AEQ ARENA DM User manual

BC 2000 DIGITAL
Audio Routing, Mixing and Processing System for
Program Production Centers
.
ARENA DM CONTROL SURFACE
FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
ED 08/07
V 1.1 - 03/08/2007

BC 2000 DIGITAL
Audio Routing, Mixing and Processing System for Program Production Centres
.
ARENA DM CONTROL SURFACE
FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
2
CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION……………………………………………………………………................. 4
2. CONTROL SURFACE COMPONENTS DESCRIPTION……………................................ 5
2.1. Configuration and monitoring panel…………………………………………………... 6
2.2. Channels area…………………………………………………………………………... 8
2.2.1. Channel configuration in “Multiplex Mode”………..………………………... 9
2.2.2. Channel configuration in “Channel Setup Mode”………..…………………. 10
2.3. Configuration and information area…………………………………………………… 11
2.4. Talkback area…………………………………………………………………………… 11
2.5. Programmable keys area………………………………………………………………. 12
2.6. Monitoring area…………………………………………………………………………. 13
3. CONTROL SURFACE OPERATION…………………………………………………………. 15
3.1. Controls operation in the channels area……………………………………………… 15
3.1.1. Input gain adjustment for each channel…………………………………….. 15
3.1.2. Input Select & Set Up: Input sources selection and configuration for……
each channel…………………………………………………………………… 15
3.1.2.1. Input select…………………………………………………………… 16
3.1.2.2. Phase L-R…………………………………………………………..... 16
3.1.2.3. Mode………………………………………………………………….. 16
3.1.3. Dynamic Setup: Selection and configuration of dynamic and time……….
processing functions by channel, except equalization…………………….. 17
3.1.3.1. Compressor…………………………………………………………... 17
3.1.3.1.1. Compressor parameters adjustment…………………... 18
3.1.3.1.2. Saving and loading compressor settings...……………. 19
3.1.3.2. Noise Gate……………………………………………………………. 19
3.1.3.3. Reverb………………………………………………………………… 20
3.1.4. Equalizer: Selection and configuration of equalizer and filter functions,
by channel……………………………………………………………………..... 21
3.1.5. Routing: Sending selection and configuration for each channel……........ 23
3.1.6. Select: Access to the special functions display and controls…………….. 24
3.1.7. Cue: Cue function….………………………………………………………….. 24
3.1.8. On Air: Signal indicator……………………………………………………….. 24
3.1.9. Select / On. Routing encoder and associated pushbutton………………... 24
3.1.10. Opening and regulation of channels, channel label and page changes.. 25
3.2. Configuration and information area operation (Select)……………………………... 26
3.2.1. Functional description………………………………………………………… 26
3.2.1.1. Controls identification……………………………………………….. 26
3.2.1.2. Display states and associated information……………………….. 26
3.2.1.3. Processing……………………………………………………………. 27
3.2.1.3.1. Equalizer………………………………………………….. 30
3.2.1.3.2. Filter……………………………………………………….. 30
3.2.1.3.3. Reverb…………………………………………………….. 31
3.2.1.4. Test signal generation………………………………………………. 32
3.2.1.4.1. Tone generation………………………………………….. 32
3.2.1.4.2. Pink noise generation……………………………………. 33
3.2.1.4.3. White noise generation………………………………….. 33
3.2.1.5. Input/Output Setup…………………………………………………... 34
3.2.2. Select access area. General data display………………………………….. 35
3.2.3. Working Configuration display……………………………………………….. 36
3.2.3.1. Loading a new configuration……………………………………….. 36
3.2.3.2. Memory Configuration………………………………………………. 37
3.2.4. “Change User” display. Change current user………………………………. 39
3.2.5. “Macro Configuration” display. Load and activation of programmable…..
keys…………………………………………………………………………….. 40

