAD + - ADC SOURCE M M PEQ4 + - M GATE M M M M DELAY M FADER PEQ8 DAC 1 RELAY M M LIMIT 4 EXPANDER ADC 1 16 FADER COMP ACTIVE EXPANDER INPUT 9 ANALOG OUTPUT SOURCE GAIN LINE INPUT 3,4,5,6 PHYSICAL OUTPUTS SEL GR SIG GEN FREQ MUTE 9 OUTPUT MUTE GR 16 PAGER SILENCE FADER HF SHELF LF SHELF BELL HF FILTER LF FILTER XOVER FILTER MUTE MONO OSCILLATOR PINK
Delay Each output channel provides delay from 0 up to 340ms. It can be adjusted in ms, metres or feet and has compensation for temperature. PEQ The input channels each provide a 4 band fully parametric equaliser, the output channels an 8 band equaliser. Compared with the graphic EQ these are by far more powerful and accurate tools for adjusting frequency response. Selectable band types include HF shelf, LF shelf, bell, notch, HPF, LPF and crossover filter type. Variable or constant Q width can be used.
Getting Started - Check the Contents Keep the product packing in case you need to ship the product in the future. You should find the following components: L9 L10 L11 L12 L1 L2 L3 L4 S1 S2 S3 S4 CODE UPDATE MENU hold for 2 sec L13 < < > ENTER L15 L16 SETUP MENUS scroll < ESC L14 L5 L6 L7 L8 S5 S6 S7 S8 iDR-4 AUDIO MIX PROCESSOR iDR-4 AUDIO MIX PROCESSOR 1x iDR-4 UNIT. This is packed with its face plate removed and rack ears fitted. The ears can be removed for desk mounting.
Installing the iDR-4 The iDR-4 and its expanders are supplied ready for 19” rack mounting. For desk top or shelf mounting remove the rack ears and fit the 4 pressin rubber feet provided. Use Torx (star head) screwdrivers. Do not obstruct the side ventilation slots. Ensure adequate air flow around the units. Do not install the units directly above or below heat or electromagnetic generating equipment such as power supplies and amplifiers.
Earthing The connection to mains earth (ground) in an audio system is important for two reasons: Safety - To protect the operator from a high voltage shock associated with the AC mains supply feeding the system. Audio Performance - To shield the audio signals from interference pickup and to minimise the effects of ground loops which result in audible hum and buzz.
Starting Offline with iDR System Manager Software You need to install the iDR System Manager software on your PC. This requires Windows™ 95, 98, NT, ME, 2K or XP. We recommend that you check the Allen & Heath web site for the latest version. We are continually updating our software to add new features or make improvements. Download the latest version from our web site. IMPORTANT: Do not install this software over a previous version.
Checking the iDR-4 Operating Code Version A&H iDR V3.30 CODE UPDATE Check that this code is the same version as the iDR System Manager software you have installed on your PC. View this by clicking on the software Help menu About item. If it is an older version then carry out the code update procedure described below. If you have several units connected over a network make sure you check each for the correct version number.
< REMOVE THESE SCREWS iDR-4 AUDIO MIX PROCESSOR The iDR-4 Setup Menus PRESS AND HOLD FOR 2 SECONDS *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. *2 Clock Change the time of the internal clock. PL-Anet Devs: nn Locked: *3 Day of Week internal clock. NO *4 Unit Name Give the unit a unique name so it can be identified when connected to a PC or network.
Accessing the iDR-4 Setup Menus MENU hold for 2 sec < > ESC ENTER *** Setup *** *1 Patch Select SETUP MENUS scroll < CODE UPDATE Before your PC can take control of the iDR-4 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-4 you use the iDR System Manager software to configure the DSP resources and parameters.
Getting Started – Checking the Hardware The iDR-4 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. This can be done without the need to connect your PC and run the iDR System Manager software. When shipped, the iDR-4 is loaded with the DEFAULT configuration.
