Alcorn Mcbride AmpTraXX User manual

AmpTraXXTM
16 Channel Intelligent Amplifier with EQ
User’s Manual

September 12, 2005 • Alcorn McBride AmpTraXX User’s Manual • Rev 1.2 Page ii
Alcorn McBride Inc.
3300 S. Hiawassee Rd.
Building 105
Orlando, Florida 32835
tel: [phone]
fax: [phone]
http://www.alcorn.com
[email protected]
Document Number 110-100748
Copyright 2004 Alcorn McBride, Inc. All rights reserved.
AmpTraXX™ is a trademark of Alcorn McBride Inc., all rights
reserved.
Every effort has been made to assure the accuracy of the
information contained in this manual, and the reliability of the Alcorn
McBride AmpTraXX hardware and software. Errors can sometimes
go undetected, however. If you find one, please bring it to our
attention so that we can correct it for others. Alcorn McBride
welcomes comments and suggestions on the content and layout of
its documentation.
Applications described herein are for illustrative purposes only.
Alcorn McBride Inc. assumes no responsibility or liability for the use
of these products, and makes no representation or warranty that the
use of these products for specific applications will be suitable
without further testing or modification. Alcorn McBride products are
not intended for use in applications where a malfunction can
reasonably be expected to result in personal injury. Customers using
or selling Alcorn McBride products for use in such applications do so
at their own risk, and agree to fully indemnify Alcorn McBride for any
damages resulting from such improper use or sale.
Product Design: Jim Carstensen, Jeremy Scheinberg, Scott
Harkless, Chris Harden, Martin Chaney, Steve
Alcorn

September 12, 2005 • Alcorn McBride AmpTraXX User’s Manual • Rev 1.2 Page iii
Table of Contents
Welcome! ................................................................................. 1
Features ................................................................................... 2
Technical Support................................................................... 2
Getting Started ........................................................................ 3
Let’s make some noise! ............................................................................................... 3
AmpTraXX Software Tutorial ....................................................................................... 3
Front Panel .............................................................................. 6
Power LED ................................................................................................................... 6
Signal Present and Clip Indicators............................................................................... 6
Volume Controls........................................................................................................... 6
Rear Panel ............................................................................... 7
Configuration DIP Switches ......................................................................................... 7
Disable Front Panel ........................................................................................ 7
Reset Factory Defaults ................................................................................... 7
Firmware Update Mode .................................................................................. 8
Ground Lift ...................................................................................................... 8
Unbalanced Inputs ....................................................................................................... 8
Balanced Inputs (Optional) .......................................................................................... 9
Speaker Terminals..................................................................................................... 10
Serial Port: RS-232C Control Connector ................................................................... 10
Power Input and Switch ............................................................................................. 10
AmpTraXX Configuration Software ..................................... 11
Introduction to AmpTraXX Software .......................................................................... 11
Installing the AmpTraXX Configuration Software ...................................................... 12
AmpTraXX Application Modes ................................................................................... 13
Offline Mode.................................................................................................. 13
Live Mode...................................................................................................... 13
Firmware Update Mode ................................................................................ 13
AmpTraXX Application Controls ................................................................................ 14
Help............................................................................................................... 14
Load Configuration File................................................................................. 14
Save Configuration File................................................................................. 14
Configuration................................................................................................. 14
Connect to AmpTraXX .................................................................................. 15
Disconnect from AmpTraXX ......................................................................... 15
Store Settings to AmpTraXX......................................................................... 15
Retrieve Settings from AmpTraXX................................................................ 15
Update AmpTraXX Firmware........................................................................ 16
Front Panel Status Indicator ......................................................................... 16
Gain Control.................................................................................................. 16