BC 2000 DIGITAL
Audio Routing, Mixing and Processing System for Program Production Centres
.
ARENA DM CONTROL SURFACE
FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
3
3.2.6. “System Setup” display. System adjustments……………………………… 41
3.2.6.1. IP addresses change………………………………………………... 42
3.2.6.2. Time and date change………………………………………………. 43
3.2.6.3. Information about Firmware version……………………………….. 43
3.2.6.4. DSP% CPU Used……………………………………………………. 44
3.2.6.5. Disconnect all audio process……………………………………….. 44
3.2.6.6. DSP Output list………………………………………………………. 44
3.2.6.7. Signal Processing Changes……………………………………...... 45
3.2.7. “Timer/Clock” display. Timer and clock adjustment……………………….. 46
4. INSTALLATION AND CABLING………………………………………………………………. 47
4.1. Description of back panel and connection for ARENA DM………………………… 47
4.2. Description of back panel and connection for ARENA D10………………………... 49
4.3. Description of audio wiring for ARENA DM………………………………………….. 50

BC 2000 DIGITAL
Audio Routing, Mixing and Processing System for Program Production Centres
.
ARENA DM CONTROL SURFACE
FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
4
Thank you for purchasing our product, incorporating leading-edge audio signal mixing
technology.
Please follow the instructions in this user’s manual. Do not connect the mixing console before
reading the manual. If you have any questions, e-mail our technical department at [email protected],
but in the USA and Canada contact techsuppo[email protected], where our support staff
will assist you with your installation
1. INTRODUCTION.
First, this document will identify the components of the ARENA DM control surface, and then it
will go into more detail about using the console.
Please bear in mind the fact that this information is also valid for the ARENA D10 modules,
extension modules of the ARENA DM control surface.
It should also be pointed out that the Installer, Technical Supervisor or System Administrator
must have pre-configured the control surface before it is handed over to the users for whom this
document is intended. Depending on the pre-configuration options or on the hardware installed,
some of the options shown here may not be visible, or may not be active even if visible.

BC 2000 DIGITAL
Audio Routing, Mixing and Processing System for Program Production Centres
.
ARENA DM CONTROL SURFACE
FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
5
2. CONTROL SURFACE COMPONENTS DESCRIPTION.
A. Configuration and monitoring panel.
B. Channels area.
C. Configuration and information area.
D. Talkback area.
E. Programmable keys area.
F. Monitoring area.
A
B
C
D
E
F

BC 2000 DIGITAL
Audio Routing, Mixing and Processing System for Program Production Centres
.
ARENA DM CONTROL SURFACE
FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
6
2.1. Configuration and monitoring panel (A).
This section of the mixing console includes the following components: Cue speakers, VU-
meters and level and configuration display with navigation keys and associated encoder.
1. Cue speakers. Allows you to hear the signals that are selected. They include an amplifier
and can be used to listen to signals in PFL mode.
2 - 3. Precision VU-meters. They have a direct, independent connection, and make it
possible to measure any digital audio signal connected to the console. They show an
average signal (VU-meter) combined with a peak meter showing withheld signal peaks.
4. LCD Display. It makes possible to view all information relating to audio signals and
configurations. In the standard mode, on its default screen, it shows the gain values (in
dB) and VU-meters for each of the input or output signals (as applicable for each
channel). Between them, there is a monitoring area for processes activation (dynamic,
equalization, filtering and test signals) and parameters changes (phase, mode and
balance); every time a process is activated or the phase, mode or balance of a signal is
modified, an indication appears in one of the 4 lines this area consists of, in the following
way:
•Line 1: it shows dynamic processes activation: “COMP” (Compressor), “NG”
(Noise Gate), “DLY” (Delay), “RVB” (Reverb) or “DYNA” (when there is more than
one active process in that channel). It also shows test signal activation: “TONE”,
“PINK” (Pink Noise) or “WHIT” (White Noise). If there are processes and a test
signal active at the same time, the indication that will be shown is the one
corresponding to the test signal.
•Line 2: it shows equalization (“EQU”) and filtering (“FIL”) activation. When both of
them are active, “EQ&F” indication appears.
•Line 3: it shows changes of signal phase (“L-R-“, “L+R-“ or “L-R+”; when it’s L+R+
no indication is shown) and mode (“MONL”, “MONR” or “ML+R”; when mode is
stereo no indication is shown). When there are changes in both parameters, “PH&M”
indication appears.
•Line 4: it shows signal balance (“BAL”) changes.
At the right, on the display, there is a PFL VU-meter with a phase correlation indicator,
making it possible to adjust the level and signal for any of the audio sources selected
(see section 3.1.7). This information changes when functions are selected for each
channel. The general routing screen is the default screen in the working mode which use
direct routing keys (“Bus Send Mode”).
1 2 4 5 6 7 3 1