Communicating with the iDR-4 The iDR-4 is configured using a PC running the Allen & Heath Windows™ iDR System Manager application. The application can be password protected to prevent unauthorised access. You need to connect your PC to the iDR-4. 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. The iDR-4 communicates using well established computer communication methods.
Communicating Using A TCP/IP Connection The iDR-4 uses TCP/IP to communicate with a PC or distributed network via a CAT5 Ethernet link. It can also communicate over a dial-up connection using PPP via its RS232 port. The faster Ethernet connection is recommended for iDR configuration purposes. Note that the rear panel RS232 port is intended for remote interrogation of the unit via a modem.
Connecting the iDR-4 Direct to the PC SWITCH PRESSED 1 Connect the PC to the iDR-4 Plug the PC Ethernet port into the iDR-4 rear panel NETWORK port using the CAT5 UTP cable provided. Power up the PC and iDR unit. 2 Set the MDI/X switch in This is located next to the NETWORK socket. Press the switch in for direct connection. The LINK indicator lights once communication is recognised. iDR CAT5 UTP RJ45 3 Decide the IP addresses Both should have manually assigned IP addresses.
Communicating Using an RS232 Dial Up Connection The rear panel RS232 port is for connection to a modem. This lets you communicate with the iDR-4 remotely over a standard telephone line. TELEPHONE LINE MODEM RS232 PPP You can also use it for direct connection to a PC running iDR System Manager but this is much slower than using the network port and is not recommended. To use the RS232 port you need to access the front panel menu system to set the PPP settings.
Connecting the iDR-4 to a Modem FEMALE iDR 9PIN FEMALE TO MALE RS232 CABLE MODEM MALE MODEM PORT PHONE SOCKETS PHONE CABLE TELEPHONE LINE 1 Connect the iDR-4 to the modem Use the rear panel RS232 (MODEM) port. Check that the ‘active’ indicator next to it is lit. If it is not then select the RS232 communication option as described previously. Use a standard RS232 cable. Make sure that the modem is plugged into the telephone line.
Working with the iDR System Manager Having established a connection between your PC and the iDR-4 you can run the iDR System Manager application and start to configure the unit. Start the iDR System Manager from the Start / Programs / Allen & Heath menu. To open a new session click on the blue icon, press Ctrl+N, or open the New item in the File menu. All iDR units currently available are shown in the list. Select the one you want to work with. Click OK to open its session.
XLR Analogue Inputs and Outputs IN 1 MIC/LINE Inputs Plug analogue microphone and line sources in these inputs. The connections are differentially balanced XLR with pin2 hot (+), pin3 cold (-) and pin 1 ground. For unbalanced sources link pin 3 to pin 1 at the iDR input. Phantom power +20V DC can be switched to XLR pins 2 and 3 for powering condenser microphones and other equipment that needs phantom power. The voltage is fed through a 4.7k ohm resistor to each pin.
TRS Jack Inputs and Outputs TRS Inputs Physical inputs 3 to 6 are available on balanced TRS jack sockets wired tip hot (+), ring cold (-) and sleeve ground. To use these with unbalanced equipment link the ring to the sleeve. Line level signals between -18dBu and +12dBu may be connected. Note that inputs 5 and 6 can be re-configured using iDR System Manager software to become the stereo monitor ‘ripple through’ L and R inputs. Setting GAIN Open on the Source window to access the gain control.
Using the monitor Connect the rear panel line outputs 5 and 6 into a stereo amplifier driving monitor loudspeakers. You can select the source to monitor in three ways: iDR System Manager 1. window. There are three options: Open the Monitor Settings O Independent Outputs – Assigns TRS jacks 5 and 6 as channel inputs and outputs. This is the default setting for 6x6 operation with no audio monitor. Route each input jack to one or more channels using the ‘Input Channels’ window ‘Source’ button.
