ALLEN & HEATH iDR-4 manual

iDR training. iDR training CP/LP 29/01/08

Start 09.30. End 16.00. 6 ½ hrs

Requirements

To be supplied by trainee

• Laptop or PC running Windows 98, 2000, XP with Ethernet card. The trainee must have admin rights in order to manipulate IP addresses and add/remove software.

• Allen & Heath iDR System Manager software. The latest version can be downloaded from the

Allen & Heath website at: http://www.idrseries.com/system_manager.asp

To be supplied by training host

• iDR hardware

The trainer will require the following to demonstrate how the various parts of the system interconnect: o iDR-8 x2 o iDR-IN expander o iDR-OUT expander o iDR-Switch o 2x PL-4 o Cat 5 network cables (2m) x6

ALLEN & HEATH iDR training JAN08 Page - 1 - of 49

The following will be required for each trainee: o iDR-8 x1 o PL-4 x2 o PL-5 x2 o Cat 5 network cables (2m) x3

• Audio

The following will be required for each trainee: o Stereo source x2. CD player (each with a different CD) with cabling to XLR i/p on iDR o Powered loudspeakers x3 (x2 will suffice) with cabling from XLR o/p on iDR

• Documentation and software o Allen & Heath iDR System manager software o iDR training .pdf o iDR sales guide .pdf o iDR sales guide Power Point slide show o Getting Started o Trouble shooting .pdf o Quick Tips

• Other hardware o Projector and screen. To show the iDR Training .pdf and Sales Guide Power Point slide show.


1. Introduction

• Matrix

10 min 09.30

The heart of an iDR-8 and iDR-4 is a 16x16 matrix.

• Fixed Architecture DSP

All 16 i/p and all 16 o/p channels have full processing racks permanently loaded. The three big advantages of this are:

1. Eliminates the need for the programmer to have to assign processing.

2. Eliminates variance in latency between channels.

3. System never runs out of processing power.

• Expandable system

Combinations of iDR-4 / iDR-8, input expanders and output expanders can be chained and looped.

An existing system can be added to or even subtracted from.

• Remote control

There are many ways of controlling the system remotely. We offer a wide range of wall plates, infra red controllers, fader panels, switch units, rotary panels, LCD displays and custom GUIs (for use on the client’s PC), in our PL range of controllers.


• External control

The iDR system can also be controlled by MIDI, AMX, Crestron and RS232 serial commands as well as connections from third party switches and relays.

This remote control is two way as the iDR can transmit control data.

• System Manager programming software

The system is programmed using our System Manager software. The latest version is always available from our website as are older versions.

The software runs on a PC or laptop (not MAC compatible) and contains virtual simulations of the hardware components in the system. The software can be run offline and an entire system can be programmed and demonstrated without the need to purchase any hardware.


2. iDR-4 / iDR-8 Hardware

2.1. iDR-8

• Front panel

: Removable cover

: Softkeys

: Soft LEDs

: Label area

: LCD

: Headphone socket with level trim

: Rack ears


15 min

Remove cover

: Code Update button

: Front RS232. Code update and serial control. Front/Rear button. Indicator LED. This port needs to be activated from within the System Manager software.

: LEDs Slave, Ext Sync Lock, 96k*

: LCD navigation buttons and Menu button

*NOTE: 96kHz is not available due to lack of customer demand.


• Rear panel

: AC 100 – 240V ~

: RS232 (Modem)

: MDI/X switch. If Link LED does not light, operate this switch. It allows use of straight or crossover cable.

: TX, Link LEDs

: Network port

: MIDI. This port needs to be activated from within the System manager software.

: Rear RS232 Sysnet port. Indicator LED. This port needs to be activated from within the

System manager software.

: PL-ANET. This port needs to be activated from within the System manager software.

: DR-LINK

: AUDIO IN

: AUDIO OUT

: Analog audio. 8x balanced XLR in/out 2x balanced ¼” jack in/out

Total i/o = 10 IN, 10 OUT


2.2. iDR-4

• Front panel

: Removable cover

: Softkeys

: Soft LEDs

: Label area

: LCD

No headphone socket with level trim

: Rack ears


Remove cover

: Code Update slide switch

No front RS232.

No LEDs for Slave, Ext Sync Lock, 96k*

: LCD navigation buttons and Menu button

*NOTE: 96kHz is not available due to lack of customer demand.


• Rear panel

: AC 100 – 240V ~

: RS232 (Modem). This port needs to be activated from within the System manager software.

