RCF AX 8042 User manual

OWNER MANUAL
AX 8042 -AUTOMIXER WITH 8 AUDIO
INPUTS AND 6 AUDIO OUTPUTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY AND OPERATING PRECAUTIONS
INSTALLATION
DESCRIPTION
AUDIO INPUT BLOCK DIAGRAM
AUDIO OUTPUT BLOCK DIAGRAM
FRONT PANEL
REAR PANEL
HOW TO LINK TWO AX 8042 EACH OTHER
NOTES ABOUT THE RDNET SOFTWARE
RDNET SOFTWARE INSTALLATION
RDNET SOFTWARE REPAIR AND REMOVE
START THE RDNET SOFTWARE (REL. 1.0.149.0) VIA USB
MAIN SECTION
input channel settings
equalizer
compressor
automatic gain control (agc)
noise gate
digital trimmer
bm
3003
paging microphone settings
automatic level control (alc)
automix common settings
priority function (ducking)
preset manager
configurations
AUDIO OUTPUTS AND SLAVE UNIT CONTROLS
audio output settings
equalizer
limiter
MIXER MATRIX SECTION
matrix nodes
matrix output levels
e-foutput links
GROUP SECTION
control group
mute group
assignment of audio inputs and outputs to agroup
FORCE ON/OFF SECTION
audio input settings
GPI/GPO SECTION (LOGIC INPUTS AND OUTPUTS)
logic inputs (gpin)
logic output (gpout)
REMOTE CONTROLS SECTION
generic settings
static mode settings
dynamic mode settings
combined mode
AC RDNET IN/OUT PLUG BOARD INSTALLATION
SPECIFICATIONS
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IMPORTANT NOTES
Before connecting and using this product, please read this instruction manual carefully and
keep it on hand for future reference.
The manual is to be considered an integral part of this product and must accompany it
when it changes ownership as a reference for correct installation and use as well as for the
safety precautions.
RCF S.p.A. will not assume any responsibility for the incorrect installation and / or use of
this product.
WARNING: To prevent the risk of re or electric shock, never expose this product to rain
or humidity (indoor use only).
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
1. All the precautions, in particular the safety ones, must be read with special attention, as
they provide important information.
2. POWER SUPPLY FROM MAINS
-The mains voltage is sufciently high to involve a risk of electrocution: never install or
connect this product when its power cord is plugged in.
-Before powering up, make sure that all the connections have been made correctly and
the voltage of your mains corresponds to the voltage shown on the rating plate on the
unit, if not, please contact your RCF dealer.
-The metallic parts of the unit are earthed by means of the power cord.
-An apparatus with CLASS I construction shall be connected to a mains socket outlet
with a protective earthing connection.
-Protect the power cord from damage. Make sure it is positioned in a way that it cannot
be stepped on or crushed by objects.
-To prevent the risk of electric shock, never open this product: there are no parts inside
that the user needs to access.
-The mains plug is used as the disconnect device and it shall remain readily operable.
3. Make sure that no objects or liquids can get into this product, as this may cause a short
circuit.
This apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing.
No objects lled with liquid (such as vases) and no naked sources (such as lighted candles)
shall be placed on this apparatus.
4. Never attempt to carry out any operations, modications or repairs that are not expressly
described in this manual.
Contact your authorized service centre or qualied personnel should any of the following
occur:
-The product does not function (or functions in an anomalous way).
-The power supply cord has been damaged.
-Objects or liquids have got in the unit.
-The product has been subject to a heavy impact.
5. If this product is not used for a long period, disconnect the power cord.
6. If this product begins emitting any strange odours or smoke, switch it off immediately
and disconnect the power cord.
7. Do not connect this product to any equipment or accessories not foreseen.
For suspended installation, only use the dedicated anchoring points and do not try to hang
this product by using elements that are unsuitable or not specic for this purpose.
Also check the suitability of the support surface to which the product is anchored (wall,
ceiling, structure, etc.), and the components used for attachment (screw anchors, screws,
IMPORTANT
WARNING
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

