DialogBox 4-2 User Manual
Contents
1. ATTEROTE C I DialogBox 4 2 4 input 2 output Auto Mixer with DSP DIALOGBOX 472 MUTE IN MUTE OUT LOGIC INPUTS NW 3 4 1 2 MUTE COBRANET 12VDC 2 matt GP I F PORT 750MA INPUT OUTI ouT2 aA gt User Manual Date 08 20 2013 Revision 04 Attero Tech LLC 1315 Directors Row Suite 107 Ft Wayne IN 46808 Phone 260 496 9668 Fax 260 496 9879 www atterotech com 614 0001 1 04 ATTEROTECH DialogBox 4 2 User Manual IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS The symbols below are internationally accepted symbols that warn of potential hazards with electrical products AN This symbol wherever it appears alerts you to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage inside the enclosure voltage that may be sufficient to constitute a risk of shock A This symbol wherever it appears alerts you to important operating and maintenance instructions in the accompanying literature Please read the manual GE a d kg Read these instructions Keep these instructions Heed all warnings Follow all instructions Do not use this apparatus near water Clean only with a dry cloth Do not block any ventilation openings Install in accordance with the manufacturer s instructions Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators heat registers stoves or other apparatus including amplifiers that produce heat Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs conve2. Input 4 Mic Input Gain C 40d8 Ze OdB 25dB Phantom Power On e Off Mute d Gain OdB High Pass 9 B 80 0Hz Auto Mixer Mode C Auto Ze Dir NOM Send C off On Attenuation Equalization Lo Hi 0 ei Figure 8 Local Input Channel Processing for Channels 1 and 2 The interface for the DialogBox 4 2 allows configuration of all aspects of the signal processing with the processing split into four main sections spread over several tabs Input Processing Matrix Mixer Output Processing and Logic Input Configuration Figure 8 shows the general layout of the form Each tab can use several different types of controls depending on the type of parameter For controls that utilize either a control knob or a fader the value can be altered by clicking and holding the left mouse button down on the control and dragging the mouse forward or backward to alter the value up or down respectively The value can also be typed in if the controls have has a value shown underneath Clicking on the control will highlight the complete text and typing a new value will overwrite the current text The controls accept shorthand notation such as 10k for 10000 and 10m for 0 01 They will also accept the correct unit if entered though it is not necessary to include it Once the required value is typed in press the Enter key to complete the process and accept the new value If a valid number is entered the control will change to the ne
3. CobraNet channels channels 5 through 8 are direct feeds from the four local inputs and are not subjected to any DSP processing There are also eight logic inputs that can be configured in several different ways o Mute An active input can mute either an input audio signal or a zone output o Volume Control Inputs can be configured to adjust the volume of an output zone either up or down depending on the function selected There are two options of where volume is controlled in the signal flow o Secondary Source Select An input can activate a pre determined secondary audio stream instead of the default zone audio The DialogBox can also be used as a stand alone device where its features can be used without it being connected to a CobraNet network The DialogBox 4 2 features the following connectivity o Audio Inputs Four analog inputs with Phoenix connectors Audio Outputs Two analog outputs with Phoenix connectors Logic inputs Eight inputs pull to GND to activate for mute volume or source select control Ethernet Port Supplies CobraNet and power via PoE if available 12V DC power Optional For use instead of PoE OO O 0 The Attero Tech Control Center application is used to configure and monitor the DialogBox 4 2 This includes not only the CobraNet setup such as audio routing but also the signal processing and configuration of the output mutes The software can be downloaded from the Attero Tech website www atterotech com as
4. LLC 2013 Page 4 614 0001 1 04 A ATTEROTECH sc DialogBox 4 2 User Manual can be optionally controlled by a logic input Finally the audio passes through the output volume stage where a logic input can be configured to either mute the output zone signal or act as volume control All four final output zone channels are then presented to the CobraNet interface for transmission In addition zones one and two are also presented to the local outputs The audio from the local inputs is also presented direct to CobraNet outputs 5 through 8 with no processing done by the DSP 3 3 DSP Controls DialoaB a gt DialogBor ontross 10 SCH ts CobraN Input 1 Mic Input Gain C 40dB OdB 25dB Phantom Power C On fe Off Mute Gain OdB High Pass Bypass Auto Mixer Mode C Auto Dir NOM Send C of On Attenuation Equalization Lo Hi 0 ei Input 2 Mic Input Gain 440dB 0dB 425d Phantom Power C On e Off Mute wa Gain Odg High Pass Bypass Auto Mixer Mode C Auto Dir NOM Send C of On Attenuation Equalization Lo Hi 0 ei et Inputs Mixer Output Zone 1 2 Ouput Zone 3 4 Logic Inputs Input 3 Mic Input Gain 0 40dB8 Ze 0dB C 25dB Phantom Power C On e Off Mute d High Pass Bypass 3 B 80 0Hz Auto Mixer Mode C Auto Dir NOM Send C of Te On Attenuation Equalization Lo Hi 0 ei Iw Meters Enabled Save Load