September 12, 2005 • Alcorn McBride AmpTraXX User’s Manual • Rev 1.2 Page iv
Filter Type ..................................................................................................... 16
Filter Quality.................................................................................................. 17
Frequency ..................................................................................................... 17
Master Control Panel .................................................................................... 17
Simple Serial Control............................................................ 18
Select Filter ................................................................................................................ 18
Set Gain ..................................................................................................................... 18
Set Filter Quality......................................................................................................... 19
Set Frequency............................................................................................................ 19
Store Settings............................................................................................................. 19
Reset Amplifier........................................................................................................... 20
Version Request......................................................................................................... 20
Advanced Serial Control ...................................................... 21
Error Codes................................................................................................................ 22
70V/100V Output Option....................................................... 23
Updating Your Firmware ...................................................... 24
Troubleshooting Guide / FAQ .............................................. 25
Specifications........................................................................ 27

September 12, 2005 • Alcorn McBride AmpTraXX User’s Manual • Rev 1.2 Page 1
Welcome!
Thank you for purchasing The Alcorn McBride AmpTraXX™ sixteen channel
amplifier and EQ system. Whether you’re planning on a multi-room speaker
installation, or multiple point-source audio tracks in a single room, with AmpTraXX
it’s easy to tailor the frequency response and gain of each 20 Watt output to achieve
the exact results you need.
This manual describes the various connectors and controls on the AmpTraXX unit,
and describes the best way to use the AmpTraXX Windows software to set up your
system. A serial protocol section is also included to allow you to program RS-232
control systems for dynamic configuration of the AmpTraXX.
Protocol files for Alcorn
McBride Show Controllers
are available for
AmpTraXX.
Please browse the table of contents and install the AmpTraXX programming
software on your PC. Once you’re connected, you’ll likely find that your
AmpTraXX is one of the most versatile pieces of audio gear you’ve ever used!
We would like to provide you with Firmware and Software updates and notify you
when additional features become available. If you are interested, please subscribe to
our AmpTraXX mailing list at http://alcorn.com/library/lists/subscribe.html.

September 12, 2005 • Alcorn McBride AmpTraXX User’s Manual • Rev 1.2 Page 2
Features
The AmpTraXX offers a wide range of features including:
• 16 channels x 20W each (into 8 ohms).
• Independent frequency response configuration and control for each channel.
• Independent volume control for each channel.
• Serial RS-232 Control.
• Lockable front-panel volume controls.
• Front Panel Signal and ‘Clip’ LED indicators.
• Built-in test tone generator for channel identification and output testing.
• Built-in overload protection for each channel
• 70/100 volt output option available.
• Balanced Input option available
Technical Support
You can obtain information about specifying, installing, configuring, updating and programming your Alcorn
McBride AmpTraXX from several sources:
For… Contact… When?…
Telephone Support [phone] M-F 9am–6pm (EST)
Fax Support [phone] M-F 9am-6pm (EST)
Knowledge Base (FAQ) http://www.alcorn.com/kb Any Time
E-mail Support [email protected] Any Time
Firmware Updates http://www.alcorn.com/support Any Time

September 12, 2005 • Alcorn McBride AmpTraXX User’s Manual • Rev 1.2 Page 3
Getting Started
So you don’t have the time or patience to read the stupid manual. You just want to know how to make your
AmpTraXX do something useful. We understand your situation perfectly, and we have written this section
especially for you.
Let’s make some noise!
Follow these simple steps to have your AmpTraXX working right out of the box.
1. Remove your AmpTraXX from its cushiony bed of packing material, and make sure that the parcel
service did not use it as a basketball during shipment.
2. Verify that all DIP switches are in the ON (Down) position.
3. Connect a standard 8-ohm or 4-ohm speaker to the gold screw terminals conveniently labeled “1”.
4. Connect your audio gear (CD Player, MP3 Machine, etc.) to the unbalanced RCA input labeled “1”.
5. To avoid the possibility of severe hearing damage, make sure that the front-panel volume knob for
Channel #1 is turned down all the way (counter-clockwise).
6. Okay, now it’s time to plug it in! Once you have securely connected the AC line cord to AmpTraXX
and an electrical outlet (don’t forget this part, it’s important), flip the nearby power switch to the ON
position.
7. As your AmpTraXX whirs to life, you should see a blinding blue LED indicating power.
8. Once your audio source starts playing, you will also see the green signal LED for channel #1 begin to
flicker.
9. Slowly turn the volume control for channel #1 clockwise until you hear sound.
10. You’re Jammin’.
AmpTraXX Software Tutorial
Now that your AmpTraXX is up and running, you may be interested in using some of its more advanced
features, such as filters. To access these advanced features, we suggest you use the AmpTraXX Windows
application. The directions below will provide a step-by-step example of using this application to configure
AmpTraXX.
1. If you have not done so already, install the AmpTraXX application on your Windows-based PC. If
you need help doing this, follow the procedure in the Installing the AmpTraXX Configuration
Software section of this manual.

