Cedar dns2000 User manual

Page 1
OWNER’S MANUAL
© 2003 - 2005 CEDAR Audio Ltd
Manual version (OSX & OS9) v2: January 2005
DNS2000
for Pro Tools
Macintosh USB versions
OS9.xx and OS-X
dialogue noise suppressor
interstage
Phistersvej 31, 2900 Hellerup, Danmark
Telefon [phone], fax [phone]
www.interstage.dk
-pro audio with a smile

Page 2 Page 3
Table of Contents
Introduction................................................................................................. 4
Host System Requirements......................................................................... 5
DNS2000 Firmware ..................................................................................... 5
Assumed Knowledge.................................................................................. 5
Safety Instructions ...................................................................................... 6
Setting up the DNS2000 ............................................................................. 7
Unpacking ..............................................................................................7
Installation Site .......................................................................................7
Rear Panel Connections .........................................................................7
The Remote Control Software ..................................................................... 8
Installation ..............................................................................................8
Using the DNS2000 within Pro Tools ......................................................9
Software Controls...................................................................................... 10
DNS2000 Specific Controls ..................................................................10
Generic Pro Tools Plug-in Controls .......................................................11
Automation ...........................................................................................11
Hardware Indicators ................................................................................. 12
USB LEDs ............................................................................................. 12
Input LEDs ............................................................................................12
Off / On LEDs - Channel 1 & Channel 2 ...............................................12
Range LEDs - Channel 1 & Channel 2 .................................................13
Gain LEDs - Channel 1 & Channel 2 ....................................................13
Tutorial....................................................................................................... 14
Selecting a DNS2000 Processor ..........................................................14
Range Selector .....................................................................................15
Level Control ........................................................................................15
Band Gain Controls ..............................................................................15
Case Studies............................................................................................. 16
Suppressing traffic noise and other ambient sound ............................16
Suppressing tape hiss .......................................................................... 18
Suppressing excessive reverberation ..................................................19
Troubleshooting Non-CEDAR Components .............................................. 20
Specifications ........................................................................................... 21
General.................................................................................................21
Audio ....................................................................................................21
EMC Regulations ...................................................................................... 21
Declaration of conformity .....................................................................21
License and Limited Warranty .................................................................. 22

Page 2 Page 3
Table of Contents
Introduction................................................................................................. 4
Host System Requirements......................................................................... 5
DNS2000 Firmware ..................................................................................... 5
Assumed Knowledge.................................................................................. 5
Safety Instructions ...................................................................................... 6
Setting up the DNS2000 ............................................................................. 7
Unpacking ..............................................................................................7
Installation Site .......................................................................................7
Rear Panel Connections .........................................................................7
The Remote Control Software ..................................................................... 8
Installation ..............................................................................................8
Using the DNS2000 within Pro Tools ......................................................9
Software Controls...................................................................................... 10
DNS2000 Specific Controls ..................................................................10
Generic Pro Tools Plug-in Controls .......................................................11
Automation ...........................................................................................11
Hardware Indicators ................................................................................. 12
USB LEDs ............................................................................................. 12
Input LEDs ............................................................................................12
Off / On LEDs - Channel 1 & Channel 2 ...............................................12
Range LEDs - Channel 1 & Channel 2 .................................................13
Gain LEDs - Channel 1 & Channel 2 ....................................................13
Tutorial....................................................................................................... 14
Selecting a DNS2000 Processor ..........................................................14
Range Selector .....................................................................................15
Level Control ........................................................................................15
Band Gain Controls ..............................................................................15
Case Studies............................................................................................. 16
Suppressing traffic noise and other ambient sound ............................16
Suppressing tape hiss .......................................................................... 18
Suppressing excessive reverberation ..................................................19
Troubleshooting Non-CEDAR Components .............................................. 20
Specifications ........................................................................................... 21
General.................................................................................................21
Audio ....................................................................................................21
EMC Regulations ...................................................................................... 21
Declaration of conformity .....................................................................21
License and Limited Warranty .................................................................. 22

Page 4 Page 5
INTRODUCTION
In 2000, CEDAR Audio launched the DNS1000 dynamic noise suppressor. This is
a stand-alone, desktop-format unit designed specifically for film production,
dubbing, outside broadcast (remote) and studio noise suppression.
