LTO MAXIDRIVE3.4+ User manual

MAXIDRIVE3.4+
3 WAY STEREO
DIGITAL CROSSOVER
www.altoproaudio.com
Version 1.1 OCTOBER 2007
English
LTO
R
User's Manual

CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE THE COVER OR
THE BACK PANEL OF THIS EQUIPMENT.
THERE ARE NO PARTS NEEDED BY USER
INSIDE THE EQUIPMENT. FOR SERVICE,
PLEASE CONTACT QUALIFIED SERVICE
CENTERS.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of electric shock
and fire, do not expose this equipment
to moisture or rain.
Dispose of this product should
not be placed in municipal waste
and should be separate collection.
11.
12.
MovethisEquipmentonlywithacart,
stand, tripod, or bracket,
specified by the
manufacturer, or
sold with the
Equipment. When
a cart is used, use
caution when
moving the cart /
equipment
combination to
avoid possible
injury from tip-over.
Permanent hearing loss may be caused by
exposure to \ extremely high noise levels.
The US. Government's Occupational Safety
and Health Administration (OSHA) has
specified the permissible exposure to noise
level.
These are shown in the following chart:
According to OSHA, an exposure to high SPL in
excess of these limits may result in the loss of
heat. To avoid the potential damage of heat, it is
recommended that Personnel exposed to
equipment capable of generating high SPL use
hearing protection while such equipment is
under operation.
This symbol, wherever used, alerts you to the
presence of un-insulated and dangerous voltages
within the product enclosure. These are voltages that
may be sufficient to constitute the risk of electric
shock or death.
This symbol, wherever used, alerts you to
important operating and maintenance instructions.
Protective Ground Terminal
AC mains (Alternating Current)
ON: Denotes the product is turned on.
OFF: Denotes the product is turned off.
The apparatus shall be connected to a mains
socket outlet with a protective earthing
connection.
The mains plug or an appliance coupler is used
as the disconnect device, the disconnect device
shall remain readily operable.
Describes precautions that should be observed to
prevent damage to the product.
Read this Manual carefully before operation.
Keep this Manual in a safe place.
Be aware of all warnings reported
with this symbol.
Keep this Equipment away from water and
moisture.
Clean it only with dry cloth. Do not use
solvent or other chemicals.
Do not damp or cover any cooling opening.
Install the equipment only in accordance with
the Manufacturer's instructions.
Power Cords are designed for your safety. Do
not remove Ground connections! If the plug
does not fit your AC outlet, seek advice from
a qualified electrician. Protect the power
cord and plug from any physical stress to
avoid risk of electric shock. Do not place
heavy objects on the power cord. This could
cause electric shock or fire.
Unplug this equipment when unused for long
periods of time or during a storm.
Refer all service to qualified service personnel
only. Do not perform any servicing other than
those instructions contained within the
User's Manual.
To prevent fire and damage to the product,
use only the recommended fuse type as
indicated in this manual. Do not short-circuit
the fuse holder. Before replacing the fuse,
make sure that the product is OFF and
disconnected from the AC outlet.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Please read.
Hazardous Live Terminal
CAUTION
HOURS X DAY EXAMPLE
8
6
4
3
2
1,5
1
0,5
0,25 or less
SPL
90
92
95
97
100
102
105
110
115
Small gig
train
Subway train
High level desktop monitors
Classic music concert
Rock concert
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTION

3.1 Front Panel
3.2 Rear Panel
4.1 Configuration of The System
4.2 Adjust The Input Signal
5.1 Preset Menu
5.2 Delay Menu
5.3EditMenu
5.4 Utility Menu
1. INTRODUCTION 1..............................................................................................................................
2. FEATURES 1.......................................................................................................................................
3. CONTROL ELEMENTS 1..................................................................................................................
4. GETTING STARTED 3........................................................................................................................
8. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 37..................................................................................................
9. WARRANTY 38..................................................................................................................................
5. THE MENU MAP CONFIGURATION DESCRIPTION 7..................................................................
6. CONNECTIONS 28..........................................................................................................................
7. APPLICATION 29...............................................................................................................................
7.1 Factory Preset Configuration
7.2 Preset Parameters for Line Array
4.3 First Setup
4.4 System Configuration
4.5 Number of Presets
4.6 Type of Preset
4.7 Name of The Preset
4.8 Preset Modifications
4.9SystemProtection
7.3 Hookup
IN THIS MANUAL:

