Electro-Voice Dx34A User manual

Dx34A
Digital Sound System
Processor
• 16 factory presets for EV speaker
systems
• Full-edit mode allows access to all
parameters and saving to 30 user
memories
• Adjustable parameters include
crossover filter characteristics, low-
and high-shelving EQ, parametric
EQ, low-cut filters, input and output
delays, polarity and output limiter
characteristics
• Lock-out feature stops unauthorized use
• Mutes on each output
• 18-bit resolution, 24-bit internal
• Electronically balanced inputs/outputs
Description
The Electro-Voice Dx34A is a multifunc-
tional digital sound system processor. Its
high degree of flexibility enables the set up
and optimization of active multiway loud-
speaker systems with variables previously
unavailable in a single-rack-space device.
The unit can be configured in two-way ste-
reo, two-way dual mono, three-way mono
with a separate full-range direct out, and
four-way mono. In the three-way configu-
ration, the low and direct outputs can be
individually set to be a sum of two input
channels, useful in some applications, e.g.,
mono subwoofers with stereo main speakers.
Functional blocks include:
1. High- and low-pass filters with Bessel,
Butterworth and Linkwitz-Riley charac-
teristics and 6-, 12-, 18- and 24-dB-per-
octave slopes.
2. Tunable low-cut filters with 6- or 12-dB-
per-octave slopes and Q variable (12-dB-
per-octave slopes only) from 0.5 to 2.0,
to provide infrasonic speaker protection
and augment or extend the low-end re-
sponse of low-frequency speaker sys-
tems. Q = 2 provides a 6-dB peak boost
that is appropriate for "step-down" op-
eration of Electro-Voice TL series vented
low-frequency systems.
3. Parametric equalizers with Q variable
from 0.4 to 20.
4. Low- and high-shelving equalizers with
6- or 12-dB-per-octave slopes.
5. Limiters on each output, with adjustable
threshold, decay rate and hold time.
6. Signal delays on the inputs (2 to 1,000
msec) and each output (0 to 10 msec).
The Dx34A block diagram is shown in Fig-
ure 3. The distribution of the functional
blocks described above is different for each
basic configuration, as shown in Figures 4
through 6.
The Dx34A addresses many different sound-
system configurations and is factory pro-
grammed for a number of Electro-Voice
speaker systems. A total of 16 user presets
is available, including:
1. DeltaMaxTM systems (DMS series).
2. MT-2 Manifold Technology®systems
(three way).
3. MT-4 Manifold Technology®systems
(four way).
4. PI Modular Series (three way).
5. MH stadium horn systems (two way).
Parameter values for other EV components
and systems can be downloaded off the
Electro-Voice BBS at 616/695-4791 (8,N,1).
The Dx34A has two basic operating modes.
The "preset mode" allows the user to select
the factory speaker presets and gives the user
control of only the master delay and the lim-
iter parameters at each output. The "full-
edit mode" provides access to all parameters,
allowing adjustment and saving of all set-
tings. Ten user memories in each of the three
configurations (two way, three way, four
way) are available for this purpose.
Input and output metering in conjunction
with input level controls and an analog level
control on each output help to maximize the
signal-to-noise ratio of the overall system.
A/D/A conversion in the Dx34A is done by
linear 18-bit converters. The input A/D
section is a 64-times oversampled sigma-
delta converter and the output D/A is
oversampled eight times. Internal resolution
is 24 bits, using the Motorola DSP56004
processor. User memories are maintained
in RAM backed up with a lithium battery
with a life of approximately five years (the
Dx34A's alphanumeric display warns of a low
battery condition).
All inputs and outputs are electronically bal-
anced with 3-pin XLR-type connectors, and

Dx34ADigitalSoundSystemProcessor
Dx34A Digital Sound System Processor
can be retrofitted with optional isolating
transformers. Two TRB-5 input transform-
ers and four TRB-4 output transformers are
required.
