APART Audiocontrol12.8 User manual

AUDIOCONTROL12.8
Instruction manual

Instruction manualAUDIOCONTROL12.8
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AUDIOCONTROL12.8

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Safety First !
• Please check the carton box for any kind of damage on
reception of the goods. In case of a damaged carton, please
contact your dealer before opening the carton.
• !!!! Danger !!!! Exposure to high sound levels may cause a
permanent hearing loss. Individuals vary considerably to sound
pressure level induced hearing loss but nearly everyone will
lose some hearing if exposed to high sound pressure levels
for a sufficient amount of time. Therefore it is recommended
that all persons exposed to equipment capable of producing
high sound pressure levels, such as this device, be protected by
hearing protection while installing or operating this unit.
• Read all documentation before operating your equipment.
• Keep all documentation for future reference.
• Save the carton and packing material even if the equipment has
arrived in good condition.
• Should you ever need to ship the unit, use only the original
factory packing.
• Do not spill water or other liquids into or on the unit.
• Make sure power outlets conform to the power requirements
listed on the back of the unit.
• Do not use the unit if the electrical power cord is frayed or
broken.
• Always operate the unit with the AC ground wire connected to
the electrical system ground.
• Set level controls on amplifiers all the way down during power-

Instruction manualAUDIOCONTROL12.8
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up to prevent speaker damage if there are high signal levels at
the inputs.
• Do not connect the inputs / outputs of amplifiers or consoles
to any other voltage source, such as a battery, mains source, or
power supply, regardless of whether the amplifier or console is
turned on or off.
• Power down & disconnect units from mains voltage before
making connections.
• Do not use the unit near stoves, heat registers, radiators, or
other heat producing devices.
• Do not operate equipment on a surface or in an environment
which may distort the normal flow of air around the unit. If the
unit is used in an extremely dusty or smoky environment, the
unit should be periodically “blown free” of dust.
• Do not remove the cover. Removing the cover will expose you
to potentially dangerous voltages.
• Do not drive the inputs with a signal level higher than that
required to drive equipment to full output.
• Do not run the output of any amplifier back into another input.
• In case of mal-function this device should be serviced by
qualified service personnel only.
• The apparatus may not be exposed to dripping or splashing and
no objects filled with liquids may be placed on the apparatus.
• The appliance coupler has to be readily operable to disconnect
the device.

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CAUTION: a clipped or distorted audio signal at the input
(overload) will come out as a clipped or distorted signal
at the output, regardless of the output level and DSP
processing power applied to the signal. Clipping occurs
when the signal and/or the applied gain is too high, due
to incompatibility of the signal level, a faulty source,
an impedance mismatch or a human error. Therefore,
monitor incoming signals and do not overload the
inputs. Adjust the output level(s) and gain settings of
your source(s) if necessary. Due to the internal gain
structure of the AudioControl, the output signals may
clip even when the input signals are relatively low. Do
not overamplify audio signals. Boosting certain frequency
bands or overcompressing incoming audio signals may
cause signal clipping, distortion and excessive noise at
the output. If you have to add lots of gain, your incoming
signal may be too weak. In some cases (microphones),
this is unavoidable. AudioControl can help you to
minimize the noise problem: add a noise gate in the
signal path of noisy/weak audio sources and set the
threshold so that no noise is heard when no signal is
present.

Instruction manualAUDIOCONTROL12.8
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General description:
Applications:
DSP powered audio matrix for small to medium sized audio
applications, featuring advanced audio processing and routing
control.
Out of box operation, intuitive configuration software with 2
operation levels, installer and expert.
• Retail
• Residential
• Education
• Houses of worship
• Hotels
• Meeting rooms
• AV rooms
• Offices
• …

