Coda DNC260 User manual

Coda Audio
DNC260 Digital Loudspeaker Processor
User Guide version 0.1

Coda Audio DNC260
User Guide version 0.1 Page 2 of 0
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 indicators 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.

Coda Audio DNC260
User Guide version 0.1 Page of 0
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.

Coda Audio DNC260
User Guide version 0.1 Page 4 of 0
Quick Reference Guide ................................................................................................................. 2
Display ..................................................................................................................... 2
Channel Select Buttons ......................................................................................... 2
Edit Select Buttons............................................................................................... 2
Parameter Knobs ................................................................................................. 2
Mute Buttons ...................................................................................................... 2
Store Button ....................................................................................................... 2
Recall Button .......................................................................................................
Important Safety Information ...................................................................................... 6
Regulatory Compliance ......................................................................................... 6
Thanks and Unpacking ............................................................................................... 7
Introduction and Key Features ....................................................................................................
Introduction ......................................................................................................... 8
The User Guide .......................................................................................................... 9
Front Panel ............................................................................................................. 10
Input Signal Indicators ....................................................................................... 10
Preset Store and Recall....................................................................................... 10
Channel Select Buttons ....................................................................................... 10
Edit Select Buttons............................................................................................. 11
Text Display ...................................................................................................... 11
Parameter Knobs ............................................................................................... 11
Output Signal / Limiter Indication ........................................................................ 11
Mute Buttons and Status LEDs ............................................................................. 11
Secure Button (on the rear) ................................................................................ 11
Rear Panel .............................................................................................................. 12
Power Inlet ....................................................................................................... 12
Network Expansion Port ...................................................................................... 12
Audio Input Connectors ...................................................................................... 12
Audio Output Connectors .................................................................................... 12
Communications Port Connector .......................................................................... 1
Operation ............................................................................................................... 14
Starting up ....................................................................................................... 14
Selecting a Factory Preset ................................................................................... 14
Creating a Crossover .......................................................................................... 14
Navigation and Viewing Parameters ..................................................................... 15
Navigation ........................................................................................................ 15
Presets ............................................................................................................. 16
Preset Recall ..................................................................................................... 16
Preset Store ...................................................................................................... 17
DSP Processing layout ............................................................................................................... 1
Input DSP block diagram .................................................................................... 18
Output DSP block diagram .................................................................................. 18
Stereo / Mono Formats ....................................................................................... 18
DSP processing.................................................................................................. 19
Input Channels .................................................................................................. 19
Output Channels ................................................................................................ 22
Utilities ................................................................................................................... 26
EQ and Filter Response Graphs ................................................................................................. 27
Technical Specification.............................................................................................. 0

Coda Audio DNC260
User Guide version 0.1 Page 5 of 0
General ............................................................................................................ 0
Processing ........................................................................................................ 0
Connectors ....................................................................................................... 0

Coda Audio DNC260
User Guide version 0.1 Page 6 of 0
mportant Safety nformation
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 the 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/ 6/EEC) and the Low Voltage
Directive (7 /2 /EEC) as issued by the Commission of the European Community.
Compliance with these directives imply conformity with the following European standards:
•EN60065 Product safety
•EN5510 -1 Electromagnetic Interference (Emission)
•EN5510 -2 Electromagnetic Susceptibility (Immunity)
This product is intended for operation in the E2 (commercial & light industrial) and E
(urban outdoors) Electromagnetic Environments.

Coda Audio DNC260
User Guide version 0.1 Page 7 of 0
Thanks and Unpacking
Thank you for choosing a Coda Audio DNC260 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 Coda Audio products are carefully engineered for world-class performance and reliability.
If you would like further information about this or any other Coda Audio product, please
contact us. We look forward to helping you in the near future.
Unpacking the Coda Audio DNC260 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.

