Electro-voice Dx38 User manual

Dx38

This example shows the Magnified

Frequency Response window for a

system that includes an EV Xi1183/64

plus an EV Xi2181 4-way. Any para-

meter changes, such as level, filter

or delay tweaks, display immediate-

ly. Even very complex array settings

can be tuned simply and accurately.

RACE software is EV’s professional audio solution for modeling the response of loudspeaker

systems both simple and complex within specific venue measurements, and for digitally control-

ling such systems through the Dx38. RACE enables engineers to seamlessly integrate room

influence, speaker positioning, and parameter settings, and RACE system presets guarantee a

solid, accurate basis from which to begin system tuning.

EV obtains specific acoustic data for all of its speakers by measuring each speaker separately in

its large anechoic chamber and saving the information in a RACE-specific file. The user assigns

individual components to RACE outputs using these files, and applies desired filter, delay, and

level settings. RACE then calculates the complex summation of all settings applied to the com-

ponents. At a glance, then, RACE users can view not only each component’s (and the system’s)

electrical filter response, but also its true acoustic response! Any changes in parameters are

immediately visible and audible. As well, RACE can display SPL dispersion for lower frequencies.

System presets can be prepared offline in advance. The user can employ one of the 50 pre-

installed presets, or customize one from individual component files. Systems prepared in this

way need only a little tweaking once speakers are in place. RACE makes quick setups a snap!

Step Up to EV

RACE Software (Realtime Acoustic Cluster Editor)

Documentation

Full documentation of up to seven pages can be

printed. Printed information includes listings of all

parameters, as well as all filter and frequency

responses for the EV speakers used in the system.

Configuration window

The clearly organized Configuration window allows the user to

name each output for its connected speaker. Space is provid-

ed for adding notes, and additional windows allow access to

filter and delay settings.

Dx38 Digital Sound System Controller

with exclusive RACE software!

EV's Dx38 digital sound system processor sets new

standards for digital sound processing, with a dynamic

range in excess of 115 dB, multiple filter functions,

and exclusive RACE (Realtime Acoustic Cluster Editor)

software.

Versatile Applications

With its 2-in/4-out architecture, the Dx38 is the

perfect system controller for multi-way loudspeaker

arrays. It also works perfectly for signal distribution

in larger sound systems with delay lines, since it

allows the sum of inputs A&B to act as a virtual

third input. And one central PC can control as

many as 31 units (up to 3,930 feet away) through

RS-232, MIDI, or (optional) RS-485 interfaces.

The Dx38’s optional contact closure interface

allows remote switching of presets or muting.

The Dx38 comes with 50 factory presets for EV

speaker systems and can store another 30 user

presets. The Dx38 is always shipped with the

latest version of RACE software, but it’s easy

to upgrade or try RACE out — RACE is available

as a free download at www.electrovoice.com.

Easy Operation without a PC

No computer available? The Dx38 can be easily

used without one. A clearly arranged graphic

display helps in editing all parameters. Four LEDs

monitor the status of each

output (Sub, Low, Mid, Hi,

or any combination) for

quick output assignment.

The output level control pots are push pots that

send dedicated output information directly to the

display for editing. And the Dx38 can be locked to

prevent unauthorized changes.

In the Speaker window, RACE displays a complete system’s

acoustical response by assigning each speaker’s acoustical

data (phase and magnitude) to the appropriate output. The

data is measured in a free field, and all influences of filter

functions, levels and delay settings are then calculated.

RACE thus displays the system’s acoustical response —

including all parameters used on the Dx38, but without any

room influence — in realtime. The Speaker window works

exclusively with EV speaker systems and helps optimize the

use of all digital parameter functions.

In this example of a 4-way system (an EV Xi-1183 3-way

with an EV Xi-2181 sub), RACE’s X-Over window clearly dis-

plays each output’s filter functions, including master and

channel EQ settings. Resolution can be set at ±12 dB, ±24

dB, or ±48 dB, and it’s easy to toggle between frequency

and phase response. Although the output from other speak-

ers in the system can be excluded from the view, the exam-

ple uses all four outputs. (This slightly complex example

shows a combination of conventional crossovers with a wide

overlap between Sub (Xi-2181) and Lo (Xi-1183 LF) inputs).