Architects' and Engineers'
Specifications
The unit shall be a two-in/four-out digital
loudspeaker system processor, configurable
for two-way stereo, two-way dual mono,
three-way mono, and four-way mono opera-
tion. The three-way configuration shall have
a separate full-range direct out and in this
configuration both the low and direct out-
puts shall be optionally set to be the sum of
two input channels. Each output shall be
mutable.
Functional blocks shall include: high- and
low-pass filters with Bessel, Butterworth and
Linkwitz-Riley characteristics, 6-, 12- 18-
and 24-dB-per-octave slopes and variable
corner frequencies; tunable low-cut filters
with Q variable from 0.5 to 2.0, 6- or 12-
dB-per-octave slopes and variable corner fre-
quencies; parametric equalizers with Q vari-
able from 0.4 to 20; low- and high-shelving
equalizers with 6- or 12-dB-per-octave
slopes and variable corner frequencies; out-
put limiters with adjustable threshold, decay
rate and hold time; and signal delays on the
input and on each output with a delay reso-
lution of 21 µsec and ranges of 2 to 1,000
msec on the inputs and 0 to 10 msec on the
outputs.
The unit shall have factory presets for at least
16 Electro-Voice brand loudspeaker systems.
All parameters shall be fully accessible in a
full-edit mode and storable in up to 10 user
memories in each of the three configurations
(two way, three way and four way).
The unit shall have a lock mode to prevent
unauthorized changes.
Inputs and outputs shall be electronically bal-
anced 3-pin XLR connectors, pin 2 positive.
Internal receptacles shall be provided for ret-
rofitting optional TRB-5 input and TRB-4
output transformers. The unit shall contain
linear 18-bit A/D and D/A converters. The
internal format shall be 24 bits. The unit
shall meet the following performance speci-
fications: frequency response, 20-20,000 Hz
±0.3 dB; signal-to-noise ratio, >102 dB;
THD, <0.01% at 1,000 Hz; nominal input
and output voltages, +4 dBu (1.23 V); maxi-
mum input and output voltages, +21 dBu (8.7
V); input impedance, 20,000 ohms; output
impedance, <100 ohms; and minimum load
impedance, 600 ohms.
The unit shall operate on voltages from 90
V to 250 V ac, 50 to 60 Hz, without adjust-
ment. Power consumption shall be 21 watts
maximum. The unit shall be manufactured
in accordance with all safety classes and ful-
fill all applicable interference suppression
approvals (IEC and VDE specifications).
The unit shall be rack mountable in one EIA/
IEC standard rack space. Dimensions shall
be 43.6 mm (1.75 in.) x 483 mm (19.0 in.) x
287 mm (11.3 in.) hwd. Net weight shall be
4.0 kg (8.8 lb).
The digital loudspeaker processing unit shall
be the EV Dx34A.
Limited Warranty
Electro-Voice products are guaranteed
against malfunction due to defects in mate-
rials or workmanship for a specified period,
as noted in the individual product-line
statement(s) below, or in the individual prod-
uct data sheet or owners manual, beginning
with the date of original purchase. If such
malfunction occurs during the specified pe-
riod, the product will be repaired or replaced
(at our option) without charge. The product
will be returned to the customer prepaid.
Exclusions and Limitations: The Limited
Warranty does not apply to: (a) exterior fin-
ish or appearance; (b) certain specific items
described in the individual product-line
statement(s) below, or in the individual prod-
uct data sheet or owners manual; (c) mal-
function resulting from use or operation of
the product other than as specified in the
product data sheet or owners manual; (d)
malfunction resulting from misuse or abuse
of the product; or (e) malfunction occurring
at any time after repairs have been made to
the product by anyone other than Mark IV
Audio Service or any of its authorized ser-
vice representatives. Obtaining Warranty
Service: To obtain warranty service, a cus-
tomer must deliver the product, prepaid, to
Mark IV Audio Service or any of its autho-
rized service representatives together with
proof of purchase of the product in the form
of a bill of sale or receipted invoice. A list
of authorized service representatives is avail-
able from Mark IV Audio Service at 600
Cecil Street, Buchanan, MI 49107 (800/234/
6831 or FAX [phone]). Incidental
and Consequential Damages Excluded:
Product repair or replacement and return to
the customer are the only remedies provided
to the customer. Electro-Voice shall not be
liable for any incidental or consequential
damages including, without limitation, in-
jury to persons or property or loss of use.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or
limitation of incidental or consequential
damages so the above limitation or exclu-
sion may not apply to you. Other Rights:
This warranty gives you specific legal rights,
and you may also have other rights which
vary from state to state.
