FDS-334/336 Minidrive Manual Connect here first..
Contents Safety Information ...................................................................................... 5 Warranty Information................................................................................. 6 Getting Started ............................................................................ 7 Unpacking ........................................................................................................... 7 Mechanical Mounting ......................................................
Contents Screen Explanations ................................................................. 20 Programs ................................................................................... 20 Program Storing ................................................................................................. 20 Program Naming ............................................................................................... 20 Program Lock .........................................................................
Contents Outputs ..................................................................................... 35 Stereo Linked Outputs ...................................................................... 35 Output Name ................................................................................... 35 Source .............................................................................................. 36 Gain .................................................................................................
Safety Information This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the following European and international Standards for Electromagnetic Compatibility and Electrical Safety: Emmissions (EU): Generic Immunity (EU): Electrical Safety (USA): Electrical Safety (CAN): Electrical Safety (EU): .
Warranty Information IMPORTANT When sold to an end user by BSS Audio or a BSS Audio Authorised Reseller, this unit is warranted by the seller to the purchaser against defects in workmanship and the materials used in its manufacture for a period of one year from the date of sale. Faults arising from misuse, unauthorised modifications or accidents are not covered under this warranty. No other warranty is expressed or implied.
Getting Started Unpacking Carefully unpack the unit and inspect it for shipping damage. If any damage is discovered immediately contact the dealer from whom you purchased the controller. Keep the box in case the unit ever needs to be returned for repair or in the event that the FDS-334/336 is ever shipped outside of a rack. Mechanical Mounting The FDS-334/336 occupies one standard 19 rack space (1U).
Introduction The principle behind the Minidrive was to harness the recent leaps in audio signal processing technology to produce a range of digital processing devices that could improve upon both the sound quality and operational flexibility of our original analogue equipment - such as the FDS360 crossover. The BSS 334/336 Minidrives are developed from our Omnidrive series of loudspeaker management processors.
Introduction each Output and driver alignment or remote stack delays can easily be set up. Outputs can be linked to follow the settings made for a particular channel. Note: The maximum output capability of your system and its safe operation depends on the correct setup of the Minidrive in combination with your chosen speakers and amplifiers. Controls and Metering Also featured is independent metering for each Input and Output channel and individual front panel mute buttons for the Outputs.
Introduction FDS-334/336 Minidrive Features 10 Active crossover filters with up to 48dB/Octave slopes to divide the audio spectrum into separate passbands for each transducer. Up to six Outputs (336) or four Outputs (334) can be derived from either of the two Inputs or a sum of both. Up to thirty eight bands of parametric or shelving equalization for smoothing system frequency response over the entire bandwidth. 60 storage locations for user Programs.
Rear Panel Connections FDS-336 Back Panel AC Power Connections The FDS-334/336 will accept input AC from 100 - 240 Volts, 50-60 Hz. It does not have a power switch and must be shut down by removing the power cord from the mains supply. If the mains fuse should blow, replace only with a new fuse of correct size (20 mm) and rating (T1A 250v). WARNING: THIS DEVICE MUST BE EARTHED! A 3-wire earthed outlet must always be used. The earth terminal of the IEC plug is required by wiring codes and regulations.
Rear Panel Connections Audio Connections The FDS-334/336 has two balanced Inputs and either six (336) or four (334) balanced Outputs that can accommodate both balanced and unbalanced signals. Note: Because the FDS-334/336 outputs can be programmed for any passband, caution must be taken when connecting the outputs to the amplifiers. The connection of low frequency signals to high frequency drivers could cause serious damage - this is not covered by warranty.
Rear Panel Connections Unbalanced wiring A fully balanced signal system will yield the best possible results with none of the problems often associated with interconnected audio equipment. However, if the equipment driving the FDS-334/336 has only unbalanced outputs then the input plug to the FDS-334/336 should be wired so that the shield connection on pin 1 is shorted to EITHER pin 2 OR pin 3, depending on the wiring convention of the unbalanced equipment at the sending end.
Front Panel Interface FDS-336 Front Panel FDS-334 Front Panel Whats on the screen? All the programming for the Minidrive is presented through a clear 2x16 character LCD screen with adjustable contrast. Visually it acts as a window into a large grid of adjustable parameters that moves from row to row and column to column. The software revision appears briefly at power up and then the bottom line shows the Program number and name of the stored Program, this is the default screen.
