DCM-1 Digitally Controlled Mixer Installation and User Guide
DCM-1 Digitally Controlled Mixer DCM-1 User Manual v1.
z Contents Contents.......................................................... 2 Welcome.........................................................................................6 Scope of this manual.............................................................6 What’s in the box..........................................................................6 Connecting Paging systems...................................................... 24 Cloud CDPM Paging Microphones.................................
Priorities Menu....................................................................... 39 Select Priority Line Input.................................................. 39 Line Priority Hold Time.................................................... 40 Line Priority Release Time............................................... 40 Select Mic Priority Input................................................... 40 Mic Priority Hold Time..................................................... 40 Mic Priority Release Time..
Notes DCM-1 User Manual v1.
Introduction Safety Information Conformities Safety Notes regarding Installation This product conforms to the following European EMC Standards: • • • • Do not expose the unit to water or moisture. • Do not perform any internal adjustments unless you are qualified to do so and fully understand the hazards associated with mains-operated equipment. This product has been tested for use in commercial and light industrial environments.
Welcome What’s in the box Thank you for purchasing this Cloud DCM-1, which combines the traditional simplicity of Cloud products with far greater functionality. We are confident that you will be pleased with its performance, features, flexibility and reliability. Unpack the DCM-1 and its accessories with care. It is always a good idea to store all packaging (if practical), in case you ever need to return the unit to your Cloud dealer for any reason. The DCM-1 is Cloud’s digitally controlled multi zoner.
Section 1 : Overview The Cloud DCM‑1 is an analogue audio Multi-Zone Mixer. A digital control system, using a front-panel LCD display and a simple, minimal set of controls replace the relatively large number of switch and rotary controls found on conventional units, yet provide far greater flexibility of configuration than would be possible with such units. It provides a wide range of input and output connectivity possibilities to suit most practical situations.
System Components Optional components DCM‑1 CDR‑1 Overview The DCM‑1 is the system “core” and all the primary audio input sources, zone amplifier inputs, paging mics/control and all remote controls are connected directly to it. The DCM‑1 mainframe should ideally be rack-mounted along with the audio sources and zone amplifiers, in a central equipment area.
BE-1 The LE-1 is an input connector plate which can be installed wherever required.Versions are available to fit standard UK, US or Australian dual-gang electrical back boxes. It allows connection of a stereo unbalanced line-level audio source, such as a portable music centre, laptop, radio mic receiver or similar, and connects to one of the DCM‑1’s Extension Ports with a single screened CAT-5 cable. The BE-1 is an input connector plate of similar type to the LE-1.
ME-1 CDPM range (Cloud Digital Paging Microphone) Overview The ME-1 input connector plate provides two balanced microphone inputs, and is useful in multi-purpose areas where mics are sometimes needed. The ME-1 has adjustable mic level and EQ per input, and connects to one of the DCM‑1’s four dedicated Mic Inputs with a single screened CAT-5 cable. The ME-1’s two inputs are mixed together at the plate, and the summed mic signal applied to the DCM‑1.
System Capabilities EXTENSION PORTS LINE 3 LINE 2 LINE 4 CDR-1 PORTS CDR-1 ONLY RIGHT STEREO SIGNAL SHOWN FOR CLARITY. LINE 1 LINE 2 LINE 3 LINE 4 LINE 5 LINE 6 LINE 7 LINE 8 CDR-1 LINE PRIORITY LOGIC MICROPHONE INPUTS PORT A PORT B PORT A PORT B MIC 1 MIC 3 MIC 2 MIC 4 ZONES 1 AND 2 ARE STEREO ZONES 3...
Remote Control Misc Optional CDR‑1 dedicated remote control for DCM‑1 available separately • Programmable external Music Mute input for fire alarm interface, etc. • Up to 100 CDR‑1s may be connected to the 4 CDR‑1 Ports, using standard CAT-5 UTP cable. • • CDR‑1s can be daisy-chained and/or wired directly to the CDR‑1 Ports as cabling convenience dictates. One input (mic or line) can be installer-configured to be protected from Music Mute (e.g. for evac message, emergency mic, etc.