: MDI/X switch

: TX, Link LEDs

: Network port

No MIDI

: Rear RS232 Sysnet port. Indicator LED. This port needs to be activated from within the

System manager software.

: PL-ANET. This port needs to be activated from within the System manager software.

: DR-LINK

: AUDIO IN

: AUDIO OUT

: Analog audio. 2x balanced XLR in, 4x balanced ¼” jack in

4x balanced XLR out, 2x balanced ¼” jack out

Total i/o = 6 IN, OUT


• Monitor system

Both the iDR-4 & iDR-8 have two balanced ¼” jack sockets for Monitor L & R IN and Monitor L & R

OUT.

The signal path can be monitored from:

Input channel o Pre/post Delay o Pre/post Parametric EQ o Side Chain Filter o Pre/post Gate/Comp o Pre/post Fader

Output channel o Pre/post Delay o Pre/post Parametric EQ o Pre/post Fader o Pre/post Limiter

The monitor source can be selected in the System manager software or mapped to your computer mouse. When mapped to the mouse, you can hold the mouse cursor over the part of the signal chain that you want to listen to.

The monitor jack outputs can either feed local monitor amplifiers or connect to the monitor input jacks on another iDR. This allows the monitor buses of several iDRs to ripple through.

The monitor jacks can be patched into the matrix giving a total i/o count of 10 x 10 for the iDR-8 and 6 x 6 for the iDR-4.


3. Plugging up

An iDR-8 or iDR-4 can operate as a single stand alone unit.

30 min

The audio from the first iDR unit in the chain is transferred to the following units via the A&H digital audio buss in a unidirectional stream. This CAT5 connection carries a maximum of 8 channels at any moment. There can be a different combination of 8 channels in each of 250 available presets.

Many iDR units can be chained and iDR-8 can be mixed with iDR-4 in a combined system.

Each iDR unit runs its own separate System manager software session and each unit is programmed individually.

In a chain, the first unit automatically becomes the sync master.


3.3. Loopback

If the digital audio output of the last unit in a chain is connected to the digital audio input of the first unit in the chain, any input in the system can be routed to any output in the system.

When looping the audio, you need to designate one unit to be the master.


3.4. iDR-IN & iDR-OUT Expanders

An input expander has 8 XLR inputs.

An output expander has 8 XLR outputs.

Expander units terminate the system – it is only possible to have 1x input expander and 1x output expander in any system.

It is not possible to loop audio when using expanders. iDR Link gives metering data for the expander LEDs and control over the input expander preamps.


3.5. DR-switch

An iDR-switch, connects to DR-Link. If expanders are used in the system, these connect after the DRswitch.

Up to three DR-switch units can be connected to any iDR-8 or iDR-4. Each DR-switch has 24 switch connections and 16 DC outputs supplying +10V 500mA or +24V 200mA.

A total of 72 switches and 48 logic outputs are available to each iDR unit.

PL-2 Remote wall-plate is designed & packaged specifically for use with iDR Switch – uses two logic

DC outputs from iDR-Switch for tri-colour LED operation, or a single output for simple LED on/off.


4. PL-Anet

4.1. PL-family

PL-1, 2, 3

PL-4 with

PL-5 IR remote

PL-10

8x rotary

16 button

24 LED


PL-6

8x fader

16 button

24 LED

15 min

Custom GUI for user PC

PL-7 on left.

PL-7 on right shown with PL-4 fitted

PL-9 7 way hub


PL-8

4x switch

4x DC o/p

4.2. Constantly scanned Cat 5

The PL-Anet port has to be activated in the System manager software Communication Options. Once it is selected, the port is constantly scanned for PL devices. PL devices, when connected, are automatically detected and addressed. As an example: if you have four PL-3 connected, the iDR will address them as PL-3 01, PL-3 02, PL-3 03, PL-3 04. If PL-3 03 is removed from the system (the cable run needs to be made good), the iDR will re-address PL-3 04 as PL-3 03.

PL devices are daisy chained. Each unit has an IN and OUT RJ45 socket. iDR -8 / 4

Root

PL-4

PL-4

The Root is the direct connection to the iDR unit Pl-Anet port. Simulators are shown on screen.


The PL-9 hub allows for 7x branches. This allows for star configurations. It is not possible to loop.

Each Branch has its own re-settable fuse.

PL-9 Outputs can be used to provide dedicated plug-in points for a PL remotes which may be removed when not in use iDR -8 / 4

Root

PL-4

PL-4

PL-9

Branch

A B C D E F G

PL-8

PL-6 PL-10

The PL-9 offers x7 branches and simulators are shown on Root and their branches.

