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Section 1: Introduction- Overview
5
The DSP-3 is a digital signal processor (
or DSP
) accessory for
audio power amplifiers designed to reduce the need for exter-
nal signal processing while increasing overall system reliability
through distributed intelligence. It is intended primarily for
QSC’s CX, DCA, and Powerlight2 series amplifiers and mounts
directly to the rear panel of the 2-RU, 2-channel models of these
amplifiers. Pre-August, 1999 date-code of the CX, DCA and
Powerlight2, and all ISA models will require use of an external
power supply. Use of the DSP-3 with Powerlight models
requires remote mounting, external power supply and use of a
special interconnect cable (PL6.0/9.0 only). Refer to the
Appen-
dix
for application information. The DSP-3 can also be used
with amplifiers that do not have a QSC DataPort (older QSC
models, non-QSC models) with a reduced feature set and
“remote” mounting/external power.
The signal processing capabilities include an Input Com-
pressor-limiter, multiple Parametric Filters, High- and Low-Pass
Filters, a Shelf Filter, Muting, Attenuation, Multiple Delays,
Polarity Reversal, Audio Routing and Post Crossover Audio
Mixing. Analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters are
24 bit resolution, 48 kHz. sampling rate. Additionally, the post-
DSP output signals are daisy-chainable for connection to a
second amplifier. Input sensitivity is selectable and dynamic
range is greater than 93 dB. Inputs and the post-DSP outputs are
electronically balanced. See
Hardware Features
for complete
listing.
Physically, the DSP-3 is a small module that “piggybacks”
onto the back panel of the specified QSC amplifiers. It connects
directly to the DataPort on the back panel and is secured with
supplied hardware. When used with other amplifiers, the DSP-
3 is mounted remotely on a rack-mount accessory that provides
a solid physical mounting platform.
Connections include three D-sub type connections; a DB-9
connector acts as the RS-232 interface and an HD-15 through-
connector provides the DataPort interface to the amplifier and
other QSC DataPort products (if used). The “exposed” side has
four terminal block connectors; 2 audio inputs and 2 post DSP
outputs. There is also a power receptacle for using the DSP-3
with amplifiers that do not provide the required power through
their DataPort, such as the ISA-series, older QSC amplifiers and
non-QSC amplifiers. There are two LED’s; a blue one to indicate
power status and a green one to indicate the presence of an
input signal to the DSP-3.
Control of the DSP-3 is accomplished with the supplied QSC
Signal Manager software. Networked control using the
QSControl platform is also possible (refer to QSControl docu-
mentation for details). Please refer to the software documenta-
tion (software Help file and Readme.txt file) for feature-set and
operation information. This software provides an easy-to-use
graphical user interface where DSP “objects” are placed onto
a palette and interconnects are drawn. This interface allows for
almost infinite configuration possibilities.
Connection of the DSP-3 to the host computer is made by
connecting a serial cable between the DSP-3’s RS-232 port and
the host PC’s available COM port. Once the DSP-3 has been
setup as desired and the configuration saved to the DSP-3,
connection to the PC is no longer required. This feature allows
essentially tamper-proof amplifier DSP setup. Further changes
can be implemented in the field by simply connecting a PC (i.e.
laptop computer) and loading the new setup into the DSP-3.
Note: Powerlight 6.0 and Powerlight 9.0 amplifiers require that pin #9 be removed from the remote
mounting interconnect cable. Amplifier damage may result from use of cable that has pin #9 connections present.
Normal VGA computer monitor cables have pin #9 removed and are usable. Check before use!