The example shows the electrical transfer function of the

Dx38 for this system through the complex summation of its

filters, levels, and delays.

It is difficult to derive any idea of the sound quality from the

previous window. But once the acoustical data of the raw

components and amplifiers is added, the window displays

the system’s real acoustical response according to the actu-

al parameter settings. Parameter alterations are immediately

visible and audible.

RACE, an industry first, is therefore unique in that it can

show the true frequency response of EV components in real-

time as they behave in a free field. With all system data and

parameters entered, the user can understand how the sys-

tem will perform independently of any room influence.

Step Up to EV

RACE (Realtime Acoustic Cluster Editor)

RACE's signal flow window provides a clear overview of all avail-

able parameters. Five master equalizers are available per input

immediately after input metering. Each of these filters can be set as

a hi- or lo-pass filter (6 dB/12 dB peak), as a hi- or lo-shelf filter

(6/12 dB), or as a full parametric equalizer. A green LED symbol

indicates whether each filter is activated.

The master delay allows each input or the sum of both inputs to be

delayed separately up to 900ms. Fully flexible routing allows each

input or the sum of both inputs to be routed to any of the four out-

puts. Each of the four filters per output provide the same filter func-

tions as the master equalizers, as well as an all-pass filter for phase

corrections. The crossover section provides a hi- or lo-pass filter for each channel and an output delay for alignment. The

dynamics section provides independent compressors and limiters to ensure speaker protection.

The output meter display works like the whole editor in realtime. Level control and mute are available for each channel.

You don't need a PC to use the Dx38! The Dx38’s parameters can all easily be edited on the front control panel. Once you

try RACE software, however, you may never again want to work without it!

Dx38 — THE NEW STANDARD IN DIGITAL SOUND PROCESSING

EV's Dx38 digital sound system processor sets new standards for digital sound processing,

with a dynamic range in excess of 115 dB, multiple filter functions, and exclusive RACE

(Realtime Acoustic Cluster Editor) software.

N378 OUT 4

IN 1

90-250V ac, 50-60 Hz 30W

FUSE

T0.8A

250V

OUT 3 OUT 2 OUT 1

BUCHANAN, MICHIGAN

INOUT

LEFT/MONO

IN 2

RIGHT

THRU 170086

PATENTED3840551 MADE IN GERMANY

MIDI

DELAY 1

DELAY 2

NEARFILL

MIX LSIDEFILL MIX R

(MONO) (MONO)

N378

N378 OUT 4

IN 1

90-250V ac, 50-60 Hz 30W

FUSE

T0.8A

250V

OUT 3 OUT 2 OUT 1

BUCHANAN, MICHIGAN

INOUT

LEFT/MONO

IN 2

RIGHT

THRU 170086

PATENTED3840551 MADE IN GERMANY

MIDI

HI MID LO

(LEFT)

MIX L

OUT 4

IN 1

90-250V ac, 50-60 Hz 30W

FUSE

T0.8A

250V

OUT 3 OUT 2 OUT 1

BUCHANAN, MICHIGAN

INOUT

LEFT/MONO

IN 2

RIGHT

THRU 170086

PATENTED3840551 MADE IN GERMANY

MIDI

MIX R

(RIGHT)

SUB

HI MID LOW SUB

N378

N378 OUT 4

IN 1

90-250V ac, 50-60 Hz 30W

FUSE

T0.8A

250V

OUT 3 OUT 2 OUT 1

BUCHANAN, MICHIGAN

INOUT

LEFT/MONO

IN 2

RIGHT

THRU 170086

PATENTED3840551 MADE IN GERMANY

MIDI

MID LO SUB1

(LEFT)

(MONO)

MONO MIX L

OUT 4

IN 1

90-250V ac, 50-60 Hz 30W

FUSE

T0.8A

250V

OUT 3 OUT 2 OUT 1

BUCHANAN, MICHIGAN

INOUT

LEFT/MONO

IN 2

RIGHT

THRU 170086

PATENTED3840551 MADE IN GERMANY

MIDI

MID LO SUB 2HI

(RIGHT)

MIX R

(MONO)

