Dbx Driverack venu 360 User manual

Owner’s Manual

02

Warranty

1. Please register your product online at dbxpro.com. Proof-of-purchase is considered to be the responsibility of the consumer.

A copy of the original purchase receipt must be provided for any warranty service.

2. dbx warrants this product, when purchased new from an authorized U.S. dbx dealer and used solely within the U.S., to be

free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and service. This warranty is valid to the original purchaser

only and is non-transferable.

3. dbx liability under this warranty is limited to repairing or, at our discretion, replacing defective materials that show evidence

of defect, provided the product is returned to dbx WITH RETURN AUTHORIZATION from the factory, where all parts and labor

will be covered up to a period of two years. A Return Authorization Number must first be obtained from dbx. The company shall

not be liable for any consequential damage as a result of the product’s use in any circuit or assembly.

4. dbx reserves the right to make changes in design or make additions to or improvements upon this product without incurring

any obligation to install the same additions or improvements on products previously manufactured.

5. The foregoing is in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied, and dbx neither assumes nor authorizes any person to

assume on its behalf any obligation or liability in connection with the sale of this product. In no event shall dbx or its dealers be

liable for special or consequential damages or from any delay in the performance of this warranty due to causes beyond their

control.

Technical Support & Service

If you require technical support, contact dbx Technical Support. Be prepared to accurately describe the problem. Know the

serial number of your device – this is printed on a sticker attached to the chassis.

Before you return a product to the factory for service, we recommend you refer to this manual. Make sure you have correctly

followed installation steps and operating procedures. For further technical assistance or service, please contact our Technical

Support Department at (801) 566-8800 or visit dbxpro.com. If you need to return a product to the factory for service, you

MUST first contact our Technical Support Department to obtain a Return Authorization Number.

NO RETURNED PRODUCTS WILL BE ACCEPTED AT THE FACTORY WITHOUT A RETURN AUTHORIZATION NUMBER.

Please refer to the Warranty information, which extends to the first end-user. After expiration of the warranty, a reasonable

charge will be made for parts, labor, and packing if you choose to use the factory service facility. In all cases, you are

responsible for transportation charges to the factory. If the product is still under warranty, dbx will pay the return shipping.

Use the original packing material if it is available. Mark the package with the name of the shipper and with these words in red:

DELICATE INSTRUMENT, FRAGILE! Insure the package properly. Ship prepaid, not collect. Do not ship parcel post.

