Qsc Network Audio Systems Users Manual

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QSControl (pronounced Q’s Control) is a powerful

and flexible system that provides remote

management and diagnostics of QSC amplifiers

and other audio devices over an Ethernet

network—including selected QSC DSP devices,

such as the DSP-3 digital signal processor. You

can monitor and control hundreds of amplifiers

simultaneously, as well as perform a wide range

of advanced functions, including event logging,

real-time monitoring of loudspeaker opens and

shorts, plus configuration of the DSP-3 module.

A QSControl system is composed of a System

Controller (a Microsoft Windows-based PC)

running QSControl Software that is linked via

Ethernet to CM16a Amplifier Network Monitors or

other networked audio devices. Each CM16a

provides sixteen channels of remote level

adjustment and amplifier management for

DataPort-equipped QSC amplifiers.

Key Components of QSControl

CM16a Amplifier Network Monitor

The CM16a Amplifier Network Monitor offers powerful amplifier

management in a QSControl networked audio system, using Ethernet

technology to communicate with the host system controller. The System

Controller uses application software to operate the networked

audio system, including the CM16a units and their amplifiers .

Each CM16a performs monitoring and control functions for QSC DataPort-

equipped amplifiers using DataPort cables . Further, the CM16a connects

to QSC’s family of digital signal processors such as the DSP-3.

Control Application Software

There are two ways to run QSControl applications on the System Controller.

The first is with System Manager, QSC’s standard application included with

the QSControl system, requiring no user programming. The second is to

create a custom application using the QSControl Development Tools in

Microsoft Visual Basic. Using these tools, the system can be customized to

your specifications.

System Controller

QSControl Software runs on a computer configured with select Microsoft

operating systems—including Windows® 2000. The Graphical User Interface

(GUI) program controls QSC’s and third-party networking products.

NETWORK AUDIO SYSTEMS

Hear the Power of Technology.

1675 MacArthur Boulevard

Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Ph: 800/854-4079 or 714/957-7100

Fax: 714/754-6174

www.qscaudio.com

email: info@qscaudio.com

System Controller

and

QSControl Software

Located either on or off site.

QSC CM16a

QSC Amplifiers

To Additional

Equipment

Typical Audio

Sources and

Processors

Speakers

6

5

1

3

Ethernet Switch

4

DataPort

Cables

2

1

2

3

4

65

Input / Output Control and Monitoring

■Input sensitivity selection: 1V or 3V

■Input source select: Normal/Page

■Level control

■Pre-/Post-fader audio signal monitoring

■Mute control

■Signal polarity control

■Pre-/Post-fader signal level metering

Amplifier Output Monitoring

■Output voltage and current metering

■Output power in watts

■Output clip detection monitoring

■Headroom metering

■Output signal (speaker terminal) audio monitoring

Load Monitoring

■Open/shorted load detection

■Adjustable threshold for detecting load opens and shorts

■Continuously updated average impedance measurement

Amplifier Management

■AC standby/operate mode selection

■AC mode indication (Off/Standby/On)

■Protect status monitoring

■Operating temperature metering

■Overtemp indicator with adjustable overtemp threshold

■Gain control monitoring

■Model ID indication

■Bridge Mono/Parallel/Stereo mode indication

Other Features

■Fifteen user-definable configuration presets

■RS-232 port for diagnostics and preset control

■Internal sine wave signal generator available for system diagnostics

(accessible via Telenet only)

■Page input with selectable 1V or 3V sensitivity

■One contact closure input

■One floating dry-contact SPDT (Single Pole Double Throw) relay output

■Audio monitor bus with selectable tap points, mixing, and balanced I/O

■Recessed front panel bypass switch

■Firmware is updateable via the network to add future upgrades

QSControl Amplifier Network Monitor

The CM16a Amplifier Network Monitor is a key hardware component of QSControl, QSC’s

Ethernet-based audio network. Each CM16a provides sixteen channels of audio level control,

monitoring, and amplifier management for DataPort-equipped QSC amplifiers. The CM16a is

operated remotely by a Windows-based PC functioning as the System Controller running

QSControl application software. Control and monitor data is communicated between the System

Controller and CM16a over an Ethernet network. The CM16a, located in the amplifier rack, is linked

to amplifiers via DataPort cables. The CM16a also serves as the network interface for QSC’s digital

signal processors, including the DSP-3.