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Audio Routing, Mixing and Processing System for Program Production Centres
.
ARENA DM CONTROL SURFACE
FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
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5 - 6. Navigator. A set of pushbuttons (5) and a rotary/ pushbutton encoder (6) are used to
select and modify the parameters shown on the LCD display. With regard to this display,
indications are given at all times about what buttons should be used to perform these
functions.
7. Up - Down / Page Swap. Active page indicator and page selection Pushbuttons. They
allow for the management of several channel pages and movement amongst them. When
the page is changed each control, including the fader, changes to the corresponding
position.

BC 2000 DIGITAL
Audio Routing, Mixing and Processing System for Program Production Centres
.
ARENA DM CONTROL SURFACE
FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
8
2.2 Channels area (B).
8.- Gain. Input gain regulation encoder and access to input
select and set up (phase and mode) for the channel.
9.- Dynamic. Pushbutton / indicator for access to dynamics
and other effects, processing control for the channel.
10.- Equalizer. Pushbutton / indicator for access to
equalization and filtering functions control for the channel.
11.- Routing. Pushbutton / indicator for access to signals
routing control for the channel.
12.- Select. Pushbutton / indicator for access to the special
functions display and controls in the configuration and
information area.
13.- Cue. Pushbutton / indicator for connection to the CUE
speakers and meter.
14.- On Air. Channel routed and active indicator.
15.- Select. Encoder for L-R function and toggle/select routing.
16.- On. On/Off pushbutton / indicator associated with the
encoder “Select”.
17.- Display indicating channel routing label and relative send
level or pan/bal.
18.- Motorized faders.
19.- Open / closed channel pushbutton / indicators.
In the working mode with direct routing (“Bus Send Mode”),
controls 9, 10, 12 and 13 will activate or deactivate the sending
of the signal present in the channel to each of the output buses
defined for each one of these controls in the configuration
software. Control 11 will provide access to SELECT function
instead of ROUTING function. In this working mode, the upper
pushbutton of control 19 will convert into an ON/OFF switch
and the lower pushbutton will become the CUE button.
In the next sections we will describe the functions assigned to
each control affecting the behaviour of a channel in the
“Multiplex” and “Channel Setup” operating modes.
9
8
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19

BC 2000 DIGITAL
Audio Routing, Mixing and Processing System for Program Production Centres
.
ARENA DM CONTROL SURFACE
FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
9
2.2.1. Channel configuration in “Multiplex Mode”.
The operation of the ARENA DM configured in “Multiplex Mode” includes the same
functionalities as those found in the standard configuration, except for the following controls:
Notes.
•A channel can be in one or several multiplexes, or in none.
•Several programmable keys may be pressed at the same time.
•If you press all the keys programmed with a multiplex, the Routing buttons of all the
channels that belong to some multiplex will blink.
1.- Input Gain. Changes the digital gain of the signal coming into the
multiplex.
2.- Routing Button. This button has different functionalities depending on
the programmable key corresponding to the multiplex group is lighting or
not. If the key is lighting, the routing button will be blinking in all the
channels that belongs to that multiplex group; if the button is pressed in one
of them, it turns off and the channel is excluded from that multiplex; if you
press the button in one channel that doesn’t belong to that multiplex group
(it’s off), it starts blinking and the channel is included in that group. If the
programmable key is off, when you press the routing button of one channel,
the button turns on and the input signal is routed to its own return signal.
3.- Cue Button. Pressing this button enables you to monitor the input signal
through PFL.
4.- Select Potentiometer. Adjusts the return signal gain. Pressing this
button will not launch any specific function.
5.- Select On Button. Press this button to monitor the return signal through
PFL.
6.- Channel Display. The display shows the return signal gain level, with
values ranging from minus infinity to 0 dB.
7.- Fader. The fader adjusts the audio level of the send toward the
multiplex.
8.- ON Button. Performs the ON/OFF function. When it is ON the input
signal is added to the multiplex, and when it is OFF, only the return is
activated.
9.- OFF Button. While this button is pressed, the return signal is attenuated
by 20 dB and the talkback microphone signal is added. Besides, any
sending to PFL is cut off. When it is unpressed, the previous level of the
return signal is recovered and the talkback microphone is cut off.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Programmable Keys. For multiplex operation, one button for each
multiplex group you wish to set up must be configured in the Console Setup
software. If you wish to have three simultaneous multiplexes available, you
will need to configure three programmable keys. When the key is lighted up,
all the channels belonging to the corresponding multiplex group will have
the Routing button blinking. In this status, if you press the DM PTT button,
the return signals are attenuated by 20 dB and the talkback microphone
signal is added to all the components of the multiplex in question. Besides,
any sending to PFL is cut off. If you release the PTT button, you return to
the previous situation.

