* DFR11EQ Version 5 Digital Equalizer with Feedback Reducer, Limiter and Delay Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS WHAT’S NEW IN THE DFR11EQ Version 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Hardware Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
WHAT’S NEW IN DFR11EQ VERSION 5 The DFR11EQ Version 5 offers several new and improved features, including: Faster Feedback Filters – When feedback is detected, the DFR11EQ’s faster reaction time in placing filters provides an even greater level of protection against unwanted feedback. Selection of Onboard Scenes using DFR Front Panel – Up to three saved scenes can be accessed through the scene buttons on the front panel.
INTRODUCTION The Shure Model DFR11EQ Version 5 is a single channel signal processor that combines an equalizer, feedback reducer, limiter and delay in a single, half-rack enclosure. The DFR11EQ is designed to be placed in a sound reinforcement signal path to allow equalization of the overall sound system response and automatically detect and control acoustical feedback.
DFR11EQ VERSION 5 HARDWARE Overview Front Panel DIGITAL EQ + FEEDBACK REDUCER 2 1 SIGNAL SCENES CLIP Ê ËÌ Ê Ë Ì Í Í 3 PRESS TO LOCK DATA DFR FILTERS POWER HOLD TO CLEAR Î Ð Ñ Ï Î BYPASS DFR FILTERS Button and LED. Press this button to suspend feedback reducer operation and remove feedback filters from the audio path. The bypass does not affect the equalizer, delay or limiter. When the LED illuminates, the feedback reducer is bypassed. Ï SIGNAL LED.
DIP Switches The DIP switches located on the rear panel are used for adapting the unit to the sound system requirements. Switches 1 through 4 select the device ID number. Switches 5 through 10 change other available options (see the table below). 1–4 FUNCTION POSITION UP DOWN see below see below High Q 1/10-octave Feedback Filters remain narrow as they deepen.
DIP Switch/Hardware Options - Definitions High Q Filters vs. Low Q Filters The DFR11EQ offers two selections for the shape of the 1/10-octave notch filters: the High Q filter (default) and the Low Q filter. A High Q filter’s width stays very narrow as the filter depth is increased. This attenuates the minimum amount of signal possible to ensure system stability, while maintaining excellent sound quality. This setting is appropriate for most applications.
Fixed and Dynamic Notch Filters The DFR11EQ can control the notch filters as either dynamic or fixed. Only the depth of a fixed filter may change after it is created. The position of a dynamic filter may change if there is a need detected for a new filter, such as when a hand-held microphone moves to a “hot spot” (a spot on stage prone to feedback). The DFR11EQ’s10 notch filters are factory preset as 5 fixed and 5 dynamic filters.
The illustrations below demonstrate how the DFR11EQ works in a sound system. The system on the left shows a feedback loop, where the microphone picks up sound from the loudspeaker and sends it back into the sound system. The system on the right shows how an installed DFR11EQ reduces the gain on the worst case frequencies.
Setup for Feedback Control The DFR11EQ hardware is designed to work in conjunction with the supplied software and a personal computer to offer a wide range of digital sound processing options, including feedback reduction, equalization, delay and limiting. However, the DFR11EQ may be used very effectively as a stand-alone feedback reducer without the benefit of the software or a computer.
Audio Connections The DFR11EQ should be placed where an equalizer would be in a signal path. The following four diagrams show typical connections. Because of its utility and flexibility, the DFR11EQ can be connected in a large variety of different setups to benefit a sound system. NOTE: All cables must be shielded. See Appendix B. for descriptions of all cable and connection wiring.
Inserted in an Input Channel If only a single microphone is creating feedback problems, the DFR11EQ can be inserted on that channel alone. This is especially useful for wireless microphones, because the constant movement of a performer may bring the microphone too close to the sound reinforcement loudspeakers.
VERSION 5 SOFTWARE Introduction This section describes the Version 5 Windows-based computer interface software which allows you to utilize the full features of the Shure DFR11EQ. By connecting the DFR11EQ to your computer, you can access the built-in digital equalizer, which can be configured in one of two ways: as a 30-band, 1/3-octave, constant-Q, graphic equalizer, or as a 10-band parametric equalizer.