5. RACONTO er E E E E E ee E eee A erent 5 3 4 Au dio CobraNet VD UNS ogigeege rgee beer Seene gege Seege Ee EES 6 3 4 input Gain Analog Inputs Only EE 6 3 4 2 Phantom Power Analog Inputs Only 6 3 4 3 M te Analog Inputs ONY E 6 D UD EE 6 sA la Pa UE 6 SA UO MIK r EUNIS eege 6 See e SET e EE 6 E EK Egeter 7 3O LONE OUU DUNS EE 8 3 0 Parametric EE 8 Eeer 8 O29 UU E E 8 3 6 4 Pre ducker Output Volume 8 eR ET a a E E N O iene E E EE ere a ISSO rete ATA O EEIE ene eee ene eee eee 8 3 6 5 Source Select Secondary AU CIO E 8 eE TE EE 9 3 6 8 HAN Boost Analog Outputs 1 amp 2 only ccccecceeccceeceeeceeeecececeeescaecoececeeesneceneconecceesoaeceneeceesoeeeceesoesesseesoess 9 KR E E 9 527 Configuring the Logic INPUTS sermien E a EARE Aa AA 10 e TAR A te 10 r VAME OMI E 10 Dr e a eA TU E 11 E Ee e e EE 11 3 9 Saving Loading DialogBOX Preset E 11 BO MEETING E 11 A TIE DLS SU Le d Te cscs ica ceca ecw cece aaRS ch eee dete ee 12 4 1 Checking the Network Connections nennen nennen 12 A Common TEE 12 S ARCHITECTS amp ENGINEERS SPECIFICATION sowsscsscsiscssstsparcetuvanewnstneanecuts cnancaruaustehiaveciennanensieaninarietuannssitnehnndiornteeneuavinnaireanenuneeindetes 13 sh VIG Oe CMI ANNO EE 13 APPENDIX A Introduction to CobraNet susnsnuennnnnennnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnannnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnannnn nnen nnana nnn mnnnnna nananman ennn nn annnm nnmnnn nann nnen mnnn nanaman A 1
6. a non zero number Since this number identifies all the network packets sent out by that transmitter each transmit bundle number must be unique on a network2 CobraNet Device A CobraNet Device B Bundled Audio Data Ethernet Network mi Audio Outputs gust Bundle Assignment Bundle su gt Assignment Ba ent Now that the transmitter is set up it is time to set up the receivers In order to receive bundles each CobraNet device has up to eight bundle receivers To enable a device to receive a bundle simply allocate one of that device s bundle receivers the same bundle number as a transmitted bundle By doing so a virtual link is created and audio should now be passed from one device to the other It should be noted that no knowledge of a device s network topology or connection is thus required in order to configure audio connections The only restriction to this is that a device cannot be set up to receive a bundle it is also transmitting The above case creates a simple one to one unidirectional link If more devices are required to receive that bundle allocate the same transmitted bundle number to a bundle receiver on the other CobraNet devices It is also important to note that CobraNet supports simultaneous bidirectional audio distribution in each device Not only could audio be sent from Device A to Device B but at the same time should it be needed audio could also be sent from Device B to Device A
7. activated no audio will be output 3 8 Standalone Mode The DialogBox no only support use in a networked audio system but can also be used standalone with no CobraNet network Under normal circumstances a CobraNet device would mute its outputs if the Ethernet link is not active Standalone mode allows disables the muting allowing the outputs to work even with no network signal The default value is for Networked mode To change to standalone mode simply check the Standalone option 3 9 Saving Loading DialogBox Preset Once all the parameters have been set correctly the complete configuration can be saved The DialogBox has two buttons for storing and recalling configurations The current settings may be saved to the DialogBox as new defaults which will be used when the unit is next powered on or reset Alternately the configuration may be stored as a file on the PC which can act as a configuration backup or can be used to transfer the identical settings to another DialogBox To save the current settings click the Save button at the top of the form as shown in Figure 13 The Save dialog box will appear See Figure 14 To save the configuration as the new default settings click the Default button If saving the settings to a file on the PC click the File button The Configuration Save dialog will appear allowing you to select a folder and a file name Clicking on OK will save the configuration using the chosen filename in t
8. is this manual Note Other third party software may be used to set up audio routing but the signal processing blocks and other DialogBox specific configuration can only be controlled using the Attero Tech Control Center application 1 1 What s in the Box The DialogBox 4 2 comes supplied with the following o DialogBox 4 2 device 1 2 Optional Extras Any optional extra items required must be ordered separately to the DialogBox itself All of the following are available as options for the DialogBox 4 2 o Mounting bracket kit Used for mounting the unit to a horizontal or vertical surface o Single rack mount kit o Dual rack mount kit Mounts two Attero half rack devices side by side taking up only 1U in the rack Attero Tech LLC 2013 Page 1 614 0001 1 04 DialogBox 4 2 ATTEROTECH Ww User Manual 2 Installation DIALOGBOXx 4 IN 2 OUT COBRANET AUDIO INTERFACE ia e M MADE IN USA DIALOGBOX 47e2 LOGIC IN LOGIC IN LOGIC INPUTS o gt 1 2 4 3 4 LOGIC IN LOGIC IN COBRANET 1 2VDC 4 5 6 4 7 8 I F PORT 750MA 4 IN Figure 1 DialogBox 4 2 Connectors and Indicators Power LED Balanced audio inputs Balanced audio outputs Logic inputs for audio mute volume or source select control Ethernet interface for CobraNet PoE CEC LE EE A Power input socket The DialogBox 4 2 can be mounted in several locations The unit can sit on top of a table or shelf There is a mounting bracket for more perman
9. mic input gain levels 25dB and 40dB S008 Either a mic gain or a line level can be selected per input This control is only kina eins available for the analog inputs Bypass 9 40dB 80 0Hz ory ad 3 4 2 Phantom Power Analog Inputs Only 0cB Bo ES SCC SS Ed Phantom power is available from the DialogBox for powering microphones This rca Stee can be turned on or off per input This control is only available for the analog Bypass seh Off On t Attenuation Inputs 80 0Hz x Equalization Auto Mixer Lo Mod S 2 C huto Dr o O 3 4 3 Mute Analog inputs only Pos fon i a The mute indicator warns the user whether this audio has been muted by the tute activation of an appropriately configured logic input The indicator will turn red as when the mute is active qualization Lo Hi 3 4 4 Gain The gain control sets the overall maximum volume for a particular input Up to Figure 9 Analog and CobraNet 12dB additional gain can be added The input signal may also be attenuated Input Controls At a level of 100dB the input is considered muted 3 4 5 High Pass Filter The DialogBox has a controllable High pass filter that can be enabled or disabled The filters default frequency is set at 80Hz but can be change from 20 Hz to 300 Hz 3 4 6 Auto Mixer Settings The DialogBox uses a gain sharing approach to auto mixing modeled on the original Dan Dugan auto mixing algorithm Though the Dugan algorithm was the first true a