ENTERPREV NEXT
ESC
MODE
CLIP
66
1212
1818
2424
A B
INPUT LEVELINPUT LEVEL
MUTE
CLIP
66
1212
2424
LIMIT
OUTPUT
LEVEL
OUTPUT
LEVEL
CLIP
66
1212
2424
LIMIT
CLIP
66
1212
2424
LIMIT
CLIP
66
1212
2424
LIMIT
CLIP
66
1212
2424
LIMIT
CLIP
66
1212
2424
LIMIT
OUTPUT
LEVEL
OUTPUT
LEVEL
OUTPUT
LEVEL
OUTPUT
LEVEL
OUTPUT
LEVEL
OUTPUT
LEVEL
OUTPUT
LEVEL
OUTPUT
LEVEL
OUTPUT
LEVEL
OUTPUT
LEVEL
MUTE MUTE MUTEMUTE MUTE MUTE
CARD
3-WAY STEREO
DIGITAL CROSSOVER
3-WAY STEREO
DIGITAL CROSSOVER
MAXIDRIVE3.4+
1 2 345 6
R
LTO
EDIT
UTILITY
DELAY
PRESET
1
Front Panel
Mountable in a 19" Rack Unit
Delay lines up to 2.5s for each input and up to 300ms for each output
Stereo digital input in AEX/EBU format
A/D and D/A converters for a 117dB dynamic range
Slot for a memory card for the storage of more presets and an easier upgrade of other units
10 Factory presets, 64 user presets and 128 card presets by large memory capacity
Switching power supply
Remote control
Manufactured under QS9000, VDA6.1 certified management system
2 LEDs
These LEDs indicate the selecting status of the menus.
Rear-lit 2 16 display.
It shows the pages of the various menus and the relative parameters.
The knob allows you to edit value of the selected parameter. The value raises while turning the DIAL knob
lockwise and lowers counterclockwise.
Thank you for purchasing the LTO MAXIDRIVE3.4+.
Your MAXIDRIVE3.4+ is a 3-way stereo digital crossover and it is a powerful versatile signal processor.
The apparatus will provide 3, 4, 5 or 6-way mono X-over with 6 outputs. Thanks to the use of selected and
expensive components, the performances of MAXIDRIVE3.4+ are worth much more than its price:
you can set the input and output routing configuration only through recalling one of the Presets included in the
internal memory.
Enjoy your MAXIDRIVE3.4+ and make sure to read this Manual carefully before operation!
1 MODE button
The button allows you to select four modes: PRESET, DELAY, EDIT and UTILITY. Pressing MODE key
repeatedly to reach to the required menu and the corresponding LED will light up. You can edit the
parameters of the selected menus. If none of the menu LEDs is lit, the Display shows the name of
the current PRESET and no parameters can be modified.
Each menu comprises several pages. These buttons allow you to turn over the pages and/or a variable
number of parameters.
1. INTRODUCTION
2. FEATURES
SPOTLIGHT
3. CONTROL ELEMENTS
3 Display
4 DIAL knob
5 PREV/NEXT button
1
2
3 4
5
76 9
8
10 11
12

