Rainbow DSP 1.8 User manual

Installation Manual for
rainbow DSP 1.8
DSP 1.8
Digital Sound Processor Part-No. RAC271014
DSP 1.8 + WiFi
Digital Sound Processor Part-No. RAC271016
Please read this manual carefully before beginning installation!
rainbow audio GmbH Kreuzenstrasse 94 74076 Heilbronn Germany
Phone +49 7131 / 3958 180 - Fax +49 7131 / 3958 182
[e-mail]
http://www.rainbow-audio.de

2
User Safety Notice
Please read all warnings in this manual. They inform you of risks of personal injury and damage to
property!
These products are intended for use only by those possessing the necessary specialized
training. The relevant safety regulations regarding auto body parts, regulations on internal
vehicle safety STVZO-TÜV, as well as regulations of the authorized vehicle manufacturers should
be diligently followed.
Hearing Impairment
Sustained, excessive volumes in excess of 85 dB can, over time, impair hearing ability.
Volume and Driver Awareness
Use of musical devices can interfere with your ability to hear important traffic noises, and
therebyincrease the risk of an accident while driving.
Rainbow® assumes no responsibility for hearing impairment, injury, or damage to property arising from
the use or misuse of its products.
Work on Vehicle
Do not operate your vehicle before all components of the loudspeaker system and the amplifier have
been firmly and securely installed. Many parts, when unsecured, can become airborne and hazardous
during sudden braking or in the event of an accident.
Do not bore or screw into vehicle lining or carpet before making certain that no important parts or cables
lie beneath. Take care to avoid gasoline, brake, and oil lines and electrical cables when planning the
assembly.
Before starting the assembly, disconnect the ground terminal (-) from the vehicle battery and any
additional batteries that may have been installed, in order to avoid possible short circuits.
Should auto body panels need to be cut out or removed for the installation, contact your automobile
workshop.
Damage to load-bearing auto body parts can void the vehicle operating permit!
Be careful when removing inside paneling. Vehicle manufacturers use a diverse range of fastenings that
can be damaged during disassembly.

3
Contents DSP 1.8
Safety Notice 2
Contents 3
Power Supply Indications 7
Determination of Central Ground Point 7
Technical Specifications 10
Technical Data 10
Device Connections 11
Connection WiFi-module or PC 12
Connection signal input / source device 12
Software/App – Windows Driver Installation 13
Software/App – Connecting to DSP 18
Software/App – Operation 19
Software/App – Driver Page 20
Software/App – In-Out Matrix 21
Software/App – Config Page 22
Software/App – Overview Page 23
WiFi Module – Configuration 24
WiFi – Music Streaming via iOS & Android 24
WiFi - FAQ 25
Starting process timings 26
Warranty Terms and Conditions 26
This package contains:
- 1 x DSP 1.8
- 1 x Power cable
- 1 x High-level cable
- 4 x Fastening screws
- Manual
- Packaging
Optional (already contained, depending on version):
- 1 x USB cable 3m or USB cable 1m with WiFi module option
- 1 x WiFi module
Dear Valued Customer,
We congratulate you on your purchase of this superior product and thank you for placing your trust in
Rainbow. We have developed this installation manual with consideration of variations in the mechanical
and acoustical characteristics of automobiles. Nevertheless, mistakes can still occur. We would greatly
appreciate your bringing any problems you encounter to our attention.
Sincerely,
Your Rainbow Team

