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Detailed Parameters

ZonePRO

User Manual

32

Section 4

ZonePRO

The ZonePRO™ units offer a dedicated output dynamics module which includes Compression,
Limiting and Auto Gain Control.  The Output Dynamics are located on each output channel and
have been strategically placed for speaker and amplifier protection. Note: Compression para-
meters are explained in sub section 4.5, and AGC parameters are explained in sub section 4.3. 

Limiter On/Off

Turns the Limiter module on and off.

OverEasy  (O) Off to 10

OverEasy is a soft-knee smoothing function that occurs about the limiting threshold.  OverEasy
off is considered hard knee; the higher the OverEasy, the greater the smoothing.

Threshold  -40 to +20dBu

Threshold is the signal level at which the unit starts to limit the signal. If the level is set to -10
dBu, any signal larger than -10 dBu is limited while any signal that has a level that is lower than
-10dBu is left at the same signal level. Light limiting is where only the loudest parts of the sig-
nal go over the threshold. Very heavy limiting can be achieved by setting the threshold low
enough that almost the entire signal content is over the threshold. For most signals, the most
natural compression is achieved when most of the signal content remains just below the thresh-
old and only the peaks cross the threshold.

Auto On/Off

When auto is turned on the ZonePRO™ will continuously set the attack / hold / release controls itself.

Attack .01 to 200 m Sec (per band or global)

This is the speed at which the limiter starts to limit the signal once it has crossed the threshold

.

Hold 0 to 500 m Sec (per band or global)

Hold is the time the limiter stays in gain reduction after the signal level has dropped below
t h reshold. Hold is useful when you want the limiter to function for a period of time after it has 

4.12 - Output Dynamics

Summary of Contents for Zone Pro 1260

Page 1: ...User Manual 1260 1261 ...

Page 2: ...s equipment only to the power source indicated on the equipment rear panel To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock refer servicing to qualified service personnel or equivalent This Equipment is intended for rack mount use only SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS NOTICE FOR CUSTOMERS IF YOUR UNIT IS EQUIPPED WITH A POWER CORD WARNING THIS APPLIANCE MUST BE EARTHED CONNECT ONLY TO A MAINS SOCKET OUTLET WITH PR...

Page 3: ...t may cause undesired operation Operation of this unit within significant electromagnetic fields should be avoided use only shielded interconnecting cables DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY Manufacturer s Name dbx Professional Products Manufacturer s Address 8760 S Sandy Parkway Sandy Utah 84070 USA declares that the product Product name dbx 1260 and dbx 1261 Note Product name may be suffixed by the lette...

Page 4: ...s 4 1 Input 20 4 2 Parametric EQ 20 4 3 Advanced Feedback Suppression AFS 21 4 4 Automatic Gain Control AGC 23 4 5 Noise Gate 24 4 6 Compressor 25 4 7 De Esser 27 4 8 Notch Filters 28 4 9 Router Mixer 28 4 10 Auto Warmth 30 4 11 Band Pass Filter Crossover 31 4 12 Output Dynamics 32 4 13 Delay 33 4 14 Output Polarity 33 Section 5 Application Guide 5 1 Restaurant Install 36 5 2 Health Club 38 5 3 Ni...

Page 5: ...INTRO CUSTOMER SERVICE INFO Defining the ZonePRO WARRANTY INFO INTRODUCTION ZonePRO ...

Page 6: ...onality of the powerful ZonePRO units By combining the different components the configuration possibilities are limitless After you have become familiar with the unit we encourage you to experiment and find the most effective and efficient way to run your system by utilizing the powerful processing of the ZonePRO 1260 and 1261 ZonePRO 1260 1261 features Individual Zone Routing or Mixing Advanced F...

Page 7: ...a maximum length of 1 000 ft the Zone Controllers offer a simple way to create a simple yet elegant solution to many installation applications If you require technical support contact dbx Customer Service Be prepared to accurately describe the problem Know the serial number of your unit this is printed on a sticker attached to the top panel If you have not already taken the time to fill out your w...

