OPERATION MANUAL REV. 0.1
TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. GENERAL INFORMATION...3 1.1. WELCOME!...4 1.2. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS*...5 1.3. INSTALLATION...6 2. A CONTROLS OVERLOOK...7 2.1. 2.2. 2.3. 2.4. MAIN MENU BUTTON...9 TOOLBAR...12 CONTROL WHEEL...16 USING THE ZOOM...26 3. CONNECT AND GO ONLINE...27 3.1. SETTING YOUR NETWORK...28 3.2. IDENTIFY, DISCOVERY, GO ONLINE...30 4. ITEMS AND GROUPS PARAMETERS...33 4.1. ITEMS PARAMETERS...34 4.2. GROUPS PARAMETERS...39 5. COLORS AND WARNINGS...43 2
1. GENERAL INFORMATION DISCLAIMER The information in this document is subject to change without notice. The software described by this manual is subject to a License Agreement. All right reserved. ABOUT THE PROGRAM VERSION AND THIS MANUAL This manual is about the "beta" release of this software, so it is assumed that the software could contain known or unkown bugs The screenshots are taken from a Windows operating system 3
1.1. WELCOME! Thank you for your choice! AURORA NET is the flagship software application designed to configure and manage the dbtechnologies professional sound systems. It is a cross-platform, touch-oriented tool. It allows the user to operate with a mouse or a touch-screen device. In particular the user can: work on-line, configuring immediately a RDnet control 2 or control 8 based audio network work off-line, save a project, and recall the project in a second moment in live scenarios The AURORA NET philosophy creates a user-friendly graphic environment, in which the audio or control devices are ITEMS. The user can deeply configurate and control ITEMS and can receive real-time information about their status. The user can group ITEMS into GROUPS according to one or more logical or physical parameter. 4
1.2. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS* AURORA NET is a cross-platform software. The minimum system requirements show the minimal specification your computer must have to be able to use the software. A more powerful system may be required for certain tasks or larger projects. - MAC OS X version 10.10 (YOSEMITE) or higher (64 bit only) Intel dual core CPU or higher 4 GB RAM - WINDOWS 7 (64 bit only) SP1 or higher Intel or AMD dual core CPU or higher 4 GB RAM - USB/ETHERNET CONNECTIONS REQUIRED (FOR CONTROL 2 / CONTROL 8 LINKS) * Beta version of this software could not work with all products displayed. It also could not display all the features presented in this manual. Mac, Mac OS and OS X are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Intel is a trademark of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. AMD is a registered trademark of Advanced Micro Devices. All other product and company names are trademarks and registered trademarks of their respective holders. All specifications are subject to change without notice. 5
1.3. INSTALLATION Register an account The installers are available for registered users only. Check the site: http://www.dbtechnologies.com/en/support/register.aspx Download installation for PC or MAC The installers are available as a download from: http://www.dbtechnologies.com/en/downloads.aspx Or alternatively, once the user is logged in, can check the MY DOWNLOAD section to see the available download.. Windows PC After the download double-click the archive for self- extraction. After extraction, open the resulting folder and double-click the.exe setup file. OS X After the download open the disc image. Drag AURORA NET in your application folder. 6
2. A CONTROLS OVERLOOK The project window of AURORA NET allows you to manage settings and operation. MAIN MENU BUTTON Allows the user to access the main file and preferences functions. TOOLBAR Allows the user to use the main tools for the projects control. CONTROL WHEEL 7
Allows the user to manage ITEMS and GROUPS (beta version*). WORKSPACE Allows the user to view the projects, its parameters and its changes. To shift the view, hold the mouse right-click button and move it in the preferred direction. 8
2.1. MAIN MENU BUTTON The MAIN MENU BUTTON allows the user to access the main file and preferences functions: In particular you can: Label and save your project in your preferred computer location. Find and load your existing project. Save your new or modified project, label it and choose your preferred computer location. Select and modify your preferences. These preferences are: 9
This preference defines the point of view of the objects in the project workspace. Automatic: the details of items is shown in a dynamic way. The mouse scroll in and out allows the user to see a more or less detailed view. Compact: the details of items are shown in a compact fixed way. Intermediate: the details of items are shown in an intermediate fixed way. Extended: the details of items are shown in the most detailed fixed way. This preference allows the user to choose the port in case of Ethernet connection (Control 8 setup only). Please note that for the initial configuration of an Ethernet link, a USB connection is required. The discovery port number is normally assigned to "1027" default value. The user can choose between Light or Dark visualization, depending on the light conditions in which the screen is used. 10