September 12, 2005 • Alcorn McBride AmpTraXX User’s Manual • Rev 1.2 Page 4
2. Connect the 9-pin RS-232 cable to both AmpTraXX and your PC. If your dog has eaten this cable, use
a 9-pin female-to-female straight-through (not NULL) RS-232 serial cable.
3. Run the AmpTraXX application.
4. Click on the button to configure your PC’s serial port. Make sure you select the COM port that
corresponds to the PC port AmpTraXX is connected to. Click OK when you have done so.
5. Now, we are going to establish a live connection with AmpTraXX. Click on the button to do
this. Once a connection has been established, the application will retrieve the current settings from
AmpTraXX and you will have the ability to adjust its settings in real-time.
6. Assuming that you have not touched anything from the Let’s make some noise! section, you should
be able to see the gain sliders and indicators move as you turn the front-panel volume controls. Do this
now.
7. By now, you may have noticed that you cannot manipulate the gain controls with the mouse. This is
because the AmpTraXX front panel is Active and has control of all gain values. To change this
behavior, simply flip DIP switch #1 to the OFF (Up) position to disable the front panel controls. You
will see the Front Panel Active indicator turn off, and the Gain sliders will become available to mouse
control.
8. Click and slowly drag the gain slider for channel #1 up and down and listen to the volume change in
real-time.
9. Now, to demonstrate how to set and adjust filters, let’s configure a Low-pass filter. In the channel #1
division of the Filter Type section, click on the button to select Low-pass filter. The output for
channel #1 will momentarily go silent as the filter is changed. Already, you should notice a difference
in the way the output sounds.
10. To make this Low-pass filter really effective, let’s adjust the cutoff frequency so that only very low
frequency audio is allowed to pass. Click and hold the mouse button on the Frequency knob for
channel #1. When you have the mouse button down, the knob can be adjusted by moving the mouse in
an up or down direction. Adjust the frequency value as close to 100 as possible and then release the
mouse button. You have now selected a cutoff frequency of approximately 100 Hz.

September 12, 2005 • Alcorn McBride AmpTraXX User’s Manual • Rev 1.2 Page 5
11. Let’s tweak the behavior of this filter even more by adjusting the Filter Quality setting. As you
increase the Filter Quality setting, the Low-pass filter will more effectively amplify the lower
frequencies, while blocking more of the higher frequencies. The opposite applies when lowering the Q
setting.
12. Take a moment to play around with this filter (or other AmpTraXX filters) to find a sound that you
like. When you are ready, move on to the next step.
13. Now that you like what you have done with AmpTraXX, let’s make it remember these settings
permanently. By clicking the button, AmpTraXX will store it’s current settings into non-volatile
memory. This means that AmpTraXX will load these settings the next time it powers up. Remember,
if you do not click this button, all of your settings will be lost the next time AmpTraXX is power
cycled.
14. Now, let’s make a backup of your configuration before you spill coffee in your AmpTraXX, it gets
struck by lightning, or one of your co-workers tinkers with your ‘finely tuned’ settings. Click on the
button to save your configuration to a file. This configuration can be recalled at any time using the
button.