Page 8: ...within the U S to be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and service 3 dbx liability under this warranty is limited to repairing or at our discretion replacing defec tive materials that show evidence of defect provided the product is returned to dbx WITH RETURN AUTHORIZATION from the factory where all parts and labor will be covered up to a period of two years A Return ...

Page 9: ...Getting Started Section 1 ZonePRO ...

Page 10: ...n is used to send information and power to the ZC wall controllers 6 Outputs Channels 1 6 Euroblock The output section of the ZonePRO offers six electronically balanced Euroblock connectors 7 Input Link Buss RJ 45 The ZonePRO offers an input buss that duplicates the first six inputs from one unit to the next for applications requiring more than six output zones 8 Input Source Channels 1 8 RCA The ...

Page 11: ... 1260 provides the user with six independent six segment Lightpipe output meters that range from 30 to 20 dBu 7 Threshold Meters The threshold meters indicate that the threshold level has been exceeded within the output Compressor Auto Gain Control or Limiter sections and gain reduction may be taking place 1 PC Connection This DB 9 connection is used to communicate to the PC via RS 232 protocol 2 ...

Page 12: ...ro products Minimum System Requirements for ZonePRO Designer are 1 GHz or faster processor Windows 2000 or XP 256 MB RAM or 512 MB Recommended Recommended screen resolution 1024 x 768 pixels or higher Installation Install the ZonePRO GUI software from either the dbx website at www dbxpro com or from the included CD ROM onto your computer Once the software setup is downloaded double click on the fi...

Page 13: ...SOFTWARE OVERVIEW Section 2 ZonePRO ...

Page 14: ...uter and then recalling it into another ZonePRO unit allows for exact duplication of a system in a single file download The device file can be stored by selecting File Save in the Unit view There are three different views within the ZonePRO Designer GUI Venue view Program screen and Module view Venue view Venue View gives you a global view of the network including all your units if you are using E...

Page 15: ...cannot connect to the ZonePRO device check the COM port assignment under Network Properties in the Venue View and make sure that you are con necting to the correct COM port Note Setting up a basic Network The enclosed crossover Ethernet cable is used to connect a computer directly to a ZonePRO 1260 1261 without a hub or a switch If you are using a hub or a switch you must provide your own cabling ...

Page 16: ...is engaged This is usually indicated by the module ON button in the upper left corner of the parameter section Although process editing is done in real time the changes can either be discarded or accepted by selecting the OK or CANCEL button Parameters can be copied and pasted between like modules in the ZonePRO GUI From the program screen either right click on the module and select Copy or select...

Page 17: ...Schedule Wizard from the Wizard Menu reveals the image below where scenes can be recalled at various times through out the day or week 2 4 5 Help Menu The Help Menu provides for some special functions like retrieving Hardware Info such as Checksum and Fire Safety status There is a Locate function similar to the Locate function found under the Device Menu in the Venue view A special provision for t...

Page 18: ...N OFF buttons allowing the processing of that module to be bypassed Any changes made to the processing happen in real time as long as the ON OFF button is turned on indicated by the button turn ing red These changes can be accepted or discarded upon exiting the module by selecting either the OK or CANCEL button at the bottom of the module view 2 5 ModuleView Functions ZonePRO User Manual ...

Page 19: ...SOFTWARE OPERATION Setup Section 3 ZonePRO ...

Page 20: ...the Schedule using the Schedule Wizard for each scene change Make sure the clock is correct by clicking on Edit then Time from the Menu Bar Step 7 File Save It is recommended that you save off a copy of your ZonePRO device file using the File Save on the Menu bar This file is a back up and might come in handy for future installations If you are connecting to a device with an RS 232 connection the ...

Page 21: ...xt Page button and the display will appear as fol lows 3 3 2 Zone Configuration This page is the Output Setup Page and allows naming of the outputs zone configuration and selection of the Dynamics DSP module The outputs can be configured as mono or stereo either with or without a subwoofer You can also select whether you want a mixer or routing module as part of your zone Once you have performed a...