4
Before Beginning DSP 1.8
Notice
The installation and setup of the DSP should be carried out only by qualified personnel.
Read this operating manual carefully and follow the advice contained in it for the connection and setup of
the DSP.
Warning
Before connecting external devices you should follow the relevant advice contained in the operating
manual for that device.
Do not open the DSP and do not attempt to repair it. If required, contact your dealer only, who will inform
the customer service department.
Any unauthorized modification will void the warranty.
Installation
Warning
The DSP is designed for use exclusively in the interior of vehicles that have a 12 Volt DC power supply.
The ambient temperature can lie between 0°C and 60°C.
Install the DSP only in the interior of the car or in the trunk. Do not install the DSP in the engine
compartment.
The DSP must not be covered or exposed to pressure.
Ensure that no foreign bodies or fluids can get into the DSP.
Ensure there is sufficient ventilation for the proper cooling of the housing.
Attachment
Warning
The heatsink can reach temperatures above 40°C. You should therefore avoid touching it with heat-
sensitive surfaces or materials.
Make sure that in the attachment site there are no elements present that could be damaged by the
screws or during the attachment process.
Damage to the vehicle can compromise automobile safety and endanger passengers.
Fasten the DSP on the fastening lugs provided. Ensure you have a secure, stable base that can
withstand the weight.
Avoid fastening the device to plastic parts or cardboard cladding.

5
Connecting Cables DSP 1.8
Warning
Only use electrical cable with a sufficient diameter. In doing so, pay attention to the technical details in
the appendix. A larger diameter is always recommended.
The diameter of the grounding cable must be at least as large as that of the positive cable.
Where possible, ensure that the grounding cable is the first cable that you connect to the DSP.
Lay the cables one by one and in succession. Pay attention to performing a professional installation.
When feeding through sheet metal parts, always use rubber grommets.
Use appropriate cable lugs and insulation caps.
Do not bend the cables at a right angle. Avoid contact with sharp sheet metal parts or surfaces that could
damage the insulation.
Warning
Before every service, assembly, or disassembly, disconnect the terminals of the power supply from the
battery. In all cases at least the negative pole should be detached.
Always Install a fuse on the positive cable of the power supply coming from the battery and as near as
possible to the battery terminal. Whenever possible, use the enclosed fuses.
When connecting an external capacitor, always follow the instructions contained in the manual that came
with the capacitor.
We are not liable for damage or injury caused by the improper use of external power supply
systems.
Connections and Setup
Warning
Make sure that the grounding connection is sound. Connect the cable to a metal part of the vehicle, from
which the paint and/or other residues have been removed.
Use cables with appropriate lengths. Keep the cables as short as possible.
So that the suppressor system can function properly, the cinch input connections with metal housings
must not come into contact with each other.
Packaging
The DSP is packaged in a protective carboard box constructed for that purpose. Do not damage the
packaging; keep it for later use in the event of damage to the DSP.
When you receive the DPS, check that:
1.) The packaging is intact, the contents correspond to the specifications, and the product is in no way
damaged.
2.) In the event of missing or damaged parts, please contact your dealer immediately.
In doing so, quote the model as well as the series number, which can be read off the lower part of the
DSP.

6
Installation DSP 1.8
Fasten the DSP at a suitable, well-ventilated position in the vehicle, preferably on the chassis panel, with
the enclosed or similar sheet metal screws and using the insulating washers.
The heatsink of the DSP can attain a high surface temperature. Sufficient distance from temperature-
sensitive parts is absolutely essential.
Caution:
Before the isolation work, at least detach the negative pole of the battery.
This work requires expertise and should be performed with careful consideration of the
relevant safety regulations.