Coda Audio DNC260
User Guide version 0.1 Page 8 of 0
ntroduction and Key Features
ntroduction
The Coda Audio DNC260 loudspeaker management system represents 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.
The Coda Audio DNC260 System Controller is a high performance, easy to use signal
processor containing presets for all Coda Audio loudspeaker systems. The DNC260 provides
generous amounts of signal processing capability and is complemented by a highly flexible
parameter arrangement ideally suited to touring and installation applications. The DNC260
may be controlled just as comprehensively from its front panel, or by using the PodWare
software application. PodWare can operate a single DNC260, or can optionally control a
multi-km network of products using the optional C-NET network.
Key Features
•Coda Audio 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

Coda Audio DNC260
User Guide version 0.1 Page 9 of 0
The User Guide
This user manual gives a progressively more detailed description of the functions of the
Coda Audio DNC260 loudspeaker management system. A single page quick reference guide
is provided for those users who are experienced with this type of equipment and just need
to know how to ‘drive’ the front panel.
A detailed explanation of the front and rear panel controls and indicators is contained in the
next section. The final section describes each individual function or feature with annotated
images explaining its’ use. Where appropriate, the LCD is shown to further elaborate on the
units’ operation.
To complete the manual a reference section is included, describing the technical
performance of the device complete with graphs of filter responses and details of the
Factory Presets and their configuration.

Coda Audio DNC260
User Guide version 0.1 Page 10 of 0
Front Panel
nput Signal ndicators
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.
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.
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.
Store and
Recall buttons Channel Select buttons 2 x 24 chracter LCD Limiter
Indicators
Input Signal
Indicators Edit Parameter
Select buttons Parameter
Edit Encoders Output Mute
buttons

Coda Audio DNC260
User Guide version 0.1 Page 11 of 0
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.
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.
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.
Output Signal / Limiter ndication
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.
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.
Note that the mute buttons do not function when the Secure mode is activated.
Secure Button (on the rear)
A momentary button is fitted behind the rear panel, between the output XLRs and the
RS2 2 port. When activated, this will disable all the front panel controls so they cannot
affect the signal path, making the unit secure against tampering. When in secure mode,
the indicators still operate normally. Note that the communications port is still active in
secure mode.

Coda Audio DNC260
User Guide version 0.1 Page 12 of 0
Rear Panel
Rear Panel of standard DNC260
Power nlet
The Coda Audio DNC260 unit should be connected to a suitable mains electricity supply
using the cable supplied. The processor has a switch mode power supply that is capable of
operating with a nominal mains voltage of 85V to 240V, 50/60Hz without re-configuration.
Network Expansion Port
When fitted with a network option, the network connections will be here.
Audio nput Connectors
All audio connections are fully balanced and wired pin-1 ground, pin-2 hot & pin- cold. The
two inputs have pin-1 connected directly to the chassis and feed the signal processing
chains. If an unbalanced source is used, a connection should be made between the pin-
‘cold’ signal and the ground connection of the unbalanced source.
Audio Output Connectors
The processed outputs are impedance balanced, and wired pin-1 ground, pin-2 hot and pin-
cold. An unbalanced input may be driven by connecting pin- ‘cold’ signal to the ground
connection of the unbalanced destination input. Note that output pin- 1’s are ground lifted
at audio frequencies but connected to ground at RF for good EMC performance. The
intention being that the amplifiers the processor is driving should be responsible for the
grounding of their input cable shields.
Power Inlet Expansion Port Secure Mode Switch
Serial Comms Port Audio Output Conectors
Audio Input Connectors

Coda Audio DNC260
User Guide version 0.1 Page 1 of 0
Communications Port Connector
Coda Audio DNC260 series processor may be controlled entirely from another controller,
typically a Personal Computer, running an application that is compliant with the ObCom
standard. Connection will normally be made to the controller via this serial port connector.
This port is also used for updating the firmware in the unit.
Note that the communications port is NOT disabled when the front panel is made secure
using the secure button.
Rear Panel of DNC260 with C-NET
C-NET Network Port
(Only on DNC260N)
The two C-NET Network Ports can connect DNC260 to any C-NET System.
C-NET Network Port