This shows a more complex system, which illustrates some additional DCM‑1 installation possibilities. Points to note: • The large area has two CDR‑1 remote controls in the same zone; typically, these might be adjacent to doors at opposite ends of the room. • Two of the areas are separated by a folding partition which may be removed to create one large space.
System 3 This shows a system interfaced to two paging stations, a CDPM (which might be located at the building’s reception desk) and a separate 3rd.-party system, which might typically be in a security office. Other points to note: The CDR‑1 remote control panels in each zone are wired in two chains, to suit the building layout. • Two of the line inputs are from LE-1 remote line input plates in two different zones. Other music sources have, in this case, been connected to Inputs 5 to 8.
4 1 15 3 2 5 6 7 10 9 8 12 11 14 13 Description of front panel 1 Power button: applies DC power to the DCM‑1 (note external PSU) 10 Groups: the Group menu allows assignment of Zones to Groups, and defined Groups to be enabled. 2 LCD display: 2 x 16-character backlit blue LCD display used in all control and menu functions. 11 3 Rotary control: for adjusting unit parameters via the display. The control also has a “press” action, which is required for some front panel operations.
6 5 2 1 8 10 3 7 9 11 4 12 13 14 15 Description of rear panel Installation 1 Line Inputs 1 to 4: inputs for music sources 1 to 4, on phono sockets (unbalanced). 2 Extension Ports 1 to 4: These are alternative input connectors for Line Inputs 1 to 4. If Cloud remote line input plates (LE-1 or BE-1) are being used, they should be connected here via screened CAT-5 cable and shielded RJ45 connectors.
The DCM‑1 is built in a 2U-high 19” rackmount enclosure. It is strongly recommended that the DCM‑1 is installed in a 19” rack wherever possible. The DCM‑1 is approx. 160mm deep, but 250mm of rack depth should be available to allow for rear connectors and cabling.
Additional balanced sources If it is necessary to connect more than one balanced source to the DCM‑1, one of the unbalanced inputs 1 to 7 may be used, but the advantages of balanced connection will be lost unless a balancing transformer is connected between the source and the unbalanced input. Suitable audio transformers, which should have a ratio of 1:1, are readily available from major audio component suppliers.
Zone outputs Unbalanced inputs Connect the inputs of the power amplifiers feeding the loudspeakers for each zone to ZONE 1 to 8. Note that zone outputs 1 and 2 are stereo; if only one set of speakers are being used in these zones, they may be connected to either connector. If audio amplifiers with only unbalanced inputs are being used (e.g. hi-fi amplifiers), the following wiring should be adopted: Always avoid using pre-made leads of an unnecessary length. Unbalanced input (e.g.
IN Zone i - h IN CDR-1 PORTS Termination ON PORT B PORT B PORT A PORT A IN IN Zone - + Installation All other terminations are OFF Network diagram 2 i - h IN + OUT DCM-1 Zone i - h CDR-1 PORTS IN PORT A PORT A + PORT B PORT B OUT Zone i - h + Port A termination ON IN OUT All other terminations are OFF Zone i - h IN + Termination ON Network diagram 3 Note that in the above diagrams there is deliberately no indication as to which zones any of the CDR‑1s are in;
Connections Network Terminations The CAT-5 wiring connecting the DCM‑1 and CDR‑1s is essentially a data network, and as such, must be correctly terminated. Both the DCM‑1 and CDR‑1 are provided with means of setting their network terminations ON or OFF. The rule governing terminations is: • Devices (DCM‑1 or CDR‑1) at the ends of a cable run must have their terminations set ON. Wire the RJ45 connectors as per the pinout diagram at page 54.
Cable length and DC power considerations Mic and Line input plates The DCM‑1’s internal PSU has sufficient capacity to power 8 CDR‑1s (i.e., one per zone). If a system requires more than 8 in total, one or more additional PSUs will be required. Cloud ME-1, LE-1 and BE-1 remote input plates may be connected to the DCM‑1 in a similar manner to that described for the CDR‑1 remote controls, except that screened CAT-5 cable should be used.