CM16a

Mandalay Bay Resort, Las Vegas

Petronas Towers, Malaysia

Heinz Field, Pittsburgh

Miller Park, Milwaukee

The Galaxy Theater, California

Input Signal

Frequency Response 20 Hz to 20 kHz, ±0.5 dB

10 Hz to 80 kHz, ±3 dB

Distortion <0.01% THD+N @ +4 dBu out

(page input <0.03%)

Dynamic Range >110 dB unweighted (20 Hz–20 kHz)

(page input >100 dB)

Polarity In-phase or reversed

Level Control Range -95.5 to 0 dB in 0.5 dB steps

Precision Attenuator Transients

(“zipper noise”) better than 112 dB below maximum output

Mute >90 dB attenuation

Inputs

Program inputs 16

Paging input 1 Dedicated input with configurable

routing to any or all 16 input sections

Monitor bus input 1

Connector type “Phoenix-style” (a.k.a. “Euro-style”)

detachable terminal blocks

Type Electronically balanced

Grounding All shield terminals connected

to chassis

Nominal level 1V/3V rms selectable (-10 dBV/+4 dBu)

Maximum level +21 dBu

Impedance 25 kΩbalanced

Common-mode rejection Typical, >50 dB, 20 Hz-20 kHz

Worst Case, >40 dB at 20 kHz

Crosstalk (inter-channel

within DataPort pair) >75 dB separation (20 Hz–20 kHz)

Crosstalk (intra-channel

between DataPorts) >90 dB separation, 20 Hz-20 kHz

measured with all inputs and

outputs terminated

Outputs

Program outputs 16 (via HD-15)

Connector type 8 HD-15 DataPort connections

Cable type VGA monitor cable 1

Qualified length 2 meters

Monitor output 1

Connector “Phoenix-style” (a.k.a. “Euro-style”)

detachable terminal blocks

Type Electronically balanced

Grounding Shield terminal connected to chassis

Nominal level +4 dBu

Maximum level +21 dBu

Output impedance 75Ωbalanced

Output load 600Ωmin

Power Amplifier Output Monitoring

Output Short Detect* Senses load <1Ωfor Stereo/Parallel modes;

<2ΩBridge Mono mode (default threshold)

Threshold is adjustable in software

Output Open Detect* Senses load >60Ω(default threshold)

Threshold is adjustable in software

Output Voltage Meter Range automatically matches to

amplifier model used

Output Current Meter Range automatically matches to

amplifier model used

Amplifier Headroom Reports remaining available power

Amplifier Gain* Calculates and reports amplifier gain

(knob setting)

*Signal level must be higher than -32 dB, referenced to maximum output of amplifier

Power Amplifier Management

Power Amplifier Interface

Compatibility QSC DataPort-equipped amplifiers

Connector and cable HD-15 VGA cable 1

, 2 meters length 2

qualified (for longer runs, contact QSC’s

Technical Services Department)

Amplifiers Up to 16 channels (8 DataPorts) of

QSC DataPort-equipped amplifiers

Amplifier AC Power Control

AC mode control Switches amplifier between operate

and standby mode

AC power indicator Indicates operate, standby, or

power-down mode

Amplifier Status Monitor

Clip indicator Senses channel clip status

Protect indicator Senses amplifier protect status

Temperature meter Reports amplifier operating temperature

Over-temp. alert Software adjustable threshold (80°C default)

Control Room Foldback Monitoring

Number of Signal

Monitoring Buses per CM16a 1

Number of Channels per CM16a 4 (Maximum number assigned

to monitor mix at one time)

Internal Signal Monitor Points

(each with individual level controls)

