Introduction to IDR

iDR-4 and iDR-8 are 16 x 16 matrix mixers with an extensive array of audio management tools designed to reduce the need for additional devices for an installation, or carried in the hire inventory. Allen & Heath preamps, 24bit converters and fixed DSP architecture ensure that concert-quality low-latency sound is delivered efficiently to where it is needed.

Anyone with a basic knowledge of traditional console and outboard equipment will be able to design a distributed audio system on their PC using the ‘mixer’ based iDR System Manager software. iDR comes loaded with flexible DSP tools, essential in sound system configuration and installation. Input & output delays, 4- and 8-band parametric EQ, automatic microphone mixing, frequency conscious dynamics, look-ahead limiter, ambient noise compensator, crossfader and much more are available at your fingertips without having to worry about running out of DSP. Its system of presets allow for full recall of the whole system or individual parameters at the touch of a button.

After programming, the iDR unit operates as a stand-alone system controller, with a host of remote control devices available for day-to-day operation. The PL Series complements the powerful features of iDR and comprises wall plates, infra-red hand-held or desk mount controllers connecting to the main unit using CAT5 cable over the RS485-based proprietary PL-Anet protocol. All the major third party devices may also be used to control iDR. For complex systems, the iDR system can be driven in real time by a PC via an Ethernet port, allowing the iDR to be used in hire/live audio situations such as matrix distribution in theatres, or clean feed system for an outside broadcast. Why not connect a WiFi card to your laptop, connect to the internet, set up your system and save your settings on the move? Stay in control from anywhere in the world!

 

iDR Key Features

Network control

The main iDR units can be easily controlled and programmed with an Ethernet connection to a PC (or MAC running OSX & PC simulator). All iDR units on a network can be ‘seen’‚ by more than one computer, with optional password protection so that operators can be observed by a technician running iDR System Manager software – or PL Client software – anywhere on the network or World Wide Web. iDR can even output a log of its activities to an email address!

TCP/IP devices such as WiFi can be used – for example, a wireless laptop can be used to commission or update the sound system from exactly where the technician needs to monitor it.

Preset System

iDR provides a system of up to 250 presets for total recall of system settings. A preset can contain the settings for all system devices, e.g. a default preset to set the entire system on power-up, or individual devices can be selected for exclusive change in a preset, e.g. a single EQ or fader gain level. A recall crossfader is provided to fade between different preset levels. Scheduled preset recalls are available, timed from the iDR internal clock. Preset recalls can be triggered from Allen & Heath equipment (PL controllers other iDR’s or iDR-Switch) or via the serial, MIDI and Telnet ports using third party equipment.

PL-Anet

The PL Series is the perfect interface between the iDR and the operators on site, providing simple, non-technical switch, indicator display, fader, IR and encoder control options. Furthermore, as the requirements grow at an installation, the control system can too.

PL remotes can simply daisy chain or use the ‘PL-Anet’ hub for star wiring applications, and all cabling is CAT5. You as the designer can customize these ‘plug-n-play’ remotes to do exactly what the customer needs. Each PL has its own simulator in iDR System Manager software, so you can design and demo the system offline as it will appear when the hardware is in place.

Automatic Level Management

iDR is equipped with several powerful modules to manage a distributed sound system, so an operator or technician doesn’t always need to be present. For instance:

– Microphones in a conference situation can be controlled by any one of the four on board AMMs, so that as more open microphones join in, the gain of the sum is reduced to prevent feedback occurring.

– A comprehensive Ducking system is provided with adjustable priorities.

– Ambient Noise Compensator (ANC) enables the output level in a zone to be automatically managed in relation to the signal level of the changing background noise level

– Level Sensing provides a logic or soft LED output when a pre-set signal threshold is reached, which triggers indicators and other hardware to respond; this allows operations such as camera following.

– 2 independent paging systems are provided, with paging to selectable outputs. Paging switches and indicators can be triggered via A&H controllers; alternatively, custom paging panels can be created and interfaced with the system.

Expandability

As the system requirements grow, additional iDR units or expanders can be added to suit the budget and application. iDR-8 and iDR-4 have 8-bus digital expansion ports (RJ45) to allow units to be daisy-chained together, or to add an iDR-In or iDR D-in input expander, or an iDR-Out or iDR D-out output expander.

