iDR-8 Digital Audio Mix Processor USER GUIDE Publication AP4530
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-8 ..................................................... 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-8 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. 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.
Main Features • iDR-8 main processing unit 2U, 8 mic/line in, 8 line out audio mix processor with 16x16 channel matrix. The heart of the iDR system, it features 2 24bit Motorola DSPs. • 16 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-8 units Any number may be interconnected via the 8 channel digital bus using CAT5 cable.
Front Panel Overview L17 L18 L19 L20 L21 L22 L23 L24 L25 L26 L27 L28 L29 L30 L31 L32 Allen & Heath Wed 13:44:08 L1 L2 S2 L3 S3 L4 S4 L5 S5 L6 L7 S6 S7 L8 L9 S8 S9 < S1 < CODE UPDATE LEVEL TRIM FRONT/REAR slave active ext sync lock 96k scroll ESC > ENTER MENU audio monitor patch select day & clock network setup diagnostics hold for 2 seconds RS232 For connection to PC com port lock link power L10 S10 L11 S11 L12 S12 L13 S13 L14 S14 L15 S15 L16 S
Rear Panel Overview MIDI OUT Use null-modem cable to connect to PC com port RS232 (MODEM) THRU MIDI IN MIC/LINE INPUTS SYSNET PORT NETWORK MDI/X active active TX IN 8 IN 7 IN 6 IN 5 IN 4 IN 3 IN 2 IN 1 OUT 8 OUT 7 OUT 6 OUT 5 OUT 4 OUT 3 OUT 2 OUT 1 IN 16 IN 15 IN 14 IN 13 IN 12 IN 11 IN 10 IN 9 OUT 12 OUT 11 OUT 10 OUT 9 active active LINK PL-ANET Refer to user guide for port selection details DR-LINK AUDIO IN AUDIO OUT LINE OUTPUTS 100 - 240V~ 47-63Hz ~ 90W MA
System Processing Overview The iDR-8 has 8 analogue inputs and 8 analogue outputs. However, it has the onboard processing for a full 16 input and 16 outputs when operating in normal 48kHz mode. The extra 8 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 8x8, 16x8, 8x16 or 16x16 system to suit your requirements.
+ - + + - The channel architecture illustrating the processing blocks is shown above. For detailed instructions on using these please refer to the Help file which comes with the iDR System Manager software. Physical inputs and outputs These are the hardware audio connections including XLRs, digital expanders, headphones and monitor. Input and output channels These are processing channels. The input channels can be sourced from any physical input.
Delay Each input and output channel provides delay from 0 up to 340ms. It can be adjusted in ms, metres or feet and has compensation for temperature. Metering Full metering is provided from all the points marked ‘M’ in the diagram. Sidechain level, gain reduction, and stereo monitor meters are included. PEQ The input channels each provide a 4 band fully parametric equaliser, the output channels an 8 band equaliser.
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: iDR-8 Audio Mix Processor DR-8 AUDIO MIX PROCESSOR 1x iDR-8 UNIT. This is packed with its face plate removed and rack ears fitted. The ears can be removed for desk mounting. 1x iDR-8 FACE PLATE. Separately packed so that you can start by configuring the unit using its front panel menu system. 4x SCREWS M3x12mm hex dome head. Part number AB4814.
Installing the iDR-8 The iDR-8 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. Although the software comes with the resource CD provided 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 web version if it is more recent than the CD. IMPORTANT: Do not install this software over a previous version.
Checking the iDR-8 Operating Code Version < A&H iDR < With the face plate removed, press and hold the ESC key to view the current version of operating code running in the unit. V3.00 scroll ESC 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.
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. *2 Clock Change the time of the internal clock. PRESS AND HOLD FOR 2 SECONDS Audio Exp: None *5 Network Setup This must be done before connecting the unit to a PC or network using TCP/IP.
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.
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. This can be done without the need to connect your PC and run the iDR System Manager software. When shipped, the iDR-8 is loaded with the DEFAULT configuration.
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. The iDR-8 communicates using well established computer communication methods. Full details are provided in the next section.
Communicating Using A TCP/IP Connection The iDR-8 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 front panel RS232 port is intended for operating code update. The rear panel RS232 port is intended for remote interrogation of the unit via a modem.
Connecting the iDR-8 Direct to the PC 1 Connect the PC to the iDR-8 Plug the PC Ethernet port into the iDR-8 rear panel NETWORK port using the CAT5 UTP cable provided. Power up the PC and iDR unit. SWITCH PRESSED iDR CAT5 UTP RJ45 CABLE 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. 3 Decide the IP addresses Both should have manually assigned IP addresses.
Communicating Using a Dial Up Connection A front and a rear RS232 connection is provided. You choose which one to use by setting the front panel switch. Only one can be active at any time, indicated by a green LED. The RS232 port is selected as one of the communication options in the iDR System Manager Preferences item. CODE UPDATE RS232 The front panel connection is for updating the iDR unit operating code via your PC COM port.
Connecting the iDR-8 to a Modem REAR FEMALE iDR 9PIN FEMALE TO MALE RS232 CABLE MODEM MALE MODEM PORT PHONE SOCKETS PHONE CABLE TELEPHONE LINE Starting the iDR System Manager 1 Connect the iDR-8 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-8 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 +48V 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 6.8k ohm resistor to each pin.
