® IEM In-Ear Monitor PROCESSOR User Manual
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS WARNING FOR YOUR PROTECTION PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING: CAUTION KEEP THESE INSTRUCTIONS RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN A T T E N T I O N : RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE - NE PAS OUVRIR W A R N I N G : TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC HEED ALL WARNINGS FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS SHOCK DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE CLEAN ONLY WITH A DAMP CLOTH.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS LITHIUM BATTERY WARNING CAUTION! This product may contain a lithium battery.There is danger of explosion if the battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with an Eveready CR 2032 or equivalent. Make sure the battery is installed with the correct polarity. Discard used batteries according to manufacturer’s instructions. U.K. MAINS PLUG WARNING molded mains plug that has been cut off from the cord is unsafe. Discard the mains plug at a suitable disposal facility.
IEM Table of Contents Introduction Section 5 - Utilities 1.1 Defining the IEM..............................................ii 5.1 Misc. ................................................................28 1.2 Service Contact Info.........................................ii 1.3 Warranty...........................................................iii 5.2 MIDI Channels................................................28 5.3 MIDI CC Map..................................................
IEM INTRODUCTION INTRO CUSTOMER SERVICE INFO What is IEM? WARRANTY INFO ®
IEM Introduction INTRODUCTION Congratulations on your purchase of the dbx IEM Processor! Finally! There is now a digital signal processor that has been designed specifically for in-ear monitor applications.
IEM Introduction Please refer to the Warranty below, which extends to the first end-user. After expiration of the warranty, a reasonable charge will be made for parts, labor, and packing if you choose to use the factory service facility. In all cases, you are responsible for transportation charges to the factory. dbx will pay return shipping if the unit is still under warranty. Use the original packing material if it is available.
IEM Introduction ® iv IEM User Manual
IEM Section 1 Getting Started ®
Section 1 IEM Getting Started . 1.1 Rear Panel Connections IEC Power Cord Receptacle The IEM comes with an international power supply that will accept voltages ranging from 100V240V at frequencies from 50Hz-60Hz. An IEC cord is included. RS-232 Port This port is used as a direct interface between IEM and PC for utilization of the GUI software. This port is also used for firmware flash updates. MIDI In and Out/Thru Connectors These connectors provide full MIDI functionality to the IEM.
IEM Getting Started Section 1 LCD Display The large LCD display shows the program, dynamic curve, digital meters, parameters, and modules selected by the function buttons and the DATA WHEEL. Digital input / output meters (peak and average) Channel numbers Program within program Chain element number stereo link indicator identifier Threshold Meters Dynamics curve graph 3 parameters per "page" Parameter Gain Reduction meter measurement units Parameter Type IV™ page number conversion indicator Fig.
Section 1 IEM Getting Started 1.3 Signal Path The following illustration shows how audio signals flow through the IEM.
IEM Getting Started Section 1 parameters on a page can be adjusted, and by pushing the NEXT PAGE and PREV PAGE buttons all the compressor parameters can be accessed. (for a complete list of compressor parameters please see Section 3, Software Operations). The different bands of the multiband compressor can be accessed by pressing the COMPRESSOR button. Each additional push of the COMPRESSOR button allows access to the next band.
Section 1 IEM Getting Started ® 6 IEM User Manual
IEM Section 2 NAVIGATION ®
Section 2 NAVIGATION IEM Navigation Control of each of the bands within the IEM’s multiband dynamic modules is made possible in two different ways. You may either use the “All page” or individual band adjustments. The “All page” is signified by a large “All” seen where the program number would normally be. Adjusting settings in this page will adjust the settings in all four bands as a group. To control individual bands within the “All page” press the EDIT ALL/BAND button to cycle through each band.
IEM Navigation Section 2 2.
Section 2 IEM Navigation 2.3 Navigating the EQ Section Navigate through the Pages by depressing "Next Page" or "Prev Page" successively until arriving at the desired Page Page 1 The "EQ/XOver" button toggles between EQ and XOver.
IEM Navigation Section 2 2.5 Navigating the STEREO ADJUST section Navigate through the Pages by depressing "Next Page" or "Prev Page" successively until arriving at the desired Page Page 1 STEREO ADJUST STEREO ADJUST St Adj On/Off Balance M-S = 2.
Section 2 IEM Navigation 2.7 Navigating the PEAK LIMITER section Navigate through the Pages by depressing "Next Page" or "Prev Page" successively until arriving at the desired Page Page 1 Peak Limiter PEAK LIMITER Limiter On/Off Threshold Type Page 2 Attack Hold Release Page 3 Over Easy AutoLevel 2.
