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38 

IDR-8

 User Guide 

The iDR-8 Memory System 

The 

iDR-8

 has onboard flash memory.  This is non-volatile memory that retains its settings when power is removed.  

Although the unit is configured using a PC, it holds its own operating code and settings in this memory for stand alone 
operation once the PC is removed.  The memory holds several different types of information including the boot code, 
unit operating code, unit settings and patch settings.  It is important to understand what each of these is and how they 
are affected when the unit is powered on and off. 

 

Boot code

   This is the software which 

manages the 

iDR-8

 operating code updates.  It is 

factory installed.  Pressing the front panel CODE 
UPDATE switch runs the boot code ready to 
communicate with your PC  to  load  in  new  code 
using the Windows™ HyperTerminal application.  
The HyperTerminal window displays the current 
version of boot code. 

Operating code

      This  is  the  software  that 

determines how the 

iDR-8

 functions.  It handles 

the digital processing of the audio signals and 
uses the configured settings  held  in  memory  to 
provide the control assigned by the installer.  It 
also communicates with the iDR System Manager 
software.  For this reason it is important that the 
operating code and iDR System Manager are the 
same version number.  Allen & Heath provide 
regular updates to product software as new 
features and improvements are added.  Check our 
web site for the latest version. 

New versions of operating code can be loaded 
into the 

iDR-8

 either as a binary file via RS232, or 

through the network connection once 
communication is established with the PC running 
iDR System Manager software. 

 

 

 

 

System power up

   The current patch 

settings are not restored on power up.  Instead 
the 

iDR-8

 recalls the patch which you have set as 

the ‘power up patch’.  You can use this to safely 
reset the system to the starting point you want.  If 
no power up patch has been set then the unit 
resets all its patch parameters to factory default, 
the same as stored in the RESET configuration 
file.  The configuration settings are restored and 
the patches can be recalled in the normal way. 

iDR-8 unit settings

   These are the 

settings which are permanently held in the unit 
and not archived on the PC.  They include settings 
which the unit uses to communicate with the 
outside world including the PC used for 
configuration.  They are unique to the unit. 

 Unit 

name 

 Unit 

password 

 

TCP/IP and PPP connection settings 

 

Meter style and monitor settings 

 

Time and day of week clock 

 

Configuration file settings

   These are 

the settings which can be archived to the PC as a 
.cfg configuration file.  They store how the unit is 
set up for a particular installation or application.  
You can completely reconfigure the system by 
loading in a different configuration.  You can load 
archived configurations into other 

iDR-8

 units.  

They include: 

 Communication 

port 

preferences 

 Synchronisation 

preferences 

 

Input and output channel names 

 

Input and output group names 

 Stereo 

channel 

selections 

 

Scheduled events, clock related patch recall 

 PL 

names 

 All 

created 

patch 

settings 

 

Patch settings

      A  patch  is  a  selected 

number of parameters stored in memory.  They 
are numbered, can be named, and can be 
recalled using several different methods including 
assigned front panel and remote soft key presses, 
scheduled events, SysNet and MIDI messages 
and so on.  Up to 99 patches can be stored for 
any configuration depending on memory usage.  
A counter is provided to warn when patch memory 
is getting low.  Parameters recalled by a patch can 
be selected from a detailed list including: 

 

Channel levels, mutes and polarity 

 Fader 

group 

settings 

 Channel 

processing 

parameters 

 

Matrix routing and levels 

 

Input and output source patchbays 

 Input 

preamp 

settings 

 

AMM, ducker and pager settings 

 LCD 

display 

settings 

 

Soft key and LED assignments 

 

iDR-switch

 and 

PL 

remote settings 

 Audio 

monitor 

settings 

 Signal 

generator 

settings 

Содержание iDR-8

Страница 1: ...USER GUIDE Hardware Configuration For software configuration refer to the iDR System Manager Help file Publication AP4530 iDR 8 Digital Audio Mix Processor ...

Страница 2: ...nterest of further product development Allen Heath Limited Kernick Industrial Estate Penryn Cornwall TR10 9LU UK http www allen heath com Limited One Year Warranty This product is warranted to be free from defects in materials or workmanship for period of one year from the date of purchase by the original owner To ensure a high level of performance and reliability for which this equipment has been...