Adding the iDR-in and iDR-out Audio Expanders lock link power iDR-in AUDIO INPUT EXPANDER lock link power iDR-out AUDIO OUTPUT EXPANDER 100 - 240V~ 47-63Hz ~ 25W MAX next EXPANDER INPUTS previous OUT DR-LINK IN IN 8 IN 7 IN 6 IN 5 IN 4 IN 3 IN 2 IN 1 OUT 4 OUT 3 OUT 2 OUT 1 AUDIO OUT FUSE: T500mAL WARNING THIS APPARATUS MUST BE EARTHED. ATTENTION: REMPLACER LE FUSIBLE AVEC UN DES MEMES CARACTERISTIQUES.
iDR-in IN 14 13 12 11 OUT 4 3 2 1 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 2 1 IN 8 7 DR-LINK OUT DR-LINK 5 6 5 6 3 4 iDR-4 IN DR-LINK IN iDR-4 User Guide This diagram shows the iDR-4 with both the input and output expander fitted. Note the connection of DR-Link which is daisy chained from one unit to the next. If an iDR-switch unit is also fitted then daisy chain DR-Link from the last expander to the switch box. Make sure you plug into the correct DR-Link socket.
Linking iDR Units Several iDR-4 and iDR-8 units can be daisy chained together such that audio is passed between them using the 8 channel expander bus. An iDR-in expander can be added to the first unit in the chain, and an iDR-out expander can be added to the last unit.
Loop back system OUT 4 3 10 9 2 1 5 6 8 7 11 12 iDR-4 - A 5 6 3 4 IN 2 1 FORCE SYNC MASTER IN OUT OUT iDR-4 - B SYNC SLAVE IN 11 9 12 10 IN 8 7 This example shows two iDR-4 units connected with the audio bus looped back from the last to the first. This means that all inputs are available to both units using the patchbays and matrix. Note that each unit must have its own session of iDR System Manager running for configuration. The loop back system uses the audio expander ports.
Adding the iDR-switch Expander link power iDR-switch 24 IN 16 OUT SWITCH CONTROLLER 100 - 240V~ 47-63Hz ~ 15W MAX +10V DC max total 500mA V + open collector +24V DC, 200mA max next FUSE: T500mAL previous OUT DR-LINK IN LOGIC OUTPUTS 16 15 V + - + - SWITCH INPUTS +10V opto G 14 + - 13 + - 2K2 switch G G +10V G 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 V 12 + - G G 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 G V + G G 8 G V + 7 6 - + 5 4 - + 3 2 - + 1 G - G opto 11 + - 10 + - + 9 - 8 - +
Important Note: The iDR-switch provides contact closure switch inputs and opencollector logic outputs. How these are wired to external equipment is the responsibility of the installer. Specification details are provided here for the iDR-switch inputs and outputs. It is important that the installer is suitably qualified and familiar with external control circuits to be able to work within the capabilities of the unit.
OPTO INTERNAL DR-switch CIRCUIT Using the logic outputs Each output is optocoupled to isolate the iDR-switch from the connected equipment. It provides an open collector output with floating collector (+pin) and emitter (-pin). OPEN COLLECTOR (1 OF 4 SHOWN) +10V V V V V +16 +12 +8 +4 - +15 +11 +7 +3 - +14 +10 +6 +2 - +13 +9 +5 +1 - G G G G Each 10way connector provides 4 open collector pairs as well as an internal +10V DC supply and ground pins.
SysNet and PL-Anet Ports Together with RS232, the SysNet and PL-Anet serial ports are part of the communications options available. The iDR-4 offers huge flexibility by offering 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 the three options using the iDR System Manager software Communications Option window. Which ports are available is displayed by ‘active’ LEDs next to the connectors.
The iDR-4 Memory System The iDR-4 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. The memory holds several different types of information including the boot code, unit operating code, unit settings and patch settings. Information can be archived as a configuration file on a PC.
Starting with the 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-4 can store and recall any number of chosen settings from an extensive list of parameters. These include not only the channel levels and processing such as equalisers and dynamics, but also how the soft keys, soft LEDs, LCD display and connected remotes are set up.