The PL-9 hub connects to the iDR Root. Other PL devices can also be connected to the Root if desired.


4.4. PL-Calculator

The maximum number of PL devices on any Root or branch depends on the combined current requirement of the PL devices and the voltage drop over the cable run.

The number and type of PL devices on each cable run are entered into the calculator and a result is obtained.

Enter number and type of PL devices

Enter cable length

This example gives a negative result


Due to the nature of the spread sheet calculation, sometimes a negative result can be given when the system design is actually ok.

If a negative result is given, use the Solver. This will give a valid result.

Tools

The Solver

Valid result

Note: The Solver function may not be enabled on your PC. If so then follow the Solver instructions given in the PL- Calculator.


4.5. PL-designer and PL-client

PL-designer is a bitmap based program that allows you to drag and drop various controls such as faders, meters, switches etc onto a custom background. These bitmap images are linked to controls within the iDR system.

Custom background

LCD display

Faders

Meters

Switches

Once the GUI is designed in PL-designer, the non editable user version, called PL-client is loaded onto the user’s PC. Multiple PL-client users can be connected to the iDR system and each can have a different GUI.

PL-designer is included in the iDR sytem manager software bundle.

PL-client needs to be registered via our website for each user PC. This is free of charge.


Break 10.40

10 min


5. iDR System manager software

5.1. Open the software


20 min 10.50

5.2.

The software bundle Show on projector screen. Open each item and briefly discuss

- iDR-4_label - iDR-8_label

- iDR MIDI Control Protocol

- iDR Softwre Release Notes

- iDR System Manager

- iDR Telnet Control Protocol

- PL-Client

- PL-Designer Release Notes

- iDR PL Calculator V1.30.

- iDR Sys-Net Control Protocol

- iDR System Manager Help

- PL-5 IR Protocol

- PL-Designer

- Read me

These last three icons - Update iDR Unit Softwre, are not required from software version 3.20 onwards. They accomplish the software update via Hyperterminal. From version 3.20, the update procedure is accomplished from the File menu and is very much faster and easier than the older method. HyperTerminal is required to update to 3.20.


5.3. Basis of the System Manager software

Configuration file.

• An entire setup is called a ‘Configuration’. Many Configurations can be stored on a PC or laptop and as they are small files they can be easily emailed. We will refer to a Configuration as .cfg

• .cfg files can be opened and edited on a PC/laptop that is not connected to an iDR unit. This means that system design and programming can be done and demonstrated without hardware.

• An iDR unit can hold a single .cfg

• When connecting a PC/laptop to an iDR unit, you ‘read’ & see the .cfg that is in the iDR.

• To dump a new .cfg into the iDR, you recall one from those stored on the PC/laptop. Open the desired .cfg on the computer and recall any preset. The new .cfg is now loaded into the iDR and the old .cfg is wiped. It is strongly advised that you always save the .cfg from an iDR to your PC/laptop before loading a new one.

Preset.

• The .cfg has the capacity to store up to 250 individual scenarios or snapshots called presets.

• All parameters are stored in presets except channel names, stereo linking of channels and

scheduled events which are stored globally in the .cfg.

• All parameters (EQ, routing, level etc) must be saved in a preset memory or will be lost when another preset is recalled.


6. Programming

40 min

6.1. Overview of GUI Show on projector screen. It may be necessary to click View in order to view the input and output channels.

• Inputs

There are 16 input channels in the DSP matrix. From the bottom of a channel strip we have:

: Strip number

: Write on strip. Double click this and name the channel.

: Polarity

: Mute

: Level in dB

: Fader/meter

Point out the Source, EQ, gate and Comp buttons at the top of the strip. Click on All to show the components of a channel strip in one window.

: Source. The dropdown menu allows you to map various physical and digital sources to the channel strip

: Delay.

: EQ. Four band parametric.

: Gate. Has access to the shared side chain filter.

: Comp. Has access to the shared side chain filter.

: Output routing

: Group fader assignment

: Fader/meter


• Outputs

There are 16 output channels in the DSP matrix. From the bottom of a channel strip we have:

: Strip number

: Write on strip. Double click this and name the channel.

: Limiter

: Polarity

: Mute

: Level in dB

: Fader/meter

Point out the EQ, and All buttons at the top of the strip. Click on All to show the components of a channel strip in one window.

: Delay.

: EQ. Eight band parametric with the option of linking bands 1-2 & 7-8 as crossover filters, each with a choice of standard filter types.