Connections and wiring CAT-5 cables used to interconnect remote input plates carry low-level audio. To minimise noise and interference from outside sources, only screened CAT-5 should be used. Only use shielded RJ45 plugs when wiring this part of the system, bonding the foil screen of the cable to the metal screening can of the plug. ME-1 mic input plates should be connected to the RJ45 connectors labelled MICROPHONE INPUTS on the DCM‑1.
Connecting Paging systems Cloud CDPM Paging Microphones DCM-1 The DCM‑1 fully supports the Cloud Paging Interface Buss implemented across the CDPM range. CDPM IN Connections and wiring The DCM‑1 is equipped with two RJ45 sockets for connection of Cloud CDPM paging microphones. The sockets are labelled IN and THRU. CDPM paging microphones are similarly equipped with two RJ45 sockets, labelled IN and OUT.
Zone paging outputs - + - + - + - - 5 + - 4 6 7 Restoration relays 6 7 EXT + PSU - + + + - - External relays (3 shown) 0v 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 +12v PAGING ACCESS CONNECTOR Level Restoration relay wiring: b) using external PSU for relays with a higher coil voltage than 12v. An external PSU should also be used in systems using relays with a coil voltage higher than 12v.
3rd.-party Paging systems Paging Access Connector The DCM‑1 may be integrated with any paging system which is able to provide a microphone feed and zone selection by contact closure. The Paging Access connector is used to activate the paging microphone and to select the zone(s) to which it is to be routed. It performs this function by default, though it can be re-defined in the menu system to provide per-zone control outputs when used with Cloud CDPM paging microphones (see page 25).
Visual indication that paging is taking place is given by the Paging Access LEDs on the front panel. The LED(s) illuminate to confirm the Zones being paged. Music Mute External muting of music is available at the MUSIC MUTE connector. National or Local Authority regulations governing such systems may require that normal programme material (i.e., music) should be muted in an emergency, to ensure that any emergency messages are clearly audible.
Section 3 : Configuration EXTENSION PORTS LINE 1 LINE 3 LINE 2 LINE 4 ONLY RIGHT STEREO SIGNAL SHOWN FOR CLARITY. LINE 1 LINE 2 LINE 3 LINE 4 LINE 5 LINE 6 LINE 7 LINE 8 CDR-1 PORTS CDR-1 CDR-1 LINE PRIORITY LOGIC MICROPHONE INPUTS PORT A PORT B PORT A PORT B MIC 1 MIC 3 MIC 2 MIC 4 MIC PRIORITY SOURCE SELECT LOGIC GAIN IS APPLIED ACCORDING TO SOURCE SELECTED EQ CONTROL BY CDR-1 IS ONLY AVAILABLE IN ENGINEER MODE GAIN ATTENUATOR EQ ZONES 3...8.
Navigating the menu system Routing The DCM‑1’s menu system is equipped with simple Help text for user guidance. If no adjustment is made within 10 seconds of selecting a menu function, text appears on the display advising the operation of the rotary control and numeric buttons for the particular function.
User Mode Level Only three menu functions are available to the User – two in the Music menu and one in the Groups menu. The required menu is selected by pressing the MUSIC or GROUPS button. The two functions in the Music menu are accessed by pressing the NEXT FUNCTION button adjacent to the display. Select Input Source Name Group 1 Enable X GROUPS MENU ||||||||| Rotary: sets Zone Level Buttons: select Zone The LEVEL function sets the volume of music in each Zone.
Installer Mode Treble The remainder of the DCM‑1’s menu system is only available in Installer Mode; this is accessed by pressing the INSTALL button and entering the key in response to the display prompt. Installer Mode self-cancels after 45 seconds if no further adjustments are made. Rotary: adjusts HF EQ Buttons: select Zone This adjusts the music high-frequency EQ in each Zone. The equaliser is a 6dB/octave shelving filter with a 3dB point at 10kHz.