10. network Before a CobraNet system can be configured it is important to first understand how CobraNet distributes audio between devices Audio is sent in bundles on a CobraNet system Each bundle is capable of holding up to 8 logical audio channels Every CobraNet device has a number of bundle transmitters and bundle receivers These transmitters and receivers are the mechanism used to send and receive bundles between devices For a transmitted bundle audio may be sourced either directly from the local audio inputs of the device or from internal audio via the on board DSP1 but not both simultaneously Internal audio from the onboard DSP could have originally been sourced from the local device inputs sent from another CobraNet device or even generated by the DSP itself Combinations of the local or internal audio may exist within a bundle in any order Additionally a single audio source in a device may be used multiple times in a single transmitter bundle or across multiple transmitter bundles For a received bundle the received network audio may be routed directly to the device s local outputs the internal DSP1 or simply ignored Once the contents of a bundle have been decided the next step is to pass the bundle to another CobraNet device To do this every CobraNet device has up to 4 bundle transmitters Each bundle transmitter has a transmit mode that must first be selected This affects how many devices may receive that particular bun
11. APPENDIX B Reference DOCUMEN S isisecie csi usucsisnsisciaindescasisucaiiecnuetiinnsiasiwncsatiniwediuanuu nananana aai aaa aaa aaaeaii daanin auaa iaaa RI Attero Tech LLC 2013 Page iv 614 0001 1 04 DialogBox 4 2 User Manual ATTEROT a d 1 Overview The DialogBox 4 2 is a full featured 4 input 2 output auto mixer with DSP The four local inputs can be configured to accept either line level or mic level signals with software configuration of the pre amp level Each input also has 24V phantom power available which is also configurable via software A further four channels of audio may be used as inputs to the DialogBox from the CobraNet network as well In the DSP each local or CobraNet input passes through a signal conditioning stage comprising of a gain control an HP filter low shelf and high shelf EQ filter as well as control to setup the input to be part of a gain proportional auto mixer The audio is then fed to a controllable matrix mixer The output of the matrix mixer provides audio for the four output zones All four of these zones feature two fully adjustable parametric EQ a limiter and an output gain control per zone Each zone also has a ducker feature that allows prioritization of the audio output The audio from each zone is available over CobraNet channels 1 4 with zones 1 and 2 also available as local audio outputs as well The local outputs have a selectable 10dB boost implemented in hardware The remaining four
12. The exact bundle and routing configuration will be determined by the needs of each individual installation An installation may have multiple units transmitting multiple bundles The only restriction is the bandwidth available on the network to transfer the audio CobraNet does more than just transfer audio data It can be used to pass serial information as well A feature called serial bridging has been incorporated that allows the passage of serial data between nodes Each node can pass serial data to a specific node or multicast the data to multiple nodes A node can also receive data from either a single source or multiple sources Baud rates data bits stop bits parity and so on are all configurable There is also support for multi drop serial buses as well Finally CobraNet has the capability to alter all of the above options in real time making the whole system completely dynamic By use of control software all of the bundle assignment parameters can be configured with no need to change cables switch out connectors or pull new wiring Most importantly this control capability can be implemented from a single location Bundle numbers range from 1 through 65535 A value of 0 represents an inactive bundle Numbers 1 255 are reserved for multicast mode transmissions only Attero Tech LLC 2013 Page A 2 614 0001 1 04 DialogBox 4 2 User Manual ATTEROTECH APPENDIX B Reference Documents The following table lists the rel
13. ametric EQs Each EQ has a gain a Q and a frequency control 3 6 2 Limiter A limiter is provided on each output with individual controls for threshold attack and release The limiter can also be bypassed entirely which is the default setting To activate the limiter click the bypass LED to turn the bypass off 3 6 3 Output Gain This gain control is used to adjust the final level for a particular output Up to 12dB gain can be added and up to 100dB attenuation A level of 100dB is considered muted 3 6 4 Pre ducker Output Volume The pre ducker volume and output volume show the current volume level of that particular logic input control The volumes themselves range fro OdB down to 40dB This cannot be changed by the interface and is purely for reference 3 6 5 Ducker The Ducker allows audio from other sources to be used to override the default output zone audio The Ducker has two stages called primary and secondary and each can be fed with a different source The output of the ducker is determined by the sources selected for each stage and their audio levels The options for configuration are shown in the table below None sd Default audio will pass though regardless aa source Gil If the primary source level is above the threshold the output will be the primary Y Y source audio otherwise the default zone audio will play If the primary source is above the threshold the output will be the primary source audio If the
