McCauley Sound MCS 2.6 User manual

McCauley MCS 2.6 User’s Manual

McCauley MCS 2.6 User’s Manual
V7.1 21-6-00 PRW
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the following
Standards for Electromagnetic Compatibility and Electrical Safety:
• Radiated Emissions (EU): EN55013 (1990) Associated Equipment
• RF Immunity (EU): EN50082/1 (1992) RF Immunity, Fast Transients ESD
• Mains Disturbance (EU): EN61000/3/2 (1995)
• Electrical Safety (EU): EN60065 (1993)
• Radiated Emissions (USA): FCC part 15 Class B
• Electrical Safety (USA): UL813/ETL (1996) Commercial Audio Equipment
• Electrical Safety (CAN): UL813/ETLc (1996) Commercial Audio Equipment
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION:
• DO NOT REMOVE COVERS.
• NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE, REFER SERVICING TO QUALI-
FIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
• THIS EQUIPMENT MUST BE GROUNDED.
• IT SHOULD NOT BE NECESSARY TO REMOVE ANY PROTECTIVE
GROUND OR SIGNAL CABLE SHIELD CONNECTIONS TO PREVENT
GROUND LOOPS.
• ANY SUCH DISCONNECTIONS ARE OUTSIDE THE RECOMMENDED
PRACTICE OF McCAULEY SOUND, INC. AND WILL RENDER ANY EMC OR
SAFETY CERTIFICATION VOID.
For continued compliance with international EMC legislation ensure that all
input and output cables are wired with the cable screen connected to Pin 1 of the
XLR connectors. The input XLR Pin 1 is connected to the chassis via a low value
capacitor, providing high immunity from ground loops whilst ensuring good EMC
performance.
page 2 of 15

McCauley MCS 2.6 User’s Manual
• Quick Start - Reference
• AC Power Connections
• Audio Connections
• Program Settings
• System Setup
• Conguring the MCS2.6
• Setting the Crossover Points
• Band Delays
• Adding EQ
• Setting the Limiters
• Other Features
• Installation Issues
• Voltage Settings
• AC Power Fusing
• Mechanical Installation
• Main Power Connection
• Rear Panel Connections
• RS-232 Connector
• (6) Outputs Section
• (2) Inputs Section
• Controls & Meters
• Enter Key (STORE)
• Parameter Keys
• Last / Next & Up / Down Keys
• Mute Key(s)
• Input Meter
• Mute Led(s)
• Output Meter
• Navigating: Utilities Menu
• Stereo Link
• Delay Units
• Lock Out
• MIDI Channel
• Contrast
• MIDI Dump
• Delete Program
• Navigating: Inputs Menu
• Delay
• EQ
• Navigating: Outputs Menu
• Name
• Source
• Band Gain
• Limiter Threshold
• Delay
• Delay Link
• Polarity
• Low X-Over
• High Shape
• High X-Over
• Lock Mode
• Navigating: EQ Menu
• Adding New EQ
• EQ Shape
• Frequency
• Cut / Boost
• Width (Bell Only)
• Store, Recall & Security
• Storing
• Recalling
• System Security
• Program Lock
• Lock Mode
• Specications
Table of Contents
page 3 of 15

