"Hear the Power of Technology"
Signal Manager May 2002 Release, Version 4.75
For future reference, this file is located in the folder that you specified during the installation of Signal Manager; by default, this will be C:\Program Files\QSC Audio\Signal Manager\Readme.htm.
PLEASE READ THIS INFORMATION COMPLETELY BEFORE USING YOUR QSC DSP PRODUCT!
Table of Contents
I. Supported Platforms and Hardware
III. General Information
IV. Explanation of Connection and Configuration Status
VI. Information for Users Upgrading from Previous Versions
a. Existing Configuration (.cfg) Files
b. Firmware Update for DSP-3 Units
c. Firmware Update for DSP-30 Units
I. Supported Platforms and Hardware
The Signal Manager software is qualified to run under the following Operating Systems (other OS's are NOT supported):
Windows NT 4.0, with SP6
Windows 2000
Windows 98
This version of Signal Manager supports the QSC DSP-3, DSP-30, and DSP-4 products.
IMPORTANT NOTES
We hope you'll find the Signal Manager software shipped with this DSP product gives you full control of the powerful signal processing capabilities of our DSP devices.
Software updates are available on our web site. So be sure to check our website (www.qscaudio.com) for the latest release. We also welcome your feedback. Just email your comments, suggestions or problem reports to dsp3@qscaudio.com and help us make this tool do what you need it to.
COM Port Settings:
Before using QSC's DSP products with Signal Manager, please make sure that your connection from the PC to the RS-232 (COM) port is made with the proper type of cable. You should be able to use a STANDARD, STRAIGHT-THRU RS-232 EXTENSION cable (with male/female connectors on ends). However, if you have one of the first few units we manufactured, (if the Serial Number of your DSP-3 unit is 0700xxxxx or LOWER), you MUST use a "NULL-MODEM" cable.
It has been observed that certain laptops make use of PIN-9 on the RS-232 port. If you have problems using the CONTACT CLOSURE functionality while the laptop is connected to the unit, e.g. to control the "Switched Gain" DSP objects, you should either a) use a cable that does NOT have PIN-9 wired thru, or b) remove PIN-9 from the cable you are using. See the Help file for complete info on the contact closure functionality.
COM Port settings are set automatically by the software. However, if you cannot communicate with your DSP device, you may have to set them manually. Set the attributes of the COM port you wish to use. This can be done by going to the system Control Panel and selecting "Ports" (in Windows NT) or "System\Device Manager\Ports" (Windows 95/98). Set the attributes as follows:
38400 baud, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit, flow-control NONE.
1. When designing your DSP signal chain configuration, use the LOWEST POSSIBLE "AMPLIFIER GAIN" setting when APPLYING the configuration to the DSP or when making changes to PARAMETER settings. DO NOT run your amplifier(s) "wide open" while applying configurations to the DSP, or when making parameter changes! Use caution when making changes to parameters in a live configuration. The nature of the communication path between the PC and the DSP device is inherently more complex than its analog counterparts. Unpredictable results could occur due to failure of the PC or its communication channel. Use extra caution when your installation uses anything other than full-range drivers.
2. Configuration (.cfg) files created with Signal Manager versions 2.0.7 and earlier WILL NOT function properly. It will be necessary to recreate these configurations using the latest version of Signal Manager.
3. The following interactions between other software and Signal Manager have been observed:
Apple "QuickTime" installation procedure and/or operation causes COM port to behave erratically (particularly under Win95, which is UNsupported). Recommended action: remove QuickTime from your StartUp folder (if present), reboot (do not restart QuickTime), and restart Signal Manager. Other multimedia applications may produce similar results. Caution should be used if running these applications before or concurrently with Signal Manager.
The use of HyperTerm sometimes leaves COM port access by Signal Manager to be erratic or impossible. Recommended action: reboot, operate Signal Manager without other applications active.