Page 22: ... Select the desired scenes from the list of scenes on the right hand side of the window and associate it with the selector position A B C D on a ZC 3 or switch position 1 16 on a ZC 4 see ZC 4 switch positions within the Appendix Fire The ZC FIRE is a special case of scene selection A ZC FIRE can only be assigned to ID 2 Select whether the ZC FIRE should be activated when taken high or low Select ...

Page 23: ...ashion where each switch must be pushed and held to route the page to that zone or group of zones Once you have performed all your zone controller configurations click NEXT to move to the Routing Configuration 3 3 4 Source Association The Source Association page allows selection of the main Source the Priority override source the Page source and the output level for each of the output zones The So...

Page 24: ...g source or volume contro l of an output zone these parameters will not be available from the front panel Once all the Wizard pages have been completed the configuration is ready to be loaded this is accomplished by selecting finish You will now be returned to the normal editing mode of the ZonePRO GUI All parameters can be edited by double clicking on the module All the individual parame ters are...

Page 25: ...ard function is used to change ZC associations or Zone Routing for different scenes From the Program Screen view Select the Wizard pull down from the menu bar and then select the option labeled Scene Wizard Once selected a window will appear as follows Once your changes have been made for page 1 press the NEXT button and page 2 will appear as follows Once your changes have been for the scene wizar...

Page 26: ...n be recalled per day Once all changes have been made select Ok or Cancel and the window will be closed After editing and storing the scene or scenes you can store this file to your computer by selecting File Save from the Device View menu Many functions of the ZonePRO 1260 can be accessed and performed from the front panel of the unit The following information will cover several areas of operatio...

Page 27: ...DETAILED PARAMETERS Detailed Parameters Section 4 ZonePRO ...

Page 28: ... input level HP Frequency Off 14 96Hz to 118 85Hz Mic Inputs and RCA S1 S2 Adjusts the input High Pass cutoff frequency on the mic line inputs The ZonePRO units offer both Pre and Post crossover parametric sections on each input and may be configured as a single or linkable 2 band or 4 Band PEQ Mic inputs and RCA S1 and S2 EQ On Off Turns the PEQ on and off Type Low Shelf HighShelf Low High Shelf ...

Page 29: ...s caused when a microphonic signal such as a guitar pickup or microphone is reproduced by an amplification and is repeatedly picked up in phase The AFS module of the ZonePRO allows the user to optimize the elimination of feedback With the AFS algorithm active the ZonePRO removes only the feedback frequencies without affecting the remaining audio spectrum AFS On Off Turns the AFS module on and off ...

Page 30: ...der notch filters at these lower frequencies below 700 Hz Total Number of Filters 1 12 This parameter selects the number of filters being used Number Fixed 0 12 This parameter sets the number of Fixed AFS filters This also sets the number of Live filters as the Total number of filters number of Fixed Filters number of Live Filters Live Filter Lift On Off This parameter turns the Live Filter Lift o...

Page 31: ...indicates the signal is above the target window A green indicates the AGC is adding adding Gain and is at or below the window When the Threshold meter is off the signal is below the Threshold The AGC module also includes a dedicated Limiter AGC On Off Turns the AGC module On and Off Target 20 to 20 dB The Target parameter defines where you would like the average level of the AGC output to be If th...

Page 32: ...0 m Sec This is the speed at which the limiter starts to compress the signal once it has crossed the threshold AGC Limiter Release 360 to 5 dB Sec Just like the release time on the compressor the limiter s release time controls how fast the lim iter releases from gain reduction after the signal drops below the threshold Gate On Off Turns the Gate on and off Threshold 50 to 20 dBu The threshold is ...

Page 33: ... threshold point Release 360 to 5 dB Release sets the speed at which the gate closes or attenuates when the end of the Hold time is reached Max Attenuation 0 to Inf dB This sets the maximum amount of attenuation for the gate The ZonePRO also offers a dedicated compression module The Compressor is the perfect tool for tightening uneven signal sources such as vocals and guitars The parameters for th...