Input Gain Rotary: adjusts Gain Buttons: select Input The INPUT GAIN function allows adjustment of the level of each music input, so that sources with different output levels can be matched in volume. This adjustment will affect the audio level of the selected source in all Zones. The gain control range is deliberately restricted to ±12dB, but it should permit input levels to be adjusted to suit most sources.
Routing Menu Note that rotating the control “beyond” Zone 8 allows Groups 1 to 4 to be selected as well. This permits use of microphones to be enabled in some areas only when a Group is in use. Zone 1 Mic Inputs Zone 1 Input Enable Access Connector Input CDPM Zone Offset 0 CDR Zone Offset 0 The first four numeric buttons correspond to Mic Inputs 1 to 4. Default assignment is for all Mic Inputs to be OFF. Pressing a key enables that Mic Input for the selected Zone or Group; a second press disables it.
Configure Access Connector Rotary: selects Input or Output mode This menu function sets whether the rear panel Paging Access Connector (see page 16, Item 7) is to operate as an input or an output. The default setting is Input. This configures the Connector to be used for Zone selection with an 3rd.-party paging system.
System Menu CDR Zone Setup Zone 1 Stereo X Edit Input Label Input 1 Edit Zone Label Zone 1 Edit Group Label Group 1 Set Key 1234 RS232 Baud Rate 9600 RS232 Flow No Flow Buttons: select Zone The CDR Zone Setup menu function lets the operator put the CDR‑1s in a system into Engineers Mode. In this mode, per-Zone output EQ can be adjusted locally, in the zone itself.
Stereo/Mono Zone selection Zone i - Treble 0dB h + Rotary: selects Zone Press: changes Mode This menu function configures Zone outputs 1 and 2 as either stereo or mono. (Note that Zone outputs 3 to 8 are always mono.) Zone i - Mid 0dB h + The rotary control selects Zone 1 or Zone 2 (by name if they have been renamed). Pressing the control inwards sets the Zone output to stereo (ü) or mono (X). The numeric buttons are not used in this function.
Rename Zones RS232 Baud Rate Rotary: selects character Press: moves to next character Buttons: select Zone By default, the eight output Zones appear in the display as Zone 1 to Zone 8. This menu function allows the operator to rename them (i.e. to allow rapid identification of the building area). The eight numeric buttons correspond to the eight Zones; select that to be renamed. The procedure used to rename the Zones is otherwise identical to that described above for Music Inputs.
Power Up Mode Rotary: selects Power Up option It will often be desirable for the DCM‑1’s settings, such as input selections, levels, etc., to be automatically restored when it is re-powered after being off for a period (intentionally or otherwise). The Power Up Mode function determines the state the DCM‑1 “wakes up” in when it is powered-up. The rotary control selects the active Power Up option from the three available: Factory, Defaults and Last Known.
Priorities Menu Select Priority Line Input Line Pri Hold 3s Line Pri Rel 1s Zone 1 Mic Pri Sel Mic Pri Hold 3s Mic Pri Release 1s Mic Pri Att -30dB Page Pri Sel Off Page Pri Hold 3s Page Pri Rel 1s Page Pri Att -30dB Emergency Source Off Emergency Level |||||||||||||||| Rotary: selects Zone/Group Buttons: select Input Any of the inputs can be assigned a Priority Line Input; this assignment can be made independently for each zone.
Line Priority Hold Time Rotary: sets value The LINE PRI HOLD parameter sets the time for which the Line Priority Input (enabled in the LINE PRI SEL menu function above) remains the source after the audio signal has been removed. The rotary control sets the Hold value in the range from 1s to 12s, in 1s increments. The default value is 3s.
Rotary: sets value Page Priority Hold Time Rotary: sets value MIC PRI ATT sets the amount of volume reduction to be applied to the music programme when the priority mic becomes active – i.e., the degree of “ducking”. The PAGE PRI HOLD parameter determines how long the music will remain reduced in volume (or “ducked”) once the paging priority has been removed. The default setting is -30dB, which should be satisfactory for most situations.