By flagging MULTI SELECTION STATUS the multiple selection of more than one object (items, groups) is enabled. This function is useful in particular for the use of touch screen devices (think it as the function of CTRL in Windows or CMD in OS X). By flagging DETAIL TOOLBAR AUTO CLOSURE the user can enable the auto closure of the VIEW MODE. Please see the next section "TOOLBAR" for further information. This preference allows the user to choose if the temperature values have to be displayed in Celsius or Fahrenheit scale. This preference allows the user to choose if the distance values have to be displayed in Meter or Feet measure unit. 11
2.2. TOOLBAR The TOOLBAR allows the user to use the main tools for the projects control. In particular: FIT TO ZOOM This function allows the user to view all the items of the project in one sight. It adjust the icons dimensions, depending on the screen size. It ensure you can view all items of your project. VIEW MODE This function allows the user to choose the main parameter which is displayed to identify an item. MODEL: the items are displayed showing the model of the speaker / subwoofer used NAME: the user can label an item with a preferred name. As default label, the name of the device is used and a progressive number is assigned by the software. FIRMWARE: the items are displayed showing the number of the firmware revision of the devices. TEMPERATURE: the items show the detected temperature of the devices IN METER: the items show the real-time VU meter of the input of speaker / subwoofer. (RANGE: -60 +20 db) OUT METER: the items show the real-time VU meter of the output of speaker / subwoofer. (RANGE: -60 0 db) BUTTONS: the items show the MUTE/SOLO buttons of each speaker / subwoofer TEST/IDENTIFY: the items are displayed showing the result of a real-time identification of the devices connected 12
INSPECTOR This function allows the user to select and modify some parameters in common between two or more items. The number of parameters which can be modified depends on the type of speaker / subwoofer. In the example shown above the parameters are: MUTE/SOLO/NONE selection ATTENUATION/DELAY/CARDIOID parameters FILTERS AND PROCESSING parameters USER PRESET storing/reset MUTE ALL This function instantly mute all the connected devices. Once selected a confirm screen is displayed. 13
To disable this function, you must click on the icon which appears in the center of the screen. SHOW MODE SHOW MODE lock all the input settings. This function is particularly useful for a user who want to prevent accidental changes in a project, for example during a live set. DISCOVER ETHERNET CONTROL This function allows the user to find and check all the connected ethernet controls. 14
After a few seconds, the software show the connected ethernet controls. For further information about configuring an ethernet network, please see the chapter "Setting your Network" 15
2.3. CONTROL WHEEL The CONTROL WHEEL allows the user to manage ITEMS and GROUPS (beta version*). ITEMS ITEMS are the basic blocks of your projects. Please note that once you display an item, by double clicking on it you can access to its main parameters window. If you want to return to the compact view, simply click in an empty place on the screen outside this window (or click onto the icon on the right side). See the chapter ITEMS AND GROUPS PARAMETERS for more information. See the chapter ITEMS AND GROUPS PARAMETERS for more information. 16
The allowed operations are: ADD ITEMS This function allows the user to add one or more items in your project. Once you pressed the button, the following windows appear. 17
The user can: select the ITEM type label it choose the number of ITEMS to add see the main technical specifications of the ITEM If you want to group immediately your ITEMS, simply press the related button, label the group, and choose the group color. REMOVE This function allows the user to remove one or more selected items in your project. REMOVE ALL This function allows the user to remove all the items in your project. The dialog box ask the confirmation of the operation. 18
ADD GROUP This function allows the user to group one or more selected items in your project. A dialog box ask the user to label the group and choose the preferred color. 19
AUTO GROUPING This function enables an automatic grouping of items. In particular, a dialog box displays the suggested automatic group matching. The user can validate this suggestion or modify it. By clicking on the colors, the "Change Group Color" page is shown. In this window the user can also add custom colors. 20
IN GROUP It allows the user to insert one or more selected items in an existing group. OUT GROUP It allows the user to remove one or more items from a group. 21
