DialogBox 4/2 4 input/2 output Auto Mixer with DSP 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.
DialogBox 4/2 User Manual IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS The symbols below are internationally accepted symbols that warn of potential hazards with electrical products. 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. This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts you to important operating and maintenance instructions in the accompanying literature. Please read the manual. 1. 2. 3.
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 interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment.
DialogBox 4/2 User Manual 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.
DialogBox 4/2 User Manual Contents 1 – Overview..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 – What’s in the Box? .................................................................................................................................................... 1 1.2 – Optional Extras...................................................
DialogBox 4/2 User Manual 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.
DialogBox 4/2 User Manual 2 – Installation Figure 1 – DialogBox 4/2 Connectors and Indicators 1 Power LED 2 Balanced audio inputs 3 Balanced audio outputs 4 Logic inputs for audio mute, volume or source select control 5 Ethernet interface for CobraNet/PoE 6 Power input socket The DialogBox 4/2 can be mounted in several locations. The unit can sit on top of a table or shelf.
DialogBox 4/2 User Manual 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.
DialogBox 4/2 User Manual 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.
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.
DialogBox 4/2 User Manual 3.4 – Audio/CobraNet Inputs Each of the four local inputs and the four CobraNet inputs has their own input controls. Figure 9 shows the controls for both the local analog audio inputs (left image) and the CobraNet inputs (right image). 3.4.1 – Input Gain (Analog Inputs Only) The input gain sections are only available for the analog inputs and control the settings for the mic pre-amp.
DialogBox 4/2 User Manual 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. In1 through In4 are the local inputs. CI1 though CI4 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 0dB (full send).
DialogBox 4/2 User Manual 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. Figure 11 - Zone Output Controls 3.6.1 – Parametric EQ Each output has two fully adjustable parametric 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.
DialogBox 4/2 User Manual 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 & 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.
DialogBox 4/2 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. Figure 12 - Logic Input Tab Each input can be configured as a mute function, a volume function or a source select function.
DialogBox 4/2 User Manual 3.7.3 – Source Select Input 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.
DialogBox 4/2 User Manual 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.
DialogBox 4/2 User Manual 5 – ARCHITECTS & 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 0dB, +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..
DialogBox 4/2 User Manual 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 Ethernet 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.
DialogBox 4/2 User Manual 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.
DialogBox 4/2 User Manual APPENDIX B – Reference Documents The following table lists the relevant reference documents. Document Title Revision CobraNet Programmer’s Reference (Cirrus Logic) v2.5 Attero Tech Control Center Manual 7.