IEM Section 3 SOFTWARE SOFTWARE OPERATIONS ®
Section 3 SOFTWARE OPERATIONS IEM Software Operations This section explains how signals are routed, monitored, and controlled in the IEM. Changes that are made to the IEM’s dynamic processing can be monitored visually and aurally at several different points in the chain. Storing, and organizing user and factory programs in task specific libraries is also covered in this section. By following the outlined steps, you will quickly understand the usage and benefits of the IEM’s storage system. 3.
IEM Software Operations Section 3 4. Now the display will prompt you to either “Replace Old” or “Store New.” By selecting “Replace Old,” you will be replacing an existing program with your edited program in its place. If you replace, you will be given the option of which program you will be replacing. By selecting “Store New,” you will store your edited program within the user program table. You will be given the option of placing your edited program anywhere within the user program table. 3.
Section 3 IEM Software Operations Peak Shoulder The Gain Reduction meters are a measurement of the sum of all active dynamic modules. In multiband mode, the meters function a little differently. Each LCD segment represents a separate band. This allows an accurate meter representation of the signal at a glance. Gain Reduction Meter Input/Output Curve Threshold Meters By pushing the METER/MONITOR button once, you can monitor all dynamics metering simultaneously.
IEM Software Operations Section 3 3.4 Meters (cont.) Limiter/Peak Limiter Both the multiband and output limiters threshold meters work on the same principle. When the signal is under the threshold setting, the signal is not being processed by the limiter section. The next part of the threshold meter is the “o”. It represents the OverEasy® range of compression.
Section 3 IEM Software Operations ® 18 IEM User Manual
IEM Section 4 PARAMETERS DETAILED PARAMETERS ®
Section 4 IEM Detailed Parameters 4.1 Multiband Compression Within the multiband compressor menu on the IEM the following parameters are user adjustable on all programs. Compressor LOC/On/Off Local (per band control) on and off. Band 1 to 4 On/Off Turns on or off each independent band OverEasy® 1-10 (per band) The point when the IEM (or any compressor) starts to compress is the "knee.
IEM Detailed Parameters Section 4 4.1 Multiband Compression (cont.) Threshold -60 to 0 dB (per band) Threshold is the signal level at which the IEM starts to compress. If the threshold is set to -10 dBFS, then any signal larger than -10 dBFS is compressed, while any signal that has a level lower than -10dBFS is left at the same level. Light compression is where only the largest parts of the signal go over the threshold.
Section 4 IEM Detailed Parameters 4.2 Multi-band Limiting A Limiter works very much like a compressor. The only difference is that on a limiter the ratio is set at infinity to one. Whenever a signal crosses the threshold the limiter compresses it back down. By using the multiband Limiter you can set each limiter differently for different frequency ranges. The multiband limiter is an RMS limiter, short transients may exceed the threshold.
IEM Detailed Parameters Section 4 4.3 Peak Limiting The PeakStopPlus™ limiter is a fail-safe Limiter is the last module in the signal path. This placement is to ensure that In-ear buds will not experience any unexpected or unwanted signal variance If the Output Gain is set too high as compared to the PeakStopPlus™ Level control, continuous limiting can occur. Great care has gone into the design of the PeakStopPlus™ Limiter to keep it acoustically transparent.
Section 4 IEM Detailed Parameters EQ On/Off This control turns all 5 bands on and off. Type Const Q / Adapt Q This controls effects all 5 bands. Const Q operates similar to an analog graphic EQ where the Q is constant regardless of cut or boost. Whereas, Adaptive Q, operates similar to the EQ that is found on a mixing console where the width of the band is constant regardless of the cut or boost. The following figure shows the difference between constant and adaptive Q parametric filters. Band 1 FC 20.
IEM Detailed Parameters Section 4 Slope 3 to 12 dB / Octave Sets the slope of the shelf. Level -12 to + 12 dB Amount of boost or cut. Adjustable in 1/2 dB steps. 4.5 XOver There are three crossover points on the IEM, creating 4 bands. Tuning them allows you to select which frequencies to process with which of the multiband dynamics processors. The IEM uses phase compensated, Butterworth 1st and 3rd order filters.
Section 4 IEM Detailed Parameters Reverb Off-Types This parameter is used to turn the Reverb effect off and select the various types. Types include: Room, Club, Small Hall, and Large Hall. Reverb Time 0.32 to 3.29 seconds This parameter sets the decay time of the reverb algorithm. Mix 0 to 50% This parameter is used to control the amount of reverb that is mixed into the signal path. Mix changes are made in .5% increments. Spread 0 to 10 The Spread parameter controls the length of early reflections.