1

Table of Contents

Overview �� 2

Introduction��2

Features��3

Installation �� 4

Installation Recommendations��4

Making Connections ��4

User Interface & Connectors �� 8

Front Panel��8

Rear Panel��11

Getting Started �� 12

Operating Modes Explained��12

The Home Screens��13

Menu Navigation��15

Configuring The VENU360 �� 16

Using The Wizards (Wizard Mode) ��16

Configuring XLR Inputs, Master Clock Source, & SRC��19

Using Configuration Mode��21

Configuring Mixers/Routers��23

Configuring Processing Module Insert Types��25

Configuring Crossover Types�� 27

Linking/Unlinking Processing Modules��36

Naming Outputs �� 37

Operating The VENU360 ��38

Editing Processing Module Parameters (Edit Mode) ��38

Copying/Pasting Processing Module Settings��39

Managing Presets ��40

Recalling Presets��40

Storing Presets ��41

Copying Presets��42

Deleting Presets ��43

Manually Optimizing A System Using The VENU360 ��44

About Speaker & Amplifier Tunings��44

Manual System Optimization Tips ��45

1� Setting Crossover Frequency & Filter Settings��45

2� Setting Driver Alignment Delays, Polarity, & Phase��45

3� Setting Gain Structure & Limiters�� 47

4� Balance The System’s Frequency Response ��50

4� EQ The System In The Venue��50

5� Ring Out The System With AFS ��51

6� Add Finishing Touches��52

Processing Modules & Parameters ��53

Inputs Module ��53

Router Module ��54

Mixer Module��55

Advanced Feedback Suppression (AFS) Module�� 57

Automatic Gain Control (AGC) Module ��62

Delay (DLY) Modules��64

Compressor (CMP) Module��66

Graphic EQ (GEQ) Module��69

Noise Gate (GAT) Module��71

Parametric EQ (PEQ) Modules�� 73

AutoEQ (AEQ) Module ��75

Subharmonic Synth (SUB) Module �� 77

Crossover Module�� 79

Limiter (LIM) Module ��81

RTA ��84

Utility Menu �� 87

Power-Up Functions ��90

Initialize With Mutes On ��90

System Lockout��91

Soft Reset ��92

Factory Reset��92

Application Guide ��93

Application 1: Full Range Mains ��93

Application 2: Full Range Mains + Subs��94

Application 3: Bi-Amplified Mains + Aux-Fed Subs��95

Application 4: LCR Full Range Powered Mains + Subs��96

Application 5: Full Range Stage Monitors �� 97

Application 6: Bi-Amplified Stage Monitors��98

Application 7: Using The AES Digital Inputs��99

Preset List ��100

Using The VENU360 Control Application ��103

Device Requirements�� 103

Networking ��104

Networking Overview �� 104

Network Security�� 104

Network Troubleshooting �� 105

Technical Information ��107

Firmware Updates��107

DSP Block Diagram �� 108

Ethernet Cable Recommendations & Diagrams �� 109

Audio Cable Diagrams�� 110

Dimensions �� 111

Specifications�� 112

Additional Resources ��113

2

Overview

Introduction

The DriveRack®VENU360 represents the next generation of loudspeaker management processing from dbx®. With dynamics,

EQ, feedback suppression, subharmonic synthesis, crossover, polarity, phase, and delay processing, the VENU360 provides all

the processing required for optimizing and protecting Front of House, stage monitor, delay fill, and zone loudspeaker systems.

The VENU360 is perfectly suited for applications such as public address, houses of worship, night clubs, outdoor music events,

band rehearsal spaces, theatrical performance venues, touring rigs, or wherever powerful, advanced signal processing, flexibility,

and ease-of-use are required for protecting and optimizing a loudspeaker system.

The VENU360 incorporates high-quality 24-bit A/D and D/A converters with dbx Type IV®conversion, to protect the incoming

audio signal from accidental digital clipping at the A/D stage. 32-bit floating point, 48 or 96 kHz internal processing provides

superior audio quality with high internal headroom and wide dynamic range. Built-in sample rate conversion on the two AES

input jacks allow the VENU360 to accommodate connections from multiple clocks or sample rates other than 48 or 96 kHz.

The VENU360 is a 3x6 signal processor with flexible internal routing and mixing options. With three input processing chains,

the VENU360 supports multi-mono, stereo, aux-fed subwoofer, and LCR system configurations. Direct routing capabilities

allow additional input signals to be fed to any available output processing chains for additional stage monitor, zone, or delay fill

processing – leaving no processing to waste.

The updated Wizards in the VENU360 offer step-by-step assistance with setup configuration, loudspeaker optimization, and

feedback elimination. Select your speaker and amp models from the Setup Wizard’s tuning list to automatically set speaker and

amp tuning parameters and help with calibrating amplifier attenuator controls.

The DriveRack VENU360 incorporates the latest advancements in dbx’s proprietary AutoEQ™ and AFS™ (Advanced Feedback

Suppression™) algorithms. Combined with the AutoEQ and AFS Wizards, equalizing and ringing out the entire sound system

is made simple. The VENU360 is the first DriveRack to offer AutoEQ on the output processing side (pre crossover), rather

than the input processing side. This allows AutoEQ to be used on stage monitors, overflow zones, and delay fills, as well as

the Front of House system. In fact, when all outputs are configured with 1x1 crossovers, AutoEQ can be run on each output

independently!

The VENU360 offers network control via the built-in Ethernet port using the free DriveRack VENU360 control application,

available for iOS®, Android®, Mac®, and Windows®compatible devices. Now you can adjust loudspeaker management settings

from anywhere in the venue! Use the VENU360 control app to connect to the ever-growing online database, where you can

instantly download and apply the latest tunings from JBL®, Crown®, dbx, and more.

Thanks for choosing dbx. We hope the VENU360 proves to be an invaluable tool for your loudspeaker processing needs.

