QUBE SP27 - Audio Management System www.qubeaudio.com FBT ELETTRONICA S.p.A www.fbt.
SP 27 Quick Reference Editing channels : press channel's GAIN key. First press accesses that channel's gain. To scroll through channel's parameters, use the BACK and NEXT keys. Second press accesses last viewed parameter. Third press will drop back to the default screen. Accessing menus: press the MENU key. Use the BACK and NEXT keys to select the sub-menu required, and enter the sub-menu using the ENTER key. This applies to all levels of menu. ENTER always confirms selections.
Contents Important Safety Information 4 Unpacking the unit 5 Introduction 6 Features Front Panel Familiarisation 7 Rear Panel Connections 8 Operating the SP27 9 Note about operation with AudioCore software Start-up procedure Preliminary Set-up Input Channel Makeup Output Channel Makeup Preset Routing Configurations Free Assign Routing Input Gain Base Delay Input Parametric EQ Output Gain Output Polarity Output Delay Output High Pass Filter Output Low Pass Filter Output Parametric EQ Output Limi
Security and Locking 26 Entering the Password to Complete the Locking Operation Unlocking the Unit Forgotten the Password? 26 27 27 Advanced Audio Features 28 Program Limiter and “D-Max” Limiter Program Limiter “D-Max” Clip Limiter Setting Accurate Limiter Thresholds Crossover Filter Slopes TimeAlignment 28 28 29 31 32 32 Parametric Filter Types and Their Uses 33 Standard Parametric EQ Shelving EQ (High Shelf shown) Creating a Flat-topped EQ Response Low/High Pass Variable “Q” Filter (Low Pass sho
An example of this equipment has been testedandfoundtocomplywiththefollowingEuropeanand internationalStandardsforElectromagneticCompatibilityandElectricalSafety: RadiatedEmissions(EU): RFImmunity(EU): ElectricalSafety(EU): EN55013-1(1996) EN55103-2(1996)RFImmunity,ESD, BurstTransient, Surge,Dips&Dwells EN60065(1993) Important Safety Information DonotremoveCovers. Nouserserviceablepartsinside, referservicingtoqualifiedservicepersonnel. Thisequipmentmustbeearthed.
Unpacking the unit After unpacking the unit, please check it carefully for any damage. If any is found, immediately notify the carrier concerned - you, the consignee, must instigate any claim. Please retain all packaging in case of future reshipment.
Introduction The SP27 are powerful DSP based audio processors, ideally suited for install applications, where they combine the functions of a multitude of conventional products in a compact 1U unit with extensive remote control capabilities. To achieve this, the units have up to four inputs and eight outputs which can be configured in a selection of basic crossover modes - 4 x 2 way; 2 x 3 way + 2 Aux; 2 x 4 way; and 1 x 8 way (as applicable to i/o configurations).
Front Panel Familiarisation LCD Screen: Shows, by default, the name of the last recalled memory on the bottom line of the screen, and the current routing on the top line. Also used to show all parameters as they are edited, and all menu selections. Control Keys: Selection and adjustment of parameters. NEXT key moves forward through list of parameters. BACK key moves backwards through list of parameters.
Rear Panel Connections Power Switch: turns the unit's mains supply off and on. Mains Fuse: located in a finger-proof holder adjacent to the mains inlet. A spare fuse is also located in this holder. Mains Inlet: connected via a standard IEC socket. Always replace the fuse with the correct type and rating as shown on the rear panel legend. RS232: RS232 standard via a 9 pin D-type connector, for connection to a PC. Data is converted to RS485 standard and relayed to slave units via the RS485 sockets.
Operating the SP27 Note about operation with AudioCore software. The following operating information covers setup and control of the SP27 via the front panel controls only. Please consult the manual supplied with this software for information regarding full computer control. Start-up procedure Switching on the unit will display a brief message detailing the unit type and software version running == AudioCore DP4XX == ==Software V 1.00 == and all LEDs will briefly illuminate.
Routing Options and Processing Blocks Due to the completely new DSP platform, the routing possibilities within the SP27 have been made completely flexible, with a matrix available allowing any combination of inputs to be routed to any output. The additional DSP power has permitted the inclusion of more processing blocks, even considering the extra inputs and outputs, and the doubling of sample rate.
2 x 3 way crossover 1 x 6 way crossover 2 x 2 way + mono 11
Free Assign Routing If none of the preset configurations are appropriate to the required system setup, it is possible to manually select the routing of the crossover. This is achieved through the Crossover Menu -> Design A Crossover. Pressing ENTER will start the crossover design wizard, with the first option being to choose the routing. The display will show Design A Crossover -> Routing = 2 X 4 WAY * or whatever the current configuration is set to.
Editing Audio Parameters - Input Channels Input Gain The range of the control over the input gain is –40dB to +6dB in 0.1dB steps. InA Input A Gain Input Gain = +6.0dB Gain Base Delay The maximum available delay between any input and output is 650.00mS. For example, if the input delay on channel A is set to 500mS, the maximum available output delay for any output fed from input A will be 150mS. The readout units can be changed between time in milliseconds, distance in feet or distance in metres.
