PC/IP Manual Advanced Installers Package
CONTENTS 1 Introduction 2 Installation Software installation and registration 3 Initial system set-up Monitor task assignment 4 Main display screen features Setup Levels & Gains Presets } Bass Management Advanced Bass Management 5 Function menu tasks Setup } Reset } Lock } Backup } Software } Utility 6 Monitor Parameters & EQ facilities Monitor Parameters Parametric EQ } EQ Link 7 Parameter categories 1 Introduction The enclosed disc contains the Tannoy idp TM PC-iP installers software package; a comprehensive editor & interface tool for the Ellipse idp TM Monitor System. The Ellipse PC-iP package allows parametric EQ facilities for specific room optimisation, secure lockout of vital preset parameters and subwoofer delay adjustments. All of these control functions are integral to the Ellipse idp TM system; no external equalisers or delay units are required. This makes the Ellipse PC-iP package an essential tool for the Professional Studio sound system designer. Once established using this comprehensive installation software, all system parameters are controllable via the LCD display on the Master Ellipse monitors, Tannoy idp SOFT TM or the Ellipse idp TM PC-iP package itself. This manual acts as an operation guide for the Ellipse idp PC-iP TM installer s software package only. A comprehensive system set-up guide, containing detailed parameter descriptions and background information, can be found in the Ellipse idp TM users manual packaged with the monitors. Connecting the Ellipse idp TM monitor system correctly is essential; therefore please refer to the Ellipse idp TM users manual before going any further. 3
INSTALLATION 2 Installation Computer system requirements Windows 95,98,2000 or XP Pentium 233 MHz Minimum 16 MB of RAM 10MB free disk space 800 x 600 resolution with minimum 24-bit colour One free Serial port (or USB - requires converter) IMPORTANT Connect only a single Tannoy Ellipse PC-iP software package to your Ellipse IDP TM network at one time. If several connections are made simultaneously (from multiple PC's or ports) then the network system functions will not work as intended. Connection The CAT-5 cable, supplied with the installation software package, has a CAT-5 plug at one end and a serial plug at the other and must be connected as follows: To any Ellipse idp TM monitor in the network Connect the Cat-5 plug to the TC LINK socket to be found on the rear panel of the Ellipse idp TM monitor. To computer Serial port Connect the Serial plug to a free Serial port on your PC. To computer USB port Alternatively you can connect via a USB port by using an optional "USB to Serial Port" converter. Installing the software from the Ellipse PC-iP CD } Exit all running programs. } Place the CD in your CD ROM drive. } Open the CD contents. } Press <Setup> - the guide begins. } Read warning and press <Next>. } The set-up guide suggests a location on your C drive where the program will be installed. Press <Next> to confirm the destination folder or change the destination folder before pressing <Next> again. } The software will be installed on your computer. } Enter Registration key, serial number and additional information and press <OK>. } A window opens holding a shortcut for the Ellipse PC-iP program. Copy this shortcut to your desktop to allow convenient launch of the PC-iP installer program in future. 4
Registration key The registration key is supplied along with the Ellipse PC-iP software package. Later updates to the software will not require the registration key as long as these updates are installed on the same PC. Start Launch the program. The program will try to detect any Ellipse idp TM system connected to the computer COM ports. If no monitors are connected, or the system is wired incorrectly, an error message will appear see Fig. 1. Fig.1. Network error - system not found message To rectify the problem please refer to the user manual for the correct connection details. 5
3 Initial system set-up The first screen to appear once program has fully launched, with all the networked monitors and subwoofers recognised, is shown in Fig. 2. The network is displayed in the set-up section on the left side of the screen. Fig.2. Initial system set-up screen change to blank layout sketch Monitor task assignment Each Ellipse IDP TM monitor must be assigned a given task so that the network recognises where each monitor is placed in the system. From the horizontal row of buttons in the <Functions> menus select <Setup>. On the window that appears open the drop down menu <Ellipse setup> and select the type of system configuration you are installing. The choices from this menu are: - Empty - Stereo - Surround *Optional 192kHz, Dual Wire, Digital Input Card required. If required check the <BNC Sync> box for locking on the BNC input. 6
Monitor task assignment /cont. Fig.3. Monitor setup window. Then proceed to set the monitor tasks by selecting one of the Ellipse models in the serial numbers list (see Fig 3) where you will see that each monitor & subwoofer has its own unique serial number. Check the <Pink Noise> box to activate the pink noise generator in the selected monitor. Select the monitor task matching the position of the monitor reproducing the pink noise before un-checking the <Pink Noise> box. Repeat this process for all of the other connected monitors and subwoofers. There is no need to press the <Exit> button until all of the monitors have been assigned their respective tasks. Having assigned the tasks the main display window will show all the connected monitors and subwoofers with their serial numbers showing in their correct location in the system layout graphic. 7