Страница 3: ...nit away from any equipment which produces heat such as power supplies power amplifiers and heaters Environment Protect from excessive dirt dust heat and vibration when operating and storing Avoid tobacco ash drinks spillage and smoke especially that associated with smoke machines Handling To prevent damage to the controls and cosmetics avoid placing heavy objects on the equipment surfaces scratch...

Страница 4: ...d additional support information can be downloaded For information on the status and availability of the features described in this user guide and any changes and new additions please refer to the Release Notes which come with the current version of operating software We are able to offer further product support through our world wide network of approved dealers and service agents Our web site pro...

Страница 5: ...ings 19 Rebooting the iDR 8 19 Getting Started Checking the Hardware 20 Communicating with the iDR 8 21 Communicating Using TCP IP 22 Connecting Direct to a PC 23 Connecting to a Network 23 Communicating Using a Dial Up Connection 24 Connecting to a Modem Using RS232 25 Connecting to a PC Using RS232 25 Working with iDR System Manager 26 Setting the Time and Day Clock 26 Archiving and Loading Conf...

Страница 6: ...re and 48 open collector logic outputs In addition you can choose two of the following MIDI the Sys Net serial port to interface with third party remote controllers RS232 for modem communication and the PL Anet serial port for running a network of Allen Heath PL wall plates and controllers The iDR 8 features networked control It is configured using the iDR System Manager software via an Ethernet p...

Страница 7: ...ontrollers MIDI port IN OUT and THRU sockets provided for remote control using show controllers and other MIDI equipment 16 Front panel soft keys can be assigned by the installer as level mute or patch recall with different types of press action Similar applies to the iDR switch functions 32 Front panel 3 colour soft LEDs can be assigned by the installer as signal meters mute or patch related indi...

Страница 8: ...lects either the front or rear RS232 port The active LED lights when the port is available 10 Code update switch Puts the unit into code update mode ready to accept new operating code from a PC Status is shown on the LCD 11 Status LEDs Both the slave and ext sync lock LEDs light when the unit is correctly working as a slave in a daisy chained iDR system The 96k LED is available for a possible futu...

Страница 9: ... are provided on the iDR switch They can be used to control LEDs lamps relays and other devices 14 Earth terminals These are provided to earth ground the switch and logic output cable shields Use null modem cable to connect to PC com port CAUTION RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN FOR CONTINUED PROTECTION AGAINST RISK OF FIRE REPLACE FUSE WITH SAME TYPE AND RATING ATTENTION REMPLACER LE FUSIBLE AV...

Страница 10: ...each may be added This means that you can create an 8x8 16x8 8x16 or 16x16 system to suit your requirements The stereo monitor input and output can also be added into the matrix in a non expanded iDR 8 to create a 10x10 system iDR 8 and iDR 4 units can be daisy chained together using the 8 channel wide digital expander bus to create even more flexible systems with additional local inputs and outpu...

Страница 11: ...the active monitor bus and can also be routed into the source patchbay The outputs are fed from a patchbay which gets its source from the active monitor bus or any output channel In this way these connections can be used either as a monitor system or as channels in their own right Signal generator Provides another selectable source feeding the input channels through the patchbay Variable frequency...

Страница 12: ...ch and polarity reverse The fader offers 5dB boost above the unity gain 0 position The matrix provides variable level crosspoints with independent fader control Groups and stereo linking Faders can be grouped so that a master fader takes control of assigned input or output faders Channels can be linked for stereo operation with single fader level control and linked processing throughout the audio ...

Страница 13: ...E NOTES This file contains important notes about the related version of the software Read before starting iDR SYSTEM MANAGER APPLICATION to configure and control the iDR system using a PC running Windows WINDOWS HELP FILE for the iDR System Manager application iDR UNIT OPERATING CODE This is pre installed in the iDR 8 unit However check that it is the latest version Update the code as described la...

Страница 14: ...re adequate air flow around the units Do not install the units directly above or below heat or electromagnetic generating equipment such as power supplies and amplifiers To avoid damage to the internal assemblies do not fit screws or drill through the case metalwork Do not remove the cover of the iDR unit There are no user serviceable parts inside All configuration is carried out using the front p...