Technical Specification < iDR-4 AUDIO MIX PROCESSOR L9 L10 L11 CODE UPDATE L12 MENU L13 L3 L4 S2 S3 S4 scroll < L2 S1 < > ESC ENTER L15 L16 SETUP MENUS hold for 2 sec L1 L14 lock link L5 L6 L7 L8 S5 S6 S7 S8 iDR-4 AUDIO MIX PROCESSOR power iDR-in AUDIO INPUT EXPANDER lock link power iDR-out AUDIO OUTPUT EXPANDER link power iDR-switch 24 IN 16 OUT SWITCH CONTROLLER NETWORK 100 - 240V~ 47-63Hz ~ 75W MAX MDI/X TX RS232 (code) OUT 4 OUT 3 OUT 2 OUT 1 OUT
Application iDR System Manager software System configuration Installed, live and special project sound AUDIO EXPANDERS iDR-in lock link power iDR-in AUDIO INPUT EXPANDER Installer configured, operator controlled Set and forget, remote control MODEM PL Designer software PL Client software 'Vitual' wall plates iDR-out RS232 lock link power iDR-out AUDIO OUTPUT EXPANDER NETWORK AUDIO MONITOR Zoned sound distribution and control iDR-4 AUDIO MIX PROCESSOR Source routing and mixing Sys-Net
Description Mic/Line Inputs x2 (x10 expanded) iDR-4 2 mic / 4 line in, 6 line out main processor Female 3pin XLR iDR-8 8 mic/line in, 8 line out main processor Electronically balanced, pin 2 hot iDR-in 8 mic/line in audio expander Impedance 2k ohm (pad out), >10k ohm (pad in) iDR-out 8 line out audio expander Gain range -15 to +50dB in 3dB steps iDR-switch 24 switch, 16 logic output expander Pad -20dB PL Range of wall plates and remote controllers Sensitivity (pad out) -50 to -5dBu iDR-4 Opera
Network Port DR-Link Port For system configuration and control using iDR System Manager and PL Client software Serial control of iDR expander units RJ45 TCP/IP Ethernet RJ45 connector MDI/X switch for hub or direct to PC connection Set DHCP on/off, IP, subnet mask, gateway address IN and OUT ports provided on expanders to allow daisy chaining through multiple units CAT5 UTP cable up to 100 metres (330 feet) CAT5 STP cable up to 300 metres (1000 feet) Communications Port Options iDR-switch Inputs
Software LCD Display Downloadable from Allen & Heath web site 2x16 character, grey, backlit iDR-4 operating code – can be updated via RS232 using Windows™ HyperTerminal, or via network using iDR System Manager Assignable display, patch related iDR System Manager configuration software Combinations of clock, unit name and user text Setup menu, code update and status modes Uses Windows™ PC Memory System On and off line operation Up to 99 patches, memory usage dependent Required only for system con
Source Patchbays Gate Emulates a physical patchbay Threshold -72 to +18dBu Input channel source – physical input 1-6, expander 916, monitor LR, signal generator, silence Depth 0 to -80dB Output XLR source – output channel 1-16, monitor LR Hold 50ms to 5s Mix Matrix Attack 20us to 300us Release 50ms to 1s Input / output channel crosspoint matrix Display – level response curve, gate active, in, out and sidechain meters Switched routing or variable level fader at each point Controls – in/out, side
Audio Monitor Factory RESET patch parameters Stereo audio monitor with line output AMM Configurable from line in/out 5 and 6 No active inputs or outputs Ripple through capability for linked units Threshold 7dB Select source manually or follow mouse movements Gate depth 40dB Display – stereo meters Hold time 1s Controls – fader, mute Signal Generator Source variable frequency sine wave, white noise, pink noise, band pass pink noise NOM attenuation 3dB Output delays All 0ms Input faders, mutes,
Template for Allen & Heath iDR-4 Front Panel Key Label File: iDR-4_label.dot for Microsoft® Word Each label is a table. You can format it in the usual way. Edit the text to identify the key and LED functions (maximum of three lines per cell, each with eight characters). Overall size of each label is 178.5 x 12.5 mm. Adhere the labels into the iDR-4 front face plate slots provided.
IDR-4 User Guide