BC 2000 DIGITAL
Audio Routing, Mixing and Processing System for Program Production Centres
.
ARENA DM CONTROL SURFACE
FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
10
2.2.2. Channel configuration in “Channel Setup Mode”.
The operation of the ARENA DM configured in “Channel Setup Mode” includes the same
functionalities as those found in the standard configuration, except for the following controls:
1.- Dynamic Button. Allows you to change the signal phase. When it’s
pressed, if the signal is stereo, it goes through each one of the 4 available
options: the button is off for “L+R+” option and it lights up when you select
any of the other 3 options (“L-R-“, “L+R-” and “L-R+“). If the signal is mono,
there are 2 available options: the button is off for “+” option and it lights up
when you select “-“ option.
2.- Equalizer Button. Allows you to change the signal phase. When it’s
pressed, if the signal is stereo, it goes through each one of the 4 available
options: the button is off for “Stereo” option and it lights up when you select
any of the other 3 options (“Mono L”, “Mono R” and “Mono L+R”). If the
signal is mono, this button will have no function.
3.- Cue Button. Pressing this button enables you to send the MIC-DM to
the return signal defined for this line. If there’s any signal sent to this return
line when you press this button, this signal is attenuated and the MIC-DM
signal is added.
1
2
3

BC 2000 DIGITAL
Audio Routing, Mixing and Processing System for Program Production Centres
.
ARENA DM CONTROL SURFACE
FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
11
2.3. Configuration and information area (C).
2.4. Talkback area (D).
20. Special
functions
display.
21. Special
functions
encoders.
22. Special
functions
pushbutton /
indicators.
23. T BACK MIC.Command microphone connector. If you’re
using a microphone that need +48V Phantom feed to
operate (typically electrostatic mikes), it’s possible to
activate that feed by changing the position of a PDP in
the console base board (see Service Manual of ARENA-
DM control surface).
24. LEVEL. Level control for command microphone.
25. PTT Pushbutton (Press To Talk). Sends the talkback
microphone signal simultaneously to the primary and
secondary headphone output buses, attenuating the
signal that is present in those buses as well as the
control monitor signal, according to how it was defined in
the configuration software (mute, -20 dB).

BC 2000 DIGITAL
Audio Routing, Mixing and Processing System for Program Production Centres
.
ARENA DM CONTROL SURFACE
FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
12
2.5. Programmable keys area (E).
26. Programmable Keys have several functions that are assigned with the Console
Setup software. Different functions can be set up and assigned to any of the
programmable keys. Basically, the functions that can be carried out by the
programmable keys are:
oexecution of salvo-related commands
ocontrol of external equipment items (TH-02, Eagle).
oassociation of GPI and GPO resources.
oswitching of several studios control when the Multistudio option is
used.
omultiplex system management.