Monitor Inputs and Outputs Monitor TRS Input and Output The monitor is available as a line level signal on the rear panel. A pair of TRS jack sockets accept an external stereo source as the input, and another pair present the stereo output. The L and R signals have separate sockets. Maximum level available is +18dBu. Decide the normal operating level according to headroom required. Typical level is 0 or +4dBu. Each TRS socket is differentially balanced and wired tip hot (+), ring cold (-) and sleeve ground.
iDR R OUT L BALANCED AUDIO CABLES iDR R OUT L R IN L 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 system. With no active monitor selected the signal from the previous unit is passed on to the next. Selecting an active monitor overrides the signal from the previous unit.
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 IN 16 previous OUT DR-LINK IN IN 15 IN 14 IN 13 IN 12 IN 11 IN 10 IN 9 OUT 12 OUT 11 OUT 10 OUT 9 AUDIO OUT FUSE: T500mAL WARNING THIS APPARATUS MUST BE EARTHED. ATTENTION: REMPLACER LE FUSIBLE AVEC UN DES MEMES CARACTERISTIQUES.
IN 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 IN 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 OUT 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 OUT16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 DR-LINK OUT iDR-in iDR IN OUT iDR-out iDR Unit B DR-LINK iDR Unit A IN 16A 15A 14A 13A 12A 11A 10A 9A IN 8A 7A 6A 5A 4A 3A 2A 1A OUT 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 IN 8B 7B 6B 5B 4B 3B 2B 1B OUT 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 OUT 16B 15B 14B 13B 12B 11B 10B 9B OUT OUT IN IN OUT DR-LINK iDR-in AUDIO DR-LINK DR-LINK IN iDR-out DR-LINK IN OUT Fully expan
Linking iDR-8 Units Several 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. 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.
iDR Unit A IN 8A 7A 6A 5A 4A 3A 2A 1A OUT 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 IN OUT FORCE SYNC MASTER slave ext sync lock 96k iDR Unit B IN 8B 7B 6B 5B 4B 3B 2B 1B OUT 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 IN OUT SYNC SLAVE slave ext sync lock 96k Loop back system This example shows two 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.
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 - FUSE: T500mAL next previous OUT DR-LINK LOGIC OUTPUTS 16 15 V + - + - IN 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.
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. Which ports are available is displayed by ‘active’ LEDs next to the connectors.
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. The memory holds several different types of information including the boot code, unit operating code, unit settings and patch settings.
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-8 can store and recall any number of chosen settings from a huge 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 L17 L18 L1 L19 L2 L3 S2 L21 L4 S3 L22 L5 S4 L23 L6 S5 L24 L7 S6 L25 L8 S7 ext sync lock 96k FRONT/REAR slave active scroll > ESC ENTER MENU L27 L10 S9 < CODE UPDATE LEVEL TRIM L26 L9 S8 < S1 L20 L28 L11 S10 L12 S11 L13 S12 L14 S13 S14 audio monitor patch select day & clock network setup diagnostics L31 L32 L16 L15 S15 S16 iDR-8 Audio Mix Processor hold for 2 seconds RS232 For connection to PC com port L30 L29 DR-8 AUDIO
iDR System Manager software System configuration Application Installed, live and special project sound Installer configured, operator controlled Set and forget, remote control iDR-in AUDIO EXPANDERS lock link power iDR-in AUDIO INPUT EXPANDER MODEM PL Designer software PL Client software iDR-out RS232 lock link power iDR-out AUDIO OUTPUT EXPANDER 'Vitual' wall plates NETWORK AUDIO MONITOR iDR-8 DR-8 Zoned sound distribution and control AUDIO MIX PROCESSOR Paging and background music Source
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) iDR-switch 24 switch, 16 logic output expander Gain range -15 to +50dB in 3dB steps PL Range of wall plates and remote controllers Pad -20dB iDR-8 Operator Front Panel Sensitivity (pad out) -50 to -5dBu Sensitivity (pad in) -30 to +15dBu F
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 Setup DHCP on/off, IP address, subnet mask 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 x24 Al
Software Memory System 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 display in LCD Uses Windows™ HyperTerminal iDR System Manager configuration software Select parameters to save from on screen list Uses Windows™ PC Add/remove parameter edit functions On and off line operation Selectable power up patch recall Required only for system configuration Patch recal
Level Control Compressor Input channels, output channels, monitor, signal generator Threshold -48 to +18dBu Linear fader range off to +5dB in 51 steps Knee hard/soft Controls – mute, polarity reverse Makeup gain 0 to +18dB Fader Groups Channel faders can be assigned to master faders Fader range off to 0dB in 51 steps Ratio variable 1:1 to 1:infinite Attack 300us to 300ms Release 100ms to 2s Auto modes – live, music AGC, vocal, speech 8x input fader groups Display – level response curve, gain red
Factory default unit settings Output patchbay Unit name – iDR Unit Name Channel 1 to XLR 1…. Network settings Channel 8 to XLR 8 DHCP – No Expander 9 to XLR 9…. IP address – 192.168.0.1 Net mask – 255.255.255.0 PPP settings Host IP address – 192.168.0.1 Client IP address – 192.168.0.
Template for Allen & Heath iDR-8 Front Panel Key Label File: iDR-8_label.dot for Microsoft™ Word Each label section is a table. You can format it in the usual way. Edit the text to identify the key and LED functions. Overall size of each label is 144 x 10 mm. Remove the iDR-8 front face plate (4x 2mm hex screws). Adhere the labels to the white label strips. Refit the iDR-8 face plate. Once fitted the labels are protected by the face plate plastic windows.