4. Main display screen features Fig.4. Main display screen With the tasks now assigned to the monitors and subwoofers the individual speaker serial number and its location is displayed within the setup section of the main screen. The layout and description of all of the functions displayed on this main screen can be split up into the following subsections: Setup section <M> Mute function for each monitor <S> Solo function for each monitor <Edit> This drop down menu holds all of the detected monitors on the network, all with their own unique serial numbers. Select each monitor individually and press edit to set the parameters for each Ellipse IDP TM monitor or Subwoofer (see the EQ facilities section of this manual) 8
Software license info <Ref. Levels> Mouse click on the Ellipse <icon> on the blue header bar at the top left of the main display screen to view the software license information and version. Levels & Gain section <Ref. Levels> There are three reference levels that can be preset by the user. Select one of the three Ref. Levels and set the master volume fader to suit. The setting is then stored instantly. Repeat the process for the other two Ref. Levels. When use fader is selected the master volume fader is used for adjusting the overall level. <A-Sensitivity> This is the Analogue Input sensitivity. Select the analogue sensitivity (+9, +15, +21 or +27dBu) to match the gain range of the mixing console or source equipment, which is feeding the Ellipse IDP TM monitors. <Mute All> This button mutes all or the monitors on the network. <Clear Solo> This button releases the monitors from solo mode. <Master Volume> This is the master gain control for the connected system relative to the set reference level. The reference level for each monitor is set by using the <Edit> button or by double clicking on each respective monitor in the setup section of the screen. Preset section <Drop down list> This drop down menu displays the full list of user and factory presets for direct access <Recall> When pressed this button recalls a preset from the drop down menu. Simply highlight the preset you wish to recall and hit the recall button. <Store> Press store to save a preset. User presets can be stored in locations 1 15. Presets 16 32 are factory set presets cannot be edited. <Note> When pressed, this button allows you to change the preset name and edit any previous personal notes. The <Note> function can only be used on the user presets (1 15) 9
Bass Management section <Factory pre-sets> This part of the Ellipse PC-iP software allows the user to set the desired Bass Management crossover frequency. There are seven factory set management options that can be selected by checking the box beside the desired frequency. For further adjustment flexibility you may choose to activate the advanced bass management function by checking the <on> box. The seven preset Bass Management settings shown can now no longer be selected. The <Advanced> button can then be activated to take you into the Advanced Bass Management section. Advanced Bass Management <Advanced> To activate the advanced bass management and access the set-up window (see fig.5) check the <On> box in the Bass Management section of the main screen, then press the <Advanced> button. Fig.5. Advanced bass management window <Satellite HP Filter> This is an independent Hi pass filter for the Ellipse monitors. This can be combined with both 4 th order and/or 2 nd order Low Pass subwoofer filters. One or both of the Subwoofer low pass filters can be activated. If both are activated then you are effectively cascading both filters (6 th order) <LFE=Sub> By checking this box the LFE filter is set equal to the Subwoofer filter thus avoiding phase cancellation. When activated, the coefficients from the two sub filters will be copied to the LFE filter. The sub filter in the EQ section can still be activated on top of the <LFE=Sub> filter setting. 10
5. Function menu tasks The horizontal row of six buttons in the Function section of the main screen perform the following tasks: <Setup> This operation of the setup function is to open the <Ellipse setup> window to allow selection of the monitor configuration being installed and to assign tasks to each component in that system. The actions involved are fully described in section 3 of this manual Initial System Setup. <Reset> Press this button to access the <Reset> menu shown in Fig. 6 in which three main functions can be accessed. Fig.6. Reset function menu <Clear Setup for Network> This reset procedure clears all of the network settings (both the monitor tasks and setup) <Clear Monitor Settings> All stored global and local parameters in the connected monitors are reset. Presets and network settings will not be affected. <Factory Reset> This reset procedure will delete all global and local parameter settings as well as preset and network settings. 11
<Lock> Press this button to access the <Lock> menu as shown in Fig 7. The purpose of this menu is to prevent accidental change of important parameters, which have been previously set up. Fig.7. Lock function menu The lock function can be applied to the following areas Global Parameters, Local Monitor Parameters, & User Presets. Simply select a parameter you wish to lock from the list and check the locked box in each case to lock the desired parameter. A specific selection or all parameters may be locked. A locked parameter will show [Lck] next to its list entry. The following parameters can be locked: 12 Global Parameters Reference levels 1,2 &3 Store Presets Recall Presets Local Monitor Parameters Delay Calibration Levels Bass Treble Speaker Room Position Phase (Subwoofer) LFE Polarity User Presets User Presets 1-14 Use the lock function to avoid the user presets being accidentally overwritten. <Clear All> This button will clear all locked parameters. <OK> Confirm locked parameters and return to main screen.
