Ashly ne8800 Operating Manual - Page 9

Browse online or download pdf Operating Manual for Computer Hardware Ashly ne8800. Ashly ne8800 20 pages. Network enabled dsp processor
Also for Ashly ne8800: Specifications (3 pages), Operating Manual (20 pages), Manual (20 pages)

Print Page

Operating Manual - ne8800, ne4800, ne4400

9. PROTEA NE SOFTWARE

Device Options Menu

Flash Reprogram

The NE processor firmware (the internal program that runs the unit) can be updated/reprogrammed via the Ethernet control

connection. The new firmware file must be obtained directly from Ashly or through our web site, and installed according to the

<Flash Programmer> dialogue box. This process may take several minutes, and during the file transfer all channels are muted

and both sampling rate LEDs will be lit.

Link Configuration

Linking allows multiple DSP processing blocks on different channels or even different Ashly NE devices to track each

other. For example - if two graphic equalizers on different channels are linked, any change made to one of the equalizers will

result in an identical change to the other. Most DSP blocks can be linked to one of eight link groups. When a DSP function is

assigned to a link group, both a colored tab and the link group number appear beneath the DSP block icon. The link group's tab

color, group name, and local/network (link across devices) status is assigned in the link configuration dialogue box. Note: If a

WR-5 or RD-8C is connected to a NE device, and a DSP function that can be controlled by the WR-5 or RD-8C (such as gain)

is linked across multiple devices, changes made by that WR-5 or RD-8C will only affect the host NE device. Linked changes

across devices must come from the NE software, not remotes.

Meter Display

Meter displays that are in the software for this NE processor can be set to a VU, dBu, or dBFS (dB Full Scale). dBFS

is typically used when all or most of the gain/level adjustments occur in the DSP domain. The front panel LEDs on the NE

processor are labelled dBFS. For comparison, 0 dBFS is the same as +20dBu on a product which clips at +20dBu. Therefore,

-20dBFS is typically the desired operating range, while still allowing 20dB headroom for transient signals.

AES3 Receiver Status

With a four or eight channel AES3 input option installed, each stereo AES3 input can be monitored for detected sample

rate error and other data errors that may occur between the AES3 source and the NE processor input. This can be useful for

diagnosing problems in either communication setup or wiring. Any errors detected by the NE processor are latched, meaning

even an intermittent error will be detected and remain highlighted until the <Reset Errors> button is clicked.

Sample Rate and Master Clock Selection

This screen displays the current master clock source, current sample rate, and word clock status. Click on <Show Advanced

Control> to change master clock or sampling rate. The factory defaults are auto selection of the master clock and 48kHz sam-

pling rate. Note: Network audio may not necessarily run at 96kHz. Also, network audio has the highest master clock priority,

because most network audio formats are unable to synchronize to a word clock master.

Disable Front Panel Mutes

This control prevents the NE processor mute buttons from functioning. Mute status can still be controlled from software.

DVCA Control

One of the DSP Gain block functions is called <Gain w/VCA>. With this function a channel can be assigned to one of

four virtual subgroups, each with a master fader within software.

DSP Enable/Disable Control

The user can disable DSP functions on selected inputs, outputs, or the entire mixer to free up DSP processing power.

Network Audio Matrix

The network matrix input/output functions allow the NE processor to be integrated into a larger digital audio network.

With a CobraNet network audio card installed, the NE processor can route incoming line, mic, or AES3 signals, including com-

plete DSP processing of those signals, out to the external digital audio network. Likewise, individual channels off of the audio

network can be chosen and routed (through DSP) to the analog or AES3 outputs of the NE processor.