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Features:
• Easy configuration via graphic installer interface.
• Configurations can be saved/backed up on the computer and
can be transferred to other AudioControl units.
• Stand alone operation: once configured, the unit will operate
without a computer.
• Stand alone graphic installer interface: no need to connect
the AudioControl unit: configure the unit offline, save the
configuration and upload it to the unit when necessary.
• Upgradeable firmware (via RS232) for future additional
features.
• Brushed aluminium panel.
• 12 analog inputs, 6 unbalanced using RCA connectors, 6
balanced using removable euroblock connectors.
• 4 digitally controlled analog gain levels on balanced inputs
(microphone up to line level).
• Digital SPDIF input, can be assigned as 2 additional inputs,
making it a 14 in 8 out unit! In this case no DSP processing can
be assigned to the SPDIF input.
• Digital SPDIF input can be swapped with EQ and Dynamics of
analog input 7 & 8. In this case DSP processing can be assigned
to the SPDIF input.
• 8 unbalanced analog outputs using RCA connectors with
switchable 15 dB output boost.
• Digital SPDIF output with 24 bit, 48 kHz fixed sampling rate
assignable as a copy of a selected analog output (pair).

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• 8 dedicated wall control connectors (DIWAC).
• Polarity independent 2 wire connection between wall panel and
AudioControl unit.
• DSP with 48 kHz internal processing sampling rate: parametric
EQ, audio filtering and dynamics processing on the inputs.
• DSP with 48 kHz internal processing sampling rate: parametric
EQ, audio filtering, compressor and limiter on the outputs.
• Integrated chime (ding-dong).
• Automatic sampling rate converter on the digital input: 8 - 24
bit/32 – 96 kHz.
• Paging microphone input (DIMIC product range), fully
configurable paging.
• 1.2 millisecond propagation time from analog input to analog
output.
• 8 paging priority levels.
• 3 x RS232 ports for easy integration with automation systems.
• LED display window for easy status overview of all audio
signals, control signals, and communication ports.
• Universal integrated switching power supply: 88-264 VAC/47-
63 Hz.
• Switchable ground lift.
• 1 rack unit high.
• Removable 19” rack ears.

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AUDIOCONTROL12.8 is a highly versatile, fully configurable 12 in 8
out audio matrix with built in DSP processing. With the SPDIF inputs
in use, you might even call it a 14 in 8 out unit !
Paging possibilities are virtually endless: a maximum of 120
addressable/programmable paging microphones/extenders can be
connected, each with their own functionality and individual presets
and up to 8 priority levels. A maximum of 8 microphones can be
powered by the AudioControl unit, depending on cable length.
When more units are in use, or when the cables cause substantial
supply voltage drops (power loss), the microphones must be
individually powered by a 24 VDC power supply (see manual of
the connected DIMIC). The microphone push buttons can be
programmed to page zones, zone groups, to play pre-recorded
messages (with optional module installed), Or to control external
devices such as door locks, lights or alarm sounders.The chime,
when enabled, can be activated by pushing the call button on a
paging mic station.

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This page explains the out of the box behavior of the
AUDIOCONTROL12.8. The complete manual can be
downloaded from our website: www.apart-audio.com
Standard factory configuration:
Input configuration:
Output configuration:
Wall panel (DIWAC) configuration:
• 5 stereo inputs: input 1(L) and 2(R), input 3(L) and 4(R), input
5(L) and 6(R), input 7(L) and 8(R), input 9(L) and 10(R).
• Input 11 = inactive.
• Input 12 = paging output (from DIMIC12). When a DIMIC 12 is
connected, the audio from the microphone is internally routed
through input 12 and input 12 becomes an output. Therefore,
do not connect a signal to this input.
• 4 stereo output zones: output pairs 1-2 = zone 1; 3-4 = zone
2; 5-6 = zone 3; 7-8 = zone 4
• Wall panel out 1-2-3-4 correspond to zone 1-2-3-4
• Wall panel out 5-6-7-8 correspond to zone 1-2-3-4
• Paging buttons: 1-2-3-4 are set up to page zone 1-2-3-4
• Pushbuttons for source selection (source 1-5) and volume control

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Connecting the paging microphone (DIMIC product
range)
Connect the DIMIC connector labelled “OUTPUT” to the
AudioControl’s “PAGING MIC” connector using a straight RJ45
cable. When a DIMIC range microphone is connected to the
AudioControl unit, input 12 will be assigned to the DIMIC audio
path and the audio signal coming through the RJ45 cable will be
routed internally through input 12, the unbalanced RCA connector
of input 12 becomes an output in that case. Therefore: do not
connect anything to input 12 when a DIMIC microphone is in
use. DIMIC12 standard configuration: push buttons 1-4 will select
output zones 1-4. When pushing the “selective” or “all zones”
button on the DIMIC, the chime will be activated, audio inputs
will be muted in the selected zones and the microphone signal will
be routed to the selected zones as long as the “selective” or “all
zones” button is pushed in.
If you need to set up the unit for a custom application, please
download the latest graphical installer interface software from our
website: www.apart-audio.com and configure the unit with this
software.