4. The "Autowire" functionality is limited at this time; straight-line, single-channel signal chains (e.g., IN1 -> GAIN -> LIM -> DELAY -> EQ -> OUT1) may be selected and auto-wired successfully, but selecting multiple chains is not yet supported.
5. The Print menu items are functional in this release of the software. However, problems have been observed with certain printers and/or printer drivers. If you experience problems, please contact QSC Audio Products for assistance. A suggested workaround for documenting your DSP configurations is to use the Windows "Print Screen" capabilities. To do this, having opened all of the appropriate dialogs in your signal chain(s) so that parameter settings are visible, press the button labeled "PrtScn" ("Print Screen") on the keyboard. This will copy the full screen contents to the Windows "clipboard", where it will be accessible using common applications such as Windows Paint or Microsoft Word.
6. With some filter types, most notably high-pass filters with 12dB/octave or greater slope, it may be possible to drive the DSP filter into forced overflow oscillations if the input level to the filter is too high. This is a normal characteristic of certain DSP filters, and is not a bug or defect. This condition is easily distinguished from normal clipping by its harsh sound, and may be prevented by simply lowering the input level to the filter object. Note: the possibility of forced overflow oscillations has been greatly reduced with version 4.x.x firmware.
7. See Explanation of Connection and Configuration Status for a description of the information that is displayed on the "Status Bar" of the Signal Manager application.
8. If you change the Input and/or Output "Sensitivity" settings (using the Tools\Options\DSP dialog), then save the active configuration as a "Preset", those sensitivity settings WILL be saved as part of the "Preset" data. That is, Sensitivity settings are specific to each configuration. Thus, changing these settings and then recalling a preset MAY result in unintended level changes at the inputs or outputs of the DSP device. Be sure to establish the proper desired sensitivity settings for each of the preset configurations you define; typically, these settings should be identical.
9.
The
type of DSP device that is controlled and configured using the latest version of
Signal Manager is now selectable from a pull-down list on the "DSP Tools" Toolbar.
If connected to a DSP device when Signal Manager is started (note:
default COM port is "COM1"), the "type" of that device is
what will appear in that list.
If UN-connected to a DSP device, select the type of device that you
intend to configure.
Note that DSP features and capabilities may vary from type to type; these
differences are reflected in the content of the Signal Manager menus, toolbars
and various dialogs throughout the application.
10.
The
maximum selectable Input Sensitivity value for the DSP-3 is now +13Vrms.
11.
The
COMPRESSOR and LIMITER objects incorporate a feature called "Predictive
Delay", which allows the DSP to produce less signal distortion than analog
compressor/limiters, especially for fast attack times. BUT: It adds a delay to
the signal path which, if not compensated, could cause undesirable side-effects,
e.g., spoil your crossover's time alignment.
This version of Signal Manager offers the option of disabling the
Predictive Delay (see the checkbox in the Compressor and Limiter dialog boxes).
Alternatively, if you choose to enable this feature, once you have
established your "attack time" parameters, you may want to add a delay
(equal to the Predictive Delay value, which is displayed in the dialog as a
function of the attack time parameter) in the signal path of the other side of
the crossover.
For more information, see the Compressor or Limiter topics in the Signal
Manager Help, and refer to the link, "Predictive Delay".
12.
The
DSP Presets are factory-configured to be straight ("pass-thru") audio
with no processing, and 0 dB nominal gain.
Each Preset has a factory-supplied configuration associated with it,
corresponding to the Preset number, e.g., "Preset 1.cfg", "Preset
2.cfg", etc.
It is recommended that you do not modify these configurations to do
Preset programming; instead, create New configurations as desired for each
Preset you want to define.
In this manner, if you were to connect to a different DSP unit (e.g., one
that still contains the factory defined Presets) Signal Manager will be able to
locate the appropriate configuration.
13.