Front Panel Navigation Control Navigation Control The Navipad To the left of the display screen there is a four way rocker selector switch. This enables navigation through the various screens and to both select a parameter to adjust (up/down) and to fine adjust the value of the currently selected parameter (< and >). Where the parameter is non-numeric these keys scroll through a list of options.
Front Panel Other Controls Other Controls STORE/ENTER and RECALL Used to store edited Programs to a new memory location and to recall saved setups from the internal memories. To select a preconfigured Program press the RECALL button on the front panel. From new the Minidrive does not contain any preset Programs but, if the unit has been used before it may contain user preprogrammed setups. Use the up/down buttons located on the left side of the LCD screen to choose the correct Program.
Front Panel Metering LED Input Bargraphs The Input bargraphs respond to the peak input signal and also indicate digital clipping. These show the input level, i.e. +3dB, +6dB, +12dB over 0dBu (+20dBu=Maximum input), while -3dB and SIG show the level below 0dBu. In addition, the CLIP lights function both as analog input clip indicators and to show if there is clipping in the digital signal path.
Operating Principles Editable Parameters There are three basic editing modes; Input, Output and Utilities, all selectable directly from the front panel. Input mode Enables all the editable parameters that affect the Input signal, namely delay and equalisation. Input A, B or A+B(sum) can be selected from the front panel for editing. Output mode Engaged by pushing the front panel knob (also doubling as the channel trim control) adjacent to the desired Output to be edited.
Quick Start 1 Before making any connections between the Minidrive and the amplifiers, make sure that the amplifiers are switched off and that their level controls are turned completely down. 2 Connect the audio source to the inputs of the FDS-334/336, left to A and right to B. For a mono system, use Input A. 3 Connect the outputs of the Minidrive to the amplifier input channels (maintaining the left and right identification).
Screen Explanations This section covers the various screens that are displayed when in particular modes of operation on the Minidrive. These include Utilities, Input and Output modes. Programs Program Storing A Program can be stored in any one of the 60 available memory locations. Pressing STORE/ ENTER displays the Store screen with the last used Program on the screen. Pressing either up/ down or turning the rotary encoder enables the selection of the required memory for storing your new Program.
Programs Program Recall RECALL screen, the key indicates that the Program is locked. Pressing RECALL will enter the recall mode with the last used Program on the screen. Use the up/down keys or the rotary encoder to select a Program to recall. Only Programs that have already been stored will be available to choose from. There will always be at least one default Program in existence in the units memory. Presssing RECALL a second time will recall the program.
Utilities Configuration The configuration is the basic setup of the unit and is stored as part of the Program information, along with the Stereo Link setting associated with the mode chosen here. Changing this mode reconfigures the overall routing and linking of the unit. The operation has to be confirmed as routing, linking, delay linking and crossover band name data will be changed. The unit will also mute the Outputs to ensure that appropriate bandwidth settings can be checked before continuing.
Utilities Configuration 2 Channel x 3 way mode (FDS-336 only) Outputs 1,3 and 5 are routed from Input A. Outputs 2, 4 and 6 are routed from Input B. All delay linking defaults to off. Stereo Link will be switched on. Band Names will be set to 1 Low, 2 Mid, 3 High, 4 Low, 5 Mid, 6 High for Outputs 1 - 6 respectively.
Utilities Configuration LCR 2 way mode (FDS-336 only) When using a derived centre cluster feed such as in LCR (Left, Centre, Right) installation, the configuration can be changed to a 3 channel 2 way configuration, where the center channel is a sum of A and B. Outputs 1 and 4 are routed from Input A. Outputs 3 and 6 are routed from Input B. Outputs 2 and 5 will be routed from Input sum A+B. All delay linking defaults to off. Stereo Link will be switched on.
Utilities Configuration 2 Channel x 2 way mode (FDS-334 only) This is a standard stereo 2 way configuration. Outputs 1 & 2 are routed from input A. Outputs 3 & 4 are routed from input B. All delay linking defaults to off. Stereo Link will be switched on. Band Names will be set to Low and High. FDS-334 2 way active speaker configuration. FDS-334 2 way system with separate bass cabinets and passive mid/top combination.