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brackets not supplied by RCF etc.), which must guarantee the security of the system /
installation over time, also considering, for example, the mechanical vibrations normally
generated by loudspeakers.
To prevent the risk of falling equipment, do not stack multiple units of this product unless
this possibility is specied in the user manual.
8. RCF S.p.A. strongly recommends this product is only installed by professional qualied
installers (or specialised rms) who can ensure correct installation and certify it according
to the regulations in force.
The entire audio system must comply with the current standards and regulations regarding
electrical systems.
9. Supports and trolleys
The equipment should be only used on trolleys or supports, where necessary, that are
recommended by the manufacturer. The equipment / support / trolley assembly must be
moved with extreme caution. Sudden stops, excessive pushing force and uneven oors may
cause the assembly to overturn.
10. Mechanical and electrical factors need to be considered when installing a professional
audio system (in addition to those which are strictly acoustic, such as sound pressure,
angles of coverage, frequency response, etc.).
11. Hearing loss
Exposure to high sound levels can cause permanent hearing loss. The acoustic pressure
level that leads to hearing loss is different from person to person and depends on the
duration of exposure. To prevent potentially dangerous exposure to high levels of acoustic
pressure, anyone who is exposed to these levels should use adequate protection devices.
When loudspeakers capable of producing high sound levels are used, it is necessary to
wear ear plugs or protective earphones.
See the technical specications in loudspeaker instruction manuals to know their maximum
sound pressure levels.
12. Situate this product far from any heat source.
13. Never force the control elements (keys, knobs, etc. ).
14. Do not use solvents, alcohol, benzene or other volatile substances for cleaning the
external parts of this product. Use a dry cloth.
To prevent the occurrence of noise on microphone / line signal cables, use screened cables
only and avoid putting them close to:
- Equipment that produces high-intensity electromagnetic elds
- Mains cables
- Loudspeaker lines.
NOTES ABOUT AUDIO SIGNAL CABLES

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RCF S.P.A. THANKS YOU FOR PURCHASING THIS PRODUCT, WHICH HAS BEEN
DESIGNED TO GUARANTEE RELIABILITY AND HIGH PERFORMANCES.
This device can be installed into a 19” rack cabinet (1 unit) thanks to its rack ears.
INSTALLATION
AX 8042 is a highly versatile digital matrix and automixer based on a powerful DSP and
dedicated to installed sound systems and other audio applications.
It has 8 mic / line inputs on removable connectors with selectable 48 V phantom power
(each input from 5 to 8 has a single RCA socket) and 4 outputs (A to D, on removable screw
terminals) directly linked to the matrix audio buses, plus 2 additional outputs (E – F, on
RCA sockets) that can be separately processed and combined to any of the rst 4 (A to D).
Sound processing includes parametric equalizers, noise-gates, compressors, limiters, delays,
ducking, automatic level and gain controls, priority functions, levels and gains on all cross-
points.
All parameters can be edited through a dedicated RDNET software module.
Each AX 8042 can work as a dual-room combiner with 2 independent ‘automix’ settings.
AX 8042 has 10 logic inputs (GPIN), 4 logic outputs (GPOUT) plus 2 (RL1, RL2) with a relay.
All logic inputs and outputs have removable screw terminals and are fully congurable.
Up to four TS 9918 remote controls can be connected to each AX 8042.
Two AX 8042 can be linked each other to get a 16-input 8-output matrix (plus 4 additional
outputs) through RJ 45 digital ports on their rear panels.
A slot on rear panel allows to integrate an optional RCF RDNET module to get remote
control through RDNET network.
Up to twelve BM 3003 paging microphones (linked in daisy-chain on the same line) can be
connected to the dedicated RJ 45 port, which can be used in alternative to input 1.
Each of the three BM 3003 buttons can be congured to page one or more zones (audio
outputs).
All paging microphones are interlocked one another and report in-use and busy indications.
MAIN FEATURES
-digital 8-input 4-output (plus 2 additional outputs) matrix and automixer.
-40-bit oating point DSP, sampling frequency: 48 kHz, 24-bit a/d d/a converters.
-8 mic / line balanced audio inputs with 48 V ‘Phantom’ power, with noise gates,
compressors, parametric equalizers, automatic gain controls, ducking function.
-4 line balanced audio outputs with level controls, parametric equalizers, delays, limiters.
-2 additional line (unbalanced) audio outputs with level controls, parametric equalizers,
delays, limiters, each linkable to one of the rst 4 outputs.
-10 programmable logic inputs (GPIN).
DESCRIPTION

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-4 programmable logic outputs (GPOUT) plus 2 with relay (RL1, RL2).
-Dual-room combiner with 2 independent ‘automix’ settings.
-16-input 8-output matrix (plus 4 additional outputs) by linking together two AX 8042.
-Congurable ALC (‘Automatic Level Control’) when a noise detection microphone is
connected to the input no.8 .
-Either USB link (standard) or RDNET link (through an optional module).
-Port for dedicated RCF TS 9918 remote controls.
AUDIO INPUT BLOCK DIAGRAM