The Shure DFR11EQ Installation Menu The installation menu allows the user access to the DFR11EQ software and the DFR11EQ User Guide. The User Guide is in PDF format, with a separate PDF file for each language. The User Guide can be used online or printed out, in whole or in sections. Configuring the Computer Serial Port 1. Launch the DFR11EQ software. 2. Click on Communications in the main menu bar. 3. Click on the COM port option of the drop-down menu. 4.
Overview CURRENT DEVICE ID SCENE NAME UNIT NAME STATUS Title Bar and Main Menu Bar. When your computer is connected to a DFR11EQ unit, the Title Bar provides the following information: S Device ID is the numerical ID of the connected unit, as determined by dip switches 1–4 on the back of the DFR unit. S Unit Name is the user-selected name of the connected unit (see Naming a DFR11EQ) S Scene Name is the user selected name of selected scene (see Saving and Selecting Scenes.
USING THE FREQUENCY RESPONSE GRAPH This section describes how to use the Frequency Response Graph, which displays a response curve showing the effect of the DFR11EQ on the audio signal. NOTE: See the Output Controls section for details on the functions of the IN/OUT meter on the right side of the Frequency Response Graph display. Response Curves DFR Response Curves Clicking on the DFR button displays the feedback filter frequency response curve on the graph.
Hide Frequency Response Graph If you have finished working on the Frequency Response Graph and need to free some space on the the Windows desktop, you can hide the graph. 1. Click on Options in the main menu bar. 2. Select Hide Response Graph... One of the features of the DFR11EQ Version 5 software is the ability to take snapshots of a frequency response curve. A snapshot allows you to view a tracing of the original response curve while making changes. This is an effective setup tool.
EQUALIZER The Equalizer module of the DFR11EQ Version 5 software can be set to work as a parametric equalizer or as a graphic equalizer, according to your needs. There is an Equalizer Options window (under Options on the Main Menu Bar) for you to set the equalizer type.
Combining vs. True 1/3 -Octave Equalization Combining (default)... When the graphic equalizer is setup for combining equalization, the band filters are combined so that the response curve is smoothed out, creating a more even gradation of equalization. In the illustrations above, each showing the same section of an equalizer and the response graph, the one on the left is set to Combining mode. The peaks and troughs on the response graph are smoothed out. True 1/3 octave...
High-Frequency Roll-Off The high frequency roll-off slider determines the corner frequency of the lowpass filter. To adjust the high frequency roll-off, drag the slider to the desired frequency. You can also use the ← and → keys on the computer keyboard to move this slider. When this slider is selected, the SLOPE field appears on the bottom of the control panel. This field allows the user to select the amount of rolloff in dB per Octave. Graphic Equalizer Fields and Buttons FREQ.
Parametric Equalizer The equalizer of the DFR11EQ can be set to work as a 10-band parametric equalizer. Each filter has adjustable frequency, gain, and width. In addition, there are high- and low-frequency rolloff/shelf filters. Parametric filters are represented as dots, while the high- and low-frequency filters are represented as squares.
NEW Button Click on the NEW button to generate a new parametric filter. Each new parametric filter initially appears at 1 KHz, 0 dB, 2/3-octave. The number of remaining filters is displayed below the NEW button. Clear Button Click on the CLEAR button to clear the filters. A dialog box will come up prompting you to clear one filter, all filters, or the entire block.
Cutting, Copying, and Pasting Parametric Filters Cutting a Selected Parametric Filter 1. Click on the desired parametric filter. 2. Click on Edit in the menu bar. 3. Click on Cut. Copying a Selected Parametric Filter 1. Click on the desired parametric filter. 2. Click on Edit in the menu bar. 3. Click on Copy. Pasting a Selected Parametric Filter Cut or Copy the desired parametric filter. Go to the unit and scene where you would like to place the filter. Click on Edit in the menu bar. Click on Paste.
FEEDBACK REDUCER The feedback reducer section allows you to add new feedback filters or edit the frequency, depth or type of existing ones. To access the DFR control window, click on the DFR button on the Main Control Panel. Feedback Reducer Controls Lock Filters Button Click on the LOCK button to lock the filters at their current values. The light bar illuminates red when the lock is active. The DFR11EQ will not set any new filters or change the depth of any existing feedback filters.