3

Features

• Up To 5X6 Routing With 3X6 Signal Processing

• 24-Bit A/D & D/A Converters

• dbx Type IV™ Conversion System

• 48 or 96kHz, 32-Bit Floating-Point Processing

• Sample Rate Conversion

• Setup Wizard For Easy System Configuration

• Level Assist Wizard For System Level Balancing

• AutoEQ™ Wizard For Fast & Accurate Room Equalization Using 10-Band Parametric EQ

• AFS™Wizard For Easy & Accurate Feedback Suppression

• Support For Multi-Mono, Stereo, LCR, & Aux-Fed Sub Input Configurations

• Selectable 31-Band Graphic EQ or 8-Band Parametric EQ With Narrow Notch Capabilities

• Input Delay Processing For Aligning The Sound System To The Stage Backline

• Fill Delay Processing For Balcony & Tower Delays

• Subharmonic Synthesis For Deep, Punchy Bass

• dbx®Compression

• Crossover With Support For Full Range Up To Mono 6-Way Configurations

• Selectable Crossover Filter Types & Slope Rates With Adjustable Polarity & Variable Phase Control

• Up To 3000ms Total Cascaded Delay Time (3 Configurable Delay Modules At 1000ms Each)

• 8-Band Output Parametric EQs For Speaker Tunings

• Output Driver Alignment Delays For Multi-Way Systems

• dbx PeakStopPlus™Output Limiters

• Built-In Signal Generator & RTA For System Fine-Tuning & Troubleshooting

• 3 XLR Inputs (Selectable Between 4 AES / 3 Analog Input Channels)

• 6 Analog XLR Outputs

• Front-Panel RTA Mic Input With 48V Phantom Power

• Front-Panel Input / Output Mute Buttons

• Front-Panel Copy / Paste Functionality

• 6-Segment Front-Panel Signal Meters With Input Clip & Output Limiter Indicators

• Front-Panel Lockout

• App Security Lockout

• Large, Bright, Easy-To-Read LCD Display

• 25 Factory / 75 User Presets

• Various Speaker & Amplifier Tunings Included

• Network Control Via The Free VENU360 Control Application For iOS®, Android®, Mac®, & Windows®Compatible

Devices

4

Installation

Installation Recommendations

FOR RACK MOUNT USE ONLY. Install the VENU360 in your 19” rack with the provided rack screws and washers. When

installed in a rack, make sure there is proper ventilation. The sides and back of the device should be free of any obstruction

that would prevent airflow. The VENU360 should not be mounted above or below anything that generates excessive heat.

Ambient temperatures should not exceed 95° F (35° C) when equipment is in use. Although the unit is shielded against radio

frequency and electromagnetic interference, extremely high fields of RF and EMI should be avoided where possible.

Making Connections

Audio Connections

1� Ensure the power is turned off on all interconnecting equipment and the VENU360 before making audio connections.

2� Connect the outputs of the mixing console to the inputs of the VENU360. If connecting a mixer via AES digital

connections, use 110 ohm cable optimized for AES transmission. For all analog connections, use the highest quality

cable available (preferably balanced) with the shortest possible cable runs. See ‘Application Guide’ on page 93

for application notes and system diagrams which can be used for reference when connecting the VENU360 to a

system. See ‘Audio Cable Diagrams’ on page 110 for further information on cabling.

TIP: The VENU360 offers selectable analog input and output clip level options, which are available in the Utility

menu. These settings allow the analog input and output gain stages to be optimized for the connected mixer and

amplifiers or powered speakers. See ‘Analog Input/Output Clip Levels’ under ‘Utility Menu’ on page 87 for

more information on the analog input and output clip level settings.

3� Connect the VENU360’s outputs to the designated amplifier or powered speaker inputs.

4� If you plan to calibrate the system using the built-in Wizards, connect the optional dbx RTA-M measurement microphone

to the front-panel RTA Mic Input using a balanced microphone cable of suitable length and place it in a microphone

stand.

Applying Power

1� Ensure your power amplifiers or powered speakers are turned off.

2� Connect the included power cable to the AC power inlet on the VENU360’s back panel.

3� Apply power to the VENU360 by connecting the other end to an available AC power outlet. Since the VENU360 does

not have a power switch, an AC power strip or power conditioner can be used for switching power to the VENU360 on

and off.

4� Apply power to your mixer then your power amplifiers or powered speakers.

WARNING: When powering up a fully connected PA system, it is advisable to ALWAYS turn on the mixer and

VENU360 first then turn on your amplifiers or powered speakers last. It’s also a good idea to ensure you’re not passing

audio to the mixer’s outputs (or ensure your mixer’s master faders are all the way down) before applying power to the

amplifiers. When powering down the system, you should ALWAYS power down the amplifiers first, wait about 10 seconds

to allow them to discharge, then power down the mixer and VENU360. In short, every time you use your system, the power

amps should be the last components turned on and the first components turned off.

5

Network Connections

To connect directly to a computer:

1� Download and install the free DriveRack VENU360

control app from the iTunes® Store, the Android®

Market, or dbxpro.com (for Mac and PC).