McCauley MCS 2.6 User’s Manual
Thank you for purchasing the McCauley MCS2.6 digital
systems controller. This section outlines a few basic pro-
cedures to get advanced users up and running quickly.
For complete information on all features and performance
issues, please familiarize yourself with the entire McCau-
ley MCS2.6 user’s manual.
AC Power connection
The McCAULEY MCS2.6 has a universal voltage AC
Power input. Connect the McCAULEY MCS2.6 to AC
Power with the lead supplied. The unit will switch on auto-
matically (there is no separate on/off switch). The display
will show the default screen, with the name and program
number of the current program. (This will be either the last
program recalled before the unit was switched off, or, in
the case of a unit with no stored programs, the default:
1 UNUSED)
Audio connections
Connect the inputs and outputs as desired. All inputs
and outputs are electronically balanced, with Pin 2 hot
signal (+ve). Do not put any audio through the unit at this
time.
Program settings
If your McCAULEY MCS2.6 has been already cong-
ured with a program, you only need to use the RECALL
mode to set the parameters to that program:
Press RECALL. Use the Parameter UP/DOWN
keys to select the designated program and press
RECALL again. Programs marked with the letter ‘
M’ are Master ‘OEM’ programs and have been
designed to match specic sound systems. Some
units will be locked to a specic program. In this
case most controls will be disabled and the unit
will be ready for use.
Setting up a system
To congure your McCAULEY MCS2.6, the mode of
the unit should be decided upon before setting up. Once
the Cong is set (In the Utilities menu), the crossover
points, individual band delays, EQs, and limiter thresholds
can be set up. To enter the Utilities menu, press the
RIGHT key from the default screen.
Conguring the McCAULEY MCS2.6
The McCAULEY MCS2.6 can be congured in one
of three modes: 2-way 3-channel, 3-way 2-channel or
Mono 5-way (MONO). To select the mode you wish to
use, enter the Utilities menu, and press the RIGHT key
until you reach the Cong screen. Use the UP / DOWN
(PARAMETER) keys to select the option you wish to use.
NOTE: When the conguration is changed, the
unit will prompt for conrmation of the action. If the
ENTER (STORE) key is pressed, then the mode will
change, and DEFAULT VALUES WILL BE RESTORED.
It is advis- able to do a ‘Store’ before changing modes
if you have set up a program.
Setting the Crossover Points
Select the band to be edited by pushing the Access
UP/DOWN keys to cycle through inputs and outputs. Once
the band has been selected, press the LAST / NEXT
keys until the rst crossover screen, displaying the low-
shape lter slope, appears. Select the type of lter shape
by using the UP / DOWN (PARAMETER) keys to cycle
through the selection. Pushing the RIGHT key from here
will move to the Filter Frequency (Low slope) screen.
Use the UP / DOWN (PARAMETER) keys to select the
frequency. The high slope screen can be accessed after
this screen by pushing the RIGHT key.
Band Delays
Use the LAST / NEXT keys until the delay screen
appears. The delay is adjusted by the UP / DOWN
(PARAMETER) keys. Default settings for display and
adjustment of delay is in meters (m), but can be changed
to milliseconds (ms) or feet/inches (ft) in the Delay Units
screen in the Utilities menu. Bands can also be linked so
multiple outputs can be delayed as one using the Delay
Link utility.
Adding EQ
Use the LAST / NEXT keys to move to the EQ screen.
The EQ shape can be edited rst. The shape of the EQ
can be selected from one of the following by pushing the
UP / DOWN (PARAMETER) keys:
• Hi-Shelf with 12dB slope (Hi12)
• Hi-Shelf with 6dB slope (Hi6)
• BELL
• Low-Shelf with 6dB slope (Lo6)
• Low-Shelf with 12dB slope (Lo12).
page 4 of 15
Quick Start Reference

McCauley MCS 2.6 User’s Manual
Pushing the RIGHT key from the EQ shape screen will
access the following facilities, in this order:
• Filter Frequency
• Cut/Boost
• Filter Bandwidth (BELL only)
Setting the limiters
Use the LAST / NEXT keys until the Limit screen appears.
Pushing the UP / DOWN (PARAMETER) keys will then
change the threshold. The output meters are calibrated to
this threshold setting.
Other Features
• Crossover slopes of 6, 12, 18, 24 or 48dB per
octave, lter types Butterworth or Linkwitz-Riley,
as appropriate.
• Output limiters on each band (mid-lter).
• High resolution input and output delays up to
630 seconds in 22 microsecond steps.
• Input LED metering, showing signals from -20dB
to clip level.
• Output LED metering, showing signals from
-20dB to +6dB over limit threshold.
• Front panel mutes.
• Polarity reverse on each output.
• Electronically balanced inputs and outputs.
• MIDI and RS-232 ports on rear panel.
Quick Start Reference (cont.)
page 5 of 15