BC 2000 DIGITAL
Audio Routing, Mixing and Processing System for Program Production Centres
.
ARENA DM CONTROL SURFACE
FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
13
2.6. Monitoring area (F).
27. Studio Room Section. Studio monitoring selectors / indicators. These make it
possible to select the signal or signals that will be sent to the studio monitor speakers or
headphones. They can be summable or exclusive keys.
28. Display showing monitoring levels and labels of sources to be monitored. The upper
row is associated with the controls for sections 27 and 29, and shows the signal sources
that can be monitored. The lower row is associated with the controls for sections 31, 32,
33 and 35. It shows the levels adjusted in each encoder (31 and 35) or the selectable
signals in controls 32 and 33.
29. Control Room Section. Control room monitoring selectors / indicators. These make
it possible to select the signal or signals that will be sent to the control monitor speakers
or headphone. They can be summable or exclusive keys.
30. Push To Talk To. Pushbutton for intercom with studio monitors, primary and
secondary headphones. When one or several of these are pressed, the signal present
in the corresponding output bus is attenuated, and the signal from the microphone
connected to the DM surface input is sent.
27 28 29
30
31 35
32 33 34 36

BC 2000 DIGITAL
Audio Routing, Mixing and Processing System for Program Production Centres
.
ARENA DM CONTROL SURFACE
FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
14
31. Monitor - Prim Phones - Sec Phones. In its normal position, its function is to
control the listening level in studio monitors and in primary and secondary headphones.
By pressing one of these buttons you can select a different signal source to be
monitored; the signal source you select will be associated with the corresponding button
among those defined in section 26. To change signal source, simply press the button;
the signal label will begin blinking. Then rotate the encoder in any direction until you find
the new signal. Press the button again to validate your selection. If the signal you
intend to select is already present in another button, the system will not allow you to
select it. The only selectable signals will be the ones that were defined in the
configuration software as available for monitoring.
32. Additional Pushbutton/indicator for sending the associated signal to monitoring in
the studio.
33. Additional Pushbutton/indicator for sending the associated signal to monitoring in
the control
34. Cue Reset. Reset pushbutton to cancel all cue signals. If there are one or more
channels with the CUE button selected, this indicator will be lighted. Pressing it will
cancel all the sends to the CUE bus that had been selected previously.
35. Cue - Monitor - Phones. In its normal position, its function is to control the listening
level in CUE loudspeakers on the DM surface, in control monitors and DM surface
headphones. By pressing Monitor or Phones you can select a different signal source to
be monitored; the signal source you select will be associated with the corresponding
button among those defined in section 29. To change signal source, simply press the
button; the signal label will begin blinking. Then turn the encoder in any direction until
you find the new signal. Press the button again to validate your selection. If the signal
you intend to select is already present in another button, the system will not allow you to
select it. The only selectable signals will be the ones that were defined in the
configuration software as available for monitoring. The CUE encoder cannot perform the
signal source selection function for monitoring. Further, only those signals in each
channel that were sent to the CUE bus can be sent to that bus, and selecting any signal
in sections 29 and 33 will in no case send the selected signal to the CUE loudspeakers
on the DM surface.
36. Control Headphones Connector.

BC 2000 DIGITAL
Audio Routing, Mixing and Processing System for Program Production Centres
.
ARENA DM CONTROL SURFACE
FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
15
3. CONTROL SURFACE OPERATION.
3.1. Controls operation in the channels area.
3.1.1. Input gain adjustment for each channel.
Turn the channel input gain regulation encoder (8). The gain for all channels on the
control surface is
indicated numerically
in dB at the bottom of
the level and
configuration display
(4). If there is an input
audio signal present, it
will appear on the
LCD display VU-
meters. We
recommend to adjust
the average level to 0
dB; in order for the
peak level to be
several dB’s above for
musical or speech
signals.
3.1.2. Input Select & Set Up: Input sources selection and configuration for
each channel.
Press the channel
input gain regulation
encoder (8) to show
the different sources
that may be selected
in the level and
configuration display
(4). Use the left, right,
up or down navigation
keys (5) to select the
different options an
push the middle
button to validate the
selection.
The “up” and “down”
keys are used to
select the source, mode or phase. When the middle button is pressed, the
respective option is accessed. The “left” and “right” keys are used to select one of
the available options (Mode, Phase) and the rotary encoder is used to select the
source of the signal, which is indicated by means of an arrow. The option chosen is
validated by once again pressing the middle button.

