Compex Systems AP4530 manual Welcome to the iDR-8

Page 6

Welcome to the iDR-8

The Allen & Heath iDR system is a set of components whose hardware, control and signal processing flexibility make it well suited to many installed, live sound and special project applications. The 2U rack or desk mount iDR-8is the main unit in the iDR system having all the DSP (digital signal processing) power needed for 16 input and 16 output channels. It has 8 XLR analogue mic/line inputs and 8 XLR analogue line outputs. You can add a further 8 inputs and/or 8 outputs bringing it up to a maximum 16x16 matrix by plugging in the iDR-inand/or iDR-outaudio expanders. The signal can be routed at three key points, the input source patch bay, central matrix, and output source patch bay.

Although the iDR does not work with networked audio, the expanders can be located up to 250 metres away so providing remote analogue audio inputs and outputs connected using CAT5 cables. You can also daisy chain multiple iDR-8units in a distributed system. The units are linked using an 8 channel wide bus which plugs into the digital expander ports. Maximum matrix at any unit is 16x16 which includes the interconnecting bus. Several iDR-8units can be linked in this way, but you can have only one iDR-inand one iDR-outexpander per system. This is described later.

A stereo audio monitor is included. This has both input and output TRS jacks so that the monitor can ‘ripple through’ chained iDR units. It also feeds a front panel headphones socket for local monitoring of any point in the audio signal path. The monitor can access the input and output channels so that they can be used with the matrix. For example, you can achieve a 10x10 matrix from an unexpanded iDR-8. A built-in signal/noise generator provides a further source which can be routed to the input channels for test and line up purposes.

There are many operator control possibilities. You can configure the 16 front panel keys and 32 3- colour LEDs, and use the DR-Link port to add up to 3 iDR-switchunits for up to 72 additional switch closure 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 setting up a network of Allen & Heath PL wall plates and controllers.

The iDR-8features networked control. It is configured using the iDR System Manager software via an Ethernet port either connected directly to the installer’s PC, or over a TCP/IP network. Once configured it runs stand alone using its built-in iDR Unit software with stored settings. iDR units can also be operated from networked PC workstations running PL Client software configured as ‘virtual’ wall plates by the installer using PL Designer software. An RS232 modem port lets the installer remotely interrogate units. A front panel RS232 port allows easy operating code update.

The iDR system offers tremendous flexibility. The way the system is set up is stored in patches. Up to 99 patches can be programmed. You can decide which parameters are affected by each. To make best use of this it is important that you plan your installation carefully before you start. You can try out, prepare and archive different configurations offline before plugging in. Virtual panels and controllers are displayed so you can simulate how it will work for real. You can program the unit name, clock and IP address, and check diagnostic information and audio signal presence using the front panel menus accessed by removing the face plate. You can also attach your custom label here so that it is protected when the plate is refitted. For further information on the configuration of the unit please refer to the Help files which come with the software.

iDR System Manager software

AUDIO EXPANDERS

System configuration

iDR-in

 

 

iDR-in

 

MODEM

 

PL Designer software

 

iDR-out

RS232

 

PL Client software

 

 

iDR-out

'Vitual' wall plates

NETWORK

 

 

 

AUDIO MONITOR

 

 

iDR-8

 

 

DR-8

 

 

AUDIO MIX PROCESSOR

 

DR-Link

Sys-Net

 

 

MIDI

iDR-switch

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

iDR-switch

 

PL-Anet

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Switch closures Open-collector logic

Relays Lamps

Infra-red

REMOTE CONTROLLERS

6

IDR-8User Guide

Page 5 Page 7
Image 6
Page 5 Page 7
Contents IDR-8 Limited One Year Warranty Conditions Of WarrantyThis appliance must be earthed Important Safety Instructions Read FirstImportant Mains Plug Wiring Instructions IDR-8User GuideIntroduction Contents Welcome to the iDR-8 DR-8Daisy chain iDR-8 units Any number may be Main FeaturesIDR-8 main processing unit 2U, 8 mic/line Stereo audio monitor with front panelFront Panel Overview Front panel RS232 port This is used forExpander status LEDs These display Rear Panel Overview Monitor in L Monitor OUT LSystem Processing Overview IDR-8User Guide Page Getting Started Check the Contents IDR System Manager Software BundleInstalling the iDR-8 IDR-8 Main UnitEarthing Parameters restored on power-up The iDR-8 Starting Offline with iDR System Manager SoftwareTurning the iDR-8 On and Off Checking the iDR-8 Operating Code Version Updating the iDR-8 Operating CodeIDR-8 Setup Menus PPP SetupRebooting the iDR-8 Accessing the iDR-8 Setup MenusChecking the Current Settings and Status Changing the Unit NameGetting Started Checking the Hardware DR-8Communicating with the iDR-8 Network PortRS232 COM Port Communicating Using a TCP/IP Connection How to get the MAC address Connecting the iDR-8 Direct to the PCConnecting the iDR-8 to a Network Connect the PC to the iDR-8 Plug the PC Ethernet portChanging the iDR-8 PPP settings Go to menu *6 PPP Communicating Using a Dial Up ConnectionSetting up a Dial-up Connection Setting up the PC dial-up connection You needStarting the iDR System Manager Connecting the iDR-8 to a ModemDial up the iDR-8 using the remote PC Open up Connect the iDR-8 to the modemWorking with the iDR System Manager Setting the Time and Day ClockArchiving and Loading Configurations Start the iDR System Manager from the Start / ProgramsXLR Analogue Inputs and Outputs Input Source window From within the InputMonitor Headphones Output This follows Monitor Inputs and OutputsMonitor TRS Input and Output The monitor is Using the Monitor as Additional Channels Daisy chaining iDR-8 monitors The activeTurning the expander on or off Turn the unit on Adding the iDR-in and iDR-out Audio ExpandersCheck the connections The iDR-inAUDIO OUT Checking for expanders You can use the frontExpanded multiple iDR-8 system This diagram Linking iDR-8 Units SlaveUnit a Adding the iDR-switch Expander Checking for iDR-switch expanders You canConnecting to the iDR-8 The iDR-8communicates Connectors and grounding Pluggable Phoenix Using the switch closure inputs The input isUsing the logic outputs Each output is opto MIDI, SysNet and PL-Anet Ports SysNetSelecting the Communications Options Click on IDR-8 unit settings These are Configuration file settings These areIDR-8 Memory System Starting with the Patches Decide your system starting point AssignOnly store the parameters you need For your Technical Specification DR-8Application DR-8Headphones IDR-8 Installer Front PanelIDR-switch Front Panel DescriptionPower Supply IDR-switch InputsIDR-switch Logic Outputs Network PortClock Soft SwitchesSoftware NamingLevel Control DelaySignal Generator Fader GroupsFactory default unit settings Factory default configuration settingsFactory default patch parameters Template for Allen & Heath iDR-8 Front Panel Key Label
Top Page Image Contents