<Cancel> This will exit the parameter & preset lock window and return you to the main screen. No changes to the lock settings will be saved. <Backup> Press this button to access the <Backup> menu shown in Fig 8. This allows you to create a backup file of your setting at a specified location on your computer. Fig.8. Backup function menu! Backup files contain all local and global parameter settings but NOT monitor tasks and presets. - The parametric EQ settings are stored locally in the Ellipse idp TM monitors with each preset. - Recalling any preset will recall the parametric EQ settings stored along with that particular preset. - However, the EQ graph in the parametric EQ screen will always display the EQ settings of the most recently recalled backup file. N.B. This may not be the EQ graph matching the current preset. We therefore recommend that you carry out the following procedure when and if changing parametric EQ settings between presets in the Ellipse idp TM PC-iP software: - Create a backup file using the Backup feature for every preset that has modified parametric EQ settings. - Recall presets that have different EQ settings via the Backup menu. This ensures that the Parametric EQ graph matches the currently recalled preset. You must be connected to the monitors to use the Backup facility as the data is read from the monitors a backup cannot be made when the software is in demo mode. To locate a saved Backup file - write the path, browse or select a previously used path from the drop down list in the Backup menu. 13
<Backup> /cont. <Read Note> Allows access to any user notes attached to the current preset. <New Note> This allows you to enter new note text for the current preset. <View> This lets you view all parameters and settings for the current preset. <Recall> Recall the backup file at the selected location. <Software> Press to access the <Software Loader> menu shown in Fig 9. Fig.9. Software update loading menu It may be the case that new software and firmware features become available in the future. A software loader feature is available to allow you to keep up with the latest developments and updates without having to purchase new hardware. Loading new monitor software using the Ellipse idp TM PC-iP software 1. Place the new software at a convenient place on your hard drive. If the software has been downloaded in the form of a zip file, then you will have to extract the file first. 2. Select the Communications (Com) Port you wish to use for the download. 3. In order to be able to download new software the Ellipse idp TM monitors have to be set to Boot mode. Checking the <Restart to Boot before Transfer> box does this. 4. Use the drop down menu <File locations & software type> and browse for the file to be downloaded. 5. Select the desired file and press the <Send file> button to upload the new software onto the Ellipse idp TM Monitors. 14
<Update single monitor not in network> Check this box if you are updating one monitor at a time or if the monitors are not connected to the network. <File information> This button allows you to read the file information on the software that you select in the drop down menu. <Read Version> This allows you to see the current software loaded on your Ellipse idp TM monitors. <Exit> This allows you to exit the Monitor Software Loader window and return to the main page. <Icon> The Ellipse icon on the blue header bar at top left of the window can be pressed to view the software license information and version. <Utility> Press this button in the function menu to access the <Utility> menu shown in Fig 10. Fig.10. Utilities menu <Standby Mode> The purpose of standby mode is to offer power saving options. 15min 30min 1hr 1.5hrs Off Select a time after which you wish your Ellipse idp TM monitors to go into standby mode. If the monitors detect no signal within the predetermined time period then they will go into standby mode. Normal operation will resume when an input signal is detected. 15
