DriveRack Complete Equalization & Loudspeaker Management System ® 260 Featuring Custom Tunings User Manual
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION WARNING FOR YOUR PROTECTION READ THE FOLLOWING: KEEP THESE INSTRUCTIONS HEED ALL WARNINGS FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS The symbols shown above are internationally accepted symbols that warn of potential hazards with electrical products. The lightning flash with arrowpoint in an equilateral triangle means that there are dangerous voltages present within the unit.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules and the Product Specifications noted on the Declaration of Conformity. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: • t his device may not cause harmful interference, and • this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Operation of this unit within significant electromagnetic fields should be avoided.
DriveRack ® Table of Contents Introduction 0.1 Defining the DriveRack 260.............................ii 0.2 Service Contact Info.........................................iii 0.3 Warranty...........................................................iv Section 1 - Getting Started 1.1 Rear Panel Connections....................................2 1.2 Front Panel........................................................3 1.3 Quick Start.........................................................
DriveRack ® INTRODUCTION Intro Customer Service Info Defining the DriveRack WARRANTY INFO
Introduction INTRODUCTION DriveRack ® Congratulations on your purchase of the dbx® DriveRack 260 Complete Equalization and Loudspeaker Management System! For over 30 years, dbx has been the industry leader in dynamics processing. With the DriveRack 260, dbx Professional Products has redefined the standard by which all other loudspeaker management processors will be compared. The DriveRack 260 continues the legacy of the DriveRack® family.
DriveRack ® Introduction In addition to the amazing menu of processors available, the 260 also affords you the luxury of utilizing dbx Zone-Controller series wall-mounted control panels that will allow you to remotely control various parameters of the 260. The ZC-1 offers remote programmable Volume control to any installation using the DriveRack 260. The ZC-2 provides programmable Volume and Mute control. Both the ZC-1 and ZC-2 can be programmed for up to six outputs of the DriveRack 260.
Introduction DriveRack ® 0.3 Warranty This warranty is valid only for the original purchaser and only in the United States. 1. The warranty registration card that accompanies this product must be mailed within 30 days after purchase date to validate this warranty. You can also register online at www.dbxpro.com. Proof-of-purchase is considered to be the responsibility of the consumer. A copy of the original purchase receipt must be provided for any warranty service. 2.
DriveRack ® Section 1 Getting Started
Section 1 Getting Started DriveRack ® 1.1 Rear Panel Connections IEC Power Cord Receptacle The DriveRack 260 comes with a power supply that will accept voltages ranging from 100V-120V at frequencies from 50Hz-60Hz (domestic version model). An IEC cord is included. The EU version accepts 220V-240V at frequencies from 50Hz-60Hz. Power Switch The Power Switch turns the DriveRack 260 on and off.
DriveRack ® Section 1 Getting Started 1.2 Front Panel LCD Display The backlit LCD display of the DriveRack 260 provides the user with all of the vital processing information of the DriveRack 260 including: signal routing, effect block editing and Wizard Setup functions. The display will also notify the user if any internal clipping is taking place within the unit by displaying “CLIP” in the display.
Section 1 Getting Started DriveRack ® 1.3 Quick Start For those of you that wish to jump right in, the following information has been provided to act as a quick start guide for optimizing performance of the DriveRack 260. Connections When setting up the DriveRack 260, make connections as follows: • Always make connections prior to applying power to the unit. • Connect the output(s) from the sending device (mixer) to the Ch. 1 XLR input connector (mono) or both, Ch. 1 and Ch.
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DriveRack ® Section 2 Editing Functions editing functions
Section 2 Editing Functions DriveRack ® 2.1 Basic Navigation Modes Navigational aspects of the DriveRack 260 are simple and as follows. 1. FX buttons - This array of 12 FX buttons is your primary mode of directly accessing any effect module. 2. NEXT PG & PREV PG buttons - Successive presses of the NEXT PG or PREV PG buttons will move the user between pages within an effect block. 3.