Coda Audio DNC260
User Guide version 0.1 Page 14 of 0
Operation
Starting up
The unit will energise as soon as power is applied to the IEC inlet; there is no power switch.
During the start up process the firmware application model number and version numbers
are displayed and the outputs are muted until the unit has completed its internal checks.
Once the start-up routines are complete, the unit is ready to pass audio. The DSP signal
path will be restored to the same settings as when it was last powered down.
Selecting a Factory Preset
The Coda Audio DNC260 series processors have a library of Factory Presets designed to suit
a range of applications.
Factory Presets contain some parameters that are fixed and hidden from view; the
remainder of the DSP parameters are available for user manipulation. The number and type
of hidden parameters is depended on the Factory Preset.
To recall a Factory Preset for a particular cabinet or system, press Recall and use the left
hand parameter knob A to scroll through the available Factory Preset locations (as indicated
by a box symbol after the preset number). Once the appropriate preset has been selected
press recall again, at which point you will be asked to confirm the action by pressing recall
for a third time. This is to guard against accidental recall of presets.
Factory Presets are locked so they cannot be over-written. The user can, however, store an
edited version of a Factory Preset in any free preset location.
Details of all the Factory Presets including output designations can be found in Appendix A.
Creating a Crossover
The Factory Presets are mono and stereo. These Base Presets are stored in locations 1 and
2 respectively. They can be used to develop settings for any loudspeaker. These presets are
locked but the user can name and store their own edited versions in any free preset
location.

Coda Audio DNC260
User Guide version 0.1 Page 15 of 0
Navigation and Viewing Parameters
Many of the processing elements in each input and output path have features that may be
controlled by the user, such as gain, frequency or limiter threshold. We call these
adjustable features parameters.
In A Freq Width Gain
EQ1 100Hz 1.4Q 0.0dB
abc
a b c
A parameter may be adjusted when it is displayed by turning one of the three-parameter
knobs. Each of the three-parameter knobs is associated with a zone on the display.
Adjusting the leftmost parameter knob will change the value of the parameter showing in
the leftmost zone of the display and so on. Turn a knob clockwise to increase the value of a
parameter, or anti-clockwise to decrease it. The knobs are velocity-sensitive so turning a
knob rapidly will cause the action to ‘accelerate’, so the value changes more rapidly.
Navigation
The DSP parameters are organized by channel. The currently selected channel is shown in
the top left hand corner of the display. You can navigate between the channels by pressing
the channel buttons. Pressing the channel buttons will scroll through the channels, utilities
and back to the default screen. When using a Preset that is stereo linked, the channel
selection will reflect this. For example ‘1&4’ indicates outputs 1 and 4. When navigating
onto an output channel, the usage of the output, as defined in the Preset, will be shown
briefly at the top of the screen.

Coda Audio DNC260
User Guide version 0.1 Page 16 of 0
Out1 Freq Width Gain
EQ1 100Hz 1.4Q 0.0dB
abc
CHANNEL
EDIT
Pressing the edit navigation buttons gives access to the various pages of parameters
available for each channel. The currently selected page is shown in the bottom left hand
corner of the display. This is omitted on some pages where the function is obvious. The
screen shows up to three (normally related) parameters for a given part of the processing
functions on a given channel.
The edit buttons allow you to scroll, in either direction, through the different processing
pages for a given Channel. When you go past the last page, you will be returned to the
default page.
The channel buttons allow you to scroll, in either direction, through the input and output
channels, whilst trying to maintain the currently viewed processing block. If the channel
you scroll to does not have the currently viewed processing block, the next one will be
shown instead.
NB. When the unit powers-up, the settings will be the same as those when the unit was last
switched off.
Presets
The device contains a total of forty-five user and Factory Presets. The user cannot overwrite
the basic mono or basic stereo Preset programs.
Preset Recall
To select an existing preset, press the Recall Button so the indicator above it illuminates.
Turn parameter knob A until the required preset number is shown on the display. Factory
Presets are indicated by a box symbol appearing after the preset number. Press the Recall
Button again to activate the Preset. Pressing any other button will cancel the operation.