IEM Section 5 UTILITIES UTILITIES ®
Section 5 UTILITIES IEM Utilities The IEM’s “Utility” section contains many important operations. These operations affect the IEM on a global scale. This means that any changes that are made to this section affect all the presets. This global setup helps keep patching/routing consistent through all presets. If you are connecting inputs and outputs, or programming MIDI CC’s, this is where it all happens. 5.1 Misc. Contrast The contrast selection adjusts the displays visibility.
IEM Utilities Section 5 5.4 MIDI Program Changes Program Changes: When the IEM is set to receive on one or all of the MIDI channels, it will recognize a Program Change command. If the number is legal (i.e., within the device's range of selectable programs) the IEM will respond by changing to the new program. MIDI sends Program Changes 0 through 127. The IEM begins its program numbering with 1, thus Program Change 0 will select program 1.
Section 5 IEM Utilities (-∞) position, press the UTILITY button. If the calibration is not successful, the following text will appear in the third parameter area: “A/D CAL FAIL!” If this happens you should turn the IEM off then back on. If the problem persists, call dbx technical support at 1-801-568-7660 for assistance. Call after the unit is allowed to warm up to operating temperature (approx. 10 minutes).
IEM Section 6 APPLICATIONS APPLICATION GUIDE ®
Section 6 IEM Application Guide 6.1 Mixer to IEM Hardware 1. 2. Connect the stereo mix output 1 and 2 from the mixer to Inputs 1 and 2 of the IEM Connect Outputs 1 and 2 from the IEM to inputs 1 and 2 of the Wireless Transmitter. Software 1. 2. Once signal is passing through the unit, adjust levels on the front panel of the IEM. Make adjustments to each individual effect by pressing each respective effect button, and then proceed to make parameters adjustments accordingly.
IEM Application Guide Section 6 6.2 Mixer to IEM with Bandpass Sub Hardware 1. Connect the stereo mix output 1 and 2 from the mixer to Inputs 1 and 2 of the selected crossover, sending the High/Mid or Fullrange outputs to the IEM, and the low outputs to the amplifier. 2. Connect Outputs 1 and 2 from the IEM to inputs 1 and 2 of the Wireless Transmitter. Software 1. Once signal is passing through the unit, adjust levels on the front panel of the IEM. 2.
Section 6 IEM Application Guide ® 34 IEM User Manual
IEM Appendix ®
Appendix A IEM Miscellaneous Information A.1 Hard & Soft Resets Occasionally, it may be necessary to perform a “Soft” or “Hard” reset. The Soft Reset resets everything except user programs. The Hard Reset Procedure will reset all programable information back to the factory defaults. To do a Hard Reset: Press and hold on power up. The following message will be displayed: !:HARD RESET? YES NO To do a Soft Reset: Press and hold on power up.
IEM TypeIV™ White Paper Appendix B dbx Type IV™ Conversion System White Paper by Roger Johnson The dbx Type IV™ Conversion System is a proprietary analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion process that combines the best attributes of digital conversion and analog recording processes to preserve the essence of the analog signal when it is converted to a digital format.
Appendix B IEM TypeIV™ White Paper analog, we could really exploit its wide dynamic range and more completely capture the essence of the musical performance. Enter the dbx Type IV™ Conversion System. Like its related predecessor technologies—Type I™, Type II™, and Type III™—dbx Type IV™ succeeds in preserving the wide dynamic range of the original analog signal within a limited dynamic range medium.
IEM TypeIV™ White Paper Appendix B Input Signal Level TYPE IV™ Over Region +12 +8 +4 0 dB FS 0 -4 dB -4 A/D Converter Linear Region Noise Floor Figure 2 - Input Signal Levels Mapped to Type IV Over Region Fig. 2 illustrates the mapping function in a different way. Input levels are shown on the left of the graph, while converted levels are shown on the right. Notice the mapping of large signal excursions to the 4 dB “Type IV™ Over Region.
Appendix B IEM TypeIV™ White Paper Amplitude Time Figure 3a - Signal Having Low and High Frequency Content Amplitude A/D Clip Level Time A/D Clip Level Figure 3b - Signal of Fig.