DriveRack ® Section 2 Editing Functions 2.3 Section" Navigating the Pre-EQ Section (28-GEQ and PEQ) Navigating the "EQ To edit the parameters of the EQs used in a selected program, simply use the following procedure. From program mode, press the EQ button to reach the EQ module to be edited. Successive presses of the EQ button will move through each channel. Navigate through the Pages of the selected EQ section by depressing "Next Page" or "Prev Page" successively until arriving at the desired Page.
Section 2 DriveRack ® Editing Functions 2.5 Navigating the Other Section Navigating the Other Section From program mode, press the Other button. Successive presses of the Other button will move you to each of the various insert modules available. Pressing the Data Wheel will select the effect parameter to be edited.
the pages of selected module. Successive presses of the Data wheel will select effect parameters within the currently selected page. DriveRack ® Navigating the Delay Section Editing Functions Section 2 From program mode, press the Delay button. Pressing the Data Wheel will select the effect parameter to be edited. Successive Presses of the Delay button will move you through pre and post crossover delays. Navigating the Delay Section 2.
Section 2 DriveRack ® Editing Functions Navigating the WIZARD Section 2.9 Navigating the Wizard Section Navigating the WIZARD Section From program mode, press the RTA/WIZARD button. Pressing the Data Wheel will select the effect parameter to be edited. WIZARD SYSTEM SETUP GEQ Setup-Dual Mono Insert 1 Setup- Insert 2 Setup- Main Speaker Select- Sub Speaker Select- From program mode, press the RTA/WIZARD button.
DriveRack ® Section 3 SOFTWARE Configuration functions
Section 3 DriveRack ® Configuration Functions The Configuring section of the DriveRack 260 will be your key to successful navigation of the configuration functions of the DriveRack. The following information provides, descriptions about program functions and in depth configuration options of the DriveRack 260. 3.1 Program Definition The first step in understanding the programming capabilities of the DriveRack is to understand the components of a complete “program.
DriveRack ® Configuration Functions Section 3 Navigation Modes Once you have selected a program with a configuration that accommodates your application, the DriveRack offers instant access to edit effect types within the configuration. To instantly access an effect module, simply press the corresponding button in the button array for the desired module. 3.
Section 3 Configuration Functions 3.4 Saving Factory Program Changes Once you are satisfied with the changes that have been made to a factory or user program, the DriveRack allows you to save these changes to the program as a custom USER program by pressing the STORE button. The first time you press the STORE button the DriveRack 260 will ask you if you want to store or delete the program. Just press the STORE button a second time to advance and store the program.
DriveRack ® Section 3 Configuration Functions 3.5 Creating a User Configuration The 260 has 25 Factory Presets in which to choose from. For some configurations, you may be able to simply select one of these presets as a starting point and edit the program from there. In the Quick Start section of this manual, you saw how you can use the Wizards to configure basic programs (i.e. stereo Full Range, stereo 2-Way and stereo 3-Way programs with mono or stereo subs).
DriveRack Section 3 8 FACT ® 6Functions M G C NConfiguration D A 5 M G F S D B 2X6 P P P 4 3 • You are now in the Pre-Crossover EQ module. The upper left-hand corner of the display 2 Program 1indicates what EQ type 1is currently selected. The A and B indicators indicate which input is currently selected. Rotate the DATA wheel to select either the 9-band Parametric EQ (PEQ) or 28 band Graphic EQ (GEQ). Pressing and then rotating the DATA wheel lets you link or unlink the input EQ modules as desired.
DriveRack ® • A B Select Route A A 2 A 3 A 5 2 POST EQ 4 6 Link/Unlink P2 P 2 P3 P 4 P5 P 6 LIMITER Select Link/Unlink ou are now in the Post-Crossover PEQ module. Rotate the DATA wheel to link and Y unlink these output PEQ modules as desired.