BC 2000 DIGITAL
Audio Routing, Mixing and Processing System for Program Production Centres
.
ARENA DM CONTROL SURFACE
FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
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Input Select & Set Up menu options.
3.1.2.1. Input Select.
On the display (4), open the available labels list, which has previously been
assigned to the channel by the system administrator from the console configuration
software. The format list may look like this:
The current option will be highlighted. You can scroll through the list the encoder
(6), and make your selection with OK. Any modifications made to the channel will
be applied to that input signal. The label selected (MAR4W1 in the example) will
then appear as the channel label on the display (17).
3.1.2.2. Phase L-R.
Phase of a stereo signal can be selected among four different states:
1. L+R+: L and R are in phase.
2. L-R-: both signals are inverted (180º) and in phase between themselves.
3. L+R-: R is phase inverted, so it is in opposition in relation to L that is still in
phase.
4. L-R+: L is phase inverted, so it is in opposition in relation to R that is still in
phase.
To select one of these options, you must press the middle button (5) and select the
type of phase desired using the “left” and “right” keys (5) or the rotary encoder (6).
The selection is validated by pressing the middle button or the encoder.
3.1.2.3. Mode.
Depending on the type of signal (mono or stereo), different signal routing modes
will be displayed. The selection procedure is the same as the one for the phase. If
the signal is mono, this option will not be available. If it is stereo, the mode may be
“Stereo”, “Mono L”, “Mono R” or “Mono L+R”.
In “Stereo” mode, the signal is sent to the output buses selected in the routing as
is, i.e., the L channel of the stereo input to the L channel of the stereo output, and
the R channel of the input to the R channel of the output. With “Mono L” or “Mono
R”, only the left or right part of the signal is sent equally to both parts of the stereo
output signal. Finally, with “Mono L+R”, the sum of both signals is sent to the left
and right in the output bus.

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Audio Routing, Mixing and Processing System for Program Production Centres
.
ARENA DM CONTROL SURFACE
FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
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3.1.3. Dynamic Setup: Selection and configuration of dynamic and time
processing functions by channel, except equalization.
Press the dynamic Pushbutton indicator for the channel and the level and configuration
display (4) will show the different effects available for selection, their active-inactive
status (ON-OFF) and a label identifying the memory selected in each effect (Compres01
in this example). When the cursor is placed over this label, the list of presets is
accessed, as well as the modification of parameters. Use the left, right, up or down
navigation keys (5) or the encoder
(6) to make your selection and the
OK key to validate it.
The effects defined are:
•Compressor
•Noise Gate
•Delay
•Reverb
On the display, there is an additional
“EXIT” key to exit this display. You
can also exit by pressing the
“Dynamic” key on the channel. You
can go back to the normal display in
either of the two ways. You can also exit this display by pressing any other function key
for any channel, which will provide access to the respective functions in other channels.
Options configured as active are indicated with the border ON highlighted and bold.
Remember that if any of the dynamic options is active (any label at ON), the
“Dynamic”key for the channel will remain lit, and will begin to flash when it is
accessed this configuration display. This key will also remain lit when there is some
active test signal (see section 3.2.1.4).
By default, this button enables access to effects; in the special “Bus Send Mode”
working mode, it will be an access for direct routing of the signal present in each
channel to the output bus associated to this button in the configuration software. The
“Dynamic” function is not accessible in this mode through this button, but through the
information and configuration area (“Select”).
3.1.3.1. Compressor.
To enter the Compressor effect menu, select the preset that it appears by default
and press the OK navigator key (5). The list of available preset compression
effects will then be displayed:
The “CHANGE PARMs” option
is used to change the
associated process
parameters. “PRESET LIST”
provides access to the
complete list of preset effects,
from which a new effect can be
loaded or changes made to a
selected effect can be saved.
For the other effects, a similar
list will also be displayed with
both selection options