Electro-Voice Electronics are guaranteed
against malfunction due to defects in mate-
rials or workmanship for a period of three
(3) years from the date of original purchase.
Additional details are included in the Uni-
form Limited Warranty statement.
For warranty repair, service information, or
a listing of the repair facilities nearest you,
contact the service repair department at: 616/
695-6831 or 800/685-2606.
For technical assistance, contact Technical
Support at 800/234-6831 or 616/695-6831,
M-F, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Stan-
dard time.
Specifications subject to change without no-
tice.

Dx34A Digital Sound System Processor
Dx34ADigitalSoundSystemProcessor
Figure 1Dimensions
Figure 2Front and Rear Panel Views
Figure 3Block Diagram

Dx34A Digital Sound System Processor
Dx34ADigitalSoundSystemProcessor
Figure 4Distribution of Functional
Blocks, Two-Way Configuration
Figure 5Distribution of Functional
Blocks, Three-Way Configuration
Figure 6Distribution of Functional
Blocks, Four-Way Configuration

Dx34A Digital Sound System Processor
Dx34ADigitalSoundSystemProcessor
Specifications
Conditions:
1.0 dBu = 0.775 volts rms.
Overall Specifications
Input/Output Configuration:
Two in/four out; stereo two way,
dual mono two way, mono three
way with a fourth full-range direct
out (low and direct outs may be
the sum of two input channels) or
mono four way
Crossovers,
Characteristics:
Butterworth, Bessel and
Linkwitz-Riley
Slopes:
6, 12, 18 and 24 dB per octave
Equalizers,
Low Shelving,
Number:
Two
Corner Frequencies:
Variable from 20 to 500 Hz
Slopes:
6 or 12 dB per octave
Gain:
0 to ±12 dB in 1-dB steps
Parametric,
Number:
Eight
Center Frequencies,
Low and Low-Mid Outputs:
Variable from 20 Hz to
5,000 Hz
Mid Output:
Variable from 30 Hz to
12,500 Hz
Mid-High Output:
Variable from 50 Hz to
20,000 Hz
High Output:
Variable from 500 Hz to
20,000 Hz
Input (two-way configuration
only):
Variable from 20 Hz to
20,000 Hz
Q:
Variable from 0.4 to 20
Gain:
0 to ±12 dB in 1-dB steps
High Shelving,
Number:
Two
Corner Frequencies:
Variable from 500 Hz to 16,000 Hz
Slopes:
6 or 12 dB per octave
Gain,
6-dB-per-octave slope:
0 to ±12 dB in 1-dB steps
12-dB-per-octave slope:
0 to +6/-12 dB in 1-dB steps
Low Cut,
Number:
Two
Corner Frequencies:
Variable from 20 Hz to 200 Hz
Slopes:
6 or 12 dB per octave
Q (12-dB-per-octave slopes only):
Variable in eight steps from 0.5 to
2.0 (Q = 2.0 suitable for B6
alignment of vented low-fre-
quency systems)
Frequency Resolution of Variable
Cross-over and Corner Frequencies
(see above),
20-50 Hz:
1 Hz
50-100 Hz:
2 Hz
100-200 Hz:
4 Hz
200-500 Hz:
10 Hz
500-1,000 Hz:
20 Hz
1,000-2,000 Hz:
40 Hz
2,000-5,000 Hz:
100 Hz
5,000-10,000 Hz:
200 Hz
Lock-Out Provision:
Disable and enable access to
internal functions of unit
Frequency Response:
20-20,000 Hz ±0.3 dB
Total Harmonic Distortion, 1,000 Hz,
without Transformers:
<0.01%
with Transformers:
<0.1%
Signal-to-Noise Ratio, Typical:
>102 dB
Front-Panel Controls (see Figure 2):
Input gain control; output level