2
SPOTLIGHT
3. CONTROL ELEMENTS
8 ENTER key
The key allows you to access to the selected editing . P ou can edit and confirm
value of parameter.
page ressing this key, y
the required
The LEDs are used to indicate the level of input A/B. In order to get an up-front distortion-free
signal, you keep continually.the signal quite high, but do assure that the red CLIP LED doesn't light up
11 Mute switches
There are six mute switches (1-6). They are used to mute the signal of the respective outputs.
When the switch is on, the corresponding LED will light up. These switches can avoid signal peaks
when switching on and off the sound system and isolate the individual audio sections during testing
or checking sound, etc.. The restored Function (UtilityMute function can be set to use the Wake Up
menu Misc. Setup submenu) and can be set as Normal (last setting before the unit was switched off)
or Mute (all outputs automatically forced into Mute status).
Rear Panel
The Slot allows you to insert the Memory Card which is very useful for safe storage of PRESETS and
for one MAXIDRIVE3.4+ to another.their transfer from
9 ESC key
The key allows you to exit the selected editing page. It is also used to reject the value to enter and
return to the stored value.
12 Output Level LEDs
These LEDs indicate the level of the respective outputs (you can adjust the output via adjusting the
Output Gain parameter of Edit menu.)
Note: The LIMITER on any output will change the way in which the level is displayed on the
corresponding LED. In fact, the level shown on the ladder is no longer the "absolute" output level, but
the level of the signal at -24dB, -12dB, -6dB compared to the limiter threshold (indicated by the
orange LIMIT LED).
13 AC Inlet and fuse holder
14 Power Switch
The switch is used to turn the main POWER on and off.
Note: Before turning on the unit, please make sure the amplifiers of the sound system are off to
avoid the annoying and sometimes dangerous signal peaks.
Use it to connect your MAXIDRIVE3.4+ to the supplied AC cord. Please check the Voltage in your
country and what voltage for your MAXIDRIVE3.4+ is configured before attempting to connect the
unit for the main AC. The fuse can protect the AC supplies circuit of the equipment.
CAUTION: If there is something wrong with the fuse or the fuse needs to change, please refer to a
qualified technician. If the fuse continues to blow after replacing, discontinue using of this unit
before being repaired.
Apparaten skall anslutas till
jordat uttag nar den ansluts
till ett natverk
PWR
OFF
ON
AC INPUT 14W
95-240V 50/60Hz
FUSE: 95-120V T500mAL
210-240V T315mAL
DIGITAL IN RS485 OUT RS485 IN RS232 INPUT AINPUT B
4321
OUTPUTS
56
A102
DESIGNED IN ITALY
MADE IN CHINA
PUSH
21
3
NEW TIDE
PUSH
21
3
NEW TIDE
PUSH
1
3
2
NEW TIDE
PUSH
1
3
2
NEW TIDE
7 Memory Card Slot
10 Input Level LEDs
6 Navigation cursor keys
Each editing page comprises a variable number of parameters (fields).
The right and left keys allow you to select the various required parameters via controlling the
movement cursor in the page.of the
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

4.1 Configuration of the system
Meanwhile, the system will restore the exact operating conditions at the time of switching off.
16 Rs485 OUT
This is the standard serial communication interface port. It allows outgoing communication between
a MAXIDRIVE3.4+ and PC or other MAXIDRIVE3.4 units. The RS485 interface is very suitable for
remote control over long distances (difficult with RS232 standard ports) and daisy-chaining several
MAXIDRIVE3.4+.
17 RS485 IN
The function of the RS485 IN port is opposite to RS485 OUT. It allows incoming communication
between a MAXIDRIVE3.4+ and PC or other MAXIDRIVE3.4 units. The RS485 interface is very
suitable for remote control over long distances (Difficult with RS232 standard ports) and for
daisy-chaining several MAXIDRIVE3.4+.
18 RS 232
This is the serial communication interface port. It allows incoming and outgoing communication between
a MAXIDRIVE3.4+ and a PC or other MAXIDRIVE3.4 units.
Communication protocol includes:
-Remote control: 1). Connect the MAXIDRIVE3.4+ to a PC; 2). It is possible to use the LTO
editing software to control functions of all the processor remotely.
-Preset Dump: 1). Connect two MAXIDRIVE3.4+; 2). It's possible to Dump the single Presets
from one unit to another (refer to Dump procedure).
-Program Change commands send/receive: 1). Connect two DAXIDRIVE3.4+; 2). When a Preset
is recalled on the first one, it's possible to send a Program Change command to the second one
to recall the same Preset number (refer to Load Preset procedure).
19 OUTPUTS
These (Outputs1~6) are balanced XLR-M connectors. The high quality, low noise, 20 bit converters
can make A/D conversion.
20 INPUTS
INPUT A and INPUT B are compatible with balanced XLR and JACK. They are audio connectors of the
respective sections. The high quality, low noise, 20 bit converters can make A/D conversion.
The powerful versatile signal processor MAXIDRIVE3.4+ is mainly designed for use with audio systems.
Its routing configurations of the input and output can be only set by recalling one of the PRESETS
included in the internal memory. So the user must be very clear about the main function of the unit in
order to get a best operation of your MAXIDRIVE3.4+.
Before you start your operation, please read the following parts carefully:
At first, switch off the equipment, carry out the audio and power connection from the various
components of your sound system.
Then, connect the main cord and only switch on the MAXIDRIVE3.4+. The display will show the data
regarding with the operating system release for a few seconds.
MA X D R I VE3.4
Re l e ase 1 . 0
--
I
4. GETTING STARTED
SPOTLIGHT
3. CONTROL ELEMENTS
3
15 Digital In
Use the balanced XLR-F connector (one cable is enough to feed both inputs connect the processor to
units fitted with AES/EBU digital outputs. In this case, the two bypassed convention will improve the
quality of the signal. A signal connected to the digital input has the same processing as that connected
to analog input. The Digital/Analog input selection can be set by using the Input Select function (Utility
Menu-Misc. Setup Submenu).