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Audio Routing, Mixing and Processing System for Program Production Centres
.
ARENA DM CONTROL SURFACE
FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
18
3.1.3.1.1. Compressor parameters adjustment.
Select the
"Change Parms"
option and press
OK to access the
display to set the
compressor
parameters. You
can access each
of the
parameters using
the "up" and
“down" cursors
(5), changing the
respective values
using the
encoder (6) or
the “left” cursor to decrease and the “right” one to increase. The middle
button lets you exit this display when the “EXIT” option is selected.
Threshold: this is the threshold above which the compressor will
act, so that input signal levels that exceed this threshold will be
affected by the compressor settings. The threshold range varies
from -42 dB to +22 dB.
Attack Time: this is the time it takes the compressor to react to an
increase in the input signal. The shorter this time, the more
sensitive the compressor will be to pulse signals, and the more
action it will take on this type of signals. With a long attack time, the
compressor will not respond as well to pulse changes in the input
signal.
Release Time: this is the maintenance time during which the
compressor keeps acting, even when the level of the input signal
has fallen below the threshold. A long release time will maintain
uniform compression, even when there are quick fluctuations in the
level of the signal. A short time will enable the compressor to adapt
more quickly to pulse fluctuations in the signal.
Compression Ratio: a compression ratio of 1:1 does not involve
any variation in the signal, as the level of the input signal is
maintained at the output. A ratio of 2:1 indicates that the level of an
input signal which exceeds the threshold will be reduced to half at
the output. The highest ratio available is 50:1, which will be used to
implement signal limiters. The limiter should reduce all signals
exceeding a certain level to that level.
Gain: this lets you apply a general gain to the signal. This means a
general increase in the level of the signal, which will especially be
noted at low input levels, under the threshold set. A general
increase in the level of the signal may generate saturation at the
output, even when the signal is being limited.
To correctly set a limiter, a threshold of between 0 and +22 dB should
be selected, with a compression ratio of 50:1 and a gain of 0 dB.

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Audio Routing, Mixing and Processing System for Program Production Centres
.
ARENA DM CONTROL SURFACE
FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
19
3.1.3.1.2. Saving and loading compressor settings.
When “Preset List” is selected, the following screen is displayed:
An item from the list can be selected using the navigation cursors (5),
and then one of the two available options can be chosen: “Save” or
“Load.” The option chosen is validated using the middle button, or the
screen is exited if “EXIT” has been selected.
The “Load”
option loads the
respective effect
in the list of 4
presets that are
displayed when
the compressor
is accessed.
"Save” lets you
save the
parameter
changes made
in a certain
preset.
3.1.3.2. Noise Gate.
To enter the menu for the Noise Gate effect, press the navigator’s OK key (5)
over the Noise Gate
option on the screen
that is displayed in
section 3.1.3. (page
14). The menus
displayed for this effect
work in exactly the
same way as the ones
for the compressor /
limiter, except for
setting the parameters,
which are the following:
Threshold.
Attack time.
Release time.
Hold time.
Range.
When establishing the settings, the threshold for the noise gate will be much
lower than in the case of the compressor, as its operation is the opposite. The
noise gate prevents the passage of the lower levels of the signal that could be
considered noise. Therefore, the range of settings is different.
In addition, there is an additional parameter for noise gates, which is “Hold
Time”. This is a safety period used to prevent the gate from accidentally closing
if a signal is suddenly absent, for example, in speech.

BC 2000 DIGITAL
Audio Routing, Mixing and Processing System for Program Production Centres
.
ARENA DM CONTROL SURFACE
FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
20
3.1.3.3. Reverb.
To enter the menu for the Reverb effect, press the navigator’s OK key (5) over
the Reverb option on the screen that is displayed in section 3.1.3. The menus
displayed for this effect work in exactly the same way as the ones described in
sections 3.1.3.1 and 3.1.3.1.2, except for setting the parameters, which are the
following:
Type: Hall, Room, Plate, Vocal. You can choose from among 4 different
types of reverb, depending on the application.
Decay time. This is the time it takes the level of the reverb generated to fall
60 dB, with respect to the level of the original signal.
High Freq. Damping. This is a percentage of high-frequency damping that
makes it possible to more realistically simulate the effect of actual reverb.
Level. This is the percentage of reverb (with respect to the original signal)
that the signal will have after having been processed.