The format of the DNS1000 is ideal for replacing analogue units that have been in
use for many years, and for use in situations where rapid setup and processing is
required ‘on the fly’. However, it does not offer automation, nor can it be linked to
a digital audio workstation other than by its audio connectors. So we designed
the DNS2000…
The DNS2000 is a combination of a rackmount unit that provides audio I/O and
nearly 200MFLOPS of processing power, plus remote control software for your
Pro Tools host system. With just a single USB control connection between the
DNS2000 hardware and the host, the DNS2000 is very simple and quick to install.
Once you have loaded the DNS2000 remote control software, you can control all
aspects of the DNS2000 from within Pro Tools, and automate all its operating
parameters. Quality, speed and simplicity are paramount considerations in the
DNS2000 design, and its features include the following:
■Near zero latency
The DNS2000 has a group delay of less than 10 samples (typically less
than 1/200th of a frame) so there is no loss of lip-sync when using it.
■Flexibility
The DNS2000 will handle a wide range of noise suppression
requirements.
■Speed and ease of use
The DNS2000 offers a carefully designed user-interface that maximises
speed of use.
■Audio interfaces
The DNS2000 incorporates a 24-bit digital audio interface conforming to
both AES/EBU and SPDIF standards.
■Universal power supply
Its universal power supply means that a DNS2000 will work anywhere in
the world.
■Powerful processor
A 40-bit floating point DSP processor delivers up to 198MFLOPS so that
the DNS2000 will handle the most complex processing requirements.
HOST SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
Macintosh OS-X users:
The DNS2000 should be used with Pro Tools version 6 or later. Any Macintosh
with a free USB port running Mac OS-X and a suitable version of Pro Tools will
support the OS-X version of the DNS2000 Remote Control Software and
processor unit.
Macintosh OS9.xx users:
We recommend that the DNS2000 should be used with Pro Tools version 5.1.1 or
later. Any Macintosh with a free USB port running Mac OS 9.xx and a suitable
version of Pro Tools will support the OS9 version of the DNS2000 Remote Control
Software and processor unit.
DNS2000 FIRMWARE
If you intend to use the DNS2000 with a Macintosh running OS-X, the DNS2000
hardware will require version 2 firmware. This is supplied as standard with all
units shipped on or after 1 September 2003. Units originally shipped for use
under OS9.xx and which incorporate version 1 firmware must be upgraded to
version 2. The upgrade software is provided on your DNS2000 installation CD as:
OS 10:Firmware Upgrade:DNS2000 Firmware Upgrade.command
Double-click to run this programme, and follow the on-screen instructions.
If the DNS2000 hardware already has version 2 firmware installed, the
programme will return an error message informing you that there is no need to
upgrade.
ASSUMED KNOWLEDGE
This manual assumes that you are fully conversant with your Macintosh computer
and MacOS, and that you know how to operate your Pro Tools host system. It will
refer to operations that are common to these products, but will not attempt to
explain them.

Page 4 Page 5
INTRODUCTION
In 2000, CEDAR Audio launched the DNS1000 dynamic noise suppressor. This is
a stand-alone, desktop-format unit designed specifically for film production,
dubbing, outside broadcast (remote) and studio noise suppression.
The format of the DNS1000 is ideal for replacing analogue units that have been in
use for many years, and for use in situations where rapid setup and processing is
required ‘on the fly’. However, it does not offer automation, nor can it be linked to
a digital audio workstation other than by its audio connectors. So we designed
the DNS2000…
The DNS2000 is a combination of a rackmount unit that provides audio I/O and
nearly 200MFLOPS of processing power, plus remote control software for your
Pro Tools host system. With just a single USB control connection between the
DNS2000 hardware and the host, the DNS2000 is very simple and quick to install.