The CAT5 cables allow the units to be placed at distances up to 250m apart, allowing, for example, the iDR-In to provide 8 XLR mic/line inputs in a function room on a different floor to the control room containing the main iDR unit, or, similarly, the iDR-Out could be configured as a four-way-stereo XLR output to an amp rack located at the side of a theatre stage. Furthermore, the 8-bus link can be used to distribute signals around a complex network where iDR units communicate via TCP/IP – here, interbox paging and routing is possible.

Audio Quality

Low latency [2.23ms from input to output] and a fixed DSP architecture ensures that the iDR system will distribute coherent audio. Mic preamp gain is controlled in analogue under software control so levels can be optimised in real time if needed. iDR-8 has a hardware limiter before the A-D converter so that the contractor can have confidence in the signal integrity, even if input levels exceed what was expected.

Signal Processing

The iDR-4 & iDR-8 signal processing architectures provide 16 channels of input processing and 16 channels of output processing, centred around the 16×16 mix matrix. Using the DSP patchbays, the user can configure these channels to either analogue inputs/outputs or to channels on the digital audio expansion port.

Because of the fixed architecture, you do not need to assign DSP into the signal path, or worry about having enough DSP available to do the job. In iDR, we have given you the tools you need such as noise gates, compressors, delays, parametric EQ and look-ahead limiters, to start working with live audio straight away.

Adjustments are made in real time as there is no compiling to do, and our unique monitor buss allows you to listen to any point in the signal path. Copy and paste any DSP settings to quickly build up a design, save it as a configuration file, and use it as a template for other systems.

MIDI

iDR-8 is equipped with MIDI in/out/thru and custom MIDI commands can be output as presets and recalled on the iDR. This allows other audio devices such as samplers and processors to be controlled from the main unit. For example, dynamic MIDI control from faders, rotary controls and keys in the iDR system could interface with a DMX controller, so that basic lighting control can be programmed into iDR and run from the PL series remote controllers.

 

iDR Communication Ports

iDR can communicate with many forms of equipment. For example, iDR-switch units, iDR-in and iDR-out expanders, third party controllers, PL Series ‘intelligent’ wall plates, MIDI show controllers, PCs, networks and modems. Up to 4 communications ports can be used at once – network and DR-link ports are always available, with two more selected from RS232, Sys-Net, MIDI and PL-Anet. Rear panel LEDs clearly indicate active ports for rapid communication status checking.

Permanent Protocols

Port	Protocol Type	Uses
Network (RJ45 CAT5)	iDR System Manager / Telnet / TCP/IP / WiFi/ Email	Table Cell
DR-Link (RJ45 CAT5)	DR-Link	Links the iDR-In and iDR-Out audio expanders and iDR-Switch to the iDR units for logic control.

 

2 out of 4 protocols selectable from software

Port	Protocol Type	Uses
Sys-Net	Inconcert / AMX / RS232	For third party controllers such as: AMX, Crestron, Cue and many more. Touch screens, Infra-red devices etc can be utilised with iDR.
RS232	iDR System Manager	For connecting iDR to a phone line for remote connection, management and operation (PPP = Point to Point Protocol).
RS232 Front (iDR-8 only)	iDR System Manager	Used to update the system code in the unit.
MIDI (iDR-8 only)	MIDI	For Remote Control using standard MIDI interfacing (iDR-8 only) equipment. Custom remote controllers, show control, MIDI conversion equipment (e.g. MIDI to DMX) to control external equipment (e.g. lighting)
PL-Anet (RJ45 CAT5)	PL-Anet	PL-Anet is an RS485-based protocol incorporating 20V phantom powering for the Allen & Heath self detecting and self powered PL range of remote controllers.

iDR Remote Controllers

The PL series is the perfect interface between the iDR and the operators on site who don’t need to understand the sound system – just control it. As the requirements grow at an installation, the control system can too! Start off with just the controls and display on the iDR unit then add wall mounted plates and handheld remotes wherever they are needed using our CAT5 PL-Anet cabling system. PL remotes can simply daisy chain or use the PL-Anet hub for star wiring applications. LEDs in the system can be tri-colour status indicators [to indicate selected sources, or mutes] or they can become meters for any point in the signal flow. The LCD windows can easily be programmed to relay text information about the state of the system.