N378 OUT 4

IN 1

90-250V ac, 50-60 Hz 30W

FUSE

T0.8A

250V

OUT 3 OUT 2 OUT 1

BUCHANAN, MICHIGAN

INOUT

LEFT/MONO

IN 2

RIGHT

THRU 170086

PATENTED3840551 MADE IN GERMANY

MIDI

HI LO HI

(RIGHT)

MIX LLO MIX R

(LEFT)

Signal matrix

Stereo 4-way

3 in 8

Stereo 2-way

2RU

1RU

2RU

Signal Flow Window

Applications

With the Dx38’s optional RS-485 interface, RACE software permits control of

large, complex speaker systems of up to 124 outputs. Access to complex net-

works is provided either by exchanging the factory-installed RS-232 interface

with an optional RS-485 interface, or by connecting a DCN-485 converter (RS-

232 to RS-485) to the PC’s COM port. The RS-485 and the DCN-485 both

provide XLR connector output. The DCN-485 requires no power supply.

With conventional microphone cables, units can be controlled over distances

up to 655 feet. CAT-5 cabling allows control over control distances up to 3,930

feet. Realtime monitoring of all parameters — including frequency response,

input and output metering, and compressor/limiter thresholds — provides a

complete, up-to-the-second visual overview of the system.

Network control is so easy and intuitive…

It`s like the controllers are in a side rack

just an arm´s length away!

Flexible, easy-to-use, and stable, RACE took several years to develop. It incorporates the suggestions of many audio

professionals and active sound engineers. Every time a parameter is changed, a message asks the user to confirm

that the change is intentional. Systems can be viewed in Live Mode or Setup Mode. Live Mode displays all units,

includes realtime input and output metering, and allows mute and level adjustments just as if all units were nearby on

a side rack. All other functions, such as parameter editing or changing presets, are available only in the password-

protected Setup Mode.

RACE Networks Control up to 124 Outputs

DCN 485 Converter

RS-485 Interface

Step Up to EV

Placement Window:

Precise Speaker Positioning

RACE’s Placement window allows the user to

optimize speaker positioning relative to a key

listening position (the “listener’s head”). The

Placement feature combines response data

from preset RACE speaker files (as measured

from each enclosure’s center grille) with the

system’s physical geometry (for example,

with subs on the floor and flying top cabinets)

to display the system’s acoustic response

at the position of the “listener’s head.”

Dragging-and-dropping the “listener’s head”

displays the system’s acoustic response

for as many locations as the user wishes

to check. SPL distribution for frequencies

from 20 Hz to 152 Hz can be graphically

displayed; the example shows SPL

distribution at 100 Hz.

For example, in the setup at left, a sub-

woofer has been been placed near an

emergency exit and has to be moved.

The user moves the sub to a new location

in the RACE Placement window, and

RACE immediately displays the potential

acoustic catastrophe…

The “listener’s head” experiences a big sonic

dip at about 100 Hz. As well, the usually

inaudible 45° lobing towards the ceiling becomes

definitely audible as 1st- and 2nd-order reflections,

further distorting the sound at the listening position.

The user then changes the system’s parameters

to fix positioning and lobing issues. Once the

sub in question is properly delayed, system

response is again be optimized for the listener

and the undesirable reflective lobing is eliminated.

Step Up to EV

Dx38 THE NEW STANDARD IN DIGITAL SOUND PROCESSING

Rear View

Specifications

AC voltage 90-250 V AC (50-60 Hz)

Power consumption 30 W maximum

Safety class VDE/IEC Class I

Inputs 2 x XLR in, electronically balanced, transformers optional

2 x XLR OUT (Direct Out)

Nominal input voltage 1.55 V (+6 dBu)

Maximum input voltage 24.5 V (+30 dBu)

Input impedance 20 kΩ

Common-mode rejection >40 dB (1 kHz)

A/D conversion 24-bit; 128x oversampled; linear phase

Outputs 4 x XLR out; electronically balanced

Nominal output voltage 1.55 V (+6 dBu)

Maximum output voltage 8.7 V (+21 dBu)

Output impedance <100 Ω

Minimum load impedance 600 Ω

D/A conversion 24-bit; 128x oversampled; linear phase

Frequency response 20 Hz–20 kHz (-0.5 dB)

S/N ratio >115 dB (typical)