Once you have loaded the DNS2000 remote control software, you can control all
aspects of the DNS2000 from within Pro Tools, and automate all its operating
parameters. Quality, speed and simplicity are paramount considerations in the
DNS2000 design, and its features include the following:
■Near zero latency
The DNS2000 has a group delay of less than 10 samples (typically less
than 1/200th of a frame) so there is no loss of lip-sync when using it.
■Flexibility
The DNS2000 will handle a wide range of noise suppression
requirements.
■Speed and ease of use
The DNS2000 offers a carefully designed user-interface that maximises
speed of use.
■Audio interfaces
The DNS2000 incorporates a 24-bit digital audio interface conforming to
both AES/EBU and SPDIF standards.
■Universal power supply
Its universal power supply means that a DNS2000 will work anywhere in
the world.
■Powerful processor
A 40-bit floating point DSP processor delivers up to 198MFLOPS so that
the DNS2000 will handle the most complex processing requirements.
HOST SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
Macintosh OS-X users:
The DNS2000 should be used with Pro Tools version 6 or later. Any Macintosh
with a free USB port running Mac OS-X and a suitable version of Pro Tools will
support the OS-X version of the DNS2000 Remote Control Software and
processor unit.
Macintosh OS9.xx users:
We recommend that the DNS2000 should be used with Pro Tools version 5.1.1 or
later. Any Macintosh with a free USB port running Mac OS 9.xx and a suitable
version of Pro Tools will support the OS9 version of the DNS2000 Remote Control
Software and processor unit.
DNS2000 FIRMWARE
If you intend to use the DNS2000 with a Macintosh running OS-X, the DNS2000
hardware will require version 2 firmware. This is supplied as standard with all
units shipped on or after 1 September 2003. Units originally shipped for use
under OS9.xx and which incorporate version 1 firmware must be upgraded to
version 2. The upgrade software is provided on your DNS2000 installation CD as:
OS 10:Firmware Upgrade:DNS2000 Firmware Upgrade.command
Double-click to run this programme, and follow the on-screen instructions.
If the DNS2000 hardware already has version 2 firmware installed, the
programme will return an error message informing you that there is no need to
upgrade.
ASSUMED KNOWLEDGE
This manual assumes that you are fully conversant with your Macintosh computer
and MacOS, and that you know how to operate your Pro Tools host system. It will
refer to operations that are common to these products, but will not attempt to
explain them.

Page 6 Page 7
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Read these instructions, and follow them.
■Water and moisture
The DNS2000 rackmount processor must not be exposed to rain or
moisture. Furthermore, if the DNS2000 is brought directly from a cold
environment into a warm one, moisture may condense inside it. This, in
itself, will not cause damage, but may cause electrical shorting. This
could damage the DNS2000, and even cause danger to life. Always allow
the DNS2000 to reach ambient temperatures naturally before connecting
the mains power.
■Mounting and ventilation
You should place the DNS2000 on a flat, stable surface or mount it in a
standard 19” equipment rack. Use the supplied rubber feet to avoid
scratching the surface, or the rackmounting accessories, as appropriate.
Do not subject the DNS2000 to strong sunlight, excessive dust,
mechanical vibration or periodic shocks. The unit is not susceptible to
excessive heat build-up, but should be installed away from heat sources
such as radiators and audio devices that produce large amounts of heat.
■Power sources
The DNS2000 features a universal power supply that will work safely on
any mains supply in the range 85V to 260V, 50Hz or 60Hz AC only. The
unit should always be grounded (earthed), and you should route power
cables so that they will not be walked on or pinched.
■Connections
Turn off the power to all equipment before making any connections.
■Cleaning
Clean the DNS2000 only with a dry cloth. Never use abrasive pads or
liquid cleaners such as alcohol or benzene.