You, as the designer, can customise these plug and play remotes to do exactly what the customer has been looking for. Each PL has its own simulator in iDR system manager software so you can design and demo the system offline as it will appear when the hardware is in place.

 

iDR System Manager

iDR System Manager is a software interface allowing for control and management of iDR units. System Manager enables the operator to Adjust, Set, Store and Recall settings in the iDR Unit(s). A complete system can be designed and realised allowing useful functions such as password protection, offline editing, multiple unit interconnection and function pairing and recalls.

How does System Manager interface with iDR?

System Manager is essentially a remote control interface which connects to the iDR units via TCP/IP over RS232, WiFi or wired Ethernet. All of the audio processing is contained inside the iDR unit. This means that no audio is transmitted between the iDR and the computer. The level metering and other system information is read from the iDR unit by System Manager. As well as internal audio processing, the iDR units have an internal memory system. The 250 memory slots (Presets) can be used to store any changes made to the system for recall (when needed) via a number of ways:

• Push of a Button

• Infrared command

• SysNet – AMX, Crestron etc controllers

• Telnet string

• MIDI string

• RS232 String

• Via another Preset Recall (same unit)

• Via another Preset Recall (on a networked unit)

Does the Computer need to remain connected to the iDR Unit?

As all of the information is contained in the iDR units(s) there is no need to keep a computer connected to the iDR after setup. This means that iDR is a set and forget system. Think of iDR as a Digital Mixing Console in a box with total recall facility (presets) and wall plates to control the system.

What does System Manager Control in the iDR?

System Manager can control everything inside the iDR unit as well as setting up how the iDR will interact when it receives data from external equipment (PL Remotes, MIDI Strings, SysNet Strings etc). Again, as all the data is stored into the iDR Preset (memory) system it means that it is possible to setup many interactions and parameter changes to be recalled in an instant. Many Presets can be recalled simultaneously allowing for multi-user operation.

Do I set the system up Online or Offline?

System Manager has been designed so that you can set up an iDR unit either online or offline. This means that if you are online the System Manager acts as a real-time control interface with the iDR.

In offline mode it is possible to define all of the functions required to setup an iDR unit, PL Wall Plates and all of the communication options and processing. When in an offline session all of the devices connected to the unit need to be defined – whereas in an online session the devices are self-detecting (e.g. the PL Wall Plates, iDR Expanders etc).

Installing PL Client only

To install PL Client on a customer’s PC without giving them access to the full tools offered by iDR System Manager, download iDR System Manager and choose Custom when prompted for Setup Type. Deselect iDR System Manager in the Custom Setup screen, leaving the PL Client option selected.

To install PL Client on a customer’s PC without giving them access to the full tools offered by iDR System Manager, download iDR System Manager and choose Custom when prompted for Setup Type. Deselect iDR System Manager in the Custom Setup screen, leaving the PL Client option selected.

 

iDR SYSTEM MANAGER FEATURES

Pre-amplifiers

With this DSP audio quality being of an exceptional standard it is necessary to design the pre-amplifier circuit very carefully. The pre-amplifier circuit is a unique and specialist design featuring an exceptional input range and a maximum input of +33dBu.

The preamp stage has gain control (in 3dB steps), Phantom power and a -20dB Pad.

Digital Patchbays 

In order to make life simple and the iDR system very flexible and configurable the R&D team decided that a digital patchbay system for inputs and outputs would be a useful addition to the iDR system. This means that Physical inputs (XLR, TRS, Digital Inputs) can be routed to the desired input channel in iDR, and output channels routed to physical outputs (XLR, TRS, Digital Outputs). This system allows for inputs to be common to many input channels and also for an output channel to be set to many physical outputs. As the system is digital it means that the routing can be changed as required and stored in presets for recall at any instance.

Delays

Delay is a useful tool in audio systems. iDR offers delay on the outputs up to 341.31 ms (c.117m) on both iDR-4 and iDR-8. iDR-8 also offers input delay up to 341.31 ms (c.117m). Delay allows for time alignment of loudspeaker systems, correction of latency issues between different equipment and many other useful applications.