Instruction manualAUDIOCONTROL12.8
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Connections:
Back panel:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 8 10
12 13 14 15 11
1. Analog outputs 1-8 on RCA unbalanced.
2. GND screw.
3. Analog inputs 7-12 on RCA unbalanced.
4. Optional module slot.
5. Optional module slot.
6. Paging mic connector on RJ45. WARNING, this is not a
computer network connection. Use this connector only
with compatible microphones such as our DIMIC range of
microphones/extenders. When a compatible microphone is
plugged in, the microphone signal is injected through the RJ
45 connector is routed via the path of analog input number
12. The analog input number 12 RCA connector automatically
becomes an analog microphone output for linking purposes. A
maximum of 8 DIMIC microphones/extenders can be powered
via the RJ45 connector by the AudioControl unit. The maximum

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number of addressable microphones/extenders is 120 pieces,
using additional external PSU for the mic units.
7. RS232 connector C: connect to a compatible automation unit.
8. RS232 connector B: connect to a compatible automation unit.
9. SPDIF digital input: stereo (2 ch) digital input on cinch
connector: 8-24 bit/32-96 kHz with automatic sampling rate
converter. The SPDIF input can be configured as additional
input. In this case no dynamics or EQ processing are possible.
Alternatively, they can be rerouted as a digital replacement for
two analog inputs with full processing: in this case the analog
inputs will not have EQ and dynamics.
10. Power switch: power the unit on and off
11. Power inlet: connect the power cord here
12. Input number 12 doubles as a microphone output for the
DIMIC series. When a compatible microphone is connected
on the RJ45 paging mic connector, input number 12 is
automatically assigned as a paging mic ouput and can not be
used for other purposes !!!
13. Analog inputs 1-6 on euroblock balanced: these inputs have
a wide gain range and are compatible with microphone and
line level signals. The analog gain is controlled digitally via the
graphic installer interface in 4 fixed steps: -13 dB, +0 dB, +19
dB or + 35 dB. Digital trim: 0 to +20 dB on all inputs for easy
level matching.
14. Wall controller 1-8 connector. The wall controllers (DIWAC) can
be freely assigned to any output (zone). Only one controller
per connector is allowed, resulting in a maximum of 8 wall

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controllers per AudioControl. You can assign multiple wall
controllers to one zone, but you cannot exceed the limit of 8
controllers per audio control unit. The wall controllers cannot
be daisy chained: each controller must be connected to its
dedicated connector on the audio control.
15. SPDIF output on cinch connector: stereo digital output. 24
bit/48 kHz fixed bit depth/sampling rate. The SPDIF outs will act
as a digital copy of one assignable zone, mono or stereo.
IMPORTANT: when the SPDIF output is configured as a copy of a
mono zone, the left and right SPDIF output signals will be identical.
Front panel:
1
6 7 8 9
2 3 4 5
11 10 11
1. RS232/A port: serial port for easy access via the front panel to
all programming/control functions.
2. SPDIF input A/B (left/right) signal indication led: light up green
when a sufficiently strong input signal is present, orange at
high input level, and red near clipping level.
3. Audio input 1-12 signal indication led: light up green when a

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sufficiently strong input signal is present at input 1-12, orange
at high input level, and red near clipping level.
4. RS232 A-C activity indicators: these blue leds light up when
RS232 commands are being received on RS232 port A-C.
5. Control General purpose input 1-8 indicator leds: optional.
6. SPDIF output A/B (left/right) signal indication led: light up green
when a sufficiently strong output signal is present, orange at
high output level, and red near clipping level.
7. Audio output 1-8 signal indication led: light up green when a
sufficiently strong output signal is present at output 1-8, orange
at high output level, and red near clipping level.
8. RS232 A-C activity indicators: these blue leds light up when
RS232 commands are being sent on RS232 port A-C.
9. Control General purpose output 1-8 indicator leds: optional.
10. Power led: lights up when mains power is present and the unit
has been switched on. The main power switch is located at the
back of the unit.
11. Removable rack ears left and right.