Страница 15: ...connectors and check for accurate wiring and reliable solder joints Avoid running audio cables alongside mains computer or lighting cables or near thyristor dimmer and power supply units If unavoidable cross the cables at right angles or run them in separate screened trunking to reduce the interference pickup Use low impedance sources such as 600Ω or less microphones to reduce susceptibility to in...

Страница 16: ...cks or thumps always turn connected power amplifiers down or off before switching the iDR 8 or any other signal equipment on or off Turn the unit on by pressing the rear panel power ON OFF switch The LCD display lights up and the message Please wait is displayed while the processor boots up This is followed by a Recall message if a power up patch is active Finally the normal display is shown Note ...

Страница 17: ...rminal window is opened 2 Select the file to transfer From the Transfer menu select the Send File item Click on the Browse button The file named iDR Unit Software V3_nn bin is displayed Make sure the version number is the same as the one you want to load Open the file The Send File window is opened ready to send the file via the COM port Do not do this until you have prepared the iDR 8 3 Prepare t...

Страница 18: ...oll character scroll character scroll character 4 Unit Name iDR iDR iDR Max 16 characters scroll day 3 Day of Week DAY Tuesday scroll hours scroll minutes scroll seconds 2 Clock TIME 12 44 41 TIME 12 44 41 TIME 12 44 41 scroll patches 1 Patch Select 01 Name DR 8 AUDIO MIX PROCESSOR REMOVE THESE SCREWS PRESS AND HOLD FOR 2 SECONDS The iDR 8 Setup Menus 1 Patch Select Scroll through the available pa...

Страница 19: ...elect menu 8 Diagnostics Scroll through the various sub menus to view the current settings Menu 8 1 8 2 and 8 3 display the last current IP address Subnet Mask and Gateway address if applicable Make a note of these if you need to restore them later Note that the address shown is likely to be temporary if the unit is working with a DHCP server Menu 8 4 displays the unique MAC address belonging to t...

Страница 20: ... out after 2 seconds of inactivity You should see the level displayed as a bar and number on the LCD display To get audio to pass through the unit you need to raise both the input fader and the required output fader In this default configuration all inputs are routed through the matrix to all outputs You can use one input to test each output by raising the output levels in turn Similarly you can u...

Страница 21: ...ore recommended for configuring the iDR system RS232 COM Port You can communicate with the iDR 8 via the COM1 or COM2 RS232 serial port on your PC NOTE By the nature of RS232 serial communication it is much slower than the network connection For this reason we recommend that you use it only when absolutely necessary or when dialing up the unit using a modem via a telephone line to remotely interro...

Страница 22: ...CAT5 Category 5 the standard used for network cabling and associated connectors UTP STP Unshielded Twisted Pair or Shielded Twisted Pair the type of cable used The cable has four twisted pairs of wires STP is shielded to reduce interference pickup TCP IP Transmission Control Protocol Internet Protocol a set of layered industry standard protocols which define network communication IP address the un...

Страница 23: ...lug it into the network until you have configured its settings Refer to the network administrator for the required DHCP setting and IP addresses 2 Set the iDR 8 IP settings Access the front panel menu system Go to menu 5 Network Setup Under menu 5 1 set DHCP to YES or NO as required If set to NO then go to menu 5 2 and set the IP Address Then go to menu 5 3 and set the Subnet Mask Exit and reboot ...

Страница 24: ...Option window You can select from the displayed combinations which options are associated with serial ports A and B To use RS232 make sure one of the top three is selected Reboot the iDR 8 for the changes to take effect Setting up a Dial up Connection You can simply use the factory default PPP settings In that case skip step 1 below However you can change these if you have a reason to do so Do thi...

Страница 25: ...l or the rear panel RS232 port Check that the active indicator is lit and that RS232 has been previously selected as the A port in the iDR System Manager File Preferences Communications Options item Use a standard RS232 cable for front connection Use a null modem female to female cable for rear connection 2 Dial up the iDR 8 Open up the previously created dial up connection Enter the correct usern...