Editing Audio Parameters - Output Channels Output Gain The range of the control over the input gain is –40dB to +15dB in 0.1dB steps. OP1 Output1 Gain Output Gain = +6.0dB Gain Output Polarity The polarity (or phase) of each output may be switched individually as below. OP1 Output1 Polar Polarity = [+] -or+ Output Delay The maximum available delay between any input and output is 650.00mS.
Output High Pass Filter The high pass crossover filter on each output has a frequency range of <10Hz up to 32kHz in 1/36th Octave steps. If you try to set the high pass filter to a higher frequency than the low pass (which would be pointless and result in no output), the message High/Low Freq. Overlap! will be displayed. Note that to access the 48dB/Octave filters, parametric bands 6 & 7 need to be bypassed, or set to 0dB.
Output Limiter The limiter on each output has adjustable attack and threshold, with a release time that is selectable to be a multiplier of the attack time. For example, as shown below, the attack time is 2mS and release is “x16” so 32mS. The attack and release times can be automatically linked to the high pass filter frequency, so that they are set to correct values for the output's frequency range. If this feature is enabled, the display will show Automatic T/C in place of the attack and release times.
Input Ganging and Output Ganging The method of linking inputs or outputs together during editing is achieved in the same way, so only crossover (output) ganging will be explained here. Having selected Crossover Ganging from the menu under the Crossover Sub-Menu, the current ganging set-up will be displayed.
Menu System Overview 18
Menu System Shortcuts A lot of functions have been assigned menu shortcuts – these are accessible directly from the default screen by pressing MENU followed by the appropriate MUTE or EDIT button as shown. The entire list of features accessible in this way is given below.
Menus in Detail GLOBAL MEM. Recall a Memory Recall , Input and Crossover Memories or combinations of. Store a Memory Store, Input and Crossover Memories or combinations of. Erase a Memory Erase, Input and Crossover Memories or combinations of. INPUT SECTION Input Ganging Input Reset Gang (link) inputs together so their parameters track. Start wizard to reset sections of input parameters CROSSOVER Design a Crossover Crossover Ganging Set up a new crossover from scratch.
Memory Structure As with the SP26 , the SP27 has its memory split into sections, allowing independent recall of crossover settings (i.e. all parameters associated with outputs), and input settings. Additionally, the graphic equaliser settings are stored in independent locations. There are, therefore, three types of memory available –INPUT, CROSSOVER. These, and all combinations of memory types, appear in the GLOBAL MEMORY Sub Menu, and its operation warrants a little more explanation.
As only memory 8 and memory 10 have all 3 types stored, these will be the only numbers available during a recall. However, consider the example where the type of recall is set to Input & Crossover. In this instance, not only will the memory locations that have just Input and Crossover types stored be available, but the locations 8 & 10 will also be shown in the list.
Remote Control Interface Operation RS232 Interface This interface is fitted as standard to all units and is accessed via the 9-pin D-type connector on the rear of the unit. Note that to connect to a computer's COM (serial) port correctly, a one-to-one cable must be used, and NOT a 'null modem' cable. A 'null modem' cable has the 'transmit' and 'receive' wires swapped over and will not work. The RS232 connection is suitable for distances of about a maximum of 25 feet between the PC and the unit.
AES Inputs The SP27 Series units have a full AES implementation built in as standard. This allows the unit to receive digital audio directly. The switching of input can be performed independently, and the inclusion of sample rate converters on the inputs allows the unit to accept sample rates from 32kHz up to 192kHz. AES Input Input selection is via a recessed switch on the rear panel of the unit, between input B and output 1.
AES Diagnostics and Status Information Also under the AES/EBU Sub Menu is the AES Status Information option, which can be used to check the incoming sample rate(s) and confirm that the data is being received correctly. Pressing ENTER will first show AES Device Status V1: E V2: E This display shows the correct operation of the AES transmitters V1, V2. The letter after each is the silicon version (and is of no importance to the user).
Security and Locking After selecting the Security Sub Menu and pressing ENTER, select one of the lock types, choosing the most appropriate one for your application. As ever, ENTER will confirm your selection. User Specific Upon pressing ENTER to select this type of lock, each parameter group is presented in turn. Choose the type of lock (as above) using the FREQ encoder, and press ENTER to confirm each parameter. After the last parameter, the unit requests a password.
Unlocking the Unit To unlock the unit press ENTER and then type the code in. This can be entered by using the FREQ control to select a character, and the BACK and NEXT keys to move to the next character. Alternatively, the EDIT keys can be used to enter a code by pressing any combination of the eight buttons. Each EDIT key represents its channel labelling, as described in the locking section. Forgotten the Password? Don't panic! Your unit can still be unlocked.
ADVANCED AUDIO FEATURES Program Limiter and “D-Max” Limiter The SP27 units have two levels of dynamic protection on its outputs – a traditional program limiter, and a newly introduced “D-Max” limiter. Program Limiter High performance digital limiters are provided for each output with control over attack time, release time and threshold parameters - see page for details.