2� Connect a crossover CAT5, CAT5e, or CAT6 Ethernet

cable (sold separately) to the Ethernet port on the

VENU360.

NOTE: A crossover Ethernet cable MUST be

used when connecting directly to the computer.

A straight-through Ethernet cable will not work!

See ‘Ethernet Cable Recommendations &

Diagrams’ on page 109 for further information on

Ethernet cable types.

3� Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to the

Ethernet port on the computer.

4� Apply power to the VENU360 (ensure the amplifiers

are powered off, see ‘Applying Power’ on page

4 for more information). Wait for the VENU360 to initialize.

5� To configure the VENU360’s network settings, press the UTILITY button then select the “Network” option.

If your computer is configured for Auto-IP addressing (i�e�, the computer’s IP address is 169�254�xx�yy):

The default IP address and subnet mask in the VENU360 conform to the Auto-IP addressing standard (i.e., the IP

address is 169.254.2.2 and the subnet mask is 255.255.0.0). To connect, simply turn DHCP “OFF” in the VENU360’s

Utility -> Network menu.

If your computer is configured with a static IP address that does not conform to the Auto-IP standard (i�e�,

something other than 169�254�xx�yy):

Configure the VENU360’s network settings to match your computer’s network ID and subnet mask settings, see

‘Networking Overview’ on page 104 for more information on configuring these network settings.

6� To verify the VENU360’s IP address, select the “SYSTEM INFO” option in the Utility menu or press the SELECT wheel

from Home mode and select the “SYSTEM INFO” home screen option.

TIP: For more information on networking, including troubleshooting tips, see ‘Networking’ on page 104.

Direct Computer Connection

WAN LAN

1 2 3 4

Ethernet Router

DriveRack VENU360

Mac

®

or Windows

®

Computer

Ethernet Switch

Crossover Etherent Cable

DriveRack VENU360

Mac

®

or Windows

®

Computer

or or

DriveRack VENU360

Wi-Fi Router

WAN LAN

1 2 3 4

Mac

®

or Windows

®

Computer With Wi-Fi

Android

®

or iOS

®

Tablet

Android

®

or iOS

®

Smartphone

DriveRack VENU360

Mac

®

or Windows

®

Computer

6

To connect to a wired network switch or router:

1� Download and install the free DriveRack VENU360

control app from the iTunes® Store, the Android®

Market, or dbxpro.com.

2� Connect a straight-through CAT5, CAT5e or CAT6

Ethernet cable (sold separately) to the Ethernet port

on the VENU360.

NOTE: A crossover Ethernet cable can also be

used as long as the switch or router is capable of

auto-sensing the type of Ethernet cable connected

and reconfiguring itself accordingly (referred to as

auto-MDI/MDIX sensing).

3� Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to one of

the switch or router’s LAN ports.

4� Connect your computer’s Ethernet port to one of

the other LAN ports on the router or switch using a

straight-through CAT5, CAT5e, or CAT6 cable.

NOTE: A crossover Ethernet cable can also be

used as long as the switch or router is capable of

auto-sensing the type of Ethernet cable connected

and reconfiguring itself accordingly (referred to as

auto-MDI/MDIX sensing).

5� Apply power to the VENU360 (ensure the amplifiers

are powered off, see ‘Applying Power’ on page

4 for more information). Wait for the VENU360 to

initialize and give it time to negotiate with the network

so it can be assigned an IP address – this can take a

few minutes. You can ensure the VENU360 has been

assigned an IP address by pressing the UTILITY

button then selecting the “SYSTEM INFO” option or

by pressing the SELECT wheel from Home mode and

selecting the “SYSTEM INFO” home screen option.

6� If connecting using a static IP address, enter the

VENU360 Utility menu by pressing the UTILITY

button. Select the “NETWORK” option then configure

the network settings to connect to your network.

Wired Network Switch Connection

WAN LAN

1 2 3 4

Ethernet Router

DriveRack VENU360

Mac

®

or Windows

®

Computer

Ethernet Switch

Crossover Etherent Cable

DriveRack VENU360

Mac

®

or Windows

®

Computer

or or

DriveRack VENU360

Wi-Fi Router

WAN LAN

1 2 3 4

Mac

®

or Windows

®

Computer With Wi-Fi

Android

®

or iOS

®

Tablet

Android

®

or iOS

®

Smartphone

DriveRack VENU360

Mac

®

or Windows

®

Computer

Wired Network Router Connection

WAN LAN

1 2 3 4

Ethernet Router

DriveRack VENU360

Mac

®

or Windows

®

Computer

Ethernet Switch

Crossover Etherent Cable

DriveRack VENU360

Mac

®

or Windows

®

Computer

or or

DriveRack VENU360

Wi-Fi Router

WAN LAN

1 2 3 4

Mac

®

or Windows

®

Computer With Wi-Fi

Android

®

or iOS

®

Tablet

Android

®

or iOS

®

Smartphone

DriveRack VENU360

Mac

®

or Windows

®

Computer

TIP: For more information on networking, including troubleshooting tips, see ‘Networking’ on page 104.