GROUPS ADD GROUP It allows the user to create a group. The groupable items are shown in a dialogue box (the user can label and choose the color). Once the group is created, it is displayed as shown below. 22
The user can immediately control MUTE/SOLO/INVERT PHASE GAIN DELAY The user can modify the VIEW and the PARAMETERS of a group. INTERMEDIATE VIEW It enables an intermediate view of a group, showing its ITEMS. EXTENDED VIEW It allows the user to see and set all the parameters applied to a group. In particular the main parameters are: FILTERS (with "compare" A/B function, bypass and reset functions) GAIN/DELAY MUTE/SOLO/INVERT PHASE 23
For further information please see the related chapter "GROUPS PARAMETERS" AUTO GROUPING This function is the same yet presented in ITEMS section. REMOVE GROUP This function allows the user to remove one selected group in your project. A confirmation dialog box appears. 24
IN GROUP This function is the same yet presented in ITEMS section. OUT GROUP This function is the same yet presented in ITEMS section. 25
2.4. USING THE ZOOM If the ITEM VISUALIZATION STATUS MODE (in preferences) is set to "Automatic", the zoom function allows the user to see more or less details in ITEMs in a dynamic way. The zoom function can be controlled by: the scroll wheel of a mouse a gesture in a touchpad a gesture in the screen in a touch screen device The result of an increasing zoom is here represented in one example: 26
3. CONNECT AND GO ONLINE The projects in AURORA NET can be created by the user off-line. Then the user can set up a network, see the recognized items and go online exporting his project in the real-world. Alternatively, the user can set his network with the existing devices, importing their parameters and working on them in real-time. The matching policy is illustrated in IDENTIFY, DISCOVERY, GO ONLINE chapter. To access on-line full features of your software you need to configure first your network. Please note that off-line and on-line visualizations could use different colors and that not all the presented features are available off-line. 27
3.1. SETTING YOUR NETWORK AURORA NET allows you to create and control an RDNET network in installation or live use. If you use one RDNET CONTROL 2 controller (USB connection) you can control up to 2 subnets of up to 32 items (speakers, line-array elements, subwoofers) each. If you use one RDNET CONTROL 8 controller (USB connection), you can control up to 8 subnets of up to 32 items (speakers, line-array elements, subwoofers) each. In this case, after a first USB configuration, you can also configure a more complex ETHERNET network. 28
A. USB connection: PLUG AND PLAY B. ETHERNET connection (CONTROL 8 only): B.1. Connect via USB your CONTROL 8 device. B.2. Double click on CONTROL 8 ITEM B.3. In the next window select "ETHERNET" page B.3.i STATIC IP case Choose one IP address in the field "Ip", and a different Ip number in the Network Properties page of your MAC or PC system (static IP options, in TCP/IPv4 protocol). For example, in this case (see also the picture above) you can use that parameters: Please note that this is only one example and that you can use all your preferred parameters. B.3.ii DHCP case (recommended in a configuration with an optional router) Enable the DHCP option also in your router options. and set this function B.4. Press "SEND" button (the software sends to CONTROL 8 the selected parameters for further configuration). B.5. Disconnect the USB connection. B.6. Connect CONTROL 8 to your computer or router via Ethernet cable. B.7. Restart the CONTROL 8 device (switch off --> turn on). B.8. Press the "Discovery Ethernet Control" Ethernet network devices. 29 to check all the
3.2. IDENTIFY, DISCOVERY, GO ONLINE Once your network is set the CONTROL 2 or 8 tab page appears. Here are presented only the function in common for USB connection (RDNET CONTROL 2 / RDNET CONTROL 8). The Ethernet tab page (CONTROL 8 only) has been yet presented in the previous chapter. MODALITY This window allows the user to see the main parameters which identify the network connection. LOG This window allows the user to see the log parameters and all the warnings of the devices of the created network. These warnings can be filtered for type. 30
IDENTIFY This function allows you to identify your RDNET CONTROL 2 / CONTROL 8 device. It turns on the related LEDs, so you can see it on its front panel. DISCOVERY The DISCOVERY function allows the user to recognize all the devices connected to the CONTROL 2 or CONTROL 8 which are used in the created network. GO ONLINE The GO ONLINE function allows the user to a real-time network dialogue with the devices connected to CONTROL 2 or CONTROL 8. It allows the user to send commands and configure devices. It scans all their existing devices and their parameters, showing them to the user. In particular the user can choose the MATCHING POLICY in a following window: 31