THD without transformer <0.01% (1 kHz)

THD with transformer <0.05% (1 kHz)

Crossover Independently adjustable high- and low-pass filters

with Butterworth and Linkwitz-Riley 12- and 24-dB/octave slopes

and Bessel 6-, 12-, 18- and 24-dB/octave slopes

EQ filters Five filters per input; four filters per output:

– Parametric EQ (20 Hz–20 kHz; Q 0.4–20.0; +/-12 dB)

– Low shelf (20 Hz - 20 kHz; 6/12-dB slope; +/-12 dB); Hi shelf (6-dB slope; +/-12 dB)

– High- and low-pass (6/12-dB slope; Q 0.4–2.0)

– All pass (outputs only)

Compressors One per output, with adjustable threshold, compression ratio,

and attack/release times

Limiters One per output, with adjustable threshold and release time

MIDI in/out/thru Data dump/master-slave operation/remote control

Delay 3 master delays (2–900 ms)

4 channel delays (0–900 ms)

Delay increment: 21 µsec

Data format 24-bit linear AD/DA conversion; 48-bit processing

Sample rate 48 kHz

Display 122 x 32 dots, graphic LCD display with LED backlight

Dimensions 1.72" (43.6 mm) x 19.0" (483 mm) x 14.8" (375 mm) hwd

Weight 11 lbs (5 kg)

Protection function Password lock

Accessories (supplied) RACE software (also free download from www.electrovoice.com)

NRS 90243 RS-232 interface (installed)

Accessories (optional) NRS 90247 RS-485 interface, DCN485 RS-232 to RS-485 converter

NRS 90246 contact-closure interface

NRS 90244 input transformer

America

USA: Telex Communications Inc. 12000 Portland Ave South, Burnsville, MN 55337, USA, Phone: 952-884-4051, Fax: 952-884-0043

Canada (East): Acoustik GE Inc. 5715 Kincourt, Montréal, PQ H4W 1Y7, Canada, Phone: 866-369-2864, 514-369-2864, Fax: 514-487-9525

Canada (Ontario): HEK Marketing Inc. 27 Fearn Crescent, Ajax, ON L1S 5L7, Canada. Phone: 800-494 6770, Fax 905-619-0366

Canada (West): KMT Pro Audio. 04-301 Nassau Street North, Winnipeg, MB R3L-2J5, Canada, Phone: 888-850-8811, Fax: 204-489-7614

Mexico: Telex de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Av. Parque Chapultepec 66-202, Col. El Parque, Edo. de Mexico, Phone:+52 (55) 5358-5434, Fax:+52 (55) 5358-5588

Latin America: Telex Communications Inc. 12000 Portland Ave South, Burnsville, MN 55337, USA, Phone: 952-887-5532, Fax: 952-736-4212

Europe and Africa & Middle-East

Germany: Telex EVI Audio GmbH. Hirschberger Ring 45, D 94315, Straubing, Germany, Phone: +49 9421-706 0, Fax: +49 9421-706 265

France: EVI Audio France S.A. Parc de Courcerin, Allée Lech Walesa, F 77185 Lognes, France, Phone: +33 1-6480-0090, Fax: +33 1-6006-5103

UK: Telex Communications Ltd. 4, The Willows Centre, Willow Lane, Mitcham, Surrey CR4 4NX, UK, Phone: +44 208 646 7114, Fax: +44 208 640 7583

Africa & Middle-East: Telex EVI Audio GmbH. Hirschberger Ring 45, D 94315, Straubing, Germany, Phone: +49 9421-706 0, Fax: +49 9421-706 265

Asia & Pacific Rim

Japan: EVI Audio Japan Ltd. 5-3-8 Funabashi, Setagaya-Ku, Tokyo, Japan 156-0055, Phone: +81 3-5316-5020, Fax: +81 3-5316-5031

Australia: EVI Audio (Aust) Pty Ltd. Slough Business Estate, Unit 23, Silverwater, N.S.W. 2128, Australia, Phone: +61 2-9648-3455, Fax: +61 2-9648-5585

China: EVI Audio (HK) Ltd. 7th Floor China Minmetals Tower, No. 79 Chatham Road South, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, HK, Phone: +852 2351-3628, Fax: +852 2351-3329