7

To connect to a Wi-Fi network router:

1� Download and install the free DriveRack VENU360

control app from the iTunes® Store, the Android®

Market, or dbxpro.com.

2� Connect a straight-through CAT5, CAT5e, or CAT6

Ethernet cable (sold separately) to the Ethernet port on

the VENU360.

NOTE: A crossover Ethernet cable can also be

used as long as the switch or router is capable of

auto-sensing the type of Ethernet cable connected

and reconfiguring itself accordingly (referred to as

auto-MDI/MDIX sensing).

3� Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to one of

the Wi-Fi router’s LAN ports.

4� Connect to the Wi-Fi network using your Wi-Fi

equipped computer or device.

5� Apply power to the VENU360 (ensure the amplifiers are powered off, see ‘Applying Power’ on page 4 for more

information). Wait for the VENU360 to initialize and give it time to negotiate with the network so it can be assigned an

IP address – this can take a few minutes. You can ensure the VENU360 has been assigned an IP address by pressing

the UTILITY button then selecting the “SYSTEM INFO” option or by pressing the SELECT wheel from Home mode and

selecting the “SYSTEM INFO” home screen option.

6� If connecting using a static IP address, enter the VENU360 Utility menu by pressing the UTILITY button. Select the

“NETWORK” option then configure the network settings to connect to your network.

TIP: For more information on networking, including troubleshooting tips, see ‘Networking’ on page 104.

Wi-Fi Network Router Connection

WAN LAN

1 2 3 4

Ethernet Router

DriveRack VENU360

Mac

®

or Windows

®

Computer

Ethernet Switch

Crossover Etherent Cable

DriveRack VENU360

Mac

®

or Windows

®

Computer

or or

DriveRack VENU360

Wi-Fi Router

WAN LAN

1 2 3 4

Mac

®

or Windows

®

Computer With Wi-Fi

Android

®

or iOS

®

Tablet

Android

®

or iOS

®

Smartphone

DriveRack VENU360

Mac

®

or Windows

®

Computer

8

User Interface & Connectors

Front Panel

1 2 43

15

5 6 8

12 1413

7 9

16

10 11

1. RTA MIC INPUT

Connect the dbx RTA-M measurement microphone (sold separately) to this balanced XLR input jack for easy calibration

of the sound system using the built-in Wizards or for use with the RTA. This jack supplies +48V phantom power.

2. LCD Display

This LED backlit LCD display provides the visual feedback required for operating the VENU360 processor from the

front panel. The LCD’s backlight intensity and contrast can be adjusted in the Utility menu, see ‘Utility Menu’ on page

87 for more information.

3. UP/DOWN Buttons

Pressing the UP button will select the on-screen item above the current selection. Pressing the DOWN button will select

the on-screen item below the current selection. When in Home mode, pressing these buttons will toggle between the

available home screens, see ‘The Home Screens’ on page 13 for more information.

4. SELECT Wheel

This rotary encoder is used for scrolling menus, selecting on-screen options and parameters, and editing selected

on-screen options and parameters. Some functions are performed by turning the SELECT wheel and others are

performed by pressing the SELECT wheel. When in Home mode, pressing the SELECT wheel will bring up a

menu where you can select from the available home screens, see ‘The Home Screens’ on page 13 for more

information.

5. BACK Button

Pressing this button will navigate back one level in the current menu hierarchy. Pressing this button repeatedly will

navigate back to the home screen.

6. WIZARD Button

Pressing this button enters the Wizard menu. When in the Wizards, pressing and holding the WIZARD button for ~2

seconds will abort the Wizard and return to the main Wizard menu. For more information on the Wizards, see ‘Using

The Wizards (Wizard Mode)’ on page 16.

7. CONFIG (CONFIGURATION) Button

Pressing this button will enter Configuration mode, where manual changes to the configuration can be made. For more

information on using Configuration mode, see ‘Using Configuration Mode’ on page 21.

dbx DriveRack VENU 360 User manual

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