System information

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System Compiling Considerations
Once a system design is created (components placed & connected), the system can be compiled by selecting Compile
from either the File Menu or the Standard Toolbar. Compile provides system design analysis and calculates DSP
processing requirements. Compile also makes initial determinations of quantity/type of E Desk™ devices needed,
CobraNet™ channel assignments, allocation of DSP resources, and I/O channel number assignments. In addition,
Compile will provide indication of system design errors.
Although Compile is an automatic process, certain settings can be pre-determined to help guide this process. DSP
blocks (components) can be Allocated To Unit, which assigns them to a particular E Desk device. This can be useful
either to dedicate particular audio functions to specific physical locations, or to reduce the number of CobraNet
channels being transmitted between E Desk devices (reduces propagation delay).
Propagation Delay (also known as Latency) is an inherent time delay of the audio signals, which increases with the
amount of DSP processing and CobraNet routing applied. Each CobraNet 'hop' (one-way transmission) produces
5.33mS delay (see CN Latency). Therefore, system outputs can have different amounts of propagation delay.
Compile determines worst-case propagation delay for a system, and applies Delay Equalization to synchronize all
audio outputs. In applications where audio output synchronization is not important (audibly isolated areas), then
Delay Equalization may be disabled on individual Input Output components (DSP blocks) or system wide. See
Object Property Sheet and Compile Options.
Compile also attempts to 'group' simple DSP blocks together, reducing the number of DSP blocks to be allocated to
the available
E Desk devices. Allocated To Gang can be used to 'gang' specific components (DSP blocks) into the
same group and, therefore, the same device.
Compile will automatically add appropriate E Desk devices to the system, based upon Input & Output needs of the
design. However, this Auto Device Add function may be defeated, and E Desk devices may be added manually,
using the Equipment Table. Also, I/O Preference can be changed, to force Compile to use a specific E Desk device
(Input/Output configuration).
For visual aids in determining DSP block allocations, see Display Options. A system design file must be compiled
before it can be downloaded to E Desk devices (see Send Configuration).
Compile results may be reviewed at any time (see Tools Menu > Layout Compile Results).
Example of Compile results for a simple system
see a list of possible Compile Error Messages