September 12, 2005 • Alcorn McBride AmpTraXX User’s Manual • Rev 1.2 Page 6
Front Panel
The front panel of the AmpTraXX contains the manual volume controls, signal LED indicators, clip LED
indicators, and the blue power led. Read the descriptions below for more detailed information.
Power/Status LED
A blue LED indicates the current status of AmpTraXX. Here is a table explaining the different states of this
LED:
LED State Status Description
Off No Power This one is pretty obvious.
Blinking Quickly Power-up Initialization AmpTraXX is initializing its internal hardware
Blinking Slowly (1 sec.) Firmware Update Mode
AmpTraXX is waiting for a firmware upgrade – If
you do not wish to update the firmware, then retur
n
DIP switch #3 to the ON (down) position.
On Normal Operation
Amplifiers and Filters are active, and everything is
normal.
3 blinks – pause Error
AmpTraXX has experienced a serious error. If this
continues, you should contact Technical Support
for assistance.
Signal Present and Clip Indicators
A row of 16 Green LEDs illuminate whenever an active signal is detected on the corresponding input of the
AmpTraXX. The red Clipping LEDs will blink whenever the pre-amp output signal nears the clipping level.
Volume Controls
There are 16 volume controls on the front of the AmpTraXX for quick manual control of each channel’s
volume. If you wish, these controls can be disabled using one of the Rear Panel DIP switches.

September 12, 2005 • Alcorn McBride AmpTraXX User’s Manual • Rev 1.2 Page 7
Rear Panel
The rear panel contains the speaker output terminals, the RS232 connector, the power switch, input connectors,
and configuration DIP switches. Read the descriptions below for more detailed information.
Configuration DIP Switches
The configuration DIP switches can be located on the right side of the AmpTraXX rear panel. Changing the
states of these switches can alter the behavior of AmpTraXX. See the descriptions below.
Disable Front Panel
In order to disable the front panel volume controls, turn off the first key on the 4 key
DIP switch block. These switches are located at the rear of the left side of the
AmpTraXX. With this switch in the OFF position, the unit will ignore the front
panel volume controls. Only RS-232 commands have the power to adjust volume in
this situation. However, if the DIP switch is in the ON position, this behavior is
opposite. In this mode, RS-232 volume commands will have no effect and only the
front panel controls have the ability to adjust volume.
Reset Factory Defaults
It may take several
seconds for the Factory
defaults to be loaded.
Once loaded, this DIP
switch should be switched
ON once again. There is
no need to power cycle
AmpTraXX to perform this
reset.
The second DIP switch position is used to reset AmpTraXX settings to factory
defaults. Any stored filter or gain settings will be erased from non-volatile memory.
This means that all filters will be restored to FLAT, and all gain levels will be set to
zero (unless the Front Panel volume controls are Enabled).

September 12, 2005 • Alcorn McBride AmpTraXX User’s Manual • Rev 1.2 Page 8
Firmware Update Mode
While in Firmware Update
Mode, AmpTraXX will not
operate normally. All
f
ilters and amplifiers will
remain off until this switch
is returned to the ON state.
Whenever switch #3 is in the OFF (Up) position, AmpTraXX will be in Firmware
Update Mode. In this mode of operation, AmpTraXX will sit in an idle state and
wait for a firmware update via RS-232. For a detailed explanation on Updating
AmpTraXX firmware, see the Updating Your Firmware section.
Ground Lift
In the event of AC hum or noise, the fourth key on the 4 key DIP switch, may be
opened to isolate the unit’s ground from its chassis. For ground lifting, push the DIP
switch #4 to the OFF (Up) position.
Unbalanced Inputs
For balanced input obtain
the optional balanced
audio input module.
Sixteen RCA jacks are used for unbalanced audio input.

September 12, 2005 • Alcorn McBride AmpTraXX User’s Manual • Rev 1.2 Page 9
Balanced Inputs (Optional)
When you select the
Balanced Input
option, the balanced
input connectors will
replace the
unbalanced
connectors..
Two DB-25 connectors provide balanced audio inputs for
all 16 channels. See the tables below for the pinout of
these connectors.
Connector pinout for channels 1-8
Channel + - Ground
1 1 2 3
2 14 15 16
3 4 5 6
4 17 18 19
5 7 8 9
6 20 21 22
7 10 11 12
8 23 24 25
Connector pinout for channels 9-16
Channel + - Ground
9 1 2 3
10 14 15 16
11 4 5 6
12 17 18 19
13 7 8 9
14 20 21 22
15 10 11 12
16 23 24 25