: Input routing

: Group fader assignment

: Fader/meter

: Limiter


• Hardware simulators

: Click View to see the range of hardware simulators available.

: PL simulators will only be available if they are included in the configuration you are viewing offline, they must be activated in File/Preferences: select one that includes PL-Anet, then repeat File/Preferences to choose type and number of devices.

: The simulators all operate in real time with push buttons, rotaries, faders and LEDs.


• Toolbar

: New Opens new session of System manager, either with an offline simulated iDR-8 / 4 or any online iDR unit.

: Open Configuration An iDR unit only holds a single.cfg. This icon allows you to open

.cfg files stored on your PC/laptop.

: Archive Configuration Either save to PC/laptop a .cfg from a connected iDR unit or save to PC/laptop a .cfg that you are editing offline.

: Recall iDR Preset Choose and recall a preset.

: Preset Manager Probably the most important window, and one that should remain onscreen during programming. It is from this window that parameters are stored and presets are created. It also allows you to view notes about each preset.

: Routing Matrix

: X/P Grps Assign crosspoints to groups.

: I/P Grps

: O/P Grps

: I/P Delay


: O/P delay

: Ducker

: Automatic Mic Mixer

: Pager

: LCD Settings Display setup

: Set Time At the time of writing, with software version 3.5xx the real time clock has no auto adjustment for daylight saving.

: Scheduled Events

: Soft Keys Assign soft keys on iDR front panel and up to three switch boxes.

: Soft LEDs Assign soft keys on iDR front panel, up to three switch boxes, input expander and output expander.

: Preset Recall X-Fade Time In each preset, you can determine the cross fade time when that preset is recalled from any previous preset.

: Select Stereo Channels


6.2. Preset Manager window

Two of the main functions of the Preset manager window are to create presets and to store parameters and changes.

• Select devices to add / Contents / Update

To save changes it is necessary to select the device to be worked on – in this example it is the

Inputs, Mutes and Groups – and Add it to the Contents list.


After parameters have been set – levels or EQ for instance – it is necessary to highlight the device in the Contents list and click Update.


• Power-up preset

The .cfg file contains 250 user programmable presets. If the iDR unit is to be powered off then on again, it needs to be instructed which preset to activate on power up. Only a single preset can be selected to be recalled on power up.

If no preset is selected to be recalled on power up, the iDR will boot in a fixed, non user assignable preset called ‘Default’. It is then necessary to connect a PC/laptop running System manager software and recall the desired preset.


6.3. Routing Matrix

• Switch Matrix

The Routing Matrix allows connection of inputs to outputs by clicking the cross points in the Switch

Matrix tab.

Routing Matrix icon

I/P 5 routed to O/P 4

Switch matrix tab


• Preset Select

When cross point routings have been selected, it is necessary to go to the Preset Select tab.

In the Preset Select tab, clicking on a cross point makes it either Green = armed and ready to be saved or Grey = unarmed and the setting will not be saved.

I/P 5 to O/P 4 crosspoint is green.

This routing can now be saved by updating the Routing matrix in the preset manager window.


7. Programming Modules

60 min

The trainees should now work through printed copies of the programming modules, and program the training configuration.

• Programming Module 1 Set up a new configuration

• Programming Module 2 Source selection

• Programming Module 3 Programming a PL-4 & PL-5


Lunch 12.50

40 min


8. Direct connection to PC

8.1. TCP/IP explained.

• Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol

50 min 13.30

These are languages by which network-able equipment such as computers, printers and iDR communicate, commonly known as Ethernet or network. Each device on a network has its own address. The address has four parts and we will compare them to country, city, street and house number.

IP address 192 168 0 1

The Subnet mask determines which numbers are house numbers. In this example, all numbers corresponding to 255 are country, street etc. Numbers corresponding to 0 are house numbers. This allows up to 999 house numbers or devices on the network. A larger network can be set up by having a subnet mask of 255.255.0.0. This would allow 999,999 devises on the network.


192.168.0.1 is the factory default IP address of an iDR unit. The first three numbers are an accepted international standard.

The network relies on all devices being in the same country, city and street – however – they all have to have different house numbers.

A typical network would have addresses such as: -

192.168.0.1 PC #1

192.168.0.2 PC #2

192.168.0.3 PC #3

192.168.0.4 Printer #1

192.168.0.5 Printer #2

192.168.0.6 Scanner

Small company network like this have IP addresses allocated automatically by a server. If you are going to connect direct from a PC/laptop to an iDR, you need to ensure that the IP address of the

PC is compatible with the iDR. The PC IP address will have to be 192.168.0.2 – or any number other than 1 (which is the iDR).