<Sleep Mode> To further minimize power consumption when the monitors are not in use, Sleep mode can be used. The sleep mode options are -1hr, 1.5hrs, 2.5hrs, 3hrs & 5hrs. To resume normal operation a command must be sent to the <Sleep Mode> /cont. system, for example, a master volume change or preset recall. This can be any command sent via the master display of any master monitor on the network, the remote, idp SOFT TM or the PC-iP software. <Backlight> Three modes of operation can be set for the backlight display on the master Ellipse monitors. On The display backlight will stay on unless the sleep mode function is activated. Auto The display backlight will light when any of the LCD keys are touched on the monitors. The backlight will also light when the monitors are activated from the Standby or Sleep states. Off The display backlight is always off. <Store Master Volume> When this box is checked the current master volume setting will be stored when Standby or Sleep modes takes effect. If the box is not checked then the system will revert to 50dB(default) when the monitors are reactivated. 16
6. Monitor Parameters & EQ Facilities Monitor Parameters In order to access the Monitor parameters & EQ facilities page, see Fig. 11; click once on any monitor on the network in the main page you would like to EQ or select a monitor from the drop down menu and press the <Edit> button. Fig.11. Monitor parameters window The monitor parameters that may be adjusted in this window are: <Polarity 180 deg> This function is only available on the subwoofer. Check the box to reverse the polarity of the subwoofer. <Lck > This facility disables the Polarity 180 deg option in case of accidental activation. If locked the no alteration is possible from the master monitor or idp SOFT TM. <LFE> Mark this box to activate the Low pass filter. Again this function is only available on the subwoofer. <Room Position> Assuming that no RTA measurement system is being used you can set the position in the room of each respective monitor using the drop down menu. There is an <Lck> (Lock) facility to disable the room position facility in case of accidental activation. If locked the no alteration is possible from the master monitor or idp SOFT TM. The monitor room positions available for selection are: Neutral freestanding away from boundaries Wall against a wall i.e. one boundary Corner in a corner i.e. two boundaries Console located above console in very close proximity Console Wall above console against a wall Console Corner above console in corner 17
Monitor Parameters /cont. <Test Signals> Check the pink noise box to send pink noise the selected monitor. When the 96kHz EQ out box is activated the Link 2 connection on the Ellipse I=iDP TM set as the system controller will send out the signal after the EQ section. The function of this facility is only for measuring purposes. The output format is AES/EBU at double the sample rate of the digital input. If an analogue input signal is used the signal is up converted to 96kHz. <X-Curve> From the drop down menu you can select between: Off X-curve1 X-curve2 When the Parametric EQ facility is activated the x-curve facility cannot be activated. A full description of the X-Curve functionality can be found in the Ellipse idp TM user manual. <Mute> Check this box to mute the selected monitor. <EQ On> Check this box to activate the Param.EQ button <Exit> Press this button to return to the main screen <Delay> The delay time on the selected monitor can be adjusted using the fader in the range of 0 to 1.75m (68.9 ). This allows alignment of the monitors to comply with ITU standards. There is a <Lck> (Lock) facility to disable the delay facility in case of accidental activation. If locked the no alteration is possible from the master monitor or idp SOFT TM. <Calib.Lev> The calibration level on the selected monitor can be adjusted using the fader. This is an individual calibration level for each monitor in the range of 6dB to +6dB. There is a <Lck> (Lock) facility to disable the Calib.Lev. in case of accidental activation. If locked the no alteration is possible from the master monitor or idp SOFT TM. <Rel.Lev> The relative level on the selected monitor can be adjusted using the fader. This is the preset volume for the selected monitor relative to the calibrated levels and the master volume. The Range is 40dB to 0dB. 18