7
Power Supply Indications DSP 1.8
In order to prevent variations in voltage and ground loops, the same cable diameter must be used for
the negative conductor (-) as for the positive conductor (+). Because of the large differences in potential,
the auto body is not suitable as the negative pole for this application.
In order to prevent distortion, all audio devices must be attached to a central ground. This can be
determined during installation in accordance with the type of vehicle. A direct connection at the negative
terminal (-) of the battery is not always advantageous due to the possibility of technical failure. For this
reason, choose the engine block or search for a minimal disturbance on the auto body and from this
point supply all devices with the negative conductor (–) (use a distribution block).
The same criteria apply for the positive terminal (+). The battery lines must be placed on a distribution
block to avoid distortion loops. All audio devices (including radio and CD player) as well as all memory
wires are supplied with current from this point.
If, for reasons of interference suppression, the positive (+) current supply must be filtered, then only one
filter choke with an appropriate total load capacity should be placed into the (+) main line (pay attention
to the total current of all devices). Additional filters in the positive supplies of individual devices worsen
the suppression effect.
With high playback volumes, especially in the bass range, the amplifier can prematurely distort/clip due
to the voltage drop on long cable lengths. This can be prevented by using a cable with a large diameter
and minimizing the transition resistance at the connection points. Appropriate precautions can be taken
by using low-loss battery clamps and distribution blocks during the first installation.
With insufficient cable diameter or large current requirements within the impulse range of the bass
rendition or by active operation of more than one amplifier, the clipping can be improved through the use
of an additional buffer capacitor. This supplies sufficient current in the millisecond range through its high
capacity (~1F/20V) and allows for additional suppression and smoothing of the supply voltage and the
current. The assembly is performed directly at the amplifier or at the distribution block.
Determining the “Central Ground Point”

Completely install and check the system.

Make the negative (-) connection of the audio system provisionally at the battery or at Point 1. Install
the potential equalization conductor from the alternator housing to Point 1.

Switch the system on, insert a blank cassette or CD (0dB track) and set the volume to minimum.

Start the engine and activate all electrical loads, including light, heatable plates, and fans.
If, when the engine revolutions are increased, whistling distortions become audible, and if these
increase or decrease in frequency with the revolutions, then the ground connection has to be
corrected.

Pull the antenna plug out of the car radio. If the distortion disappears there is a loss of potential at
“antenna base to battery”.
Corrective action: Install a galvanic isolation filter (Item No. 140259).

8
If the distortion persists, proceed as follows:

Disconnect the negative conductor (–) of the sound system from the battery and connect it to the
engine block.
Check whether the distortion has been fixed.

Should the engine block fail to fix the distortion, the auto body must be swept with the negative
conductor of the system while the engine is running, until a clear distortion minimum arises.
Expose this point (Point 2) and rid it of underbody protection.

Fasten a screw with a large diameter at this point. Clear the area on the auto body around the screw
and protect with auto body grease.

Attach all ground cables to this screw or place a distribution block and distribute to all devices
(central ground point).

Residual distortions can be fixed using an LC filter in the positive conductor.
A millivoltmeter (smallest voltage drop) or milliohm meter (smallest resistance) can also be used to
search for the central ground. The engine block or Point 1 should always be the point of reference.
Digital electronics in vehicles cause an unmistakable distortion spectrum into the GHz range
(interference from radio reception and car telephones). The switched-mode power supplies of the
amplifier, digital tuner and CD player also contribute strongly to current contamination. All of the
distortion spectra appear in the supply lines and are partially processed in the amplifier output stages.
This results in a coarsened sound pattern with veiling in the high frequency range. The output stages are
already intensely heated in the no-load operation or in the smallest capacity range by high-frequency
distortion. The preliminary input stage of the amplifier cannot differentiate between music and distortion
and therefore faithfully amplifies everything that is present at the “pre-in”/or current input. In order to
dampen this effect, the optimum has been realized at the output stages during the manufacturing
process. This is documented by the EU-type approval, whereby test specimens are examined for
irradiating distortion and for self-produced distortion. Only after adherence to the EMD limit values is an
E-No. assigned. For the reasons mentioned, the frequency range of the output stages should drop by at
least 50 kHz in order to avoid unnecessary heating. With output stages in Class A or preamplifiers in
Class A, higher bias current even in the low capacity range makes heating unavoidable and should not
be confused with the described influence of distortion.
The removal of the distortion can only be accomplished through specific measures and already requires
extensive expertise in the area of filtering technology during installation of the system. Important and
useful suggestions in this regarding can be found in the relevant technical literature. Attention to the
basic rules for laying cables, central grounding, and filtering of the current feed enables the provision of
good basic suppression when quality cinch cables are used. Special suppression problems, which can
arise in various ways depending upon vehicle type, must be repaired according to each individual case
directly by the particular specialist.