Utilities Stereo Link Stereo Link This parameter adjusts the stereo linking of various Input and Output parameters and works in conjunction with the Configuration setting. This parameter is also stored as part of the Program data. In 2 channel 3 way mode, Output pairs 1 and 2, 3 and 4, 5 and 6 are linked. In LCR 2 way mode Outputs 1, 2 and 3 are typically low and 4, 5 and 6 are high. Step and Offset There are two different relationships between linked parameters; Step and Offset.
Utilities Crossover Mode Crossover Mode This Utility allows the crossover slopes of the associated bands to be linked together for ease of setting. For example, when in Both mode changing the frequency of the Hi slope of an output channel set up as say low band will also change the frequency of the Lo slope in the adjacent Mid band output channel. The bands do not necessarily need to actually crossover at the same frequency as an offset can be maintained between them.
Utilities Security Lock Outs Security Settings There are three levels of security for the unit, Lock Out, OEM Lock and Owner Lock. These are used to protect the parameters or Programs from being inadvertently changed or tampered with by unqualified or unauthorised users. Lock Out This is the most basic security. With lock out on, no parameters can be adjusted (except Lock Out and display Contrast), mutes and trims are inactive and no Programs can be stored or recalled.
Utilities Security Lock Outs Lock set up mode A further press of either the Up or Down navipad key enters the Lock set up mode. Once in the Lock setup mode it is possible to navigate around the Input and Output screens as normal but with these important differences: Parameter values can no longer be changed. The STORE and RECALL screens are not accessible. Only the Config and Stereo Link Utilities are lockable. The unit is always unlinked i.e.
Utilities Security Lock Outs Confirming the Lock selection When all the desired parameters are locked, confirm the lock set up process with the STORE/ ENTER key, (as indicated when first entering this mode). The unit now returns to the password screen with the current password displayed. This password can be changed if required by using the < and > keys to move the cursor and the up and down keys or rotary encoder to change the letters.
Utilities Contrast Contrast The < and > parameter keys or rotary control increase/decrease the display contrast and viewing angle of the LCD . A graphical indication of the parameter changing is displayed by a rotating line symbol. Utilities Delete Program Delete Program To delete a Program, press either > or turn the encoder clockwise. Choose the Program to be deleted using the < and > keys or rotary control. Press Enter to delete the Program.
Utilities MIDI Operation MIDI Operation MIDI Channel Number (1-16) MIDI is used to transmit and receive Program changes and to transmit system exclusive dump data between units. Use the < and > keys or rotary encoder to adjust the channel number from 1 to 16. Both sending and receiving equipment needs to be set to the same MIDI channel to communicate correctly.
Utilities MIDI Operation PCPORT This mode allows the RS-232 port on the rear of the Minidrive to be used to perform MIDI systems exclusive dumps and to control other Minidrives. MIDI Systems Exclusive Dump This Utility is used to transfer Program information between FDS-334/336 units of the same model as well as to any MIDI Sysex(systems exclusive) capable sequencer or computer. Attach a MIDI cable from the MIDI out of the sending unit to the MIDI in of the receiving unit.
Inputs Mode Input Mode There are three input sections: Input A, Input B and Input Sum (A+B). Delay and EQ can be added to Inputs A, B and stereo linked A&B but only delay is available directly to the Sum A+B. Input B Delay when in Mono mode Input A+B Sum Delay The input sum of A+B only has a Delay value to edit. Stereo mode Inputs A and B Stereo linked When Inputs are Stereo linked in the Utilities section both Input A and Input B parameters are ganged.
Outputs There are six output sections on a FDS-336; Output 1 through Output 6, and four on a FDS-334. The Output parameter screens are accessed by pushing the Output trim knob on the front panel next to the Output channel that is to be edited. Stereo Linked Outputs When the unit is Stereo Linked, combinations of Outputs are linked so that when changing parameters such as EQ or Crossover settings, both channels change together.
Outputs Source Source Stereo Linked Output 1 & 2 source A & B. Choose which Input or combination of Inputs supplies the Output channel. The options are: Input A, Input B or the sum of Inputs A and B - denoted as Input A + B. When Stereo Linked in 2 channel 3 way mode, the selection is normally Inputs A & B. Outputs Gain Gain Output channel gain is adjustable from -15dB to +15dB in 0.2dB steps. The nominal setting for Outputs is 0dB.