And the system will enter into default status, showing the main operating information on the display.
Load the containing the you've found.Factory PRESET configuration
Press the Key until the menu LED lights up.MODE PRESET
The display will show the page:Load PRESET
Set all the MAXIDRIVE3.4 outputs in status (LEDs lit) by pressing the relative keys.MUTE
Use the to find the necessary Factory PRESET (indicated by the letter F). Check that if,
among available, there are already some optimised for the specific speaker
enclosures being
DIAL
the PRESETS
used.
Press .ENTER
The display shows the PRESET loaded in the units memory and the relative configuration:
Proceed as follows:
Keep the MAXIDRIVE3.4+ outputs in status (LEDs light on).MUTE
Feed a signal in on the MAXIDRIVE3.4+'s input and watch the LED ladders.
make certain the red
INPUT LEVEL A-B
To obtain a good signal/noise ratio, i.e. an up-front distortion-free signal, keep the signal quite high,
but LED doesn't light up continually.CLIP
Adjust the MAXIDRIVE3.4+ input gain if necessary:
Press the key until the menu LED lights up.
Use the and keys to go to the page:
MODE EDIT
PREV NEXT Input Gain
It is much more important to set the input signal of a digital unit than that of an analog unit, because
excessively high input signals will make particularlyany saturation of the A/D converters cause a typical
distinct noise (high level square wave).
(Example)
Press .ENTER
The display will show the or page (according to the configuration and other utilitiesINA Gain INA&B Gain
loaded in the memory):
A13 B24 S56
2F2x2W+2MAX
Load
3F2x3W
Preset
4.2 Adjusting the input signal
A13 B2456
3F2x3W
Input G
ain
Find out the output level setting for your mixer (or other unit) and connect it to the input of the
MAXIDRIVE3.4+.
4. GETTING STARTED
(Example)
4