“D-Max” Clip Limiter The main limitation with traditional dynamics control is the inability of the processing to react truly instantaneously to the signal. One of the most significant advantages of digital signal processing over analogue is the ability to delay the audio signal precisely and without extensive complex hardware.
The SP27 “D-Max” limiter predelays the sidechain signal, resulting in a “zero overshoot” limiter, which is able to catch all peaks and provide a reliable absolute maximum setting for the output of any channel. The predelayed sidechain is shown in green, with the main signal in red. As the main signal arrives slightly after the sidechain, the output from the unit does not suffer from the overshoot problem.
Setting Accurate Limiter Thresholds The limiters built into the SP27 Series are intended to be used for loudspeaker driver protection, as opposed to amplifier protection. All modern professional power amplifiers designed for live sound use have their own limiters, which are tailored to protecting the amplifier from clipping. The following section describes how to set up the units' limiters to provide exceptional protection against driver overheating, and cone over-excursion.
Crossover Filter Slopes It should also be noted that the turnover frequency displayed on the screen is the -3dB point for all types except Linkwitz-Riley where the -6dB point is shown. If the -6dB point is to be used for the Bessel or Butterworth filter, take the required crossover frequency, multiply this by the appropriate factor from the following table and then select the closest available frequency on the display. Filter Type High pass factors Low pass factors Bessel 12dB/Oct. Butterworth 12dB/Oct.
Parametric Filter Types and Their Uses A wide selection of filter types has been made available under the PEQ section when editing input or output filters. Scrolling through the various filter types is achieved by repeated presses of the ENTER key. Note that this will only change filter types if the filter is BYPASSED or the GAIN set to 0dB. Bypassing the filter, then changing types using the ENTER key will automatically set the gain back to 0dB.
Shelving EQ (High Shelf shown) InA Input A HSF:1-<:: 1k00Hz Q=3.0 0.0dB Remember – to change filter types, press BYPASS to bypass the filter, and then use ENTER to select the filter type. The shelving EQ has adjustable frequency, 'Q' (or Bandwidth) and Gain controls. These affect a range of frequencies from the turnover freqency as shown in the graph. For a high shelf, frequencies above the turnover frequency will be affected. For a low shelf, frequencies below the turnover frequency will be affected.
Low/High Pass Variable 'Q' Filter (Low Pass shown) InA Input A LPF:1~~\ 1k00Hz Q=3.0 LPF VarQ Remember – to change filter types, press BYPASS to bypass the filter, and then use ENTER to select the filter type. The low and high pass variable 'Q' filters have adjustable frequency and 'Q' (or Bandwidth) controls. The 'Q' control adjust the damping of the filter, so that low 'Q' settings show less overshoot at the turnover frequency, but also slower roll-off.
Specifications Inputs: 2/4 electronically balanced Impedance: > 10k ohms. CMRR : >65dB 50Hz - 10kHz. Outputs: 4/6/8 electronically balanced Source Imp: < 60ohms Min. Load: 600ohm Max. Level: +20dBm into 600 ohm Frequency Resp.:+½dB 20Hz-20kHz -3dB @ 32kHz Dyn. Range:>116dB 20Hz-20k unwtd Distortion:< .02%@1kHz,+18dBm Maximum Delay: 650 mS Min Step Size: 0.3 S Input Gain: +6dB to -40dB in 0.1dB steps Output Gain: +15dB to -40dB in 0.
Index A AES Diagnostics AES Interface AES Menu Attack Times G Ganging Inputs Ganging Outputs Global Memory Menu Graphic Menu 25 24 20 28 B Base Delay H High Pass Filter 13 C Clip Limiter Crossover Menu Input Gain Input Section Menu Interface RS232 USB Interface Menu 16, 29 20 13 29 24 29 Limiter Overshoot Prevention Limiter Threshold Limiters Load New Software Lockouts Look Ahead Look Ahead Delay Low Pass Filter 13 15 13 16 15 14 14 13, 15 14 23 23 20 30 31 28 23 26 29 29 15 M Master Password
O Output Delay Output Gain S Security Security Menu Shelving EQ Shipping Sidechain Delay Specifications Standard Parametric Start-up System Menu 14 14 P Parametric EQ Password Override Passwords Polarity Program Limiter 13, 15 27 26 14 16 Q Quick Setup 29 36 33 9 20 U 9 Unlocking Unpacking USB Interface 8 28 35 12 10 12 10 23 V R Rear Panel Release Times Resonant Filter Routing Basic Free Assign Presets RS232 Interface 26 20 34 5 Vari-Q 38 27 5 23 35
Appendix I – SP27 Default Crossover Configurations 2 x 3 Way 39
2 x 2 Way + Mono Sum + + 40
1 x 6 Way 41
All information included in this operating manual have been scrupulously controlled; however FBT is not responsible for eventual mistakes. FBT Elettronica S.p.A. has the right to amend products and specifications without notice.