Monitor Parameters /cont. <LFE Gain> This function is only available on the subwoofers. The fader can be used to boost or cut the gain of the LFE channel in the range of -6 to +8dB. <Phase> This function is only available on the subwoofers. The fader can be used to adjust the phase (time alignment) if the Subwoofer cannot be placed in an optimum position. There are individual phase settings for each of the Bass Management crossover frequencies. When set, these are stored as Global settings. <Equalize> The faders can be used to adjust the bass & treble for the selected monitors in the range of -6 to +8dB. The Equalize parameters are only active when the parametric EQ function is inactive. There is a <Lck> (Lock) facility to disable the equalize facility in case of accidental activation. If locked the no alteration is possible from the master monitor or idp SOFT TM. Parametric EQ To access the Parametric EQ page: In the Main page click on the monitor you would like to EQ or select a monitor from the drop-down menu and press the <Edit> button. You are now in the Monitor page. Check the <EQ on> box and press the <Param.EQ> button to enter the Parametric EQ window as displayed in Fig. 12. Fig.12. Monitor parameters and Parametric EQ windows. 19
Parametric EQ /cont. There are four user definable EQ sections that can be edited If EQ is required, select the EQ type for each band via the drop-down menus in each EQ section. See Fig. 13. Options: Band Off Parametric Low Shelve High Shelve Low Pass High Pass Gain Range: -12dB to 12dB Adds or subtracts gain for the selected band. Freq. Range: 25Hz to 20kHz Sets the target frequency for the band. S/BW Sets the Slope or Bandwidth depending on the selected EQ typ A single band EQ is available for the Subwoofer channel: Fig.13. Sub bass EQ window and parametric IMPORTANT The Ellipse idp TM loudspeakers are designed to need no equalization or correction to overcome system limitations. As a result, they will only need equalization to compensate for difficult acoustic environments or unusual room placement. Over equalization can reduce system headroom, and introduce phase distortion resulting in greater problems than cures. If equalization is required then it should be applied gently and smoothly. Ellipse idp TM Monitors are point source; phase coherent designs in fact, so violent equalization will be detrimental to the overall sound quality. 20
REMEMBER! - The parametric EQ settings are stored locally in the Ellipse idp TM monitors with each preset. - Recalling any preset will recall the parametric EQ settings stored along with that particular preset. - However, the EQ graph in the parametric EQ screen will always display the EQ settings of the most recently recalled backup file. Not necessarily showing the EQ graph matching the current preset. See the <Backup> function. EQ Link Press this button in the Monitor Equalizer menu to access the <EQ Link> menu as shown in Fig.14. Fig.14. EQ Link menu Creating EQ groups can save time. For example, in the 6.1 system configuration shown in Fig. 14, the Left front, Centre and Right monitors are grouped together. The Left surround, Centre surround and Right surround monitors are also linked together into another group. After grouping the monitors together in this way, any EQ applied to one of the monitors in a common group will be copied to the others in that same linked group. Be sure to link the monitors into groups before you apply EQ. Add or remove monitors to the three groups by highlighting the monitor and assigning it to its respective group by pressing the <Add G1/2/3> button. Activate or deactivate by checking or un-checking the <G1-G3 Active> button. 21
7. Parameter Categories Global Parameters These parameters apply to the entire system: Global parameters stored with presets Bass Management Mute Status Global parameters NOT stored with presets Ref. Levels Analogue Input Sensitivity Selected Setup BNC Sync Local Parameters These parameters apply to individual Ellipse monitors: Local parameters stored with presets X-Curve Parametric EQ setting (set via Ellipse PC-iP) LFE Gain (subs) LFE Low Pass (subs) Rel. Level Local parameters NOT stored with presets Bass and Treble Delay Lock status (set via Ellipse PC-iP) Room position Calibration Level Tasks Phase (Subs) Polarity (Subs) 22
Tannoy Loudspeakers are designed and manufactured in Great Britain by: Tannoy Ltd, Rosehall Industrial Estate, Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire, ML5 4TF, SCOTLAND Telephone: +44 (0)1236 420199 Fax: +44 (0)1236 428230 Tannoy North America Inc, Suite 1. 335 Gage Avenue, Kitchener, Ontario, CANADA, N2M 5E1 Telephone: (519) 745 1158 Fax: (519) 745 2364 Check periodically for the latest manual revision that will always available for download from www.tannoy.com The revision number of this manual is located below Issue 1 Software Version 1.12 Part No. XXXX XXXX GH 26Aug2003