9
Main fuse
Generator housing
Potential equalization conductor
Battery
Regulator
Connection if required

10
Technical Specifications DSP 1.8
DSP Chip from Analog Devices (56bit)
Microprocessor from NXP
Audio encoder, OPAs, and differential amplifier from Burr Brown (24bit)
6 RCA inputs
6 High-level inputs (Molex, No Auto On/Off functionality! Use AIV #630115 or #640004)
1 Stereo AUX input (jack)
1 Stereo telephone/navigation input
USB audio streaming input (Windows PC)
S/PDIF input
MOST BUS input (MOST model only. Module optional)
8 RCA outputs
S/PDIF output
2 separate remote inputs to turn on DSP
DSP configuration via USB through Windows PC software
Audio streaming via USB from Windows PC
Real-time DSP configuration
6 pre-sets for configurations
DSP configuration can be stored on PC and smart devices
Usable in vehicles with start/stop system
Remote output, loadable up to max. 1.0A
Optional via WiFi module:
DSP configuration via WiFi with smart device app (iOS and Android)
Audio streaming via WiFi from iOS and Android devices (DLNA / AirPlay [email protected])
Technical Data DSP 1.8
Signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) RCA input >100 dBA
Signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) AUX input >96 dBA
Signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) Toslink input >106 dBA
Signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) USB/WiFi input >106 dBA
Channel separation >90 dBA
THD 0.003%
Frequency Response -0.1 dB 20 Hz – 20 kHz
Input impedance high level 33 Ohm
Input voltage high level max. 20 Vrms
Input impedance RCA >47 Ohm
Input voltage RCA max. 4 Vrms (11Vpp)
Output impedance RCA 50 Ohm
Output voltage RCA max. 4 Vrms (11Vpp)
USB input streaming bitrate [email protected]
Toslink input bitrate 16/[email protected]/48/96kHz
Toslink output bitrate (converts all inputs) 24bit/48kHz (upsampling)
Operating voltage 6.5 V - 15 V DC
Current draw @ 14.4 V 2 A
Bias current draw without signal < 0.05 A
Remote output current max 1.0 A
Dimensions: W x H x D 200 x 179 x 40 mm
Weight 0.9 kg

11
Device Connections DSP 1.8
1) RCA inputs
2) 6 high-level inputs (no Auto On/Off functionality)
3) S/PDIF input (Toslink, optical)
4) MOST Bus input (optional)
5) Mini USB (MOST Bus firmware updates)
6) USB input (WiFi module, optional)
7) RJ-11 input (remote control, optional)
8) Power connection
9) 3 status LEDs (red: error/clipping, green: operating/data, yellow: USB connection)
10) Mini USB (Windows PC / Android with OTG adapter / Apple iOS with Camera Connection Kit)
11) S/PDIF output (Toslink, optical)
12) Telephone/navigation input
13) AUX input (3.5 mm jack stereo, also for navigation and telephone)
14) 8 RCA outputs
High-level input: Pin1: Channel 2 +
Pin2: Channel 1 +
Pin3: Channel 4 +
Pin4: Channel 3 +
Pin5: Channel 6 +
Pin6: Channel 5 +
Pin7: Channel 2 -
Pin8: Channel 1 -
Pin9: Channel 4 -
Pin10: Channel 3 -
Pin11: Channel 6 -
Pin12: Channel 5 -
Power connection: Pin1: -
Pin2: REM in 1
Pin3: -
Pin4: -
Pin5: Ground
Pin6: REM in 2
Pin7: -
Pin8: -
Pin9: REM out
Pin10: +12V Battery
Tel/Navi input: Pin1: -
Pin2: -
Pin3: -
Pin4: Navigation AUX In
Pin5: Ground Navi/Phone
Pin6: Telephone AUX In
7 5 3 1
8 6 4 2
1 3 5
2 4 6