Section 3 DriveRack ® Configuration Functions once you have exited Configuration mode. Pressing and then rotating the DATA wheel lets you link or unlink the Output Delay modules as desired.
DriveRack ® Section 4 PARAMETERS DETAILED PARAMETERS
Section 4 Detailed Parameters DriveRack ® The DriveRack 260 offers complete editing flexibility, by offering in-depth control over every parameter within each effect module. The following section will provide you with descriptions and explanations of all parameters within the DriveRack 260. 4.1 Pre-Crossover EQ (28 Band Graphic or 9-Band Parametric) The DriveRack 260’s Pre-Crossover EQ section may be configured as a single or linkable 28 band graphic EQ or 9-Band Parametric EQ.
DriveRack ® Detailed Parameters Section 4 Band 9 Frequency 20 to 20k (High Shelf) Selects the frequency of the high shelf parametric EQ. Slope 9 3-12dB/Octave Sets the slope of the high shelf parametric EQ. Level 9 -12 to 12 dB Sets the overall gain of the high shelf parametric 4.2 Feedback Eliminator The DriveRack 260 offers the exclusive patent pending AFS (Advanced Feedback Suppression) feedback elimination module.
Section 4 Detailed Parameters DriveRack ® creating feedback. FIXED mode is used before the performance without any input signal. In LIVE mode, the live filters automatically detect and remove feedback during the performance. When all of the live filters have been used, they begin to round robin. Essentially this means that the first filter set is replaced where a new feedback is detected and notched out.
DriveRack ® Detailed Parameters Section 4 Sub-Harmonics Synth - 0 to 100% This parameter sets the overall level of the Subharmonic Synthesizer. 24-36Hz and 36-56Hz (Subharmonic Synthesis) Level - 0 to 100% These controls individually let you customize the amount of the respective synthesized frequencies to be added in, tuning the ultimate bass response of your system to taste. For example, if the sound is too woofy or growly, try turning down the 36Hz-56Hz level.
Section 4 Detailed Parameters DriveRack ® 4.5 Automatic Gain Control (AGC) The AGC is used to keep the average level of a signal at a constant level. This is done by selecting a desired Target output level and Window. The AGC keeps the signal within the Window about the selected Target by slowly adjusting the gain. The maximum gain that can be applied to the signal is selected by the Gain parameter. When the input signal falls below the Low Threshold the AGC releases the gain and returns to unity.
DriveRack ® Section 4 Detailed Parameters 4.6 Notch Filters The notch filter is the perfect tool for dropping out undesirable frequencies that may appear in the input signal. Up to six Notch filters are available for all six outputs. Notch On/Off Turns the notch filters on and off. Frequency (1 to 6) 20 to 20K Selects the desired notch filter frequency of the selected notch filter. Gain -36 to 6 dB Sets the level of the selected notch filter.
Section 4 Detailed Parameters DriveRack ® Type This parameter selects the PEQ band type. Types include: • Bell - All bands are bell-shaped. • HShelf - One band is a high shelf, while all others are bell. • LShelf - One band is a low shelf, while all others are bell. • LHShelf - One band is a low shelf, one is a high shelf, and all others are bell. Band (1-4) Frequency 20Hz to 20kHz Selects the frequency of the selected band of the parametric EQ.
DriveRack ® Detailed Parameters Section 4 compression to choose from (1 being almost hard knee and 10 being the softest (most gradual) knee). This lets you choose the exact knee that is needed for the dynamic effect you are looking for. If you are unsure where to set this parameter, a setting of 4 is a great place to start. Threshold (T) -40 to +20dBu Threshold is the signal level at which the unit starts to compress the signal.
Section 4 Detailed Parameters DriveRack ® LIMITER Limiter On/Off Turns the Limiter module on and off. OverEasy (O) Off to 10 There are ten levels of OverEasy® that can be used for the limiters. The point when the limiter starts to limit is the “knee.” “Hard knee” limiting is when the limiter starts to reduce the level of a signal abruptly as it passes over the threshold. OverEasy® (soft knee as it is sometimes called) is when the volume of the sound is limited gradually.