14. braNet Out Analog In 1 amp 2 1 to4 Zone 3 amp 4 CobraNet Out i 38 amp 4 l i l l l i i Pre Ducker ee a Mute Volume Vol trol Control i SE SCH es Control CobraNet i Out Logic Inputs A Iiae ee ee l 5 8 Figure 7 DialogBox DSP Architecture The DialogBox 4 2 utilizes available DSP resources within its CobraNet device to provide audio signal processing see Figure 7 Each input has its own separate path and its own separate controls The local inputs are fed through a mute stage controlled by logic input and then a gain stage The CobraNet inputs also have a gain stage but no user controlled mute facility An optional high pass filter is applied to each input next before the signals are fed through the auto mixer Each input may bypass the auto mixer if needed The signals then pass through a low and a high shelf filter before being applied to the inputs of a matrix mixer Each output of the matrix mixer forms the default audio for the four output zones Each zone has its own separate path and its own separate controls The zone outputs are fed through two parametric EQ filters a limiter and a gain stage They then pass through the ducker section which includes a pre ducker volume section which can be optionally controlled by logic inputs if required The output of the ducker is then fed to the source select override which again Attero Tech
15. dle at a time Not available on all devices CS496xxx devices only Attero Tech LLC 2013 Page A 1 614 0001 1 04 DialogBox 4 2 User Manual ATTEROT H CA The modes are as follows o Unicast Used for one to one connections In this mode only one receiver at a time can receive this bundle Once a link is established from this transmitted bundle to a receiver any future requests for that bundle from other potential receivers will fail o Multicast Used for one to many connections This mode broadcasts its contents over the entire network There is no restriction on the number of receivers However the downside is that CobraNet packets are distributed to all nodes on the network whether they need them or not thus creating possible network bandwidth issues o Multi unicasts Another one to many mode Whilst this is the most efficient method for getting a bundle to multiple receivers in terms of network bandwidth it requires more processing power on the CobraNet device so in this mode there is a maximum limit of four receiver connections this can be reduced if required If more connections are required than the limit the node can be configured to automatically switches to multicast Note When a bundle must be transmitted to multiple receivers multi unicast transmissions should be used where possible Once the mode is selected to enable a device to transmit the bundle simply allocate the particular transmitter bundle
16. e when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment This equipment generates uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual may cause harmful interference to radio communications Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense CAUTION Changes or modifications to this device not expressly approved by Attero Tech LLC could void your authority to operate this device under FCC regulations Attero Tech LLC 2013 Page ii 614 0001 1 04 DialogBox 4 2 User Manual ATTEROTECH LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY The equipment is warranted for one year from date of purchase from Attero Tech LLC against defects in materials or workmanship This warranty does not cover equipment which has been abused or damaged by careless handling or shipping This warranty does not apply to used or demonstrator equipment Should any defect develop Attero Tech LLC will at our option repair or replace any defective parts without charge for either parts or labor If Attero Tech LLC Cannot correct the defect in the equipment it will be replaced at no charge with a similar new item Attero Tech LLC will pay for the cost of returning your equipment to you This warranty applies only to items returned to Attero Tech LLC shipping cost
17. ech LLC 2013 Page 9 614 0001 1 04 A DialogBox 4 2 ATTEROTECH x User Manual 3 7 Configuring the Logic Inputs In Control Center select the DialogBox open the device setup form and select the Logic Inputs tab to see the screen show in Figure 12 This tab also shows the revision level of both the on board processor software and the CobraNet firmware REEL Analog Inputs CobraNet Inputs Mixer Output Zone 1 2 Ouput Zone 3 4 Versions Operation Mode Processor V2 1 Networked CobraNet V2 2 Standalone Logic Input Configuration inputi None amp Input 2 Nons el Input 3 None el Input 4 None el Input 5 wen el kent bes Input None sl Input 8 None el Figure 12 Logic Input Tab Each input can be configured as a mute function a volume function or a source select function Each function can only be allocated to a single input and an input can only carry out a single function The state of each logic input is also shown on this tab The state LED will turn green when the input is active 3 7 1 Mute Inputs An input configured as a mute can input a single local input or one of the zone outputs While the input is not active the specific audio will pass unabated When the input is activated audio on the specified channel will be muted As well as the input status there is an indictor on each local input and each zone output to show if the mute has been activated 3 7 2 Volume Controls The vo