12
Connection WiFi-module or PC DSP 1.8
Option 1: Connect WiFi module to USB port (6) at DSP 1.8
Or option 2: Connect a Windows PC to Mini-USB port (10) at DSP 1.8
Or option 3: Connect an Android device via OTG adapter to Mini-USB port (10) at DSP 1.8
(Android OS version 5 or higher needed)
Or option 4: Connect an Apple device via Apple’s „Camera Connection Kit“ to Mini-USB
port(10) at DSP (iOS Version 9 or higher needed)
Ensure that just one device is connected. Parallel operation is not possible!
Connection signal Input / source device DSP 1.8
The rainbow DSP 1.8 can handle 4 different sources. The following inputs are internally connected:
- RCA (Cinch) with High-Level (Molex)
- AUX (3.5mm jack) with Tel/Nav
- STREAM (USB [6] with Mini-USB [10] connector)
Do not try to operate internally connected inputs simultaneously as this may cause audio
distortions or inoperability of the rainbow DSP 1.8 device !

13
Software/App – Installation Software DSP 1.8
At this Internet address you will find the DSP software/app and documentation:
http://www.rainbow-audio.de/qr/dsp
Or more quickly via this QR code:
iOS:
Download app via iTunes AppStore and install
„DSP 1.8“ - App for iPad (Full version for professionals to setup DSP)
„DSP 1.8 RC“ - App for iPhone (RC Version for end users with iPhone. No setup possible)
„DSP 1.8 RC HD“ - App for iPad (RC Version for end users with iPad. No setup possible)
Android:
Download app via GooglePlay and install
Windows PC:
Download Windows app software and USB driver via http://www.rainbow-audio.de/qr/dsp.
Step 1: Install USB driver
- Windows XP SP3, see page 13
- Windows 7, see page 15
- Windows 8/8.1, see page 16
Step 2: Connect DSP with PC via USB cable and wait until the USB devices have been installed
Step 3: Install DSP software

14
Software – Windows Driver Installation DSP 1.8
Important: Do not yet connect the USB cable at this point in time! The
USB cable is first connected after the driver installation.
Windows XP (SP3 and later)
•Double-click on the setup file “rainbow_DSP_1.8_driver” and confirm installation by clicking on
“Yes”.
•After the successful driver installation - indicated by the green-coloured text - connect the USB cable
to the DSP and then connect it to your PC.
•Windows then opens the hardware wizard. Select the option “No, not this time” and click on “Next”.

15
•Select the option “Install the software automatically (Recommended)” and click on “Next”.
•On the following warning message click on “Continue Anyway”.
•Click on “Finish”.
Ready! Windows will now complete the driver installation (overall it detects 3 devices) and the DSP will
soon be ready to use.

16
Important: Do not yet connect the USB cable at this point in time! The
USB cable is first connected after the driver installation.
Windows 7
•Double-click on the setup file “rainbow_DSP_1.8_driver” and confirm installation by clicking on
“Yes”.
•On the following warning message click on “Install this driver software anyway”.
•After the successful driver installation - indicated by the green-coloured text - connect the USB cable
to the DSP and then connect it to your PC.
Ready! Windows will now complete the driver installation (overall it detects 3 devices) and the DSP will
soon be ready to use.