■Damage requiring service
The DNS2000 contains no user-serviceable parts and should on no
account be opened or dismantled by unauthorised personnel. It should be
returned to qualified service agents when it has been exposed to liquids,
when it fails to function correctly, when it has been dropped, or when the
case is damaged.
SETTING UP THE DNS2000
Unpacking
Unpack the DNS2000 carefully. Save the carton and all packing materials since
you may need them to transport the unit in the future. In addition to this manual,
the DNS2000 and its packaging, the box should contain the following:
■mains connection lead and USB cable
■software CD-ROM
■rackmounting accessories and rubber feet
■warranty registration card.
Installation Site
To maintain reliability and prolong operating life, observe the following
environmental considerations:
■the temperature should be maintained between 5 and 30 Celsius
■relative humidity should be in the range 30% to 80% non-condensing
■strong magnetic fields should not exist nearby.
Rear Panel Connections
Audio Connections
The DNS2000 offers two audio connection standards. It passes its signal to both
outputs irrespective of the input used. The standards are:
■Digital SPDIF format
■Digital AES/EBU format
Note: The processor will lock onto the first input that provides a valid clock.
The DNS2000 is not affected by channel status data. It will echo any such data
directly to the outputs.

Page 6 Page 7
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Read these instructions, and follow them.
■Water and moisture
The DNS2000 rackmount processor must not be exposed to rain or
moisture. Furthermore, if the DNS2000 is brought directly from a cold
environment into a warm one, moisture may condense inside it. This, in
itself, will not cause damage, but may cause electrical shorting. This
could damage the DNS2000, and even cause danger to life. Always allow
the DNS2000 to reach ambient temperatures naturally before connecting
the mains power.
■Mounting and ventilation
You should place the DNS2000 on a flat, stable surface or mount it in a
standard 19” equipment rack. Use the supplied rubber feet to avoid
scratching the surface, or the rackmounting accessories, as appropriate.
Do not subject the DNS2000 to strong sunlight, excessive dust,
mechanical vibration or periodic shocks. The unit is not susceptible to
excessive heat build-up, but should be installed away from heat sources
such as radiators and audio devices that produce large amounts of heat.
■Power sources
The DNS2000 features a universal power supply that will work safely on
any mains supply in the range 85V to 260V, 50Hz or 60Hz AC only. The
unit should always be grounded (earthed), and you should route power
cables so that they will not be walked on or pinched.
■Connections
Turn off the power to all equipment before making any connections.
■Cleaning
Clean the DNS2000 only with a dry cloth. Never use abrasive pads or
liquid cleaners such as alcohol or benzene.
■Damage requiring service
The DNS2000 contains no user-serviceable parts and should on no
account be opened or dismantled by unauthorised personnel. It should be
returned to qualified service agents when it has been exposed to liquids,
when it fails to function correctly, when it has been dropped, or when the
case is damaged.
SETTING UP THE DNS2000
Unpacking
Unpack the DNS2000 carefully. Save the carton and all packing materials since
you may need them to transport the unit in the future. In addition to this manual,
the DNS2000 and its packaging, the box should contain the following:
■mains connection lead and USB cable
■software CD-ROM
■rackmounting accessories and rubber feet
■warranty registration card.
Installation Site
To maintain reliability and prolong operating life, observe the following
environmental considerations:
■the temperature should be maintained between 5 and 30 Celsius
■relative humidity should be in the range 30% to 80% non-condensing
■strong magnetic fields should not exist nearby.
Rear Panel Connections
Audio Connections
The DNS2000 offers two audio connection standards. It passes its signal to both
outputs irrespective of the input used. The standards are:
■Digital SPDIF format
■Digital AES/EBU format
Note: The processor will lock onto the first input that provides a valid clock.
The DNS2000 is not affected by channel status data. It will echo any such data
directly to the outputs.