18. ent placement or if the unit needs to be mounted underneath a desk of shelf or on its side The DialogBox can also be rack mounted either singularly or also dually with another DialogBox or other half rack Attero Tech device Note All wiring connections to the DialogBox should be completed before applying power to it Attero Tech LLC 2013 Page 2 614 0001 1 04 DialogBox 4 2 User Manual ATTEROTECH 2 1 Connecting Analog Audio Devices The DialogBox 4 2 analog inputs accept balanced or unbalanced audio via 3 pin Phoenix type screw connectors When interfacing audio signals to this product use balanced connections when possible to optimize audio performance The following sections provide wiring guidelines if balanced connections are not available on the equipment being interfaced to this product 2 1 1 Unbalanced source to balanced input Unbalanced sources may be used with balanced inputs by using the following wiring diagrams showing how to connect the devices together They show both 2 wire and 3 wire connections Source Input Source Input Shield Figure 3 2 wire Unbalanced Source Connection Figure 2 3 wire Unbalanced Source Connection 2 1 2 Balanced source to unbalanced Input Balanced sources may be used with unbalanced inputs by using the following wiring diagrams showing how to connect the devices together They show both 2 wire and 3 wire connections Source Input Source Input Fig
19. evant reference documents v2 5 CobraNet Programmer s Reference Cirrus Logic Attero Tech Control Center Manual Attero Tech LLC 2013 Page B 1 614 0001 1 04
20. exit the edit value mode and return the control to its previous setting The mixer controls tab also shows a copy of the audio flow diagram for reference Save Load Iw Meters Enabled a2 a3 a4 Sine Ini zone DZ e P e P v 2 ei ei Zone 1 CobraNet Out 1 Local Out 1 100 00B 100 0dB 100 0dB 100 00B 100 00B 100 00B 100 00B 100 00B 100 0dB 000000000 E Locai Out 2 100 048 O OOOO OO ON ON mamo 100 0B zone C gt vi C a fa S k gt Zone 4 CobraNet Out 4 100 0dB Zone 1 amp 2 Analog CobraNet In liod 142 Zone 344 I i D t i i Pre Ducker ae Mule Volume Volume Control verge Controt Soen H z Control CobraNet e Out Logic Inputs 5 8 Figure 10 DialogBox Matrix Mixer Controls Attero Tech LLC 2013 Page 7 614 0001 1 04 DialogBox 4 2 User Manual ATTEROT Ca d 3 6 Zone Outputs Each of the local outputs has their own output controls Figure 11 shows the controls for the local analog audio outputs Zone 1 Parametric Limiter Dre Ducker Ducker Mute Meter Bypass Threshold Volume Threshold Depth Hold Time 0dB 0 0 ee zz O e 0 we Le OdB OdB y 40 0dB 100ms 0 0 dB 20dB Primary None l OdB Q 1 00 1 00 Attack Release Secondary None Y alii v Freq 2 Source Select Secondary Audio e 0 dB 1000H Sost e cae None D Figure 11 Zone Output Controls 3 6 1 Parametric EQ Each output has two fully adjustable par
21. he chosen location The filename will by default use a DCF extension To load a previously saved configuration from a file click the Load button The Load Configuration dialog will appear so the desired configuration file can be located Locate and select the file to be loaded and click OK A confirmation message will then be shown as a reminder that the current device configuration will be overwritten Click Yes to continue Save Load Figure 13 Save Load Buttons Default Figure 14 Save Dialog Box Note The saved configuration is device specific so only DialogBox configuration files can be loaded into a DialogBox The revision of DialogBox firmware is also taken into account A warning will be shown and the file will not be loaded if either the device type or the firmware revision does not match the device being set up 3 10 Metering The DialogBox interface can constantly monitor audio levels while the interface is open if Meters Enabled current audio level Figure 15 Meters Enabled Checkbox Gain controls on the input and output tabs have associated meters that show that signals The metering function polls the DialogBox numerous times a second to get constant updates for the meters but doing so creates an increased amount of network traffic If this additional traffic becomes a problem or the metering is not required it can be turned off Click the Meters Enabled check box to t
22. its icon never turns green o Check the DialogBox has a valid IP address o Check IP address on the PC and the device to ensure they are within range of one another Attero Tech LLC 2013 Page 12 614 0001 1 04 DialogBox 4 2 User Manual ATTEROTECH 5 ARCHITECTS amp ENGINEERS SPECIFICATION The CobraNet interface unit shall provide four mic line analog inputs on rear panel pluggable 3 pin barrier strips Software selectable gains of OdB 25dB 40dB and software selectable 24V phantom power shall be provided The internal analog to digital signal conversion shall be performed at 16 20 or 24 bit resolution with a sampling frequency of 48kHz Two channels of balanced line level outputs shall be provided on the rear panel pluggable barrier strips Outputs shall have software selectable gains of OdB and 10dB 7 logic inputs shall provide capability to selectively mute various combinations of inputs and outputs Interface power shall be provided by either an 802 3af compliant PoE network switch or a 12VDC external power source The CobraNet interface shall provide DSP capabilities for independent channel gain equalization compression and gain sharing automatic mixing on all four local input channels Each local output channel shall have DSP output limiting capabilities The DSP shall also provide a fully configurable 8 input 2 output matrix mixer The CobraNet interface shall be compatible with Attero Tech Control Cen