Important:
Do not yet connect the USB cable at this point in time! The
USB cable is first connected after the driver installation.
Windows 8/8.1/10
Unfortunately, in Windows 8/8.1/10
the driver signing:
•Press the shortcut “Windows
The settings menu of the Charms Bar appears on the right side of the
•On the keyboard, hold the “
Shift
Windows 8/8.1
Afterwards a blue-
coloured screen appears: “Choose an option”.
•Click on the following, in o
rder…
“Troubleshooting”
“Advanced Options”
“Startup Settings”
“Restart” (bottom right).
After the restart another blue-
coloured screen appears: “Startup Settings”.
•Press the key “F7” (or “7
”) on your keyboard to select the option “Disable driver
enforcement”.
Windows starts with the selected option now and you can begin with the driver installation:
17
Do not yet connect the USB cable at this point in time! The
USB cable is first connected after the driver installation.
the following additional steps are necessary to temporarily deactivate
” and “i” on your keyboard.
The settings menu of the Charms Bar appears on the right side of the
screen.
Shift

” and at the same time click “On/Off
” and then “
Windows 10
coloured screen appears: “Choose an option”.
rder…
coloured screen appears: “Startup Settings”.
”) on your keyboard to select the option “Disable driver
Windows starts with the selected option now and you can begin with the driver installation:
Do not yet connect the USB cable at this point in time! The
USB cable is first connected after the driver installation.
the following additional steps are necessary to temporarily deactivate
screen.
” and then “
Restart”.
Windows 10
”) on your keyboard to select the option “Disable driver
signature
Windows starts with the selected option now and you can begin with the driver installation:

18
•Double-click on the setup file “rainbow_DSP_1.8_driver” and confirm installation by clicking on
“Yes”.
•On the following warning message click on “Install this driver software anyway”.
•After the successful driver installation - indicated by the green-coloured text - connect the USB cable
to the DSP and then connect it to your PC.
Ready! Windows will now complete the driver installation (overall it detects 3 devices) and the DSP will
soon be ready to use.
Software/App – Connecting to the DSP DSP 1.8
A data link via cable or WiFi module must be active (yellow LED on the DSP device is on).
To connect the software/app with the DSP, click the “connect” symbol (above left) and then confirm the
desired connection to be established.
When using the WiFi module, a connection to the WiFi module must be established via the WiFi settings
on the smartphone/tablet. To that end, activate WiFi on the device, search for WiFi networks, select the
WiFi module network (“RainbowDSP_...”), and enter the corresponding WPA password (default
password is: rainbowdsp). A WiFi connection to the WiFi module will then be established. A
connection via the software/app to the DSP is now possible.

19
Software/App - Operation DSP 1.8
Operation of the software/app using
Apple iPad:
Windows PC:

Software/App -
Driver Page
Basic functions, for simple day-to-
day operation.
Master Volume
Total volume of all outputs
Mute
Muting of all outputs
Sub Volume
Control the volume of the output defined as
Inputs (source selection)
Hi-level: High-level input
Submenu:
Stereo/Front+Rear/F+R+S+C/3 Ways+S/
page
Level Adjust: Set the input level (clipping)
Enable/Disable: Activate or
RCA: Cinch input
Submenu:
Stereo/Front+Rear/F+R+S+C/3 Ways+S: see “In
Level Adjust: Set the input level (clipping)
Enable/Disable: Activate or deactivate source input
AUX:
Jack or Navi/Phone input
Submenu:
Stereo (jack input only): see “In
Navi: Navi input (mono) with automatic switching
Phone: Phone input (mono) with automatic switching
Enable/Disable: Activate or deactivate source input
Figure 1: Driver Page - Input Submenu
20
Driver Page
day operation.
Control the volume of the output defined as
Sub
Stereo/Front+Rear/F+R+S+C/3 Ways+S/
Summarize
: see “In
Level Adjust: Set the input level (clipping)
Enable/Disable: Activate or
deactivate source input.
Stereo/Front+Rear/F+R+S+C/3 Ways+S: see “In
-
Out Matrix” on the next page
Level Adjust: Set the input level (clipping)
Enable/Disable: Activate or deactivate source input
Jack or Navi/Phone input
Stereo (jack input only): see “In
-Out Matrix”
Navi: Navi input (mono) with automatic switching
Phone: Phone input (mono) with automatic switching
Enable/Disable: Activate or deactivate source input