Outputs Limiter Limiter Each Output channel has a dedicated limiter that can be set to a threshold anywhere between -10 to +20dBu. There are two primary uses for the limiters: One is for prevention of amplifier clipping and the second is to limit the amount of power transmitted to the transducers. In applications where systems are likely to be run at high volume levels for long periods of time, setting the correct limiter threshold is important for the protection of the speaker drivers.
Outputs Delay Delay Output channel Delay is adjustable from 0 - 635ms in 21µs steps. At no time can there be more than 635ms of delay on any Input to Output path. The < and > navipad keys select delay time values in 21µs steps whilst the rotary encoder can be used to select larger delays quickly. Pressing the Utilities button at any time from a Delay screen in an Output mode will select the Delay Units screen.
Outputs Delay Linking When using Delay Linking, it is recommended that the adjustment order is: 1. 2. 3. Driver alignment within cabinets Cabinet alignment within clusters Delay Alignment between clusters. In 2 channel 3 Way and LCR 2 way, the default settings include Delay Linking as well as Stereo Linking. Outputs Polarity Polarity Polarity is switchable between Normal or Inverted. Using the < and > navipad keys or rotary encoder the polarity of the output signal can be inverted.
Outputs Crossover Shapes and Frequencies The FDS-334/336 allows full control over each high and low pass filter of a crossover segment in shape, slope and frequency. Graphically these parameters are labelled as below. Filter Edge Identification Phase Compensation Phase Compensation to active crossovers was introduced in the classic FDS-355 Omnidrive Compact Loudspeaker Management System. Minidrive includes this feature, freeing the user of worry about phase alignment between bands.
Outputs Crossover Shapes and Frequencies Low edge filter type Output 5 low edge type The low edge filter type can be selected from Bessel 12, 24dB/Octave or Butterworth 6, 12, 18, 24 or 48dB/Octave or Linkwitz-Riley 12, 24 and 48dB/Octave. The options are displayed as: BUT 6, BUT 12, BES 12, L-R 12, BUT 18, BUT 24, BES 24, L-R 24, BUT 48, L-R 48. The screen above shows a low edge shape of Linkwitz-Riley 24dB/Octave on Outputs 5&6 labelled as High. 5.0000 Linkwitz-Riley 12, 24 & 48dB/Octave Slopes.
Outputs Crossover Shapes and Frequencies Bessel 12, 24dB/Octave Slopes. 5.0000 0.0 -5.000 -10.00 -15.00 -20.00 -25.00 -30.00 -35.00 -40.00 -45.00 -50.00 20 100 1k 10k 20k Low edge filter frequency This control adjusts the cut off frequency of the selected Low Frequency (high pass) crossover. The range is from 15Hz to 16kHz in approximately 1/6 Octave steps with Out at the bottom end and Off when adjusted beyond 16kHz.
Inputs/Outputs Assignable EQ Assignable EQ Multiple EQs can be assigned to individual Input and Output channels. If there is no EQ on the currently selected channel (and there are filters available), the Up button will step into an unused Bell EQ with 1kHz frequency, 0dB cut/boost and width of 0.3. Further EQs can only be assigned to a channel after this EQ is used first by applying some degree of cut or boost, pressing the Up key then steps into a new EQ.
Inputs/Outputs 12dB/Octave Shelving EQ graph Assignable EQ 20.000 15.000 10.000 5.0000 0.0 -5.000 -10.00 -15.00 -20.00 20 100 1k 10k 20k EQ Frequency The Frequency of the EQ is adjustable from 15Hz to 16kHz in approximately 1/6 Octave steps. The screen above shows that this is the first EQ on Output 5 (labelled as High). It has a Frequency of 1kHz. If using a Low Shelving filter this would be the 3dB point. EQ Cut/Boost Selectable gain from -15 to +15dB in 0.5dB steps.
DSP Filter/EQ Assignment The crossover filters and EQs share DSP resources between two DSP chips. There are certain assignment constraints, the table below summarizes how the resources are allocated.
Troubleshooting Q. Where has the output gone? A. If you have a signal source assigned to an Output, but do not have any output, check that the low pass filter frequency parameter has not been set to Out. If this has been adjusted upward beyond 16kHz, the output will be switched off. Q. Why do both Input Clip LEDs light without a +20dBu input? A. Situations can occur when both Input Clip LEDs light. If this occurs without full input signal, then this signifies a clip within the digital signal path.