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AUDIO OUTPUT BLOCK DIAGRAM
1INPUTS LEDs: each LED indicates the signal presence (green) / peak (red) at its
respective audio input.
2OUTPUTS LEDs: each LED indicates the signal presence (green) / peak (red) at its
respective audio output.
3CTRL/COMM LED: it blinks when receiving control data.
1 3 54 6 7 82
FRONT PANEL

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4GPI/O LED: when lit, it indicates the activation of at least a logic input / output.
5ON LED: when lit, it indicates the AX 8042 automixer is properly powered and
operating.
6ERR/FAULT LED: when lit, it indicates a fault or data transmission / reception errors.
7MASTER/LINK LED: when lit, the AX 8042 automixer is the MASTER unit, otherwise
(if the LED is off) it is set to SLAVE.
8HOST: USB (type B) port to link a computer (PC) locally.
REAR PANEL
9PAGING CONSOLE (input 1): audio input with RJ 45 socket (alternative to the
input 1 with removable connector 10 ) for a line made of max. 12 RCF BM 3003 paging
microphones linked in 'daisy-chain' (read the BM 3003 user manual).
10 AUDIO INPUTS 1 to 8: balanced line level inputs for removable connectors.
Pins:
+Audio signal, hot
–Audio signal, cold
GND Ground
21 15 1422
19 17 16
20 18
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12 11 10 9

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13 AUDIO OUTPUTS E and F: unbalanced line level outputs with RCA sockets.
14 EXTENSION LINK IN: input to link the EXTENSION LINK OUT of the second AX
8042 (optional). Read the manual section 'How to link two AX 8042 each other'.
15 EXTENSION LINK OUT: output to link the EXTENSION LINK IN of the second AX
8042 (optional). Read the manual section 'How to link two AX 8042 each other'.
16 GPIN 1 ÷ 10 'Generic Purpose Inputs' (removable connectors)
Logic inputs that can be activated by other device commands.
Each logic input can be set via software. It can be activated when its two pins (for
example, '1' and its respective ground GND) are either shorted or open.
17 GPOUT 1 ÷ 4 'Generic Purpose Outputs' (removable connectors)
Logic outputs that can be set via software.
note: logic outputs cannot be used to power other devices (i.e. relays).
output voltage can be either 5 v (high) or 0 (low).
18 24 VDC output (two positive 24 V dc pins and two ground pins)
24 V dc output (for removable connectors) available to power other devices
(max. current: 0.2 A).
19 RL2 logic output with relay (removable connector)
Logic output that can be set via software.
Max. current on contacts: 0.5A. Max. applicable voltage: 24 V dc.
20 RL1 logic output with relay (removable connector)
Logic output that can be set via software.
Max. current on contacts: 0.5A. Max. applicable voltage: 24 V dc.
11 AUDIO INPUTS 5 to 8: (alternative to those for removable connectors 10 ),
unbalanced line level inputs with RCA sockets.
12 AUDIO OUTPUTS A to D: balanced line level outputs for removable connectors.
Pins:
+Audio signal, hot
–Audio signal, cold
GND Ground

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GND Ground
PNon-inverting pin (RS 485 B)
NInverting pin (RS 485A)
V24 V dc
22 Input for the power cord (to be connected to mains through an earthed socket only).
The RDNET software is protected by international copyright laws and is to be used to
congure the RCF RDNET system only.
It is not allowed to modify or change or try to decompile this software.
In no event shall RCF S.p.A. be liable to end-users for any damage whatsoever, including
but not limited to nancial damages for loss of business prots or business information
due to the software use or inability to use this product.
The foregoing provision is effective even if RCF S.p.A. has been advised of the possibility
of such damages.
Even if the SOFTWARE has any material, veriable and reproducible program errors, RCF
S.p.A. shall have no obligation to modify such errors.
NOTES ABOUT THE RDNET SOFTWARE
HOW TO LINK TWO AX 8042 EACH OTHER
Two AX 8042 can be linked each other to get a 16-input 8-output matrix (plus 4
additional outputs) through the EXTENSION LINK ports (RJ 45 sockets) on their rear
panels.
Connect the EXTENSION LINK OUT 15 output of the rst AX 8042 to the
EXTENSION LINK IN 14 input of the second AX 8042 and vice-versa.
When using the PC software (read the respective manual section), in the GLOBAL
SETTING window, set the rst AX 8042 to MASTER and the second AX 8042 to SLAVE
(
note: this setting needs to be carried out in two stages with separate usb connection, first
one ax 8042, then the other
).
21 REM-CTRL RS 485 port for RCF TS 9918 remote controls (removable connector).
It is possible to link up to four TS 9918 remote controls, of which the rst shall have its
digital address set '0', the second set to '1', the third set to '2', the fourth set to '3'.