23. lume can be controlled at two points in the output zone signal flow The first is what we call the pre ducker volume which is after the EQ limiter and gain sections right before the ducker The second is right at the output after the ducker and source select Each input can be set to control either volume up or volume down at either of the two points The current level of both volume points are indicated on each output zone There are two ways to operate a volume control input If an input configured as a volume control is turned on then quickly off again as produced by the press and release of a push button the associated volume will increment or decrement a single step Alternately if the input is turned on and held on for at least two seconds the volume will begin to auto increment or auto decrement until the input is turned off or the maximum or minimum volume is reached Attero Tech LLC 2013 Page 10 614 00011 04 ATTEROTECH 3 7 3 Source Select Input DialogBox 4 2 User Manual Source select inputs are available for each of the output zones When a source select input is not active the default zone audio will be used However when the input is active the audio selected as the secondary source for that zone will be used instead The default zone audio will only return when the input is deactivated again Note If the secondary source for a zone is set to None when the source select input for that zone is
24. nience receptacles and the point where they exit from the apparatus Only use attachments accessories specified by Attero Tech Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way such as power supply cord or plug is damaged liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture does not operate normally or has been dropped This apparatus shall be connected to a mains socket outlet with a protective earthing connection Provide adequate ventilation Equipment may be located above or below this apparatus but some equipment like large power amplifiers may cause an unacceptable amount of hum of may generate too much heat and degrade the performance of this apparatus This apparatus may be installed in an industry standard equipment rack Use screws through all mounting holes to provide the best support AN TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPARATUS TO RAIN OR MOISTURE Attero Tech LLC 2013 Page i 614 0001 1 04 DialogBox 4 2 User Manual Note This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules and EN55022 These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interferenc
25. oggle the metering on or off Note The meter monitoring is only active whilst the DialogBox interface is open Metering starts every time the DialogBox interface is opened and any active metering ceases as soon as the interface form is closed Attero Tech LLC 2013 Page 11 614 0001 1 04 DialogBox 4 2 User Manual ATTEROTECH 4 Troubleshooting 4 1 Checking the Network Connections CobraNet network connections can be diagnosed by noting the status of the LEDs just above the Ethernet connectors on the CobraNet I F port These LEDs will be on off or flashing depending on the current state of the network connection Below is a table showing the states of the LEDs and what device status they represent LED status Device Status Left LED on permanently No Ethernet Connection Right LED off Left LED on permanentl Ethernet connected but no devices found Right LED on but flashes off every 4 seconds Left LED on permanently Connected and CobraNet devices found Right LED flashing 3 times a second Device is a performer Left LED on flashing 3 times a second Connected and CobraNet devices found Right LED flashing 3 times a second Device is the conductor Table 1 CobraNet Interface LED Status 4 2 Common Faults Below are some common faults Accompanying each one is a list of the most common solutions While the lists of solutions are not exhaustive they represent the majority of the likely failures No de
26. ot have any transmit or receive bundles configured These can be configured using the Bundle Setup screen in Attero Tech Control Center software which can set up the DialogBox to transmit and or receive multicast and unicast bundles as desired Select the DialogBox from the device list in Control Center and click on the Bundle Setup button All the necessary parameters for setting bundles are available on this one screen Note Details of what needs to be entered are not included here The actual bundle set up will depend entirely on the application the DialogBox is used in 3 2 DSP Overview All signal processing after the analog preamplifier circuitry is implemented in the digital domain using powerful 32 bit DSP hardware and high quality algorithms All signal processing parameters mentioned are configurable using the Attero Tech Control Center software The following sections describe the operation and controls available in DialogBox 4 2 interface V2 0 1 which is designed to be used with a DialogBox running CobraNet version 2 3 The DialogBox interface version can be found in the version list on the About form in Control Center and the CobraNet version can be found on the version panel on the Logic Inputs tab of the DialogBox plug in Note Different versions of the interface and CobraNet firmware may contain different controls and have different operation Zone 1 amp 2 Analog Out 1 amp 2 CobraNet In 1to4 Co
27. ral only inputs with microphones attached should be put in the Auto mode Line inputs for example PC audio an MP3 player etc usually are put in the direct mode and their NOM Send is set to off 3 4 7 Equalization Each input has a low and a high shelf filter The low shelf has set a set frequency of 100Hz while the high shelf has a set frequency of 1kHz The filter gain can be altered and each filter has a range of 12dB to 12dB Attero Tech LLC 2013 Page 6 614 0001 1 04 DialogBox 4 2 User Manual ATTEROT CA d 3 5 Matrix Mixer The DialogBox includes a matrix mixer that allows signals flowing through it to be mixed as necessary Figure 10 shows the controls The each column represents an input Int through In4 are the local inputs Cll though Cl4 are the CobraNet inputs Each row is dedicated to a local output Each knob sets the level from a particular input signal that is applied to a particular output signal Send signal levels can be set from 100dB no send to OdB full send The controls can be moved by mouse by clicking and holding the left mouse button on a control and the moving the mouse Releasing the mouse button will send the current value to the DialogBox Alternately a specific value can be typed in by clicking the control to highlight it and then entering the desired value Pressing Enter will send the new value to the DialogBox once it has been validated When typing a new value pressing escape will