Select Emergency Source Rotary: selects paging method Buttons: select Input (Mic or Line) An external emergency mute applied at the Music Mute rear connector will normally mute all eight Music Inputs and all four Microphone Inputs. Paging remains operative. Some installations may require that one input is reserved as an emergency audio input, for a Fireman’s Mic or Emergency Evacuation message. The EMERGENCY SOURCE menu function determines which input this will be.
Groups Menu Group 1 Enable X Group 1 Group Member Groups Menu Flow Diagram Group Enable This function is described in User Mode. See page 30. Define Groups Configuration Rotary: selects Group Buttons: select Zones The GROUP MEMBER menu function allows the operator to define which Zones should be combined to form Groups. Four Groups can be defined, with no restriction on Zone membership.
Other DCM‑1 adjustments In addition to the settings and adjustments made via the menu system, the DCM‑1 has a number of adjustments which are made elsewhere. Most are concerned with paging and are located on the rear panel; they are intended to be set at the time of installation and left. All the controls are recessed trimpot types, and should be turned carefully with a trimming tool. Attempting to adjust them with an oversize screwdriver will cause damage.
Setting up levels for best performance CDR‑1 Remote Control Plates To optimise signal levels through the DCM‑1 and obtain the best signal-to-noise performance, we recommend the following procedure is followed for adjusting music and paging levels. Most audio systems based around the DCM‑1 will include CDR‑1 remote control plates to permit in-zone selection of music source and level. 1.
This sequence is modified if the Zone has been defined as a member of a Group. If so, the next press of ZONE after the panel “wakes-up” displays the Engineer Mode Enter Key screen. This gives the user the option of entering the key, after which the display will show the Group Select screen. Engineer Mode The CDR‑1s may be placed in Engineer Mode to allow EQ adjustment to be performed from within the zone itself. Engineer Mode is fully described at page 35.
Backlight Adjust Contrast Adjust Inactivity Time 5s INSTALLER MODE FUNCTIONS Assign Zone Zone 1 Set Key <<>> USER FUNCTIONS Input 4 Group Member ? YES Configuration Level SELECT ZONE OR GROUP(S) NO Current Zone Zone 2 Group Select Group 3 ENGINEER MODE ENABLED Enter Key ENGINEER MODE FUNCTIONS KEY NEEDS TO BE ENTERED ONCE ONLY Treble 0dB Mid 0dB Bass 0dB CDR‑1 Installer and Engineer Modes DCM‑1 User Manual v1.
Display adjustments Combining Engineer and Installer Modes The first menu function allows adjustment of the display contrast and backlight to suit different ambient lighting conditions. The i and h buttons adjust the backlight level and the + and – buttons adjust the contrast. It may be convenient to enable CDR‑1 Engineer Mode as each CDR‑1 is being installed, as this will allow the Zone EQ to be set at the same time.
Larger systems – cascading DCM‑1s If an installation requires more than 8 Zones, multiple DCM‑1s may be interconnected to provide a system with a larger number of outputs. For example, 2 DCM‑1s will provide 16 zones, 3 DCM‑1s 24 zones, and so on. System Interconnections In order to provide a transparent system which can be operated with the same ease as one with a single DCM‑1, interconnections between multiple DCM‑1s must follow a few rules.
Extension Ports The Extension Ports cannot be paralleled, but this is unlikely to be a system requirement as the use of remote line input plates (LE-1s and BE-1s) will be limited to the Zones in which they are located. They will thus be wired to the Extension Ports on the DCM‑1 feeding those Zones, and not to any other.
Section 4 : Appendix Jumper locations and settings The DCM‑1 has various internal jumpers, the setting of which may require alteration during installation. The table below lists each jumper and its purpose, together with the factory default setting. NOTE: J15, J16, J17 and J18 are reserved. JUMPER The diagram below shows the locations of the internal jumpers (not to scale). In the case of the jumpers having two possible positions, the black square in the symbol indicates the default setting.