When
using Signal Manager in an installation having multiple DSPs accessed via the
RS-232 serial port connection, observe the following precautions:
When unplugging the serial cable from one unit, and connecting to a different unit, be sure to allow Signal Manager to detect the OFFLINE status of the first DSP before connecting the cable to the second unit. Failure to do this may result in an undetected mismatch between the configuration running in the (2nd) DSP, and that which is active in the Signal Manager workspace. WAIT (it takes about 1 or 2 seconds) for the message popup telling you that "THE CONNECTION TO THE DSP HAS BEEN LOST..." before connecting to the next unit.
If you intend to program multiple DSPs with the identical configuration, it is highly recommended that you create uniquely-named copies of the configuration, and apply them to the various units, associating them with specific Presets as desired. In this manner, making parameter changes to any given instance of the configuration will be completely independent of any other. The same recommendation applies to programming multiple PRESETS within the same DSP unit, in the case where parameter changes are made after establishing the presets.
14.
The behavior of
Dialog Tethers has been modified from previous versions of Signal Manager.
When enabled, the tethers will appear when one of the dialogs is selected with
the mouse. The tether will be visible for a duration of about one second,
then will disappear. If moving a dialog around the workspace, the tether
will remain visible until it is stationary for the one second duration.
This new behavior allows you to easily see the DSP object that the dialog is
tied to without keeping the workspace overwhelmed with the tether graphics.
COMMENTS? QUESTIONS? CONTACT US:
Email: dsp3@qscaudio.com
IV. Explanation of Connection and Configuration Status
(in the Status Bar at the bottom of the Signal Manager application window)
Connection Status
ONLINE - The Connection Status window will read "ONLINE" when Signal Manager detects a QSC Audio DSP device and is able to establish communication with the device.
OFFLINE - The Connection Status window will read "OFFLINE" when: (1) Communication between the DSP unit and Signal Manager has never been established or has been lost; or (2) If the user selects the 'Online/Offline' command from either the toolbar or Configuration menu.
Configuration Status
IDLE - The Configuration Status window will read, "IDLE" when there is no (valid) configuration in the workspace. This mode occurs primarily while the DSP device and Signal Manager are syncing up after a shutdown or when an Update Flash command has been cancelled.
LOCKED - The Configuration Status window will read, "LOCKED" when: (1) the user opens a saved configuration in the workspace; (2) upon start-up, Signal Manager detects an improper firmware version. If the Configuration is "Locked", it cannot be modified nor can any parameters be changed. To get out of LOCKED mode, the user must select "Edit (Ctrl+E)" from the Configuration menu.
EDIT - The Configuration Status window will read, "EDIT" if the configuration displayed in the workspace has not yet been applied to the DSP. This will be the case when one of the Configuration menu items, New (Ctrl+N) or Edit (Ctrl+E), is selected.
ACTIVE - The Configuration Status window will read, "ACTIVE" when the configuration displayed in the workspace is the same configuration currently running in the DSP unit. This mode is only possible in the ONLINE state. NOTE: Adding new DSP Processor object(s) to a signal chain will cause a red 'X' to cover the new icon(s), indicating that it is not yet active in the DSP. Select 'Apply to DSP' to update the configuration running in the unit.
MODIFIED - The Configuration Status window will read, "MODIFIED" when changes have been made to a configuration while in an OFFLINE state. When the DSP state is changed to ONLINE, a message popup will ask if you would like these changes applied to the DSP. A 'Yes' answer will download the changed configuration to the DSP and switch the mode to ACTIVE; a 'No' answer will not apply the configuration and will switch the mode to EDIT.
This version of Signal Manager may be used in conjunction with QSControl to access DSP-3 or DSP-4 units connected to QSC amplifiers via a CM16a Control/Monitoring Processor. In this configuration, Signal Manager is invoked by selecting a DSP-3 or -4 unit in the QSControl SYSTEM MANAGER Inventory, and using the right-click menu command "Device Setup". Signal Manager will run, and display the DSP configuration that is running in the selected unit. The CM16a Name and DataPort that control the selected DSP device are displayed in the Signal Manager workspace.