Coda Audio DNC260
User Guide version 0.1 Page 17 of 0
Preset Name
Recall 32 My System
a b c
SELECT PRESET
TO RECALL
a
RECALL RECALL
Users can develop their own Preset based on one of the Factory Presets stored within the
device. Once a Preset has been recalled, a user has complete freedom to adjust any or all
of the parameters.
Preset Store
To store the current Preset in a user location, press the Preset Store Button so the indicator
above it illuminates. Turn the first parameter knob until the required Preset location number
is show on the display. A Preset name of up to 12 characters in length can be entered using
parameter knobs B and C. Pressing the Store Button again completes the process and
stores the Preset. As with Preset Recall, pressing any other button cancels the operation.
Preset Name
Store 32 My System
a b c
SELECT STORE
LOCATION
a
STORE STORE
cb
NAME PRESET
The user can overwrite non-protected Presets only; if an attempt is made to save a Preset
in a location already occupied by a Factory Preset a ‘LOCKED PRESET’ message is displayed.

Coda Audio DNC260
User Guide version 0.1 Page 18 of 0
DSP Processing layout
nput DSP block diagram
Input A Input
LED’s Input Gain Delay 4
th
Order
HPF Low Shelf EQ Six Band PEQ High Shelf EQ
Routing
Input B
SUM - 6dB
NB. Channel B processing is
identical to Channel A but for
clarity it is not shown
Output DSP block diagram
Routing
Delay 8
th
Order
HPF 8
th
Order
LPF Low Shelf EQ Six Band PEQ High Shelf EQ Output Gain Mute Limiter
Metering
Stereo / Mono Formats
There is only one ‘standard’ layout of the processing blocks, but flexible routing and control
linking allows this layout to be adapted to a wide variety of applications.
There are two ‘Formats’, Mono or Stereo. With the Mono format, all outputs have unique
parameter settings, and all outputs are identical in terms of processing functions and
routing capability. This is the most flexible Format.
Stereo format pairs the inputs and outputs for stereo operation, the parameters of each
member of the pair being identical. The routing of inputs to outputs is fixed. This format is
intended for symmetrical stereo operation, eliminating the need to make identical
parameter adjustments for each channel.
The channel pairing is:
•Left and Right Inputs
•Outputs 1 (routed from L input) and (routed from R input)
•Outputs 2 (routed from L input) and 4 (routed from R input)
•[Outputs (routed from L input) and 6 (routed from R input)

Coda Audio DNC260
User Guide version 0.1 Page 19 of 0
DSP processing
nput Channels
ain
In A Gain
0.0dB
a b c
a
•Knob A: Gain, adjustable in 0.2dB steps from –80 dB to +20dB
Delay
In A Delay
1.50ms
a b c
a
•Knob A: Delay, adjustable in variable steps from 0 to 400ms
The delay parameter is adjustable in fine steps at low values; the adjustment becomes
progressively coarser as the value increases. The velocity sensitive Parameter Knobs
therefore provide accurate setting of driver offset delays (typically below 10ms) and rapid
setting of longer system alignment delays.

Coda Audio DNC260
User Guide version 0.1 Page 20 of 0
High Pass Filter
In A Freq Shape
HPF 20.0Hz LR24
a b c
a b
•Knob A: Frequency, out (off), 20.0Hz to 25.6kHz in variable steps
•Knob B: high pass filter type
System high pass filtering is provided for the input signal. This is the preferred location for
high pass filtering as it affects all outputs and can therefore improve inter-band phase
relationships. Filter type is selectable from Butterworth, Bessel, Linkwitz-Riley and
Hardman. Filter slopes of up to 4th order or 24dB / octave are provided. Not all filter types
are available in all slopes. For example 18dB / octave Linkwitz-Riley filters do not exist.
The Hardman type filter is always described by its’ order as the filter becomes progressively
steeper rather than following a linear slope so a dB/octave description is not accurate.
Parametric Equalisation
Eight sections of equalisation are provided, two shelving filters and six fully variable
parametric sections.