Hardware Options Window The Hardware Options window contains options for controlling DIP switches 5, 6 and 7 on the DFR11EQ hardware and setting fixed and dynamic filters. To access the Hardware Options window: 1. Click on Options in the main menu bar. 2. Select Hardware Options on the drop-down menu. DIP Switch 5, 6, 7 Override and Disable Setting High Q or Low Q Filters The High Q and Low Q option is the same as the Filter Bandwidth DIP switch option controlled by DIP Switch 5 on the back of the unit.
DELAY The DELAY section allows the user to add a delay to the outgoing signal, either as a function of time (milliseconds) or as a function of distance (inches, feet or meters). The Delay section includes the following controls: S Time Delay: This field allows you to change the amount of delay in milliseconds (ms). The signal can be delayed up to 1300 ms (1.3 seconds). S Distance Delay: This field allows you to change the amount of delay in distance (inches, feet or meters).
Using Delay in Common Applications Using Delay To Correct Phase Cancellation Problems Problem: Phase cancellation can occur when two loudspeakers are near each other but not aligned. The two speakers can be seen in the illustration below. The waves represent the sound coming from each. The sound waves coming from the main and remote loudspeakers are out of phase. Because they are out of phase, the sounds interfere with each other, degrading audio quality.
Using Delay to Correct Time Alignment Problems Problem: Some larger sound systems may utilize loudspeaker fill systems. One loudspeaker may not be enough for a large hall because of power limitations. A fill loudspeaker may be placed farther in front of the main speaker to augment the sound from the main loudspeaker. This may cause the sound from the fill loudspeaker to arrive at the listener earlier than that from the main loudspeaker.
LIMITER A limiter acts as a ceiling, preventing drastic rises in the dynamic level of an audio signal. Limiting prevents the output level from exceeding the threshold setting, although occasional short peaks may still pass through the system. A limiter is often used to protect against sudden bursts which could potentially damage loudspeakers or other equipment.
OUTPUT CONTROLS Main Panel IN/OUT Level Meters OUTPUTControl Equalizer Control Window The IN and OUT level meters are located next to the response graph. They display the levels of the input and output in dBu, dBFS or dBV. When the levels go into the red, the unit is near clipping. This is a useful tool for observing gain loss due to equalization settings. To compensate, you can use the OUTPUT slider located on the Equalizer Control window. To activate the IN/OUT level meters: 1.
SAVING AND SELECTING SCENES Once a DFR11EQ has been set up with a desired combination of settings, these settings can be saved as a Scene. Ten scenes can be saved in internal memory (Onboard), while any number can be saved to disk. Scenes are useful for reducing setup time when multiple units require similar settings. Scenes are also useful for multi-purpose sound systems, or events which require changing settings “on the fly”.
To Recall a Scene from Disk Once a scene has been saved, the Windows software can be used to reload that scene from disk and recall it to a DFR11EQ. To recall a scene: 1. Click on File in the main menu bar. 2. Select Recall Scene... 3. On the Scene window, select the desired scene. 4. Click on the OK button. Copying and Pasting Scenes A B It may be desirable to move an existing scene so that it is accessible via the front panel. To do this, follow these steps: 1.
SHURE LINK NETWORKS Shure Link Connections A total of 16 Shure Link devices can be linked together and controlled from a single computer. Each unit comes supplied with one 5-pin DIN cable for linking. DFR11EQ #1 DFR11EQ #2 LINK OUT → LINK IN TO COMPUTER DFR11EQ #3 LINK OUT → LINK IN LINK IN ← LINK OUT 1. Assign each unit a Device ID (0 through 15) via the DIP switches on the rear panel (see Shure Link Device ID). UA888s can only be assigned IDs 0 through 3. NOTE: All units must have unique Device ID’s.
Shure Link Device Selection In order to select a Device ID on a Shure Link network: 1. Click on Device in the main menu. 2. In the Device menu, click on the desired Device ID. The Device ID will appear beside the DFR11EQ heading in the title bar at the top of the main window, indicating that the unit with that Device ID will receive computer commands. NOTE: If you select a DP11EQ or UA888, the DFR11EQ Version 5 software will launch the appropriate software, provided that it is installed on the computer.