4.3 First Setup
Disable the MUTE function on the outputs you intend using and listen the sound, carry out
instrumental checks (if you have the necessary equipment) and any corrections required.
4.4 System configuration
The bold letters indicate the inputs:
= Input A
= Input B
= SUM (sum of inputs A and B)
A
B
S
2U2x2W+2MAX
A13 B24 S56
INA GA I N &B
.0dB0
INA GA I N
.0dB0
INA GA I N
.5dB2-
INA GA I N &B
.0dB6+
Firstly, set the following parameters in order:shown
Output Pol. Polarity of the outputs
Xover Crossover frequencies (separation of the speaker channels)
Output Delay Alignment of the speaker enclosure components
Output Gain Levels of the outputs
Then, if necessary, adjust the values of the following functions:
Output EQ Output equalizers
Output Limiter Output limiters
Use the to change the gain value and watch the level of the signal on the LED ladders until the ideal
values are reached.
DIAL
Then use the and keys to access to the page (if there is one, this will depend on
the configuration and the other utilities loaded in the memory).
Repeat the settings as explained above.
PREV NEXT INB Gain
At this point, the first custom setup can be prepared.
The following is only the description of setup procedure.
The detailed specifications of each parameter are shown in the respective paragraphs of the manual.
Note: The regulation of the MAXIDRIVE3.4+'s parameters is closely related to the characteristics of the
components of the sound system. So if you're not the expert, please refer to the documentation and
technical Specifications of your power amplifiers, loudspeaker enclosures, monitors, etc.. This will enable
you to work faster and safely.
Note: In this first phase of setting up your sound system, the adjustment of these functions
(which if not indispensable during installation) can wait. But do remember that adjusting the
equalizers can also affect the signal level. So if considerable equalization changes are made,
remember to check and adjust the output levels too, if necessary.
4. GETTING STARTED
5

Numbers ,,,, and indicate the respective outputs.12345 6
In the example:
The signal connected to Input is assigned to outputs and .A13
The signal connected to Input is assigned to outputs and .B24
The Sum of the signal on inputs and is assigned to outputs 5 and 6.AB
The system is therefore configured as shown in the following diagram.
A13 B24 S56 2-WAY STEREO + 2 MONO AUX (2X2W + 2MAX)
LEFT
RIGHT
HIGH LEFT
HIGH RIGHT
LOW LEFT
LOW RIGHT
MONO AUX L +R
MONO AUX L +R
IN
A
IN
A+B
IN
B
OUT
1
OUT
2
OUT
3
OUT
4
OUT
5
OUT
6
There are 3 categories of PRESETS:
F= Factory PRESETS factory programmed, cannot be permanently changed.
4.6 Type of PRESET
4.5 Number Of PRESETS
10 Factory PRESETS, 64 User PRESETS and 128 Card PRESETS are available.
F2x2W+2MAX
A13 B24 S56
2
U= User PRESETS can be programmed by users.
C= Card PRESETS can be programmed by users and stored on a Multimedia Memory
Card.
4.7 Name of the PRESET
In the example, the name indicates a two-way stereo system + two auxiliary mono outputs.
F
A13 B24 S56
22x2W+22MAX
These include all the system's usable configurations.
F2x2W+2MAX
A13 B24 S56
2
These are the starting points for Creating User PRESETS and Card
PRESETS from scratch.
4. GETTING STARTED
6

4.8 PRESET Modifications
4.9 System Protection
5.1 Preset Menu
Load Preset
Store Preset
Dump Out Preset
Incoming Dump
menu
PRESET
U2x2W+2MAX
A13 B24 S56
2
M
U2x2W+2 AX
A13 B24 S56
2
T
U2x2W+2MAX
A13 B24 S56
2
P
This indicates that the value of one or more parameters has been temporarily modified with respect to
the stored in the PRESET shown.
Practically speaking, this indication means that the changes made to the PRESET have not been stored.
Note: Once it has been enabled, the indication remains even if the "original" values are reset manually.
The indication disappears as soon as the PRESET is saved or as soon as a new PRESET is loaded
(including this same PRESET).
In other words, the indication disappears as soon as stored values are accessed.
If the PRESET isn't saved, temporary changes are lost as soon as a new PRESET is loaded (including this
same PRESET).
Note: Temporary changes are kept on the other hand in the "buffer memory": when the unit is switched
on, the system maintains exactly the same settings as when the unit was switched off, including
temporary changes.
These indications appear when the function ( menu) is enabled, i.e. when the system is totallyLOCK UTILITY
( ) or partially ( ) protected against accidental or unauthorized changes (even if temporary).Protection isTP
ensured by a , without which editing procedure can't be unlocked.password
The control software is organized in , , and menus, each of which contains thePRESET DELAY EDIT UTILITY
relative types of parameters and functions.
4. GETTING STARTED
5. THE MENU MAP CONFIGURATION DESCRIPTION
7