RS232 Serial Control Abridged command set The rear panel RS232 Serial Interface provides serial control of almost every DCM‑1 function, parameter and setting. The DCM‑1 appears as a DCE device to controlling equipment. The full RS232 protocol is beyond the scope of this manual, but can be downloaded from www.cloud.co.uk. This section provides only details of the port parameters and an abridged serial command list, which comprises the normal User controls. Pinout The rear panel connector is a D9F.
Zone membership of Groups must first be defined in the menu system (at Groups > Group Member). The value of z in the general format is the Group No. (1 to 4). EXAMPLE Enable Group 3 Disable Group 1 COMMAND ASCII HEX ASCII HEX 3C 47 33 2C 45 2F 3E 3C 47 31 2C 44 2F 3E 4) Enable/Release Paging RS232 control of paging applies only to 3rd.-party paging systems connected to the Paging Mic Input.
RJ45 pinouts Firmware updates The standard RJ45 wiring convention is as shown below: This section describes the process for upgrading the DCM‑1’s firmware. PIN CAT5 CORE 1 White + Orange 2 Orange 3 4 5 6 7 8 White + Green Blue White + Blue Green White + Brown Brown 1 8 8 8 1 1 The table below lists the pin allocation of the various RJ45 sockets on the DCM‑1’s rear panel.
Factory default settings EMC considerations (Includes Installer Mode key) The Cloud DCM‑1 fully conforms to the relevant electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) standards and is technically well behaved; you should experience no operational problems, and under normal circumstances, no special precautions need to be taken. The table below lists the default factory settings for all DCM‑1 menu options. These are the settings which the unit will assume on power-up if POWER UP MODE is set to Factory.
Specifications LINE INPUTS Frequency Response 20Hz - 20kHz ±1dB Distortion <0.05%, 20Hz - 20kHz Sensitivity Input Gain Control Input Impedance Headroom Noise Equalisation 195mV (-12dBu) to 3.1V (+12dBu) 24dB range 47kΩ >+10dB -90dB A weighted (0dB gain) HF: ±14dB/10kHz MID: ±14dB/1200Hz LF: ±14dB/50Hz PAGING MICROPHONE INPUT Frequency Response Distortion Gain Range Input Impedance Phantom power Headroom Noise Equalisation 100Hz / -3dB(filter) to 20kHz ±0.5dB <0.
Appendix User Configuration Notes Overleaf DCM‑1 User Manual v1.
DCM‑1 Configuration Notes (to be left with the User) Complete this form when installation is complete and leave with User. MUSIC SOURCES - NAMES INPUT SOURCE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 ZONES - NAMES ZONE LOCATION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 GROUP SETUP Appendix GROUP CONNECTS ZONES (tick) LOCATION & FUNCTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 To change Music Source for a Zone • If top line of display does not show “Select Input”, press MUSIC button. • Press the button (1 to 8) which corresponds to the Zone.
Appendix Installer Configuration Notes Overleaf DCM‑1 User Manual v1.
60 Treble DCM‑1 User Manual v1.0 5 6 7 8 Tick if stereo Tick enabled Inputs in each Zone Record settings Enter Name of Zone Record settings Hold Time Group Membership GROUPS Attenuation Group 4 Group 3 Group 2 Tick Zones assigned to each Group Record settings Hold Time Release Time Enter Paging method set: OFF/VOX/ACCESS Page Priority Select Attenuation Release Time Enter Priority Mic Input No.
DCM‑1 User Manual v1.
Notes 62 DCM‑1 User Manual v1.
Notes DCM‑1 User Manual v1.
Notes 64 DCM‑1 User Manual v1.
Cloud Electronics Limited 140 Staniforth Road Sheffield S9 3HF England Tel: +44 (0)114 244 7051 Fax: +44 (0)114 242 5462 email: info@cloud.co.uk web: www.cloud.co.