FROM DETECTED TO SOFTWARE: the user can import the parameters of connected device into the project FROM SOFTWARE TO DETECTED: the user can export the AURORA NET parameters of a project to the connected devices. IN UNA VERSIONE SUCCESSIVA CI SARA' UNA POLITICA DI MATCHING CHE CONFRONTA GLI ITEM OFF-LINE E GLI ITEM COLLEGATI AL CONTROL. 32
4. ITEMS AND GROUPS PARAMETERS The parameters of the devices of a project can be deeply set by the user. Some of these parameters are read-only data (think for example to temperature data). Some of these can be chosen and changed in real-time by the software. They can also be viewed by the user at an ITEM level or at a GROUP level. 33
4.1. ITEMS PARAMETERS With a double-click on an ITEM, the user can access to all the parameters: MONITORING SECTION It is the main control window for ITEMs. It displays: input level output level info about the ITEM amplifier temperature MUTE/SOLO buttons frequency levels and controls (low-medium-high* MUTE/SOLO) 34
* where available PRESECT SECTION It is the window of applied filters to an ITEM. It displays: input level output level MUTE/SOLO buttons available FILTER options, depending on the device 35
GROUP SECTION It allows the user to display the GROUPS management of an ITEM. It displays: input level output level MUTE/SOLO buttons available group options (add or remove an ITEM from a group) LOAD/SAVE SECTION It allows the user to load/save the ITEM parameters. It displays: input level output level MUTE/SOLO buttons STORE/RESET options 36
LOG SECTION It allows the user to see in-depth network dialog with the devices. It is very useful to see what happened in case of warnings and errors. It displays: input level output level MUTE/SOLO buttons LOG history warnings/errors sort options 37
Please note that in case of warnings (orange color) or errors (red color) some part of the screen (item, groups, control wheel, etc.) change the color displayed. The only way to see what kind of warning or error occurred is to see LOG dialog box. 38
4.2. GROUPS PARAMETERS GROUPS PARAMETER are shown in the Extended view. This window allows the user to manage gain, delay and filters in a GROUP. The available filters are: PEQ Shelving HI Shelving LOW Butterworth HI Butterworth LOW Linkwitz-riley HI Linkwitz-riley LOW 39
FILTERS BLACKBOARD This blackboard has been design for a user-friendly and touch-oriented control of filters. You can select and move various type of filters and modify their shape, where available. The red line is the resulting frequency profile applied to your output sound (for that group). LEVEL/DELAY WINDOW The GAIN/DELAY WINDOW allows the user to immediately view and control levels, gain and delay of a group. 40
EQ COMPARE BUTTONS As a "Compare" function, you can switch between A and B filter shape. For example if you keep the"b" shape flat (without filters) you can easily compare the sound with (A) or without (B) eq. for that group. MUTE/SOLO/POLARITY These buttons give to the user the ability to apply MUTE/SOLO or INVERT PHASE to an entire group. RESOURCE MONITOR Allows to monitor the delay and filter used resources out of the total. It depends on the most limited item used in a group and on the number of groups involved in that parameter. ADD FILTER BUTTON This button allows the user to add a filter. One Filter Control Window appears. REMOVE FILTER BUTTON This button allows the user to remove a selected filter. BYPASS ALL BUTTON This button allows the user to bypass all the filters immediately. RESET EQ BUTTON 41
This button allows the user to reset all equalization preset added to a group. FILTER CONTROL WINDOW The filter control window allows the user to set the filters parameters. FILTER CONTROL POINT Allows the user to control with a user-friendly interface the position and, where allowed, the shape of an added filter. If you see lateral brackets, than you can move the shape of the filter: by clicking on one of them and by moving it with the mouse by touching one of them and by moving it with touch control device 42
5. COLORS AND WARNINGS The colors displayed in the screen gives to the user some important information. Please take account of it in your projects. GREY/NO COLOR: The project is generally OFF-LINE GREEN HIGHLIGHTS: The project is generally ON-LINE ORANGE HIGHLIGHTS: There are warnings in the project which are shown in LOG section in ITEMS RED HIGHLIGHTS There are errors (generally hardware issues) which are shown in LOG section in ITEMS 43
Features, specification and appearance of products are subject to change without notice. dbtechnologies reserves the right to make changes or improvements in design or manufacturing without assuming any obligation to change or improve products previously manufactured. A.E.B. Industriale Srl Via Brodolini, 8 Località Crespellano 40053 VALSAMOGGIA BOLOGNA (ITALIA) Tel +39 051 969870 Fax +39 051 969725 www.dbtechnologies.com info@dbtechnologies-aeb.com 44