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RS232:
All you need is a serial cable (straight, no null modem cable !!!) and
a working serial port on your computer. Alternatively, a standard
USB to RS232 converter will do the job.
IMPORTANT: Consult the manual of your USB to serial converter
and make sure the drivers for the converter or integrated serial
port are successfully installed before starting the AudiControl
graphical installer interface program. Check your device manager
on your computer and make sure there are no unknown or disabled
communication devices in the list (usually these communication
devices are listed under COM PORTS). The program will
automatically scan all available com ports on your computer and
will automatically configure the serial port the audio control is
connected to. No further user action is required for making the
connection. No specific drivers are needed for the AudioControl
unit, because all communication with the computer is done via
RS232 commands.
Despite the fact that serial ports are becoming rare on modern
computers, they are still commonly used in home/office automation
and control systems. There are many benefits to using serial ports:
the protocol is very reliable and does not depend on operating
system driver policies or restrictions.
For your reference, serial port parameters are as follows: baudrate
19200, 8 databits, 1 stopbit, no parity. The serial cable used for
communicating with AudioControl is a straight through, one to one
serial cable (do not use a null modem cable). If you experience any
communication problems, first check the RS232 A/B/C in/out leds
on the front panel. These should flash (briefly) when commands are
sent/received successfully. When the leds remain unlit at all times,
no connection has been made and you will be unable to configure
the unit.

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Communication with AudioControl via RS232 is done with simple
ASCII Commands and Replies. The RS232A port settings (front
panel) are 19200 Baud, 8 databits, no parity and 1 stop bit. Serial
ports RS232 B and C (rear panel) can be configured via the graphic
installer interface program.
Pin 2: TX data: data transmission output
Pin 3: RX data: data reception input
Pin 5: GND: ground
Other pins are not used.

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Analog input and output
Balanced inputs 1 – 6
Input impedance pad enabled
(+13dBV input sensitivity)
2 kΩ
All other gain settings 6 kΩ
Phantom power 24 VDC, individually selectable
Digital gain trim 0 – 20 dB
Max input level @ Gain stage 1
(attenuator)
+18 dBV
Max input level @ Gain stage 2
(no gain)
+9 dBV
Max input level @ Gain stage 3
(low gain)
-10 dBV
Max input level @ Gain stage 4
(high gain)
-26 dBV
SNR of Gain stage 1 (attenuator) 100dB un-weighted
SNR of Gain stage 2 (no gain) 100dB un-weighted
SNR of Gain stage 3 (low gain) 89dB un-weighted
SNR of Gain stage 4 (high gain) 77dB un-weighted
Unbalanced inputs 7 – 12
Input impedance 10 kΩ
Digital gain trim 0 - 20 dB
Max input level +18 dBV
SNR 100dB un-weighted
Specifications:

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Unbalanced outputs 1 – 8
Output impedance < 100 Ω
Digital gain trim -12dB to +6dB
Max output level +5 dBV, with output boost
possible to +20dBV
SNR 93dB un-weighted
SNR with output boost 97.5dB un-weighted
THD + N 0,005% un-weighted
THD + N with output boost 0,03% un-weighted
Channel separation
SPDIF in to analog output 97 dB @ 1 kHz, 75 dB @ 20 kHz,
@ nominal output level
Unbalanced inputs to analog
output
92 dB @ 1 kHz, 82 dB @ 20 kHz,
@ nominal output level
Balanced inputs to analog output 95 dB @ 1 kHz, 82 dB @ 20 kHz,
@ nominal output level
Digital input and output
Input SPDIF 2 channel. 8 – 24 bit,
32 – 96 kHz sampling rate with
sampling rate converter
Output SPDIF 2 channel. 24 bit, 48 kHz
fixed sampling rate
Control section
RS232A port settings 19200 Baud, 8 databits, no parity
and 1 stop bit
RS232 B and C settings selectable via GII: baudrate: 600,
1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200,
38400