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RDNET SOFTWARE INSTALLATION
Minimum requirement: a PC with Microsoft ‘Windows® XP’, ‘Vista’ or ‘7’ operating
system, having an available USB port. The operating system shall also have the drivers for
the emulation of the serial RS 232 interface via the USB port.
Before installing a new software release, it is necessary to remove the previous version (if
installed) by running Start > Programs > RDNet > Uninstall and disconnect the USB
cable (if linked) between the computer and AX 8042 (or RDNET CONTROL 8).
Run setup.exe (inside the ‘setup’ folder) to start the software installation.
If the installed PC software does not include the release 4.0 of MS ‘.NET Framework’
(necessary to install the RD NET software), it will be show the request for downloading
from the web (for free).
If internet is available, click the YES button to open the web page where it is possible to
download the last release of the ‘.NET Framework’ software, then install it.
If ‘.NET Framework 4.0’ has been previously installed, the RDNET software wizard starts.
Click the NEXT > button to proceed.

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Read the license agreement.
Click 'I Agree' to accept and proceed with the software
installation.
Click the NEXT > button to proceed.
It is now possible to change the installation folder (directory) of
the RDNET software (or keep the default path).
Choose if the software can be used by 'Everyone' or 'Just me'.
Click the NEXT > button to proceed.
The wizard reminds you that it is necessary to disconnect the
USB cable between the computer and AX 8042 (or the RDNET
CONTROL 8 unit) in order to install USB drivers properly.
Check if the USB cable is actually disconnected before proceeding.

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Then, it is required the installation conrmation.
If you are sure, click the NEXT > button to proceed and start
the installation.
Await the installation is complete.
While waiting, the installation progress bar is shown.
As soon as the installation ends (no errors), the ‘Installation
Complete’ window will appear.
Click the CLOSE button to exit.
Connect the USB cable between the computer and AX 8042 (or the RDNET CONTROL 8
unit) before running the PC software.

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RDNET SOFTWARE REPAIR AND REMOVE
If the RDNET software needs to be repaired (in case of errors, for instance due to
damaged les) or removed, run the setup.exe le of the installation software.
The window will show 2 options:
-Select ‘Repair RDNet’ to repair the software.
-Select ‘Remove RDNet’ to remove the software.
Then click the Finish button to proceed.
An alternative way to remove the software (in Windows):
Start > Programs > RDNet > Uninstall
Click ‘Sì’ / ‘Yes’ to conrm.

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START THE RDNET SOFTWARE
(rel. 1.0.149.0)
VIA USB
Note:the pc operating system shall also have the drivers for the emulation of the serial
rs 232 interface via the usb port.
Link (through a suitable cable) the computer USB port to the one of the AX 8042
automixer (labelled HOST 8).
Run the RDNET software (in Windows, click):
Start > Programs > RDNet > RDNet
In the main menu, click 'Advanced' and then 'Com Setup..' to open the serial port
setting window.
'Port': select the right serial port (the one with RS 232 emulation via USB) of the used
computer, for instance 'COM 4'.
Do not change the other parameters ('Parity', 'Stop Bits', 'Handshake').
Click 'Connect' to start the connection. In the bottom left-hand corner of the main
window (in the bottom bar) should appear 'Connected (RS232)'.
In the main menu, now click 'Online': in the bottom right-hand corner of the main
window (in the bottom bar) la word 'OFFLINE' becomes 'ONLINE'.
The AX 8042 module now appears on the left.
Point the PC mouse at the AX 8042 module and double-click (or right-click and select
'Show Obj Details') to open the automixer setting window.

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MAIN SECTION
This section includes the 8 MASTER input channels (on the left) and the 8 SLAVE input
channel (on the right, off by default).
First, click MASTER/SLAVE CFG. (dark green, in the bottom left-hand corner) to open
the MASTER / SLAVE unit setting window.
UNIT CONFIG
Select either MASTER if the AX 8042 currently linked to the PC is the MASTER unit (or
the only one) or SLAVE if the AX 8042 currently linked to the PC is the SLAVE unit.
Important: when two AX 8042 are linked each other (MASTER and SLAVE),
this settings shall be carried out (in two stages) on both units, by linking the USB
cable to the rst unit, then to the second unit.
After every change, click SAVE and then turn the AX 8042 off (unplug its power cord) and
turn it on again.
If there is a SLAVE unit, rst turn the MASTER unit on (then the SLAVE).
LINK CONFIG
Select either MASTER ONLY if there is a single AX 8042 or MASTER + SLAVE for two
AX 8042 linked each other.
The MASTER + SLAVE setting enables all SLAVE unit software controls.
SYSTEM CONFIG CONTROL
Click SAVE to save the current software conguration to AX 8042.
The conguration includes the MASTER / SLAVE settings, the initial PRESET, audio input
settings (e.g. PHANTOM power, phase, MIC/LINE settings, digital trimmers), logic inputs
and outputs, all labels, remote controls and groups.
Click LOAD to load (into the software) the conguration previously saved to AX 8042.