September 12, 2005 • Alcorn McBride AmpTraXX User’s Manual • Rev 1.2 Page 10
Speaker Terminals
For more information on
the transformer option, see
the 70V/100V Output
Option section of this
manual.
Sixteen pairs of screw terminals accept 14 to 22 gauge wire for speaker connections.
For applications that require transformers, these terminals can also be used to
connect to the optional 70/100v modules (XD4 or XD1).
Serial Port: RS-232C Control Connector
A 9-pin serial cable is
p
rovided with each
AmpTraXX.
This input is a standard DB-9 male RS-232C connector. This connector allows for
external control using a PC running the AmpTraXX configuration software or an
external control system. The pinout appears below.
Pin Function
2 TXD (data from AmpTraXX)
3 RXD (data to AmpTraXX)
5 GND
Power Input and Switch
The power input is auto-
sensing, and can accept 90-
220VAC, 50Hz or 60Hz.
A standard power cord is supplied and plugs into the back of the unit. Next to the
power input is the power switch.

September 12, 2005 • Alcorn McBride AmpTraXX User’s Manual • Rev 1.2 Page 11
AmpTraXX Configuration Software
Introduction to AmpTraXX Software
A free windows-based program is provided which enables you to customize AmpTraXX for your needs. In this
application, you can set each channel’s filter type, filter quality, frequency response, and gain. This application
also gives you the flexibility to adjust these values in real-time, as well as Save and Load your configurations to
your computer. This section describes this software in detail.

September 12, 2005 • Alcorn McBride AmpTraXX User’s Manual • Rev 1.2 Page 12
Installing the AmpTraXX Configuration Software
A free copy of the AmpTraXX configuration software is located on the CD that shipped with your new
AmpTraXX. If you have misplaced this CD, or you would like to obtain the most recent version of this
software, please visit our website at http://www.alcorn.com. Below is the procedure used to install the
software.
1. Insert the AmpTraXX Configuration Software CD into your PC’s CD drive.
2. If the program does not start automatically, use Explorer and browse to the CD. Double-click
Setup.exe to begin installation.
3. When the program asks, choose a suitable directory for installing the software. Although you may
choose whatever location you like, the default directory is C:\Program Files\Alcorn McBride
Inc\AmpTraXX.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions, and step through the installation process using the Next button.
5. Once the installation is complete, you can run AmpTraXX by clicking the AmpTraXX icon located in
your Start Menu.

September 12, 2005 • Alcorn McBride AmpTraXX User’s Manual • Rev 1.2 Page 13
AmpTraXX Application Modes
The AmpTraXX application has 3 basic operational modes depending on its connection status with AmpTraXX.
These will be referred to in the following documentation, so it is important to understand these different modes
of operation.
Offline Mode
When a connection is not established with an AmpTraXX unit, this application is in Offline Mode. In this
mode of operation, you can Save, Load, and adjust settings without affecting a real AmpTraXX. At any time,
you can Download or Retrieve settings from an AmpTraXX by clicking the buttons associated with these
actions. When this is done, a temporary connection is established with AmpTraXX until the data transfer is
complete.
Live Mode
When the Connect button is clicked and a connection is established with AmpTraXX, the application enters
Live Mode. In this mode, AmpTraXX settings are displayed on the application controls in real-time. Any
changes you make to filter type, gain, frequency, or filter quality will be applied to AmpTraXX immediately. If
the front panel controls of AmpTraXX are enabled, the application will monitor the values of these knobs in
real-time as well.
Other than this real-time behavior, there are some other differences between Live Mode and Offline Mode.
For example, when a configuration is loaded from a file, these settings are applied to AmpTraXX immediately.
Also, since the settings of AmpTraXX and the application are always synchronized, there is no need to have a
Retrieve function.
One important fact about Live Mode is that any settings you change are temporary. This means that if you
totally mess up all of your settings, you can always just power cycle AmpTraXX and it will return to its
permanently stored settings. If you wish to apply your changes so that they are permanent, simply click the
Store Settings button. This saves all AmpTraXX settings into non-volatile memory so that they are applied
every time AmpTraXX is turned on.
Firmware Update Mode
Using a configuration DIP switch, AmpTraXX will shutdown and wait for a firmware update. When the
Connect button is clicked in this situation, the application will enter Firmware Update Mode. Since
AmpTraXX is not functioning normally in this situation, none of the application controls will have any effect.
To update the firmware, simply click the Update Firmware button at the top of the application. Once you are
finished updating the firmware, make sure you return the DIP switch to the ‘Normal’ state. If you do not do
this, AmpTraXX will not resume normal operation.