Page 34: ... on the ZonePRO automatically sets the Attack Hold and Release times for the signal The auto mode constantly adjusts these parameters in real time for optimum per formance from the unit You will find that for most applications not only is using the auto mode faster and easier but by letting the unit constantly tweak these parameters for you will result in a better end result Attack 0 1 m Sec to 20...

Page 35: ...uency the De Esser uses when in Band Pass mode or the corner frequency used when in High Pass mode Amount 0 to 100 This controls the amount of De Essing The amount control is very much like a combination threshold ratio control A higher amount applies more De Essing to the signal Type HP or BP Selects the type of filter used by the De Esser Width Sets the Q of the Band Pass Filter 4 7 De Esser Ins...

Page 36: ...128 Selects the Q of the selected notch filter Level 36 to 6 dB Sets the level of the selected notch filter Set to 6dB to help find unwanted feedback then set to 3dB to 36dB to remove The Router or Mixer selected in setup module is the heart of the ZonePRO device and allows for a primary source a priority override sources and a paging source where the paging source has the highest priority Both pr...

Page 37: ...uted for the Zone Both the Router and Mixer provide Ducking capability along with selection of a priority and paging source The Priority Ducker attenuates the primary source and adds the Priority source The Priority source is also gated using the same timing as the Priority Ducker When the Priority source crosses the Priority Ducker Threshold the Ducker attenuates the Primary source by the Depth a...

Page 38: ...returns to its nominal level Fader Mixer Module Selected The fader parameter allows you to control the output volume of each mixer channel The ZonePRO 1260 and 1260 offer the AutoWarmth module on each output AutoWarmth is a patent pending process that compensates for naturally occurring bass frequency loss for low level signals The Fletcher Munson Equal Loudness curves show that the perception of ...

Page 39: ...AutoWarmth followed by an AGC The AGC can add gain when below the AutoWarmth threshold resulting in overcompensated Bass Amount 0 25 1 to 4 00 1 The amount controls how much Bass is added A setting of 1 00 1 compensates the signal as described by the Fletcher Munson Equal Loudness curves Higher settings greater that 1 00 causes more bass Lower setting result is less bass compensation Highpass Out ...

Page 40: ...larger than 10 dBu is limited while any signal that has a level that is lower than 10dBu is left at the same signal level Light limiting is where only the loudest parts of the sig nal go over the threshold Very heavy limiting can be achieved by setting the threshold low enough that almost the entire signal content is over the threshold For most signals the most natural compression is achieved when...

Page 41: ...vel set by the PeakStopPlus OVERSHOOT control by more than the overshoot amount and that it will not introduce harsh artifacts The second stage is a unique program lim iter featuring Intelligent Predictive Limiting Its function is to monitor the input signal and intelligently predict the amount of gain reduction needed to keep the output signal below the ceiling set by the Instantaneous Transient ...

Page 42: ...Detailed Parameters ZonePRO User Manual 34 Section 4 ZonePRO Polarity Normal or Invert This section is used to select either the Positive or Negative polarity 4 14 Output ...

Page 43: ...APPLICATION GUIDE Section 5 ZonePRO ...

Page 44: ...Application Guide 36 SECTION 5 ZonePRO ZonePRO User Manual 5 1 Restaurant Install ...

Page 45: ...enes have been created that accommodate changes in the venue such as a volume boost in the bar for happy hour as well as the regular volume boost in the restaurant for the lunch time rush and the dinner crowd 6 The ZC 3 in the restaurant is used to change between scenes as needed 7 The Schedule function has been used to load the Rest Boost scene automatically at the begin ning of the lunch and din...

Page 46: ...Application Guide 38 SECTION 5 ZonePRO ZonePRO User Manual 5 2 Health Club Install ...

Page 47: ...Whenever the TV is on its audio is routed to the treadmill room and it can also be selected in the weight room 6 The locker rooms always have as their primary source the Satellite Music and receive paging from the front desk 7 Since we do not need the Aerobics Mic to be routed to any of the zones other than the aerobics room and we are using the Input Link Buss to duplicate the inputs from the fir...