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INPUT CHANNEL SETTINGS
Each audio input has a level bar 1, from –60 to 0 dB.
0 dB is the peak level before distortion.
All input controls are here listed:
EDIT 2opens or closes the setting window of the equalizer, the compressor, the
automatic gain control (AGC), the noise gate and the digital trimmer.
The INPUT 1 also includes all settings for BM 3003 paging microphone.
PH48V 3toggles the Phantom power (48 V) in its respective input.
Phantom is usually needed by electret microphones.
WARNING:
never turn phantom power on when not necessary (i.e. for line level signal
from cd / mp3 players, dynamic microphones) or the used cable is unbalanced.
PH.SHIFT 4(when lit) inverts the signal phase.
Do not turn this option on (but particular needs).
LINE 5changes the input sensitivity from LINE (for signals coming from other mixers,
CD / MP3 players, etc.) to MIC (microphones that are not pre-amplied).
After clicking LINE, choose ‘Yes’ on the conrmation request.
Click MIC to turn back to LINE.
PRIORITY 6:priority level setting from 0 (lowest) to 5 (highest) for the ‘ducking’
function (automatic level attenuation of one or more audio inputs when a signal is
detected at the input with the highest priority level).
Between 2 (or more ) inputs having the same same priority level, the one with the
lowest channel number gets the priority.
NSGT 7toggles the noise gate (automatic channel opening only if its signal exceeds
the predetermined threshold).
The noise gate must be kept on when automixer and / or ‘ducking’ functions are used.
To access its parameters, click EDIT 2and select the INPUT DSP window.
CMP 8toggles the compressor.
To access its parameters, click EDIT 2and select the INPUT DSP window.
EQ 9toggles the parametric equalizer.
To access its parameters, click EDIT 2and select the EQ window.
AGC 10 toggles the automatic gain control.
To access its parameters, click EDIT 2and select the INPUT DSP window.
DUCK 11 toggles the ‘ducking’ function (automatic level attenuation of one or more
audio inputs when a signal is detected at the input with the highest priority level).
To access its parameters, click GLOBAL SETTINGS.
When using the ‘ducking’ function, turn the noise gate on (NSGT 7) in all involved
channels.
The priority level setting is made by the PRIORITY 6parameter.
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7
8
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10
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NOM1 12 (when lit) assigns the channel to the automixer no.1 open input count.
NOM2 13 (when lit) assigns the channel to the automixer no.2 open input count.
LABEL 14 :audio input label that can be edited after a double-click on the text.
MUTE 15 (when lit) mutes the audio input.
SOLO 16 (when lit) open the selected input only (and mutes all the others).
17 Audio input level control. The level can be adjusted by moving the fader (by
keeping it with the mouse left button) or directly changing its value (above the fader:
click the number and then insert the new value with the numeric keyboard).

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FILE COMMANDS:
- SAVE: it saves to PC the current equalization as .rde le.
- LOAD: it loads from PC an equalization previously saved as .rde le.
EQ. OPTIONS:
- FLATTEN: it disables all lters (at frequency response).
- DISABLE: it disables the equalization, but without changing lter settings.
DEVICES COMMANDS:
- STORE: it sends and stores the equalization to AX 8042.
- SEND: it sends (without storing) the equalization to AX 8042.
It is possible to set up to 3 independent lters (Filter 1, 2, 3).
ENABLED: click the checkbox to toggle each lter.
Move the mouse on its white background (making it green) to highlight a lter (if
present) on the EQ graph.
TYPE:
- DISABLED: the lter is disabled (by-pass).
- SHELVING_HIGH: increase or decrease the level of all frequencies above the selected
frequency by the specied amount.
- SHELVING_LOW: increase or decrease the level of all frequencies below the selected
frequency by the specied amount.
- PEQ: Parametric equalizer that allows to adjust the level Lat the settable centre
frequency Fc and specify the bandwidth BW (the adjusted level can be widened or
narrowed).
BW: lter bandwidth.
GAIN (dB): lter gain.
FREQ (Hz): either SHELVING lter frequency selection or PEQ central frequency setting.
peq
L +
L (+)
L (-)
f
L -
BW
3dB
Fc
EQUALIZER
Click EDIT to open the EQ setting window (of its respective audio input).