Compex Systems AP4530 manual Welcome to the iDR-8

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