28. s prepaid within one year from the date of purchase This Limited Warranty is governed by the laws of the State of Indiana It states the entire liability of Attero Tech LLC and the entire remedy of the purchaser for any breach of warranty as outlined above NEITHER ATTERO TECH LLC NOR ANYONE INVOLVED IN THE PRODUCTION OR DELIVERY OF THE EQUIPMENT SHALL BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT SPECIAL PUNITIVE CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE THIS EQUIPMENT EVEN IF ATTERO TECH LLC HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES IN NO EVENT SHALL THE LIABILITY OF ATTERO TECH LLC EXCEED THE PURCHASE PRICE OF ANY DEFECTIVE EQUIPMENT This warranty gives you specific legal rights You may have additional legal rights which vary from state to state Attero Tech LLC 2013 Page iii 614 0001 1 04 A DialogBox 4 2 ATTEROTEC H x User Manual Contents VE e EE 1 lelt AMS inthe BOX EEN l2 Optional Eeer 1 EN Ca AUN ON WE 2 2 1 Connecting Analog Audio DOVICOS ssicccicccsicnscanadncnnnanccnedtionsenndenne aineen eaaa Ema e ankare E EEEE nesi Einna ain 3 2 1 1 Unbalanced source to balanced input ccccceccescceeeceecccecccececaeecseeeseeceaeeseecauecaueeeueeeeeeseeeseeeseeseeeseeesseesseeess 3 2 1 2 Balanced source to unbalanced Input 3 Pager S W013 uer 3 32 SOTUW Ale ConnguratiO Ve i ANT canatnands scanned eum 4 3 1 Configuring CobraNet Inputs and Outputs 4 Soe RE E EE 4 SERD
29. secondary source level is above the threshold and the primary is below the threshold the output will be the secondary source audio If both sources are below the threshold the default zone audio will pass through Primary and Secondary source 3 6 6 Source Select Secondary Audio This control is used in conjunction with the source select logic input and defines the secondary audio stream that will be used when the appropriate source select input is active The value has no affect if a source select logic input isn t configured for that zone Attero Tech LLC 2013 Page 8 614 0001 1 04 DialogBox 4 2 User Manual ATTEROT a d 3 6 7 Mute The mute indicator warns the user whether this output zone has been muted by the activation of an appropriately configured logic input The indicator will turn red when the mute is active 3 6 8 H W Boost Analog Outputs 1 amp 2 only The output boost applies to the output zone 1 and 2 local outputs only An additional boost amplifier is implemented in hardware directly after the DAC and can apply an additional gain to the local output signal Selecting OdB leaves the amplifier off and audio will pass through unaltered Selecting 10dB will activate the amplifier and apply a 10dB boost to the analog signal 3 6 1 Meter The meter shows a graphical indication of the current level of the zone output after all of the output zone DSP and controls have been applied Attero T
30. ter software for flexible control and monitoring in system applications The CobraNet interface shall include a UL listed power source The CobraNet interface shall be compliant with RoHS directive The CobraNet interface shall be the Attero Tech DialogBox 4 2 5 1 Device Specifications Balanced and RF filtered 3 input Type pin pluggable 40dB 25dB OdB Phantam Power 24V selectable per channel Input Impedance gt 1 8K ohms any gain 8dBu OdB gain Maximum Input Levels 16dBu 25dB gain 31dBu 40cB gain EIN mic mode 115dBu 40dB gain Audio Outputs CobraNet Ethernet with Physical Level PoE Foner Requirements mws 1 5 Hx 7 25 Wx 6 5 D RoHS UL Listed power Compliance source FCC Part 15 Class A Compliant Balanced 3 pin pluggable with automatic muting upon loss of CobraNet signal Output Impedance 200 ohms balanced i i 100 ohms unbalanced Output Noise lt 90dBu OdB gain Maximum output level 12dBu lt 0 01 at any gain input Sy eter TRDAN signal 3dB below max Output Type Sample Rate 48kHz only Other Inputs Logic inputs 7 logic inputs dry contact closure Attero Tech LLC 2013 Page 13 614 0001 1 04 DialogBox 4 2 User Manual ATTEROTECH APPENDIX A Introduction to CobraNet CobraNet is an audio networking technology for delivery and distribution of real time high quality uncompressed digital audio using a standard E
31. thernet network It is implemented using a combination of hardware firmware and the CobraNet protocol Unlike other audio networking or distribution technologies CobraNet is a true network and exists on standard Ethernet networks using standard Ethernet hardware Since it is a true network audio routing is highly flexible between network nodes and can be used in a variety of audio distribution applications In addition to the high degree of routing flexibility that CobraNet provides the technology also incorporates the ability to monitor and control CobraNet devices remotely This is a key feature that is highly important in fixed installation applications where the audio distribution equipment may not be readily accessible All CobraNet devices on the network can be controlled and monitored from a central location by sending control commands and monitoring device specific parameters CobraNet provides this capability by implementing Simple Network Management Protocol SNMP SNMP is a standard protocol typically used for monitoring network devices such as Ethernet switches In the case of CobraNet it allows users to communicate with any CobraNet device using standard SNMP tools or a customized user interface designed specifically for CobraNet such as Attero Tech s Control Center application ETHERNET DIGITAL AUDIO COMPUTER DATA CONTROL AND MONITORING CLOCK The figure above represents the types of data that coexist on a CobraNet