DriveRack ® Detailed Parameters Section 4 than the overshoot amount, and that it will not introduce harsh artifacts. The second stage is a unique program limiter featuring Intelligent Predictive Limiting™. Its function is to monitor the input signal and intelligently predict the amount of gain reduction needed to keep the output signal below the ceiling set by the Instantaneous Transient Clamp™. Note that since the PeakStop+™ limiter is a fail-safe limiter, it must come after the OUTPUT GAIN control.
Section 4 Detailed Parameters DriveRack ® Input 1 Level -Inf to 20dB Adjusts the input level of input 1. Input 2 Level -Inf to 20dB Adjusts the input level of input 2. Master level -Inf to 20dB This parameter is used to control the overall level of the mixed input signals. Pink Noise On/Off Turns the pink noise generator on and off. Noise Level -20 to 20 Adjusts the overall level of the pink noise generator. 4.
DriveRack ® Section 5 Utilities/Meters UTILITIES/ METERS SECTION
Section 5 DriveRack ® Utilities/Meters The Utility section of the DriveRack 260 gives you the ability to perform several key operational functions to the DriveRack including: Security settings, Power-up features, Program list visibility, Auto EQ plotting and Display contrast settings. Additionally, pressing and holding the Utility button will allow you to enter the metering section of the 260.
DriveRack ® Section 5 Utilities/Meters To set the PUP Program option use the following procedure: • From Program mode, press the UTILITY button and use the PREV PG or NEXT PG buttons to move to the page that appears as follows: Utility LCD Contrast Auto EQ Plot • 10 RTA Power Up Modes PUP Program Stored PUP Mute Current ZC Setup Panel 1 (STORE) - EDIT PANEL With the arrow next to the PUP Program option, turn the DATA wheel to make the desired selection.
Section 5 DriveRack ® Utilities/Meters • If any ZCs are currently connected and their dip switches properly set, the display will read ‘Panel Detected’ for any such corresponding Panel (ID) numbers. Rotate the DATA wheel to select the desired Panel (ID) number (options are 1-6). Once the panel to edit has been selected, press the STORE button.
DriveRack ® Panel 1 Select A No Change Panel 1 Switch 1 2 No Change ZC-3 Section 5 Utilities/Meters ZC-4 3 4 • ressing and then rotating the DATA wheel will allow you to first select the latch switch P combination in binary. Pressing the DATA wheel again and rotating it then allows you to assign this binary switch combination to a program to be loaded. Repeat this process for all other binary switch combination/program assignments.
Section 5 Utilities/Meters DriveRack ® • hen the Security Level function parameter is selected, rotating the DATA wheel is W used to select which function you would like to set the security for. Items include: Program Changes, Program List, Mutes, Store, Inputs, Pre EQ, Insert 1, Insert 2, Pre Delay, Crossover, Post EQ, Dynamics, Post Delay and Outputs. • nce the function is selected, press the DATA wheel to set the security level for the O selected function.
DriveRack ® • Section 5 Utilities/Meters Use the PREV PG or NEXT PG buttons to move to the security page that appears as follows: Password Set Security Level Set 260 Device Level Edit High Password Pre EQ High Edit Med Password Low Set Security Level Set 260 Device Level Password Press Store to Change Set Level Set 260 Device Level Password PreSecurity EQ High Edit High Password Pre EQ High Edit Password Low • Turn the DATA wheel until ‘Low’ is selected.
Section 5 DriveRack ® Utilities/Meters The procedure for setting up the program list is as follows. • From Program mode, press the UTILITY button and use the PREV PG or NEXT PG buttons to move to the page that appears something like this: ssword dit High Password dit Med Password Program List List Size List Index Program 1 ess Store to Change NAME: ROCK VENUE 10 1 Prog Change Mode Program List Prog Lock 24 • ote that the arrow indicates the currently selected parameter for editing.