Input Parametric EQs

The Input Parametric Equalisers in iDR are on all 16 input channels. These are a 4-Band Fully Parametric EQ system. There are 6 selectable types of EQ for each of the 4 bands (Bell, High Shelf, Low Shelf, Notch, High Pass and Low Pass). The EQ controls are for Frequency, Cut/Boost, Q (Width) and Constant Q on/off. A make-up gain control allows for +/- 12dB and there are switches for EQ in/out of circuit and Rest EQ.

Output Parametric EQs

The Output Parametric Equalisers offer 8-Band Fully Parametric EQ system. As with the I/P PEQ, there are 6 selectable types of EQ for each band and the same controls. There is an additional feature in the Output PEQ, Crossover Filter slopes. These Crossover slopes are selectable for the top and bottom two PEQ Bands. The filter types are Linkwitz-Riley 24dB, Linkwitz-Riley 12dB, Butterworth 24dB, Butterworth 18dB, Butterworth 12dB and 1st Order 6dB.

Compressors

Every Input channel has a Compressor which has Threshold, Attack, Release, Knee type, Ratio, Make-up gain, and comprehensive metering and curve displays. The Attack and Release have an automatic setting which utilises an automatic sensing algorithm. There are 4 settings for this automatic control – Live, Music AGC, Vocal, Speech. There is also a switch to make the compressor frequency selective by using the sidechain filter.

Gates

Each Input channel has a gate which is a signal level dependent switch. When the signal is below the threshold point the switch is off (no sound passes through the circuit) and above the point the switch is on (sound passes through the circuit). The Gates can be setup using the controls – Attack, Hold, Release, Threshold, Depth, Gate In/Out. The gate can also be frequency selective by utilising the sidechain filter.

Sidechain Filters

The sidechain filters allow for the Gates and Compressors to act only on specified frequencies. By choosing the signal feeding the sidechain (can be from any input channel or mono’d stereo channel) and applying a filter to the signal (choice of 4 types with Q, Frequency, Cut/boost) it is possible to feed the signal into the gate and/or compressor of that channel to make them act more/only on the frequencies which have been emphasised by the sidechain filter.

Level Controls

Levels can be controlled at the input and output channels (as well as in the matrix). These levels can be assigned to soft keys, soft faders, MIDI control, SysNet control, RS232 Control and preset recalls.

Fader Grouping 

Faders can be grouped using the Input and Output groups. These groups use a DCA control. This is a Digitally Controlled Amplifier which attenuates the signal of a range of faders. This fader can be assigned to external controllers for control of multiple levels from on fader/control.

Stereo Linking

Inputs and Outputs can be mono or stereo. By selecting adjacent channels as stereo, all of the processing and controls are mapped together to control both the left and right parameters of the stereo field.

Metering

There are many metering points in iDR, designed to give exceptional feedback information to the installers and users. Metering can be mono or stereo and can be assigned to soft LED’s in the system.

Mix Matrix

The matrix in iDR is where the input channels are routed and/or mixed to the output channels. This can be in the form of a switch (ON, OFF) or in the form of a level 0db to -infinity. All inputs can be routed to any output and a combination of levels also.

Output Limiters

iDR features output limiting on every output channel. Controls are for Threshold, Attack, Release, in/out of circuit switch and level fader control. There is a graphic display showing Input and Output levels including gain reduction meter and curve response.

Automatic Mic Mixing

Automatic Microphone Mixing (AMM) can be achieved in iDR where a number of microphones can be attenuated by a set level so that feedback does not occur through the system. iDR has 4 independent AMM processors.

Ambient Noise Compression

Ambient Noise Compensation (ANC) – the 4 independent ANCs can be used to adjust the level of a specific part of the system relative to a metering point (e.g. ambient noise/background noise). This is extremely useful feature for environments where background noise levels fluctuate dramatically and intelligibility of the system is paramount.

Ducking

The Ducker offers Multi-Level priority system allowing for 16 levels of priority to be specified. Inputs duck selected outputs – controls for the ducker are: Threshold, Depth, Release, Ducker ON/OFF, Priority number.