Page 48: ...Application Guide ZonePRO User Manual 40 Section 5 ZonePRO 5 3 Night Club Install ...

Page 49: ...e selection and volume control 3 The feed from the nightclub allows the restaurant to receive the signal from the nightclub allowing it to be sent to the entire restaurant 4 Output Delay is used to delay the signal from the nightclub area so it arrives at the same time as the acoustic signal from the nightclub 5 The zone controllers in the restaurant allow source selection and volume control of th...

Page 50: ...Application Guide ZonePRO User Manual 42 Section 5 ZonePRO This page intentionally left blank ...

Page 51: ...APPLICATION Notes Section 6 ZonePRO ...

Page 52: ... 4 can be used as a scene selector To do this they must be setup as such in the ZC Configuration page of the Configuration Wizard If you select a ZC 3 or ZC 4 in ID 1 you can select a check box for Scene selection The Edit button allows selection of the indi vidual scenes that will be loaded for each switch position of the ZC 3 or ZC 4 The ZC FIRE is a special case of Scene selection allowing eith...

Page 53: ...t Locate from the Help Menu of the Device View When selected the Locate function will flash the LCD screen of the 1260 or the Network Traffic LED of the 1261 From the ZonePRO designer Screen view of the setup select the Network pull down from the menu bar and then select the option labeled Properties Once selected a window will appear as follows 6 5 Using the Address Network Wizard 6 4 Using the L...

Page 54: ... configured 1260 1261 over a complex remote network For initial setup of a ZonePRO leave this field empty Please refer to the appendix for more information on network setup and proxies Once you have made your selection click on the Next Page button and the display will appear as follows At this point the ZonePRO designer is about to perform its Node discovery of any devices that are present on you...

Page 55: ... window is Status There are three different states that are shown here in the status box The first is Offline In this state the ZonePRO Designer software is aware of the ZonePRO unit and has an icon for it on the main page of the software but can not currently find it on the network A device in the Detected state has been found on the network but not as one of the ZonePRO devices already known to ...

Page 56: ...Applications Notes 48 SECTION 6 ZonePRO ZonePRO User Manual ...

Page 57: ...Appendix ZonePRO ...

Page 58: ... 1261 Only In the Help tab of the program dialog of ZonePRO Designer select 641 1261 Operation Soft Reset This sends a mes sage to the 1261 to perf o rm a Soft Reset and Restart itself ZonePRO Designer will go offline when the 1261 isrestarted Factory Hard Reset From the Front Panel 1260 Only Press and Hold 2 button on power up until the following message appears in the display HARD RESET Yes UTIL...

Page 59: ...d Impedance RCA 25k Unbalanced RF Filtered Max input line level 20dBu Mic Line 12dBu RCA CMRR 40dB typically 55db 1kHz Mic Pre gain 30 to 60dB Mic EIN 118dB 22Hz 22kHz 150 Source Impedance Mic Phantom Power 15V Analog Outputs Number of Outputs 6 Connectors Euroblock Type Electronically balanced RF filtered Impedance 120 balanced 60 unbalanced Max Output Level 20dBu A D Performance Type dbx Type IV...

Page 60: ...ZonePRO User Manual 52 Appendix ZonePRO A 3 Block Diagram ...

Page 61: ...le source The Link I O of the RCA inputs are always active The mic line inputs have selection jumpers inside the unit These jumpers can be set to enable or disable Link In and or Link Out Zone Controller Wiring All Zone Controllers can be wired serially or in parallel To wire in series each Zone Controller must have an identification number ID chosen using the DIP switches on the side of the con t...

Page 62: ... 1 is a programmable zone controller that allows volume level control from a wall panel ZC 2 The ZC 2 is a programmable zone controller that allows volume level and mute control from a wall panel ZC 3 The ZC 3 allows wall panel program selection for the ZonePRO units ZC 4 The ZC 4 provides contact closure program selection for room combining or fire safety applications applications ZC Fire The ZC ...