Page 8 Page 9
Note: In both cases, there are two versions of the DNS2000 Remote Control
Software now installed on your Pro Tools system. The first operates as a
mono process. You select this from the plug-in menu in the Pro Tools
mixer. The second operates as a stereo process, and applies the same
settings to both channels in a stereo track. You select this from the multi-
channel plug-in menu in the mixer.
Using the DNS2000 within Pro Tools
■Ensure that the USB cable is connected between the Pro Tools system
and the CEDAR DNS2000 processor unit. If the connection is successful,
the USB ‘link’ LED on the processor unit front panel will light.
■Launch a Pro Tools session.
■Insert DNS2000 RCS (mono) or DNS2000 RCS (stereo) as a plug-in.
Note: If the DNS2000 Remote Control Software plug-ins do not appear in the list
of available processes it is possible that you have copied the plug-in file
to the wrong folder.
If you have loaded the software correctly and loaded the Remote Control
Software into a suitable channel, you should now see the RCS screen. If an error
screen appears please check the location(s) of the library, or driver and shim (as
appropriate).
OS9.xx error screen OS-X error screen
If you have attached the DNS2000 to the Pro Tools system using the USB cable,
and if you have correctly connected the audio signal leads to the DNS2000, you
should now be ready to process audio.
THE REMOTE CONTROL SOFTWARE
Installation
Follow these instructions to load and set up your DNS2000 Remote Control
Software:
OS9.xx users:
■Insert the CD
■Copy the file named CEDARDNS2000Driver from the CD to your
Extensions folder. You can do this by dragging and dropping the file
directly into the folder, or by dropping it onto the MacOS System Folder,
whereupon the operating system will place it in the correct folder
■Copy the file CEDARDNS2000Shim from the CD to your Extensions
folder
■Copy the file CEDARDNS2000.PPC from the CD to the Plug-Ins folder.
You will probably find this at the following location on your hard disk:
Macintosh HD:System Folder:DAE Folder:Plug-Ins
It is not necessary to restart your Macintosh after transferring these files if you are
loading the DNS2000 Remote Control Software for the first time. However, you will
need to perform a restart after loading a new version of the Remote Control
Software. This is because the earlier file CEDARDNS2000Shim will remain in
memory until replaced at start-up.
OS-X users:
■Insert the CD
■Double-click on the DNS2000BundleInstaller.pkg icon
■Follow the on-screen instructions and, if prompted to do so, install the
library on the same volume as your Pro Tools installation
■Copy the file CEDARDNS2000RCS to the Pro Tools plug-ins folder:
Macintosh HD:Applications:Digidesign:Protools:Plug-ins alias
It is not necessary to restart your Macintosh after transferring these files, but
installation should not take place while Pro Tools is running.
If you receive the following error message when attempting to run the DNS2000,
you should check that you have installed the software correctly.

Page 8 Page 9
Note: In both cases, there are two versions of the DNS2000 Remote Control
Software now installed on your Pro Tools system. The first operates as a
mono process. You select this from the plug-in menu in the Pro Tools
mixer. The second operates as a stereo process, and applies the same
settings to both channels in a stereo track. You select this from the multi-
channel plug-in menu in the mixer.
Using the DNS2000 within Pro Tools
■Ensure that the USB cable is connected between the Pro Tools system
and the CEDAR DNS2000 processor unit. If the connection is successful,
the USB ‘link’ LED on the processor unit front panel will light.
■Launch a Pro Tools session.
■Insert DNS2000 RCS (mono) or DNS2000 RCS (stereo) as a plug-in.
Note: If the DNS2000 Remote Control Software plug-ins do not appear in the list
of available processes it is possible that you have copied the plug-in file
to the wrong folder.
If you have loaded the software correctly and loaded the Remote Control
Software into a suitable channel, you should now see the RCS screen. If an error
screen appears please check the location(s) of the library, or driver and shim (as
appropriate).