• The PC/laptop a) Start / settings or control panel / Network Connections / LAN or local connections b) Open Local Area Connection / click Properties c) Highlight Internet Protocol

[TCP?IP] d) Select Use the following

IP address e) Enter 192.168.0.3 (the last number can be anything other than 1 because 1 is used by the iDR). f) Click OK

Note: Some computers

require a restart in order to

activate the new IP address


• The iDR front panel menu

DHCP

The iDR is capable of receiving automatic IP addresses from a server on a network. Out of the box, the iDR is set with the static IP address 192.168.0.1 to facilitate quick connection with PC/laptop.

DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is a set of rules used by devices on a network to allow them to request and accept an IP address from a server. Out of the box, the iDR DHCP setting is NO

(off).

If the iDR is to be used on a network where IP addresses are issued by a server, DHCP must be set to

YES (on). a) Hold the front panel Menu button until Setup menu *1 shows. b) Scroll down to Setup menu *5 Network setup. c) Scroll to menu *5.1 DHCP Setup. d) Set DHCP to YES for automatic IP address from server or NO for manual IP address.


iDR IP address

The default IP address in the iDR unit can be changed. a) Hold the front panel Menu button until Setup menu *1 shows. b) Scroll down to Setup menu *5 Network setup. c) Scroll to menu *5.1 DHCP Setup. d) Set DHCP to YES for automatic IP address from server or NO for manual IP address. e) Scroll to menu *5.2 Set IP Addr f) Enter the desired IP address. In this example we are changing the last digit from 1 to 2 as if there are two iDR units on a network. g) Scroll to menu *5.3 Set Sub-Net h) Scroll to menu *5.3 and set the Subnet mask to 255. 255. 255.0


8.2. Plug up the iDR-8, 2x audio sources, 2x PL-4

After completion of the three programming modules, you will have a

.cfg that can control two audio sources into two rooms.

We will now connect our PC / laptop to an iDR system, open the .cfg and see how the system operates. NB MDIX switch pressed ‘in’ to allow use of noncrossover network cable.

• PC/laptop network port to iDR network port

• PL-Anet to Zone 1 PL-4 IN then OUT to Zone 2 PL-4 IN

• Stereo source #1 L-R to i/p XLR 1-2

• Stereo source #2 L-R to i/p XLR 3-4

• iDR o/p 1 to Zone 1 powered speaker

(using only the left o/p for this demo)

• iDR o/p 3 to Zone 2 powered speaker


9. Advanced communications

9.1. Remote connection over the Internet

20 min

The advised method of connecting to a remote iDR is via the internet. Other methods such as VPN

(Virtual Private Network) can open up security issues.

The engineer is connected to the internet. Open iDR

System Manager and enter the Wide Area Network IP address of the client’s

ADSL router.

The iDR protocol carries an identity 51321.

Program the ADSL router to forward any incoming traffic with this identity to the iDR. This is called ‘port forwarding’. Here are the IP addresses: -


9.2. RS232 and Telnet

• Our designers advise that Telnet is a less than ideal method of connecting. However, Telnet protocol is provided in the System Manager bundle.

• RS232 serial connection running System Manager Software is very slow. Connection is more cumbersome than network connection or internet connection.

• RS232 serial control from third party devices is supported. This is bi-directional. The iDR can receive serial commands and transmit serial commands. NB. ‘polling’ of the iDR unit for current status is not supported, generally level, mute, preset, changes are transmitted. AMX ‘In Concert’ programming shortcuts are provided via the website.

9.3. MIDI

• MIDI control protocol is provided in the System manager bundle.

INTERNET CLIENT’s LOCAL AREA NETWORK

Wide Area Network side of ADSL router

82.201.48.55

LAN side of ADSL router

Computer

192.168.0.1 192.168.0.2

Printer

192.168.0.3


iDR

192.168.0.4

9.4. Wireless

• Direct connection to an iDR via a wireless network connection allows the operator to adjust EQ and dynamics whilst freely moving around the venue.

Break 14.40

20 min


10. Quick reference documents

10.4. Monitor ripple through

10.5. Pager

10.6. Preset recall on a downstream iDR (slave) unit

10.7. The PL-Anet system

10.8. Trouble-shooter


45 min 15:00

• Power Point presentation

The slide show illustrates many possible applications for iDR.

12. Debrief & questions & Hands-On


End 16 00

20 min

40 min

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