Страница 26: ...e removed access menu 2 Clock and menu 3 Day of Week iDR System Manager software Click on the Edit menu Set Time item You can manually enter the settings or use the Sync to PC button to load in the current PC time and day settings Archiving and Loading Configurations The way the iDR 8 is set up and the contents of any patches which have been created is stored as a configuration It can be archived ...

Страница 27: ... are turned down or muted before you switch 48V on or off or plug microphones into powered inputs Do not connect unbalanced sources or cables to the inputs when 48V is selected If phantom power is not required make sure 48V is turned off Selecting PAD Select the 20dB pad if you are plugging in high level microphone or line sources Open on the Source window to access the 20dB switch Setting GAIN Op...

Страница 28: ...outputs into a stereo amplifier driving monitor loudspeakers You can select the source to monitor in three ways 1 Front panel Setup menu 7 With the face plate removed press and hold the MENU key until the Setup menus are accessed Press ENTER to scroll through until menu 7 Monitoring is displayed Press the scroll keys to select the input or output the channel number and the point in the signal path...

Страница 29: ...lanced TRS audio cables to interconnect the monitor L and R signals over distances up to 250 metres Take care to run the cables in such a way to avoid damage or interference pickup Using the Monitor as Additional Channels You can use the monitor L and R TRS sockets as additional channel inputs and outputs In the unexpanded iDR 8 these combine with the XLR sockets to provide a 10x10 matrix as shown...

Страница 30: ...rs connect to the same iDR 8 then daisy chain from DR Link OUT on one to DR Link IN on the other Turning the expander on or off Turn the unit on by pressing the rear panel power ON OFF switch The power LED lights up The link LED lights if the DR Link connection is established with the iDR 8 Then the lock LED lights once audio communication is established with the iDR 8 The iDR System Manager detec...

Страница 31: ...uired to connect to the expanders not between the main units Make sure you connect DR Link to the iDR 8 associated with each expander Make sure you plug into the correct DR Link socket In this case do not daisy chain DR Link from one expander to the other Use CAT5 STP cable Maximum cable length is 250 metres Maximum audio matrix is 16x16 The audio link cable carries 8 channels This can provide a d...

Страница 32: ...ate needs to be removed The slave LED lights when the unit is assigned as a slave The ext sync lock LED lights when audio is being correctly synchronised between the units Both LEDs are off if the unit is the master Daisy chained units This example shows two units chained together and including the audio expanders Unit A becomes the sync master Unit B the slave The CAT5 cable between them connects...

Страница 33: ...nually assign one of the units to be the master If this is not done then the operation of the units is unpredictable Do this from within the iDR System Manager session for the unit you want to be the master usually the first in the chain Open the File menu Preferences Synchronisation Options window Tick the Force Sync Master item To avoid feedback oscillation make sure you do not route any output ...

Страница 34: ... Link connection is established with the iDR 8 The iDR System Manager detects the presence of connected iDR switch units Checking for iDR switch expanders You can check to see how many iDR switch units are connected and working from within iDR System Manager by opening up the Soft LEDs or Soft Keys windows Connecting to the iDR 8 The iDR 8 communicates with the iDR switch using the DR Link port Th...

Страница 35: ...at the iDR switch end only If a local ground is not available then use the cable shield to connect the plate to the chassis of the iDR switch unit as shown This is not necessary if the wall plate is made of non conductive material such as plastic which insulates it from the operator Using the switch closure inputs The input is opto coupled to isolate the iDR switch from the connected equipment It ...

Страница 36: ... total isolation between the iDR switch and external equipment Maximum external supply voltage must not exceed 24V DC Maximum current sink through any open collector output must not exceed 200mA A few examples are shown in the diagram here For further advice contact Allen Heath technical support Remote controllers The iDR switch is designed to be used with a wide range of remote control devices in...

Страница 37: ...s dedicated to communicating with third party controllers such as the many touch screens and remote control systems available from other manufacturers Refer to the Allen Heath iDR SysNet Protocol document for details on how to control the parameters using this RS232 interface This can be downloaded from our web site Use standard RS232 cables up to 3 metres 10 feet in length PL Anet This is an RS48...

Страница 38: ... starting point you want If no power up patch has been set then the unit resets all its patch parameters to factory default the same as stored in the RESET configuration file The configuration settings are restored and the patches can be recalled in the normal way iDR 8 unit settings These are the settings which are permanently held in the unit and not archived on the PC They include settings whic...