OS9.xx error screen OS-X error screen
If you have attached the DNS2000 to the Pro Tools system using the USB cable,
and if you have correctly connected the audio signal leads to the DNS2000, you
should now be ready to process audio.
THE REMOTE CONTROL SOFTWARE
Installation
Follow these instructions to load and set up your DNS2000 Remote Control
Software:
OS9.xx users:
■Insert the CD
■Copy the file named CEDARDNS2000Driver from the CD to your
Extensions folder. You can do this by dragging and dropping the file
directly into the folder, or by dropping it onto the MacOS System Folder,
whereupon the operating system will place it in the correct folder
■Copy the file CEDARDNS2000Shim from the CD to your Extensions
folder
■Copy the file CEDARDNS2000.PPC from the CD to the Plug-Ins folder.
You will probably find this at the following location on your hard disk:
Macintosh HD:System Folder:DAE Folder:Plug-Ins
It is not necessary to restart your Macintosh after transferring these files if you are
loading the DNS2000 Remote Control Software for the first time. However, you will
need to perform a restart after loading a new version of the Remote Control
Software. This is because the earlier file CEDARDNS2000Shim will remain in
memory until replaced at start-up.
OS-X users:
■Insert the CD
■Double-click on the DNS2000BundleInstaller.pkg icon
■Follow the on-screen instructions and, if prompted to do so, install the
library on the same volume as your Pro Tools installation
■Copy the file CEDARDNS2000RCS to the Pro Tools plug-ins folder:
Macintosh HD:Applications:Digidesign:Protools:Plug-ins alias
It is not necessary to restart your Macintosh after transferring these files, but
installation should not take place while Pro Tools is running.
If you receive the following error message when attempting to run the DNS2000,
you should check that you have installed the software correctly.

Page 10 Page 11
SOFTWARE CONTROLS ■Level Control
The Level control tells the DNS2000 how much noise is present in the
input.
■Band Gain Controls
The DNS2000 divides a signal into a large number of well-defined bands.
Sophisticated digital filters analyse each of these bands and suppress the
noise independently in each. The innovative design of this filter bank
allows you to control the DNS2000 using relatively few controls.
The Band Gain controls determine the maximum amount of processing
that the DNS2000 will apply in each band.
■Activity Bargraphs
These offer a visual indication of the activity in each of the Bands.
■Device Selection
You can connect the DNS2000 rackmount unit to your Pro Tools system,
but until you link it to the Remote Control Software it will do nothing.
The drop-down list on the plug-in displays all the DNS2000 processors
that are currently connected to your system, and allows you to select
which processor will be controlled by this instance of the Remote Control
Software.
■Audio I/O Status
When a DNS2000 processor is connected and selected, the drop-down
list will report the audio input to which the DNS2000 is locked, the sample
rate of the incoming audio, and whether that sample rate lies more than
10% outside the accepted 44.1kHz and 48kHz standards.
Generic Pro Tools Plug-in Controls
■Bypass
This control allows you to monitor the processed or unprocessed signals.
When Bypass is selected, the ‘off’ LED will light within the appropriate
channel display on the DNS2000 processor front panel. At all other times,
the ‘on’ LED will be lit.
Note: The other controls provided within the Pro Tools header to the plug-in
window have generic operation, and are described in the Pro Tools
documentation.
Automation
The Band Gain settings, Level and Range Selectors appear in the Plug-In
Automation screen, and - together with the Pro Tools Bypass control - may be
automated in standard Pro Tools fashion.
DNS2000 Specific Controls
■Range Selectors
The Range Selectors concentrate the unit’s activity into the desired part of
the audio spectrum, as follows:
Low 20Hz - 400Hz
Mid 200Hz - 6kHz
High 4kHz - 18kHz
Low + Mid 20Hz - 6kHz
Mid + High 200Hz - 18kHz
Full Range 20Hz - 18kHz
Selecting any of these ranges concentrates all of the filters within the
DNS2000’s filter bank across that part of the audio spectrum.