controls (analog) (four); endless
rotary encoder/push-to-enter button;
edit/two-way button; <select/three-
way button; select>/four-way button;
store button; option button; mute
button; power on/off switch
Front-Panel Displays (see Figure 2):
8-segment LED input level indica-
tors (two), including clip, with peak-
hold or slow-mode ballistics; 6-
segment LED output level indicators
(four), including clip, with peak-hold
or slow-mode ballistics; output
limiter status indicators (four); 2 x
16-digit back-lit alphanumeric
display; edit mode LED; lock mode
LED; channel(s) muted LED
Limiters:
Four digital limiters with threshold
variable over a 21-dB range and
variable attack and decay times
Signal Delays,
Master:
2 to 1,000 msec
Output (four):
0 to 20 msec
Increment:
21 µsec
Data Format:
18-bit linear, 24-bit internal
A/D Conversion:
18-bit linear sigma-delta, 64-times
oversampling, linear phase
D/A Conversion:
18-bit linear, eight-times
oversampling, linear phase
Sampling Rate:
46.875 kHz
MIDI Configuration,
Functions:
Data dump;
Master/slave operation
Connectors, In and Out (see Figure 2):
5-pin DIN (180° pin pattern)
Common-Mode Rejection Ratio
(CMRR), 1,000 Hz:
>70 dB
Grounding:
Ground-lift switch disconnects
ground from chassis to eliminate
hum
Chassis Construction:
Painted steel

Dx34ADigitalSoundSystemProcessor
Dx34A Digital Sound System Processor
ELECTRONICSSignal Processors Part Number 5340729651
600 Cecil Street, Buchanan, MI 49107
800/234-6831, 616/695-6831, 616/695-1304 Fax
Colors,
Front Panel:
Gray with red accent, with white,
yellow and light blue nomenclature
Top, Sides, Input and Bottom Panels:
Gray with white nomenclature
Power Requirements:
90-250 volts, 50-60 Hz ac, no changes
required, 21 watts maximum
User Memory Backup Provision:
Lithium battery with five-year life
(typical)
Safety Class:
VDE/IEC Class 1
Safety and Performance Approvals:
EMI/EMC approved in accordance
with all applicable European regula-
tions (EN 50082, EN 55015, EN
55022, IEC 801 and VDE 0871);
fulfills safety regulations in accor-
dance with VDE 0860
Optional Accessories:
TRB-4 output transformer kit (four
required); TRB-5 input transformer kit
(two required)
Overall Dimensions (see Figure 1),
Height:
43.6 mm (1.75 in.)
Width:
483 mm (19.0 in.)
Depth:
287 mm (11.3 in.)
Net Weight:
4.0 kg (8.8 lb)
Shipping Weight:
5.4 kg (12 lb)
Input Specifications
Number:
Two
Rated Input Voltage:
+4 dBu (1.23 V)
Maximum Input Voltage:
+21 dBu (8.7 V)
Input Impedance:
20,000 ohms
Input Configuration:
Electronically balanced (TRB-5 input
transformer kit available (two required))
Insertion Loss of TRB-5 Input
Transformer:
<1.5 dB
Input Connectors (see Figure 2):
Female 3-pin XLR type, pin 2 hot
Output Specifications
Number:
Four
Rated Output Voltage:
+4 dBu (1.23 V)
Maximum Output Voltage:
+21 dBu (8.7 V)
Output Impedance:
<100 ohms
Minimum Load Impedance:
600 ohms
Output Configuration:
Electronically balanced (TRB-4 output
transformer kit available (four
required))
Output Connectors (see Figure 2):
Male three-pin XLR type, pin 2 hot