IEM Appendix B TypeIV™ White Paper Amplitude High-Frequency Information Completely Lost High-Frequency Content A/D Clip Level Low-Frequency Content Time A/D Clip Level High-Frequency Information Completely Lost Figure 3c - Disproportionate Loss of High-Frequency Information Due to Clipping Amplitude 0 dB FS } -4 A/D Clip Level TYPE IV™ Over Region Time -4 } 0 dB FS TYPE IV™ Over Region A/D Clip Level Figure 3d - Type IV Mapping Preserves High-Frequency Information Now you’re probably won
Appendix C IEM Relay Mute/Bypass Jumpers CAUTION: These servicing instructions are for use by qualified service personnel only. To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not perform any servicing other than that contained in the operating instructions unless you are qualified to do so. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Disconnect mains power before servicing. IEM offers relay bypass/mute jumpers options. This feature is ideal for situations where power to unit is suddenly removed.
IEM MIDI SYSEX Appendix D Hex Value Definition F0(h) System Exclusive 'Begin Message' byte 00(h) 01(h) Manufacturer's ID Number (dbx) 1E(h) 0n(h) n = units Device or SYSEX Channel number (minus one) e.g. 01(h) is device or SYSEX Ch 1...01(h) is device or SYSEX Ch 2, etc...0F(h) is device or SYSEX Ch 16 id id = device ID number 05(h) identifies the IEM pp pp = Procedure number. The different procedure's names and general formats are described in the Procedures Section. dd(1)1, dd(1)2......
Appendix D IEM MIDI SYSEX When xx = 01(h) Linked Type is selected yy The Program number, 1-100 (00-63h) zz Byte Count dd(n) Program data The Receive One Program procedure is used to load a Program into the IEM. The number of Program bytes to be received (n) is different for each Program. If the IEM is sent a Receive One Program procedure where the Program number is not a valid RAM destination, it will be ignored.
IEM MIDI SYSEX Appendix D The Reset Device procedure causes the IEM to reboot the software as if the power had been turned off, and then back on. If edits have been made to the current program without saving, they will be lost. SYSEX Program Dump Sample Following is a simple example of a SYSEX Setup dump. It takes you set by step through all of the operation commands of a typical SYSEX procedure.
Appendix E IEM MIDI CC Tables cc 0 -> Linked TypeIV On/Off cc 1 -> Linked TypeIV Color cc 2 -> Linked TypeIV Level cc 3 -> Linked Stereo Adjust On/Off cc 4 -> Linked Stereo Adjust Balance cc 5 -> Linked Stereo Adjust Stereo-Mono cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc 6 -> Linked IEM Parametric EQ On/Off 7 -> Linked IEM Parametric EQ Type 8 -> Linked IEM Parametric EQ Band1 Freq 9 -> Linked IEM Parametric EQ Band1 Slope 10 -> Linked IEM Parametric EQ Band1 Lvl 11 -> Linked IEM Parametric EQ B
IEM cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 -> -> -> -> -> -> -> -> Limiter Limiter Limiter Limiter Limiter Limiter Limiter Limiter MIDI CC Tables Appendix E On/Off Threshold Type Attack Hold time Release Over Easy Auto cc 99 -> Linked TypeIV On/Off cc 100-> Linked TypeIV Color cc 101-> Linked TypeIV Level cc 102-> Linked Stereo Adjust On/Off cc 103-> Linked Stereo Adjust Balance cc 104-> Linked Stereo Adjust Stereo-Mono cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc 105-> 106-> 107-> 10
Appendix F IEM Factory Presets User Programs 1) Template 2) Natural 3) Rockin Buds 4) Small Hall 5) No Comp 6) Large Hall 7) IEM No Verb 8) Acoustic 9) Room IEM 10) Heavy Comp Factory Programs 1) Template 2) Natural 3) Rockin Buds 4) Small Hall 5) No Comp 6) Large Hall 7) IEM No Verb 8) Acoustic 9) Room IEM 10) Heavy Comp ® 48 IEM User Manual
IEM Specifications Specifications Appendix IEM G Specifications Inputs Connectors: Type: Impedance: Max Input Level: CMRR: Input Gain Range: MIDI: PC: Outputs Connectors: Type: Impedance: Max Output Level: Output Gain Range: MIDI: PC: A-D System Performance A-D Conversion: Convertor Dynamic Range: Type IV™ Dynamic Range: THD+Noise: Frequency Response: Interchannel Crosstalk: D-A System Performance D-A Conversion: Dynamic Range: THD+Noise: Frequency Response: Interchannel Crosstalk: Female XLR and 1/4”
® A Harman International Company 8760 South 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 Wide Web home page at: www.dbxpro.
