APG DMS26 User manual

USER GUIDE
DIGITAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
PROCESSOR
DMS26

DIGITAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM DMS26 1
APG FRANCE
User Guide
Digital Management System APG DMS26
Version 1.0
Août 2006

DIGITAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM DMS26 2
SUMMARY
SUMMARY ...................................................................................................................................................................................2
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ..........................................................................................................................................................3
QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE .....................................................................................................................................................4
THANKS AND UNPACKING ......................................................................................................................................................6
Unpacking the APG Digital series processor .........................................................................................................................6
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION .....................................................................................................................................6
REGULATORY COMPLIANCE ..................................................................................................................................................6
INTRODUCTION AND KEY FEATURES...................................................................................................................................7
DMS26 PRESENTATION ...........................................................................................................................................................8
FRONT VIEW...........................................................................................................................................................................8
REAR VIEW .............................................................................................................................................................................9
OPERATION ..............................................................................................................................................................................10
Starting up ..............................................................................................................................................................................10
Selecting a Factory Preset ....................................................................................................................................................10
Creating a Crossover.............................................................................................................................................................10
Navigation and Viewing Parameters.....................................................................................................................................10
Navigation ..............................................................................................................................................................................11
Presets ...................................................................................................................................................................................12
Preset Recall ..........................................................................................................................................................................12
Preset Store ...........................................................................................................................................................................12
DSP PROCESSING LAYOUT ..................................................................................................................................................13
Input DSP block diagram.......................................................................................................................................................13
Output DSP block diagram....................................................................................................................................................13
Stereo / Mono Formats..........................................................................................................................................................13
DSP processing - Input Channels.........................................................................................................................................14
Gain ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................14
Delay.........................................................................................................................................................................................................14
High Pass Filter ........................................................................................................................................................................................14
Parametric Equalisation ...........................................................................................................................................................................15
High and Low shelving filters ...................................................................................................................................................................15
Parametric filters ......................................................................................................................................................................................15
Output Channels ....................................................................................................................................................................16
Gain and Polarity......................................................................................................................................................................................16
Delay.........................................................................................................................................................................................................16
High and Low Pass Filters .......................................................................................................................................................................16
Parametric Equalisation ...........................................................................................................................................................................17
Limiters .....................................................................................................................................................................................................18
Routing .....................................................................................................................................................................................................18
UTILITIES ..................................................................................................................................................................................19
EQ AND FILTER RESPONSE GRAPHS.................................................................................................................................20
Butterworth .............................................................................................................................................................................20
Linkwitz-Riley .........................................................................................................................................................................20
Bessel.....................................................................................................................................................................................21
Hardman.................................................................................................................................................................................21
Filters Baxendall ....................................................................................................................................................................22
Parametrics Filters .................................................................................................................................................................22
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION .................................................................................................................................................23
General...................................................................................................................................................................................23
Processing..............................................................................................................................................................................23
Connectors.............................................................................................................................................................................23
Characteristics .......................................................................................................................................................................23
RECALL SHEET........................................................................................................................................................................24

DIGITAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM DMS26 3
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts
you to the presence of uninsulated
dangerous voltage inside the enclosure –
voltage that may be sufficient to constitute
a risk of shock.
This symbol wherever it appears, alerts
you to important operating and
maintenance instructions in the
accompanying literature. Read the
manual.
Caution: To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not remove the cover (or back). No user serviceable parts inside; refer
servicing to qualified personnel.
Warning: To reduce the risk of fire electrical shock, do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture.
DETAILED SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
All the safety and operation instructions should be read before the appliance is operated.
Retain instructions:
The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference.
Heed warnings:
All warnings on the appliance and in the operating instructions should be adhered to.
Follow instructions:
All operation and user instructions should be followed.
Water and moisture:
The appliance should not be used near water (e.g. near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a wet
basement, or near a swimming pool etc..)
Ventilation:
The appliance should be situated so that its location or position does not interfere with its prosper ventilation. For
example, the appliance should not be situated on a bed, sofa rug, or similar surface that may block the ventilation
openings, or placed in a built-in installation, such as a bookcase or cabinet that may impede the flow of air through the
ventilation openings.
Heat:
The appliance should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other appliances
(including amplifiers) that produce heat.
Power source:
The appliance should be connected to a power supply only of the type described in the operating instructions or as
marked on the appliance.
Grounding or polarization:
Precautions should be taken so that the grounding or polarization means of an appliance is not defeated.
Power-Cord Protection:
Power supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or
against them, paying particular attention to cords and plugs, convenience receptacles and the point where they exit from
the appliance.
Cleaning:
The appliance should be cleaned only as recommended by the manufacturer.
Non-use Periods:
The power cord of the appliance should be unplugged from the outlet when left unused for a long period of time.
Object and liquid Entry:
Care should be taken so that objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled into the enclosure through openings.
Damage Requiring Service:
The appliance should be serviced by qualified service personnel when:
-The power supply cord or the plug has been damaged; or
-objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the appliance; or
-the appliance has been exposed to rain; or
-The appliance does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change in performance; or
-This appliance has been dropped, or the enclosure damaged.
Servicing: The user should not attempt to service the appliance beyond that is described in the Operating instructions.
All other servicing should be referred to qualified service personnel.

DIGITAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM DMS26 4
QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE
Display
The LCD displays preset and parameter information. The default screen is shown after start up and displays the number
and name of the current preset on the lower line of text. When navigating around the adjustable parameters, other
information is shown.
Channel Select Buttons
The currently selected input or output channel is shown in the top left corner of the display. Pressing the channel select
buttons scrolls through the available inputs and outputs. If operating stereo linked the channel pair is shown. For
example ‘CH A+B’ means both input A and B parameters.
Edit Select Buttons
The name of the edit parameter page is displayed in the bottom left portion of the LCD. Pressing the edit select buttons
moves through the available parameter pages for the current input or output.
Parameter Knobs
Up to three parameters are shown on the display. The parameter name is shown with its’ current value below. Where
appropriate, parameters are grouped according to function. For example the parametric equalisation page shows centre
frequency, width and gain. Turning a parameter knob clockwise will increase the value of a parameter, turning anti-
clockwise will decrease it. Turning a knob rapidly will cause the action to ‘accelerate’, so the value changes more rapidly.
Mute Buttons
The LEDs next to the mute buttons indicate their current status. Pressing a mute button toggles between the mute on
and off.
Store Button
The unit has 45 preset locations. To store a preset in a location, press the store button and use the parameter knobs to
select the preset location and name the preset. Pressing the store button again completes the task. Pressing any button
other than store during the process cancels the procedure.
Recall Button
To recall a preset, press the recall button and use parameter knob A to select the required preset. Pressing the recall
button again will activate the preset. You will then be asked to confirm by pressing recall once more. As with the store
function, pressing any button other will cancel the process.
Limiter Settings
In order to offer the maximum of protection, some factory presets of the DMS26 can be entered with the fixed limiting
device with 0 dBu, limiting the power to approximately 30 W in 8 Ohms.
It is then essential to set the threshold according to your devices.
To do it :
- with the front panel buttons
• Use “CH” button to go to the selected output
• Use the “Parameter” button to go to the Threshold parameter
• Adjust with the parameter knob.

DIGITAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM DMS26 5
- with dedicated software
• Go to panel control of DMS26 (Device then Add Device Panel, select DMS26, press enter)
• Open selected “Output” window (1 to 6)
• Setting Threshold is located at the bottom right and can be adjusted from - 40 to +20 dBu
The following table expresses the threshold corresponding to the nominal output power provided by the amplifier.
Values for a standard gain of 26 dB
Level en dBu Power below 8 Ohms Power below 4 Ohms
0 30W 60W
+1 38W 76W
+2 48W 96W
+3 60W 120W
+4 75W 150w
+5 95W 190W
+6 120W 240W
+7 150W 300W
+8 190W 380W
+9 240W 480W
+10 300W 600W
+11 380W 760W
+12 480W 960W
+13 600W 1200W
+14 760W 1520W
+15 960W 1920W
+16 1200W 2400W
+17 1520W 3040W
+18 1920W 3840W
Limiter threshold
: threshold (dBu) = 20 log ((Power (W) x Impedance (Ohms))/0,775) –amplifier gain (dBu)
Assignment of the input signals towards output signals
- with the front panel buttons
• Use “CH” button to go to the selected output
• Use the Parameter button to go to the “source” function.
• Choose source with the first knob which offers possibility between the Inp_A, Inp_B & Sum_A+B
- with dedicated software
• Go to panel control of DMS26 (Device then Add Device Panel, select DMS26, press enter)
• Open Crossover window.
• Access to the choice of the source is in the first column of the table.
Connection to a computer
Connection RS232
Many laptops do not comprise a connection series RS232. It is then advisable to use a converter USB towards RS232.
Unfortunately, few converters meet the requirements to perform correctly with the DMS26. The converters must be
equipped with chips FTDI or Prolific X (imperative version “X”).
The following onverters USB - RS 232 were tested and are satisfactory.
- Aten UC 232A (Is the one with the most updated drivers)
- Easysync US232B
- Easysync USB-COM
An 9 pins extension cable should be envisaged, in addition to the converter, because this device cannot be installed
directly on the DMS26.
PWAPG software is available on request or can be download on our Web site: www.apg.tm.fr

DIGITAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM DMS26 6
THANKS AND UNPACKING
Thank you for choosing a APG France Digital series loudspeaker management system for your application. Please spare
a little time to study the contents of this manual, so that you obtain the best possible performance from this unit.
All APG France products are carefully engineered for world-class performance and reliability. If you would like further
information about this or any other APG France product, please contact us. We look forward to helping you in the near
future.
Unpacking the APG Digital series processor
After unpacking the unit please check carefully for damage. If damage is found, please notify the carrier concerned at
once. You, the consignee, must instigate any claim. Please retain all packaging in case of future re-shipment.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Please read carefully and keep the following instructions and safety information. Heed all warnings and follow all
instructions.
- Do not remove covers. There are no user serviceable parts inside, please refer servicing to qualified service
personnel.
- This equipment must be earthed.
- Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and
the point where they exit from the apparatus.
- Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
- Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as the power supply cord or
plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into he apparatus, the apparatus has been
exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
REGULATORY COMPLIANCE
This product complies with both the EMC Directive (89/336/EEC) and the Low Voltage Directive (73/23/EEC) as issued
by the Commission of the European Community.
Compliance with these directives imply conformity with the following European standards:
- EN60065 : Product safety
- EN55103-1 : Electromagnetic Interference (Emission)
- EN55103-2 : Electromagnetic Susceptibility (Immunity)
This product is intended for operation in the E2 (commercial & light industrial) and E3 (urban outdoors) Electromagnetic
environments.

DIGITAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM DMS26 7
INTRODUCTION AND KEY FEATURES
Introduction
The APG DMS26 digital processors benefit from the most innovative technologies. Profiting from the last technological
creation as regards analogical conversion/digital conversion and of numerical signal processing, these processors offer
top-of-the-range professional performances.
Technical specifiation
Combination of converters A/D and D/A made up with components of high range produced by Burr Brown and Wolfson,
selected carefully to offer an excellent sound quality.
DSP Processors of new generation Analogue Devices SHARC.
Bandwidth extended of 10Hz to 40 Khz and sampling rate of 96 Khz, for a perfectly linear frequency response.
Keys and LCD screen allowing an adjustment of the parameters simple and intuitive.
PC software: PWAPG
2 input / 6 analogue output
A/D & D/A Converters, 24 bits / 96 kHz
50 memories of configurations
High sound quality
APG dedicated Presets
Software control
User friendly
Applications
Management and treatments for system in multi diffusion APG, with or without subwoofer
Digital delay
Egalization for APG loudspeakers
Area management & signal distribution
Specifications
Bandwidth : 10 Hz - 40 kHz
Dynamic >112 dB
High pass Filter & low pass shelving,
Bessel, Butterworth, Linkwitz crossover Filters
Riley, Hardman
400 ms input Delay, 80ms output
Limiting threshold by 0.2 dB step
Parametric EQ 6 bands per input and output, 10 Hz with 25.4 Khz by step of 1/36 octave
Possible locking of controls of the front panel
Serial port standard
Port Network optional
Introduction
The APG Digital series of loudspeaker management systems represent the current state-of-the-art. Taking advantages of
the latest advances in analogue to digital conversion and digital signal processing technologies the units achieve
performance levels that have only recently been made possible.
Key Features
Linea Research minimal signal path design
Sonically superb ADC / DAC combination; a carefully matched pairing of the best devices from Burr Brown and Wolfson
Newly released family of Analogue Devices SHARC DSP
Extended bandwidth; 96kHz sampling frequency provides for a nominally flat response to 40kHz.
Parameter knob and LCD provide a rapid, user-friendly control interface

DIGITAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM DMS26 8
DMS26 PRESENTATION
FRONT VIEW
1 - Input Signal Indicators
A set of three pairs of LEDs indicate signal present, +4dBu and input clip for each channel. The signal present LEDs
operate at approximately –40 dBu, giving a useful indication of even relatively low input signal levels. The +4 dBu LEDs
are intended to show nominal operating level and can also be useful for setting system gain structure. Clip LEDs warn
the user of input overload and operate at +19 dBu.
2 - Preset Store and Recall
These controls provide access to the 45 presets stored within the device. Pressing the store button allows the user to
name a preset and choose which memory location it will be held in. Pressing store button again completes the process.
The Recall function operates in a similar way, pressing the recall button allows the user to select which preset they
require, pressing the button for a second time, then confirming, recalls the new DSP settings.
Note that presets cannot be stored or recalled when Secure mode is activated
3 - Channel Select Buttons
The currently selected channel is displayed on the top left hand corner of the LCD. Pressing the channel buttons scrolls
through the available input and output channels and finally through the utility functions and back to the default screen. If
operating a stereo linked preset, the channel name will indicate the channel pairing. For example ‘A+B’ means both input
A and B parameters. The name of the output will be shown briefly at the top of the display when stepping onto an output.
4 - Edit Select Buttons
The currently selected edit parameter page is displayed on the bottom left corner of the LCD. Pressing the edit select
buttons moves through the available parameters for the current input or output.
5 - Text Display
Preset, channel, parameter and status information is shown on the 2x 24-character text display. In most screens the
currently selected channel is displayed on the upper line and the edit parameter on the lower line. To simplify the display
and enhance security, some parameters or parameter pages are omitted when not relevant.
6 - Parameter Knobs
Three velocity sensitive parameter knobs are used to adjust parameters shown on the display. Up to three parameters at
a time are displayed on the screen. The parameter name is shown above the parameter value in each of the three
screen sections. The parameter knobs have a fixed association with the screen sections; the rightmost parameter knob
adjusts the rightmost parameter and so on.
7 - Output Signal / Limiter Indication
Two LEDs are provided for each output channel. These show the signal level relative to the limiter threshold. The yellow
LED will light when the signal is 6dB below the threshold and the red warning LED will light when the limiter threshold is
reached.
8 - Mute Buttons and Status LEDs
Each output has a mute button and associated mute status LED. Pressing the button toggles the mute on and off.X
Note that the mute buttons do not function when the Secure mode is activated.