DriveRack ® Section 5 Utilities/Meters 5.2.1 - Meters To meter various aspects of the 260, press and hold the UTILITY button until the display enters the Metering section. • Use the PREV PG or NEXT PG button to move to the page that appears as follows: INS A COMP - o+ -30-20 1 B INS A 2 B -30-20 0 +20 1 LIM - 0+ 2 LIM - 0+ 3 LIM - 0+ his page meters the gain reduction of any Dynamic block configured in the Insert 1 or Insert T 2 block.
DriveRack ® Section 6 Remote Control DriveWare ™ Zone Controllers
SECTION 6 Remote Control DriveRack ® To make operation of the DriveRack 260 even more convenient, dbx includes the option of using the DriveRack PC GUI software (DriveWare™) and/or Zone Controllers (sold separately). The following section contains some basic information regarding the utilization of the DriveWare™ software including: install, system requirements, cable specifications, basic operation and setup for dbx Zone Controllers. 6.1.
DriveRack ® Remote Control SECTION 6 CONNECTION • Connect the supplied dbx Null Modem cable between the computer’s RS-232 port and DriveRack’s PC (RS-232) port. The cable must be wired like this: DB-9 female-to-female null modem cable Important Note! A straight through RS-232 cable will not work with the DriveRack. CONFIGURATION 2 • Boot up your computer and launch the DriveWare software application.
SECTION 6 Remote Control DriveRack ® BASIC OPERATION 52 • Double left click on the DriveRack 260 icon in the upper left-hand corner of the main DriveWare window. • You will now see your 260 device Edit Window where you can program and control the DriveRack 260 device. • To edit modules, double-left-click on the desired module block.
DriveRack ® • Remote Control SECTION 6 To enter the Utility Menu, Right-Click-hold on the top bar of the program edit window. Select ‘Utilities’ from the menu items list. The Utility Menus will appear as follows: For more comprehensive information on using DriveWare, please visit the Training section and FAQs section at www.dbxpro.com.
SECTION 6 DriveRack ® Remote Control 6.2.1 ZC-Zone Controllers ZONE CONTROLLER INSTALLATION The installation of the Zone Controllers MUST be accomplished with the use of cable which is rated VW-1 or higher. Common NEC designations which meet this rating include: CMP, CMR, CMG, CM and CMX. The Zone Controllers offer additional utility to the DriveRack 260. They allow real-time adjustment of output levels, mutes and program changes from simple wall panel interfaces.
DriveRack ® 1. ZC-1 & ZC-2 Select the ‘Panel’ number (this must match the Dip Switch setting (ID#) set on the ZC wall panel). 2. Select a ZC-1 (or ZC-2 if using a ZC-2) as the ‘Type’. 3. Set the maximum amount of ‘Boost’ that will be applied (0 dB typical). 4. Set the maximum amount of ‘Cut’ that will be applied (40 dB typical). 5. Select which ‘Output(s)’ you would like this ZC to control. 1.
SECTION 6 DriveRack ® Remote Control ZONE CONTROLLER WIRING The DriveRack 260 Zone Controllers, (ZC-1, ZC-2, ZC-3, ZC-4) can be wired serially or in parallel. To wire in series each Zone Controller must have an identification or zone number chosen using the DIP switches on the side of the controller (see diagram A). Each controller must have a unique number chosen, although there may be multiple Zone Controllers controlling a single zone, or a single Zone Controller that controls multiple outputs.
DriveRack ® Remote Control SECTION 6 Diagram C ZC-BOB ZC-1 ZC-2 ZC-3 ZC-4 DriveRack® User Manual 57
DriveRack ® When connecting Zone Controllers, in series, the following cable length restrictions apply: • If using a single ZC, the ZC may be connected directly to the DriveRack 260. The maximum cable length for a single ZC connected to the DriveRack 260 cannot exceed 1000 feet. • As shown in Diagram A, any (3) Zone Controllers may be wired in series as long as the total cable length does not exceed 600 feet.