September 12, 2005 • Alcorn McBride AmpTraXX User’s Manual • Rev 1.2 Page 14
AmpTraXX Application Controls
The AmpTraXX application has a variety of controls that can be used to configure your Alcorn McBride
AmpTraXX. These controls have been listed and described in detail below:
Help
If you are a lost puppy, click this button to access the AmpTraXX application’s built-in HTML help.
Load Configuration File
This button is used to load a previously saved AmpTraXX configuration. If you are currently connected to
AmpTraXX in Live Mode, these settings will be sent to the machine upon opening the file. Otherwise, the
loaded settings will only reflect the on-screen controls.
Save Configuration File
This button is used to save the current on-screen configuration into a file. This is useful for backups and
managing multiple configurations.
Configuration
Any settings (COM Port, etc.), regarding the AmpTraXX application, are accessible by clicking this button.

September 12, 2005 • Alcorn McBride AmpTraXX User’s Manual • Rev 1.2 Page 15
Connect to AmpTraXX
Clicking this button will establish a live connection to AmpTraXX. While in Live Mode,adjusting any of the
on-screen controls will affect AmpTraXX in real-time. Filters, frequency, filter quality, and gain can all be
tweaked without affecting the permanent settings stored in AmpTraXX. Also, while in Live Mode,
AmpTraXX will constantly be monitored for connection, status, and Gain values (if the front panel is enabled).
Disconnect from AmpTraXX
This button will only be visible if you are in Live Mode. Clicking this button will simply sever the connection
between AmpTraXX and the application.
Store Settings to AmpTraXX
This button actually has 2 different, yet similar, functions depending on your connection status with
AmpTraXX:
Offline Mode: This button will open a connection with AmpTraXX, download the on-screen settings, and store
them in AmpTraXX’s non-volatile memory. This means that AmpTraXX will remember these settings if it is
every power-cycled. Once this transfer is complete, the connection with AmpTraXX will be terminated.
Live Mode: The only functional difference between clicking this button in Live Mode instead of Offline Mode
is that in Live Mode, AmpTraXX already has the current settings. Therefore, there is no need to resend that
information or establish a connection. The sole function of this button is to cause AmpTraXX to store its
current settings in non-volatile memory, so that it remembers its current state in the event of power loss.
Retrieve Settings from AmpTraXX
This button will only be visible if you are in Offline Mode. If clicked, the AmpTraXX application will open a
temporary connection with AmpTraXX and retrieve its current settings. These settings will be reflected on the
on-screen controls, and then the connection will be terminated.

September 12, 2005 • Alcorn McBride AmpTraXX User’s Manual • Rev 1.2 Page 16
Update AmpTraXX Firmware
This button will only be visible if you are in connected to AmpTraXX and DIP switch #3 is in the Update
Firmware position. Clicking this button will allow you to select a valid HEX firmware file to update your
AmpTraXX firmware. For more details on this process, see the Updating Your Firmware section located in
this manual.
Front Panel Status Indicator
When in Live Mode, this indicator will tell you whether AmpTraXX’s front panel volume controls are enabled.
When they are enabled, the AmpTraXX application will lock out the on-screen gain controls. Instead, these
controls will reflect the current gain value based on the front panel values.
Gain Control
You can adjust the gain of each channel by using the Gain Control slider. Gain is adjustable from a value of 0
(muted ) to 10. The readout below indicates the actual value of the gain setting.
Filter Type
Each AmpTraXX channel can be set up with a variety of filter types. You can insert a Band-pass, Notch,
High-pass, or Low-pass filter. This section also contains a button to enable a 1Khz test tone to aid in channel
identification and output testing. Of course, you can always select the Flat filter, which passes the input signal
with no frequency alterations.