McCauley MCS 2.6 User’s Manual
Installation Issues
Voltage Setting
The McCAULEY MCS2.6 uses a switched-mode power
supply which offers high efciency and low heat genera-
tion. This power supply accepts universal AC Power input
voltages in the range 100V AC to 240V AC (nominal), and
requires no setting adjustment for AC power voltages in
this range. Minimum AC input voltage is 90 Volts, and the
maximum is 264 volts. Outside these ranges the unit will
not work satisfactorily, if at all. Voltages in excess of the
maximum will probably cause damage. Voltages below the
minimum will cause complete system shutdown. The ash
memory in the unit will preserve all data in the event of
a power failure.
AC Power Fusing
The Green-and-Yellow wire of the mains cord must
always be connected to an installation Safety Ground.
The Ground is essential for personal safety as well as
the correct operation of the system, and is internally con-
nected to all exposed metal surfaces. Any rack framework
into which this unit may be mounted is assumed to be
connected to the same grounding circuit.
The incoming mains power is fused within the McCAU-
LEY MCS2.6 by the fuse holder mounted on the rear
panel. Always replace with an identical 20mm x 5mm ‘T’
fuse, rated at 1A for continued protection from equipment
damage and re. It is most important for continued safety
that this specication is strictly adhered to.
Mechanical Installation
A vertical rack space of 1U (1” / 44.5 mm high) is
required. Ventilation gaps are unnecessary.
If the McCAULEY MCS2.6 is likely to undergo extreme
vibration through extensive road trucking and touring, it is
advisable to support the unit at the rear and/or sides to
lessen the stress on the front mounting ange. The neces-
sary support can generally be bought ready-built as a rack
tray. As with any low-level signal processing electronics,
it is best to avoid mounting the unit next to a strong
source of magnetic radiation, for example, a high power
amplier, to help keep residual noise levels in the system
to a minimum.
Main Power Connection
NOTE: There is no On/Off switch for the unit.
IMPORTANT: The wires in the main lead are color
coded in accordance with the following code.
• The wire which is colored Green and Yellow or
Green must be connected to the terminal which is
marked with the letter ‘E’ or by the Ground signal
or which is colored Green and Yellow or Green.
• The wire which is colored Blue must be con
nected to the terminal labelled ‘N’ or colored
Black or Blue.
• The wire which is colored Brown must be con
nected to the terminal labelled ‘L’ or colored Red
or Brown.
WARNING!
THIS APPLIANCE MUST BE GROUNDED.
page 6 of 15

McCauley MCS 2.6 User’s Manual
Rear Panel Connections
RS-232 Connector
For connection to a PC for access to one or more
McCAULEY MCS2.6’s on a MIDI loop, the RS232 connec-
tion provides an easy way to upload new software.
(6) Band Outputs
The McCAULEY MCS2.6 audio outputs are electroni-
cally balanced and oating. Transformer balancing is avail-
able as a retrot option.
• Pin 1 Shield/Ground
• Pin 2 Signal Hot (+)
• Pin 3 Signal Cold (-)
(2) Channel Inputs
The McCAULEY MCS2.6 audio inputs are electroni-
cally balanced. Transformer balancing is available as a
retrot option.
• Pin 1 Open circuit
• Pin 2 Signal Hot (+)
• Pin 3 Signal Cold (-)
Use the UP/DOWN access keys to move between
Default, Utility, Input and Output menus (Horizontal col-
umns).
Use the RIGHT and LEFT keys to move along each
menu.
Use the UP / DOWN (PARAMETER) keys to adjust
a parameter. (When adjusting a value, pressing a key
once will usually give a small increment / decrement
whilst holding a key down will give a larger increment/
decrement).
page 7 of 15

McCauley MCS 2.6 User’s Manual
ENTER Key (aka STORE)
Program data can be stored to one of 60 internal
memory locations using the Store facility. The ENTER key
also doubles as an STORE key for conrmation of some
actions. Program data is recalled to the unit from internal
memory using the Recall facility.
PARAMETER Keys
Controller keys for editing parameters displayed on the
LCD screen.
LAST / NEXT & UP / DOWN Keys
Controller keys for moving between screens to access
different parameters to edit.
MUTE Key(s)
Pressing a mute key will toggle the associated band
output on and off. The mute LED is illuminated when the
output is MUTED. Mute status is saved when a program
is stored.
INPUT Meter
Input signal level referenced to the clip level. Actual
signal clipping will occur slightly above the ‘clip’ indicator.
MUTE LED(s)
Shows the mute status of the output band.
OUTPUT Meter
Shows the output of each channel relative to the limiter
threshold.
Moving to a new menu may not bring up the rst screen
shown in each row, as McCAULEY MCS2.6 remembers,
and moves you to, the last screen accessed in each
menu.
• ENTER (STORE) and Recall are accessed by
pressing their respective keys.
After powering up, the McCAULEY MCS2.6 performs
internal checks and sets up the audio path before releas-
ing the output mute relays. This takes a few seconds.
Controls & Meters
page 8 of 15