Printing DFR11EQ Settings Table of Contents If you are documenting a sound system, the DFR11EQ offers the option of printing out a hardcopy report showing the settings of a selected unit. To print out a hardcopy of this report: 1. Under File in the main menu bar, click on print. 2. Select any of the desired print options available. 3. Click on the button of the Name: field to display a drop–down list of available printers, then select a printer. Click on the OK button.
APPENDIX A. SPECIFICATIONS Dimensions 219 mm x 137 mm x 44.5 mm 8 5/8 in x 5 3/8 in x 1 3/4 in Weight 930 g (2.05 lbs) FEEDBACK FILTERS Ten (10) 1/10-octave adaptive notch filters from 60 Hz to 20 kHz Deployed to 1 Hz resolution of feedback frequency Deployed in depths of 3 dB, 6 dB, 9 dB, 12 dB, and 18 dB (12.5 Low Q in graphic EQ mode) attenuation Filter shape variable between HI Q and LOW Q (see High Q vs. Low Q Filters).
Audio Connectors DFR11EQ Audio Input DFR11EQ Audio Output Connector: (XLR and 1/4-inch separate) XLR (male) 1/4-inch phone plug (female) Configuration: active balanced cross coupled active balanced cross coupled 47 kΩ Actual Impedance: 120 Ω 120 Ω +4 dBu (+4 input level) +4 dBu (+4 input level) Nominal Output Level: +4 dBu (+4 output level) +4 dBu (+4 output level) –10 dBV (–10 input level) –10 dBV (–10 input level) –10 dBV (–10 output level) –10 dBV (–10 output level) +18 dBu (+4 input
CERTIFICATIONS DFR11EQ (Version 5) UL Listed and cUL Listed to UL 6500 and CSA E65. Approved under the verification provision of FCC part 15 as a Class B Digital Device. DFR11EQE (Version 5) Eligible to bear CE marking. Conforms to European Union Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC; VDE GS–Certified to EN 60065. Conforms to European Union EMC Directive 89/336/EEC; Emissions per EN 50081–1 (1992) and Immunity per EN 50082–1 (1992).
APPENDIX B. AUDIO CABLES The diagrams below provide cabling recommendations for most common cabling situations. The following is a sample of some of the more commonly used cables and applications. Some equipment may have different pinouts than the given examples. Consult the documentation for that equipment.
Digital Connectors and Cables Computer Interface — 9-Pin to 9-Pin RS-232 Cable 5 3 1 4 2 1 3 2 5 4 9-PIN FEMALE TO COMPUTER 6 8 7 FUNCTION PIN # — RX TX DTR GND DSR RTS CTS — 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 9 COMPUTER 9-PIN RS-232 CONNECTOR MALE 8 6 9 7 1 3 5 2 4 5 3 4 1 2 9-PIN MALE TO DFR11EQ 9 7 8 6 DFR11EQ RS-232 CONNECTOR FEMALE 7 9 6 8 Computer Interface — 9-Pin to 25-Pin RS-232 Cable 1 3 2 5 4 9 7 6 8 11 13 10 12 FUNCTION 25-PIN FEMALE TO COMPUTER 14 16 18 20 22 24 15 17 19 21 23 25 COMP
APPENDIX C. RACK MOUNTING THE DFR11EQ The DFR11EQ comes in a 1/2-rack chassis specially designed for sturdiness. The sagging and bending found in most 1/2-rack designs is eliminated — the brackets and straddle bars are designed to ensure that the units will be installed securely. WARNING: Do not torque the screws too tightly, or the chassis may be damaged. Single Unit 1. Align the supplied rack-mount brackets over the holes. 2. Fasten with the 8 supplied screws. 1.
APPENDIX D. KEYBOARD CONTROLS There are a number of keyboard controls which you can use instead of a mouse.
Graphic Equalizer Controls HIGHLIGHT the sliders from left to right: or RESET a selected slider: FINE ADJUST the gain of a selected slider: or COARSE ADJUST the gain of a selected slider: or Parametric Equalizer Controls RESET a selected parametric filter: CREATE a new parametric filter: or COARSE ADJUST the FREQUENCY of a parametric filter: or FINE ADJUST the GAIN of a parametric filter: or COARSE ADJUST the GAIN of a parametric filter: or or ADJUST the WIDTH of a parametric filter: or CUT