Страница 39: ...ected You may want to assign this as the power up patch This gives you a known starting point Only store the parameters you need For your working patches decide which parameters should be affected and save only those in the patches That keeps the basic system assignment intact Keep it simple Focus on the needs of the application and avoid the temptation to create complex patch structures Plan the ...

Страница 40: ...D PROTECTION AGAINST RISK OF FIRE REPLACE FUSE WITH SAME TYPE AND RATING ATTENTION REMPLACER LE FUSIBLE AVEC UN DES MEMES CARACTERISTIQUES 47 63Hz 25W MAX 100 240V THIS APPARATUS MUST BE EARTHED WARNING SERIAL NUMBER AVIS RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE NE PAS OUVRIR FUSE T500mAL next OUT DR LINK previous IN IN 10 Complies with UL6500 CSA E65 EN60065 IN 16 IN 15 MIC LINE INPUTS IN 14 IN 13 IN 11 IN 12 I...

Страница 41: ...d sound distribution and control Paging and background music Source routing and mixing Signal equalisation and dynamics processing Automatic microphone mixing Venue speaker management System time alignment DAC OUTPUT OUTPUT ANALOG PHYSICAL OUTPUTS SILENCE 15 16 1 2 MONO STEREO FADER OUTPUT CHANNELS FADER MUTE 48V NAME NAME PEQ4 PINK NOISE 1 3 OCT BP OSCILLATOR WHITE NOISE INPUT L R MONITOR ADC ADC...

Страница 42: ...weighted 112dB unweighted Performance Frequency response 20Hz 20kHz 0 0 5dB Crosstalk 80dB 1kHz 0dB gain THD noise 0 01 1kHz 0dBu Residual output noise 93dBu Input to output noise 0dB gain 87dBu Input to output noise 50dB gain 73dBu Mic Line Inputs x8 x16 expanded Female 3pin XLR Electronically balanced pin 2 hot Impedance 2k ohm pad out 10k ohm pad in Gain range 15 to 50dB in 3dB steps Pad 20dB S...

Страница 43: ...TP cable follows EIA TIA 568B standard Refer to Allen Heath application chart for lengths DR Link Port Serial control of iDR expander units Proprietary Allen Heath control protocol RJ45 connector IN and OUT ports provided on expanders to allow daisy chaining through multiple units CAT5 STP cable up to 300 metres 1000 feet iDR switch Inputs x24 Contact closure to connect pin to ground Opto isolated...

Страница 44: ...aracter grey backlit Assignable display patch related Combinations of clock unit name and user text Setup menu code update and status modes Memory System Up to 99 patches memory usage dependent Patch name up to 8 characters displays on PC can display in LCD Select parameters to save from on screen list Add remove copy paste parameter edit functions Selectable power up patch recall Patch recall ass...

Страница 45: ...isplay level response curve gate active in out and sidechain meters Controls in out sidechain in out Compressor Threshold 48 to 18dBu Ratio variable 1 1 to 1 infinite Knee hard soft Makeup gain 0 to 18dB Attack 300us to 300ms Release 100ms to 2s Auto modes live music AGC vocal speech Display level response curve gain reduction in out sidechain meters time versus reduction histogram Controls in out...

Страница 46: ...0ms Input faders mutes groups Fader levels off Mutes off Group assignments none Group levels 0dB Input patchbay XLR 1 to Channel 1 XLR 8 to Channel 8 Expander 9 to Channel 9 Expander 16 to Channel 16 Output patchbay Channel 1 to XLR 1 Channel 8 to XLR 8 Expander 9 to XLR 9 Expander 16 to XLR 16 LCD Line 1 user text Allen Heath Line 2 time Mic preamps Pad on Gain 20dB resulting gain 0dB 48V off Lim...

Страница 47: ...y Edit the text to identify the key and LED functions maximum of three lines per cell each with eight characters Overall size of each label is 187 x 13 mm Insert the labels into the iDR 8 front face plate between the plastic LED facias and the metal face plate Once fitted the labels are protected by the face plate plastic windows 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 ...

Страница 48: ...48 IDR 8 User Guide ...

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