Page 63: ...Appendix ZonePRO ZonePRO User Manual 55 Diagram A Diagram B Diagram C ...

Page 64: ...ZonePRO User Manual 56 Appendix ZonePRO Diagram A Diagram B Diagram C ...

Page 65: ... this section for more information At the current time the ZonePRO 1260 1261 only supports static IP configuration In order to use Ethernet to manage the unit from the ZonePRO Designer GUI modifications to the network settings may be needed on the PC and the ZonePRO 1260 1261 Factory defaults for the Internet Protocol IP settings for the ZonePRO are as follows IP Address 169 254 2 2 Subnet Mask 25...

Page 66: ...d statically manually A 6 2 Connecting via direct connect Ethernet using the included crossover cable Assumptions Using Microsoft Windows XP or 2000 Computer has a working Ethernet network adapter You have administrative rights on the PC so that network settings can be changed if neces sary 1 Connect the included crossover Ethernet cable to both the ZonePRO and the PC NOTE A standard Ethernet cabl...

Page 67: ...ning make sure that you are not online by selecting Go Offline from the Network menu If it is already grayed out ZonePRO Designer is currently offline 7 Select Properties from the Network menu Make sure that Use Ethernet is selected 8 Click Next again to enter the address tool Ensure that there are no addressing conflicts Only ZonePRO Designer and the ZonePRO unit should show up and their Node Add...

Page 68: ...nePRO and select Properties iii Highlight Internet Protocol TCP IP and then press the properties button iv If Use the following IP address radio button is selected write down all the information on this page The following steps will overwrite these settings so you will need to keep this information to restore your network settings v Select the Obtain an IP address automatically radio button vi XP ...

Page 69: ...is already grayed out ZonePRO Designer is currently offline 4 Select Properties from the Network menu Make sure that Use Ethernet is selected Click Next 5 Click Next again to enter the address tool It may take up to one minute for your new ZonePRO to show up in the device window 6 Click Change Address to set the IP address of your ZonePRO unit Contact your network administrator for an IP address S...

Page 70: ...e properties window 8 Select Go Online from the Network menu After a moment you will see your devices appear in the window If the ZonePRO Designer software can not establish a connection with the proxy you will receive a failure message after about one minute of trying to connect Proxy can be used to allow remote access to monitor and make minor changes to any ZonePRO 1260 or 1261 that is accessib...

Page 71: ...evices that can connect to the ZonePRO design er software at any given time If the proxy link initially fails to connect the user must go offline and then go back online before the proxy connection will be re established Firewall Considerations The ZonePRO 1260 1261 uses port 3804 udp and tcp to com municate with the ZonePRO Designer software Make sure that you configure your fire walls correctly ...

Page 72: ...t you have a valid network connection between the two devices If you receive a Destination net unreachable or Request timed out message this indicates that your computer is not communicating with the ZonePRO device Portions of code are covered by the following copyrights X Consortium Copyright C 1996 X Consortium Permission is hereby granted free of charge to any person obtaining a copy of this so...

Page 73: ...NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MER CHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE DISCLAIMED IN NO EVENT SHALL THE AUTHOR BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT INDIRECT INCIDENTAL SPECIAL EXEMPLARY OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO PRO CUREMENT OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS OR SERVICES LOSS OF USE DATA OR PROFITS OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION HOWEVER CAUSED AND ON ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY ...

Page 74: ... STRICT LIABILITY OR TORT INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THE USE OF THIS SOFTWARE EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE NVidia Corp Copyright c 1996 1998 NVIDIA Corp All rights reserved NOTICE TO USER The source code is copyrighted under U S and international laws NVIDIA Corp of Sunnyvale California owns the copyright and as design patents pending on the de...

Page 75: ...h Sandy Parkway Sandy Utah 84070 Phone 801 568 7660 Fax 801 568 7662 Int l Fax 801 568 7583 Questions or comments E mail us at customer dbxpro com or visit our World WideWeb home page at www dbxpro com 18 0244 A ...

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