Definition and operation of DSP configurations is done in the same manner as would be done in the RS-232-connected scenario. One difference that should be noted, however, is that FIRMWARE UPDATE of the DSP-3 and DSP-4 cannot be done directly in Signal Manager: it MUST be done via the CM16a. The procedure is outlined in the following section.
General information about using Signal Manager in this manner is found in the DSP-3 Help file section titled "Networked DSP-3 Operation".
VI. Information for Users Upgrading from Previous Versions
If you have an existing installation with DSP devices that are being operated with previous versions of Signal Manager, you must upgrade the firmware in the device. Please refer to the sections below for instructions on upgrading the firmware of your particular DSP unit. Additionally, any configuration files (.cfg) created in previous versions will have to be copied to the Configurations directory. Please note that configurations created in version 2.0.7 and earlier are not supported.
Existing Configuration (.cfg) Files
Previous versions of Signal Manager (4.21 and earlier) defaulted to using a Venues folder under the Signal Manager directory as the location for configuration files. The default for this version of Signal Manager is the Configurations folder, also located immediately below the Signal Manager install directory. The recommended method for upgrading Signal Manager is to save any configuration files and uninstall the old version of the software. After installing the new version of Signal Manager, copy the configurations to the new Configurations folder (the default is C:\Program Files\QSC Audio\Signal Manager\Configurations). If the previous version was not uninstalled, move your configurations to the newly created Configurations directory. Once again, please note that configurations created in version 2.0.7 and earlier are no longer supported and must be redrawn. The folder that Signal Manager uses for configurations can be changed at any time using the Configurations tab in Tools | Options.
Firmware Update for DSP-3 Users
If your DSP-3 or DSP-4 unit was packaged together with this installation kit, it will have been factory-programmed with the latest firmware. Otherwise, this release of Signal Manager REQUIRES that the DSP firmware be updated to version 4.1.0, before applying configurations to the DSP. It is possible, though, to use the software OFFLINE prior to performing the firmware update. To apply the update which is included in the installation kit, do one of the following:
RS-232 SERIAL OPERATION : After having connected to the DSP-3 (or -4) and seeing the message box explaining that newer firmware exists, invoke the "Tools\Options\Update" menu command and specify the correct *.EFD file. This will download the correct firmware to the DSP device.
NETWORKED OPERATION: The firmware update procedure for DSP-3 and DSP-4 modules connected to a CM16a through the DataPort is different than for the serial case described above. The procedure uses the TFTP and the Telnet utilities that are built into Microsoft Windows. In order to successfully update the DSP firmware via a CM16a, the CM16a firmware must be version 2.2.2 or later. The CM16a firmware can be checked via Telnet, or using the System Manager application. If the CM16a firmware is not current, it must be updated before attempting to upgrade the DSP units.
NOTE: If the firmware update procedure is used, all Presets in the DSP will be erased from flash memory, i.e., restored to the factory default of "Pass-thru audio".
Refer to the Signal Manager Help file section titled "Updating DSP Firmware" for detailed information.
Firmware Update for DSP-30 Units
If your DSP-30 unit was packaged together with this installation kit, it will have been factory-programmed with the latest firmware. Otherwise, this release of Signal Manager REQUIRES that the DSP-30 firmware be updated to version 4.0.8, before applying configurations to the DSP. It is possible, though, to use the software OFFLINE prior to performing the firmware update. To apply the update which is included in the installation kit, do the following:
RS-232 SERIAL OPERATION : After having connected to the DSP-30 and seeing the message box explaining that newer firmware exists, invoke the "Tools\Options\Update" menu command and specify the file R3FV0408.EFD. This will download the correct firmware to the DSP-30.
NOTE: If the firmware update procedure is used, all Presets in the DSP will be erased from flash memory, i.e., restored to the factory default of "Pass-thru audio".
Refer to the Signal Manager Help file section titled "Updating DSP Firmware" for detailed information.