McCauley MCS 2.6 User’s Manual
Utilities Menu
Pushing the RIGHT key while viewing the default
screen will move you into the Utilities menu. The RIGHT
and LEFT keys are used to move along the Utilities path,
and the UP / DOWN (PARAMETER) keys are used to
change the selected parameter.
Stereo Link
This mode selects whether parameters will be adjusted
together or independently on each channel.
• The stereo link pairs in 2-channel 3-way are 1
& 2, 3 & 4 and 5 & 6.
• The stereo link pairs in 3-channel 2-way are 1
& 3, and 4 & 6.
Pushing the UP / DOWN (PARAMETER) keys selects
Stereo Link: ON or OFF.
Delay units
This selects the units used for displaying and adjusting
delays. ‘ms’ represents milliseconds, ‘ft’ represents feet (and
feet and inches for short delays), and ‘m’ represents metres.
Lock out
The Lock Out mode prevents access to editing func-
tions on the input and output channels. Since this utility
is not password-protected, Lock Out can still be accessed
and turned off. This mode is intended only as a precaution
against accidental adjustments, and not as a tamper-proof
security lock.
MIDI channel
Here, you can select the MIDI channel that the unit is
assigned to (Channels 1 through 16 are available).
Contrast
This allows you to change the contrast of the LCD display.
MIDI dump
This utility allows you to dump the current program set-
tings to another McCAULEY MCS2.6, or a MIDI storage
device for backup, or for the purpose of synchronising a
pair of units for stereo operation. Performing a MIDI dump
will completely overwrite all programs in the receiving
device (Rx), including the current program, with those
from the sending device (Tx). If you are using the MIDI
Dump to transfer data to another McCAULEY MCS2.6
via MIDI ensure that both devices are set to the same
MIDI channel, and connect either the MIDI OUT of the Tx
device to the MIDI IN of the Rx device. Alternatively, the
units can be linked via their RS232 ports.
Each unit must be set to the correct MIDI mode, from
a choice of Multi, Master or PCPort on the MIDI mode
screen in the Utilities menu. The MIDI mode setting for
each device will depend on the protocol used and whether
synchronization between the units is required.
Protocol Tx Rx Status
RS232 PCPort Multi -
RS232 PCPort PCPort -
RS232 Multi Multi -
RS232 Multi PCPort -
RS232 Master Multi Synced
RS232 Master PCPort Synced
MIDI Multi Master -
MIDI Master Master Synced
(NOTE: Units connected via MIDI port will only be
synchronized after a MIDI dump has been performed.
Units connected via RS232 do not require a MIDI dump in
order to synchronize, but if a MIDI dump is not performed,
each unit will contain different stored programs and cur-
rent program settings until changes are made to each
setting individually on the Tx unit).
The default position for the MIDI dump screen is MIDI
DUMP: NO. Use the UP / DOWN (PARAMETER) keys to
select YES on the Tx unit, then press ENTER (STORE)
at the prompt, to conrm the dump. A percentage com-
plete gure on the Tx screen will show how much data
has been transferred. The Rx screen will read ‘Warning!
Incoming Dump’. When the dump is complete, the Tx
screen will default to NO. The Rx screen will display the
name of the new current program.
(NOTE: All parameter edits in all stored programs
will be overwritten in any McCAULEY MCS2.6’s set to
the same MIDI channel. Use MIDI Dump with care!)
Delete Program
This facility allows any stored program to be removed
from the unit. Use the UP / DOWN (PARAMETER)
keys to select the desired program, and press ENTER
(STORE) to conrm deletion. (NOTE: Programs marked
‘M’ cannot be deleted from USER units)
Navigating: Utilities Menu
page 9 of 15

McCauley MCS 2.6 User’s Manual
INPUTS MENU
There are two inputs available for routing to outputs
plus an internal mono sum of inputs A and B, referred to
as A+B. This gives the Input Channels:
• A, B, and A+B.
The facilities described in this section are common to
all inputs, except EQ, which is not possible on the mono
sum A+B signal.
• The rst screen in the input menu is the DELAY
SCREEN. Pressing the RIGHT key will access the
EQ screens.
Delay
The delay on each input channel can be adjusted
individually, in 22 microsecond steps by pushing the UP
/ DOWN (PARAMETER) keys. (Holding a UP / DOWN
(PARAMETER) key down will increment/decrement the
amount of delay in larger steps). This delay is typically used
to set the delay for delay towers etc., or to stagger the
delays between the left and right channels to ‘move’ sound
lobes in an installation.
Delays can be viewed and adjusted in metres (default),
feet/inches, or milliseconds.
NOTE: The maximum delay value is restricted by
any delay on an output that is fed by the current input.
Input delay and output delay for any signal path is
limited to 630ms.
To select any of the output bands, press the UP/DOWN
keys until the output is shown on the screen.
EQ
To add EQ to an input, step through the functions on
the desired channel using the LAST / NEXT keys until you
reach the screen that shows the EQ parameter you wish
to edit. (See ‘EQ screens’ for more details).
Navigating: Inputs Menu
page 10 of 15