DriveRack ® Section 7 APPLICATION GUIDE
Section 7 DriveRack ® Application Guide This Application guide section is provided to offer suggested installation applications of the DriveRack 260 that will allow you to optimize peak performance of the processor. Note that the six included applications represent the extensive flexibility of the DriveRack units. These applications can be used verbatim, or as sample reference guide templates for designing countless audio applications. 7.1 Mono 4-Way w/ Two Aux Zones Hardware 1. 2. 3. 4.
DriveRack ® Application Guide 7.2- Stereo Tri-amp Hardware 1. 2. 3. Section 7 Connect the outputs from the mixer to the inputs of the DriveRack. Connect the outputs of the DriveRack and run to the selected speaker amplifier. Making sure that all outputs are muted, apply power to the mixer and amplifiers. Software 1. 2. 3. Select a program (Factory: 2x6 Stereo) as a template. Load the program by pressing the PROG/CONFIG button.
Section 7 DriveRack ® Application Guide 7.3 Stereo w/ four Aux Zones Hardware 1. 2. 3. 4. Connect the outputs from the mixer to the inputs of the DriveRack. Connect the outputs of the DriveRack and run to the selected speaker amplifier. Making sure that all outputs are muted, apply power to the mixer and amplifiers. Make connections between the Zone Controllers (see Section 6.2) and the 260. Software 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Select a program (Factory: 2x2 w/ 4 Zones) as a template.
DriveRack ® Section 7 Application Guide 7.4 Stereo Bi-amp w/ Dual Delay Hardware 1. 2. 3. 4. Connect the outputs from the mixer to the inputs of the DriveRack. Connect the outputs of the DriveRack and run to the selected speaker amplifier. Making sure that all outputs are muted, apply power to the mixer and amplifiers. Make connections between the Zone Controllers (see Section 6.2) and the 260. Software 1. 2. 3. 4. Select a program (Factory: 1x4 w/ 2 Zones) as a template.
DriveRack ® Appendix
Appendix A Appendix DriveRack ® A.1 Factory Reset In the event that a reset is required, the DriveRack 260 offers you the option of performing a “Soft” or “Hard” reset. The Soft Reset resets all operating parameters except user programs. The Hard Reset Procedure will reset all programmable information back to the factory defaults. All Power-Up Functions require a button(s) to be pressed and held as the unit power is turned on. DriveRack 260 Power-Up Button Functions Factory (“Hard”) Reset.
DriveRack ® Appendix Appendix A A.3 Specifications Analog Inputs: Number of Inputs: (2) Line inputs.
Appendix A Appendix DriveRack ® A.4 Auto EQ Optimization Tips By using the System Setup Wizard, crossover parameters, post-crossover parametric EQ and, in some cases, driver alignment delay settings are set to match your system. The Auto-EQ can be used to adjust your system to compensate for room effects, and adjust the response of the entire system to your liking. After allowing Auto EQ to “pink the room” your system will sound tighter.
DriveRack ® Appendix A Appendix A.
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DriveRack ® Appendix Appendix A RTA MIXER RTA WIRE ROUTING A B A+B 260 Signal Path A.
Appendix A DriveRack ® Appendix A.
DriveRack ® Appendix A Appendix A.9 Gain Level 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. The DriveRack 260 gives you the option of changing the input gain level settings.
Appendix A Appendix DriveRack ® One thing that is critical to system setup is maximizing gain structure. Gain structure refers to aligning the gain of each device so that they all clip at the same point, and the noise floor of the entire system is at its absolute minimum. Quite often PA systems are setup with the amplifier input controls turned all the way up in the incorrect assumption that this is the only way to get the maximum output level.
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.
