Ashly VCM-88C Operating Manual Download Page 6

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Operator Manual – VCM-88C Controller

Physical Description

The VCM-88C is 1RU, and weighs 10 pounds.

VCM-88C Front Panel

Power LED –

This blue LED indicates when

the unit is powered on. The power switch is one
the rear of the unit. If the blue LED does not
light, check to see if the unit is plugged into a
live outlet, and that the removable AC cord is
firmly plugged in. If there is still no light, refer
the unit to a qualified service technician.

Digital Remote Control Disable Switch -

This

switch disables the RD-8C remote controller
and returns all eight channels to unity gain.
This switch is Protea Software selectable to
provide either unity gain or the last level
settings before the remote is disabled. The
adjacent red LED indicates when this switch is
depressed. The nearby green Remote Active
indicator will go off when the remote is disabled
because the RD-8C does not send any data
when it is disabled. After releasing the remote
disable switch, all channels return to their
respective levels set by the RD-8C remote
controller or software control.

Digital Remote Control Status Indicator -

This green LED indicates when the VCM-88C
is receiving data from the RD-8C, RW-8C, or
computer control. In the event of remote control
data interruption, the VCM-88C will lock all
settings just before the data reception stopped
and continue to operate as if there were no
changes happening. Reconnecting the remote
data signal with the VCM-88C still operating will
instantly change the channel level settings to
wherever the controller is currently set.

Note: The VCM-88E will remember the last
level settings when the AC power is switched
off and will restore these settings on power-up.

Master Attenuation Control -

This control

attenuates all eight channels uniformly, and
was designed as a simple means of turning
down all eight audio channels n the event of
feedback or other sound system problems.
Normally this control should be set fully
clockwise at 0dB attenuation.

Signal Present LED -

Each channel has a

green LED to indicate input signal present (app.
-20dBu). Since the LED is referencing the
audio signal prior to the VCA circuit, the LED
will continue flashing even if the channel level
is turned down.

Limiter Threshold Control and Indicator -

The recessed Limiter Threshold trimpot adjusts
the signal threshold above which the limiter will
become active. The units of this threshold dial
are dBu where 0dBu = 0.775Vrms. The limiter
is a peak-detecting true VCA type limiter with
very low distortion. The input to output ratio of
the limiter is approximately 10 to 1 with a
relatively fast attack and moderate release time
behavior. The adjacent yellow threshold LED
indicates when the limiter circuit has been
activated by an audio signal above the
threshold level. To disable the limiter on any
given channel, simply rotate its threshold
adjustment fully clockwise to +23dBu, which is
the maximum input signal of the unit.

Safety Instructions – 3

Introduction - 4

VCM-88C Controller – 5

Connectors & Cables - 5

Physical Description - 6

Front Panel

Rear Panel

Installation – 7

Applications - 8

Data Connections – 9

Troubleshooting – 11

Dimensions - 11