Pagers

iDR offers 2 independent paging systems allowing for an input to be paged to any output and multiple outputs – configuration of the pager can be determined for soft key operation, switch closure operation, MIDI, SysNet, Soft LED indicators. When iDR units are inter-connected on a LAN paging functions can be cascaded between the units.

Audio Monitoring

The Audio Monitor bus is a very unique feature found in the iDR System. This system allows for monitoring of any point within the iDR signal path, mouse monitoring – where the component you are controlling is heard in the monitor bus, the ability to fix a monitor point anywhere in the signal path and an option for setting the monitor bus to a dedicated output.

Signal Generator

The signal generator has 4 different tones (Sine, White Noise, Pink Noise, Band Pass noise) – these can be routed to any input channel by utilising the input patchbay. Level control, mute button and level metering are also present in the Signal Generator Window.

 

iDR GUI’s

The GUIs – Graphical User Interfaces within iDR are designed to represent all parts of the system and offer ease of use. They can be used to form a diagnostic and usage tool and allow for simple configuration of the iDR and connected devices functions.

When using an online session, anything that is connected to the iDR unit has a GUI. In an offline session, the digital expanders and switch modules are always displayed. If PL devices are need the user must add these in, as the PL-Anet system is a self-detecting, self-addressing system. By adding in the number of PL devices from a configuration screen, the GUI’s for these devices will appear in System Manager and will be stored with the configuration (i.e. the save file on the PC).

 

iDR Total Recall

Within iDR is a system for total recall of all configurable parameters. This system is a vastly flexible approach to storing and recalling settings. Many interactions can be stored for recall in an instant. This is achieved by using a system based on memory slots (Presets). This system not only stores internal functions but also any data to be sent to external equipment.

Presets

The Preset system is at the heart of the iDR System. It is the brain or memory of the iDR unit and stores any changes, setup, interactions and data into Presets for recall as required.

iDR has 250 Presets. iDR has a “Partial” Preset system which acts as a form of overlay system. The partial preset allows for only the stored data to be updated, saving programming time, increasing flexibility and minimising the storage space needed for the data.

Internal Clock

iDR offers an internal time/date clock which allows for synchronisation to a PC based clock. The clock acts as a timestamp for – email reporting, diagnostics and scheduled events.

Scheduled Events

Scheduled events can be setup in iDR allowing for a Preset recall at a specific time/day. There are 50 scheduled events within iDR. It is possible to setup the events to be “single shot” or “repeating”. Scheduled events can be used to control anything in the system (e.g. switching building alarm on/off, turning amplifiers in/out of standby mode, turning sound down after a specified time in accordance with local regulations, turning building lights on/off etc).

Archiving

Archiving is essentially the storing of the data contained in the preset memory. The configuration is archived to a PC in the form of a small file, which can be uploaded to and extracted from the iDR unit. It is this file which determines the operation of the unit and is stored inside the iDR unit and backed up on a PC.

PL Designer / Client

As well as being controlled by iDR System Manager, iDR systems can be controlled via a PC using PL Client, an interface which can be designed in PL Designer.

PL Designer is used to create a custom interface which is opened using PL Client. The system architect can create a custom wall plate in PL Designer, providing system control taliored to the user’s requirements. PL Designer lets the architect create a control layout from a selection of control types, such as switches, faders, mutes and meters, and positioned over a bitmap background. The architect can map functions from the iDR units into the Designer interface. The resulting PL Client panel, designed and customised according to the client’s preference, can be installed on the client’s PC. The result is the creation of customised, virtual wall plates. The PC can then be directly or network connected to the iDR for system control. For example, the system architect could specify in PL Designer that: a venue manager could control source selects (e.g. CD, SAT-TV, DVD, etc), and levels of different zones on multiple floors using many iDR systems through one PL Client interface from the client’s password protected computer system. Further levels of access may also be added: for example, assistant managers of the venue may be provided with restricted access offering the ability for level control of their designated area only.

Installing PL Client

To install PL Client on a customer’s PC without giving them access to the full tools offered by iDR System Manager, download iDR System Manager and choose Custom when prompted for Setup Type. Deselect iDR System Manager in the Custom Setup screen, leaving the PL Client option selected.