Troubleshooting Q. I dont have any linked delays, but I cant get the maximum 635ms on an Input or Output. A. The maximum delay is a combination of the amount of delay assigned at the Input section plus the amount assigned at the Output section. The maximum combined delay from Input to Output is 635ms. Q. What does Warning, no more filters mean? A.
FDS-336 Default Configuration Settings MONO - Stereo linking defaults to OFF CHANNEL OUT 1 OUT 2 Band 1 Band 2 NAME A A SOURCE None None LINKING 0dB 0dB GAIN 4dBu 4dBu LIMIT 0m 0m DELAY OFF OFF DELAY LINK Normal Normal POLARITY L-R 24 L-R 24 LO SHAPE OUT 50.7Hz LO FREQ L-R 24 L-R 24 HI SHAPE 50.7Hz 159Hz HI FREQ None None EQ 48 OUT 3 Band 3 A None 0dB 4dBu 0m OFF Normal L-R 24 159Hz L-R 24 500Hz None OUT 4 Band 4 A None 0dB 4dBu 0m OFF Normal L-R 24 500Hz L-R 24 1.
FDS-334 Default Configuration Settings MONO - Stereo linking defaults to OFF CHANNEL OUT 1 Band 1 NAME A SOURCE None LINKING 0dB GAIN 4dBu LIMIT 0m DELAY OFF DELAY LINK Normal POLARITY L-R 24 LO SHAPE OUT LO FREQ L-R 24 HI SHAPE 88.5Hz HI FREQ OUT 2 Band 2 A None 0dB 4dBu 0m OFF Normal L-R 24 88.
User Program Template Input Parameters Delay EQ1 Type Frequency Gain +/Bandwidth EQ2 Type Frequency Gain +/Bandwidth EQ3 Type Frequency Gain +/Bandwidth EQ4 Type Frequency Gain +/Bandwidth Output Parameter Name Source Gain Limit Delay Delay Link Polarity Lo Shape Lo Frequency Hi Shape Hi Frequency EQ1 Type Frequency Gain +/Bandwidth EQ2 Type Frequency Gain +/Bandwidth EQ3 Type Frequency Gain +/Bandwidth EQ4 Type Frequency Gain +/Bandwidth 50 Input A Output 1 Output 2 Input B Output 3 Output 4 Input
User Program Template Input Parameters Delay EQ1 Type Frequency Gain +/Bandwidth EQ2 Type Frequency Gain +/Bandwidth EQ3 Type Frequency Gain +/Bandwidth EQ4 Type Frequency Gain +/Bandwidth Output Parameter Name Source Gain Limit Delay Delay Link Polarity Lo Shape Lo Frequency Hi Shape Hi Frequency EQ1 Type Frequency Gain +/Bandwidth EQ2 Type Frequency Gain +/Bandwidth EQ3 Type Frequency Gain +/Bandwidth EQ4 Type Frequency Gain +/Bandwidth Input A Output 1 Output 2 Input B Output 3 Output 4 Input A+B
MIDI Implementation Chart O: Yes X: No FUNCTION BASIC CHANNEL TRANSMITTED RECOGNISED Default Changed 1-16 1-16 1-16 1-16 MODE X X NOTE NUMBER X X VELOCITY X X AFTER TOUCH X X PITCH BENDER X X CONTROL CHANGE X X 0-59 1-60 0-59 1-60 X O X O O O O O SYSTEM COMMON X X SYSTEM REAL TIME X X AUX MESSAGES X X PROGRAM CHANGE True Number SYSTEM EXCLUSIVE Version 1 22/11/00 52 Dump Request Dump Follows Program Request Program Follows REMARKS Memorised
Specifications Inputs: Outputs: Output Impedance: Dynamic Range: Frequency Response: Total Harmonic Distortion: Audio Sample Rate: Configuration: Crossover Slopes: Limiters: Assignable Equalization: Delay Time: Delay Time Resolution: Delay Units: Front Panel Controls: Metering: Display: Memory: Dimensions (HxWxD): Net Weight: Shipping Weight: Safety Agency Approvals: Power Requirements: 2 channels Ω impedance, Maximum level +20dBu, 10kΩ Pin 2 +, electronically balanced.
FDS-336 Minidrive Block Diagram