32. ure 5 2 wire balanced to unbalanced Figure 4 3 wire balanced to unbalanced 2 2 Logic Inputs The logic inputs are activated by pulling the input to ground This can be done using a simple switch connected between the input and the GND connection on the DialogBox If electronic control is required use a volt free output such as a relay output or an open collector output Typical wire connections are show in Figure 6 below 12 12 Figure 6 Logic Input Connections Methods Attero Tech LLC 2013 Page 3 614 0001 1 04 DialogBox 4 2 User Manual A ATTEROTEC H 3 Software Configuration The software configuration and monitoring of a DialogBox is done using Attero Tech Control Center software This can be obtained from the Attero Tech website www atterotech com Information on installation and application usage can be found in the Control Center Manual also available from the Attero tech website 3 1 Configuring CobraNet Inputs and Outputs The DialogBox can take in four audio channels and can send out eight audio channels through its CobraNet interface Getting audio to and from CobraNet requires setting up of bundle transmitters and receivers To get audio into the DialogBox from CobraNet one or more receive bundles will need to be configured on the DialogBox For audio leaving the DialogBox onto CobraNet one or more transmit bundles will need to be configured on the DialogBox By default the DialogBox does n
33. uto mixer approach it is still the most natural and effective type of auto mixing In essence the algorithm transforms the instantaneous pattern of input levels on all the automatic inputs to a pattern of attenuations applied to the inputs Those inputs with higher signal levels receive proportionally more gain than those with lower signal levels The total attenuation applied to all automatic inputs guarantees that the total attenuation applied to all inputs keeps the total gain equal to one open microphone the NOM 1 function Noise that is common to all microphones like room ambient noise is ignored by the algorithm This prevents so called false triggering of inputs with changes in background noise False triggering on background noise is a common occurrence with most other auto mixing algorithms There are two settings for the Dugan style gain sharing auto mixer The first is the Mode Selecting Auto mode makes the channel part of the auto mixer function All input channels in the Auto mode will have their gains managed by the auto mixer algorithm to optimize gain before feedback in multi mic installations Selecting Dir direct mode means the input channel is always open and is not affected by the auto mixing algorithm The second setting is the Number of Open Mics NOM Send option This determines whether the audio from that input is sent to the auto mixing algorithm to help determine gain distribution for inputs in the Auto mode In gene
34. vices show up in Control Center o Ensure the PC is running Windows 98SE or later Windows 95 is not suitable If running Vista ensure a Vista compatible version of Control Center is running 1 4 0 onwards Check the PC is connected to the same Ethernet infrastructure the CobraNet is running on Check a network card has been selected for Control Center to use and if the PC has multiple cards check it s the correct one Ensure the network card being used by Control Center has its IP address configured correctly Check the switches used to interconnect devices are powered up Check the CobraNet nodes on the network are powered up and running Check firewall and Internet security settings to ensure CobraNet traffic can pass through unabated These may need to be disabled for Control Center to work If the network switches are using a VLAN configuration check the VLAN configuration is correct o Check the correct cabling has been used for each connection and they have been terminated properly O GO Q O 0 0 Q O The DialogBox does not show up in Control Center o Check the DialogBox has power supplied to it and is turned on Check the power light on the front o Check the Ethernet cable is correctly connected to an active network I O port on the switch o If using a switch ensure the Ethernet cabling is a standard patch cable and not a crossover type o If the PC is wired direct to the DialogBox make sure a crossover cable is used The DialogBox appears but
35. wly entered number or as close to it as the control s range allows The control will revert back to its previous value if an invalid number is entered If the Enter key is not pressed and a different control is selected instead the control that was originally being edited will revert to its previous value Note When a fader or knob control value is changed its value is sent to the device only once the Enter key is pressed or the mouse is released The other type of control is an indicator button These are either grey for off or colored red or green for on Most are toggle buttons so left click once to turn them on and left click them again to turn them off Note Changes to any controls must be saved manually if they are the required as a power on default See section 3 9 Attero Tech LLC 2013 Page 5 614 0001 1 04 DialogBox 4 2 User Manual ATTEROTECH 3 4 Audio CobraNet Inputs Each of the four local inputs and the four CobraNet inputs has their own input Input 1 Input 1 controls Figure 9 shows the controls for both the local analog audio inputs left Poe EE 0dB image and the CobraNet inputs right image 4 25dB 10dB Phantom Power 20dB KaR 3 4 1 Input Gain Analog Inputs Only 2 The input gain sections are only available for the analog inputs and control the yin 0dB SE settings for the mic pre amp This allows the input to be switched between line SC level OdB gain and two different
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