Pre-fader input signal 16

Post-fader input signal 16

Power amplifier output 16

Monitor Input Summed with internal monitor mix

at unity gain

Monitor in to monitor out 0 dB, ±1 dB

Nominal level +4 dBu

Maximum level +21 dBu

Input impedance 10kΩbalanced

Configuration Active balanced, shield connected to chassis

Common-mode rejection Worst case, >54 dB at 20 Hz rolling off to

>40 dB at 20 kHz

Typical case, >50 dB 20 Hz-20 kHz

Output Sum of external monitor input and signals

from internal monitor mix

Frequency response 20 Hz–20 kHz, ± 0.5 dB

Distortion <.05% THD @ +4 dBu out

Dynamic range >90.5 dB unweighted, 22 Hz–22 kHz

Noise floor -90.5 dB

Nominal level +4 dBu

Maximum level +21 dBu

Output impedance 75Ωbalanced

Output load 600Ωmin

Configuration Active balanced

RS-232 Port

Cable Type Null-Modem (a.k.a. Laplink), female 9-pin

D-sub chassis connector

Port Settings Bits per Second 9600

Data Bits 8

Parity none

Stop Bits 1

Flow Control Xon/Xoff

Page Input

Specifications

Contact Closure Inputs and Outputs

Inputs 1 discrete input

Configuration Single-ended input

Resistance for closure detect < 1kΩmax

Resistance for open detect > 5kΩmin

Input voltage limit 7.000 VDC maximum

(“-” input terminal connected to chassis)

Output 1 discrete output

Configuration Electromechanical relay, dry contacts,

floating, C, NC, NO

Maximum steady-state current 0.5A

Maximum switched current 0.25A

Ground isolation 70V maximum

Connector “Phoenix-style” (a.k.a. “Euro-style”)

detachable terminal block connectors

Network Interface

Physical Network Ethernet

Raw data rate 10 megabits per second

Frame format D.I.X. (Ethernet)

Connector RJ-45 female

Ethernet type 10BASE-T: (via RJ-45)

Cable type 10BASE-T: CAT-3 (or better) twisted pair

Max cable length 10BASE-T: 100 m to hub

Grounding Floating

Transport Network TCP/IP

Internetwork protocol IP

Transport protocol UDP

Application Protocol QSC24

Version 1

Revision 7

General

Physical

Height 1.72" (1RU)

Width 19" (standard rack mount)

Depth 14.84" (37.7 cm), including rear supports

Weight 11 lbs. (5 kg)

Mounting Rear support recommended for portable

or mobile use

Operating Temp. 0 to 50° C

AC Power

Voltage 100-240 VAC (Universal Supply)

Current 1A RMS @ 120V, 1.1A RMS @ 100V,

0.5A RMS @ 230V

Frequency 47–440 Hz

Specifications subject to change.

Architect’s and Engineer’s Specification

The CM16a Amplifier Network Monitor shall provide input, output,

status monitoring, and control for DataPort equipped QSC power

amplifiers in an Ethernet-TCP/IP based network audio system. Sixteen

independent channels shall be provided, grouped in pairs to support up

to sixteen power amplifier channels.

Amplifier Input Control and Monitoring. For each of the sixteen power

amplifier input signals, the CM16a shall provide level, mute and polarity

control, pre- and post-fader signal level metering and audio monitoring,

and selectable +4 dBu/-10 dBV (3V/1V) input sensitivity.

The CM16a shall provide a page input, separate from the normal

program inputs, whose signal may preempt the program signal of any

or all of the sixteen program channels. This input shall have selectable

+4 dBu/-10 dBV (3V/1V) sensitivity.

The CM16a shall provide for the storage and recall of up to sixteen

different presets, numbered 0 through 15. Each preset shall be a

“snapshot” of all of the CM16a functions and settings. Preset #0 shall be

the default boot-up preset.

Amplifier Output Monitoring. For each of the sixteen power amplifier

outputs, the CM16a shall provide clip detect monitoring, short/open

circuit detect, voltage and current metering, amplifier headroom, load

impedance, real output power to load, and audio monitoring of the

voltage signal.

Amplifier Management. For each of the DataPort connected power

amplifiers, the CM16a shall provide AC standby/operate mode control,

AC power state indication, temperature metering, amp gain settings

(front panel knob position with respect to full output), over-temperature

detection, stereo/parallel/bridge-mono indication, amplifier model

detection, and protect status detection (subject to the capabilities of

each amplifier).

Audio Monitoring Chain. For each of the sixteen program channels, the

CM16a shall provide three monitor points as follows: (1) pre-fader level

control, (2) post-fader level control, or (3) power amplifier output. A

channel’s monitor output may be selected from one of these three

signals, or it may be switched off. The signal at the CM16a’s monitor

output connector shall be the sum of the signal at its monitor input

connector and as many as four of the sixteen channel monitor signals

at one time per CM16a. A monitor level control shall be provided for

each monitor tap point to adjust the individual levels of the channel

monitor signals prior to their being mixed with the monitor input signal.

Contact Closure I/O. The CM16a shall provide one trigger contact-closure

sense input which shall also be TTL signal compatible, and one dry-

contact floating SPDT relay output. These shall be under software control,

with functions definable by the QSControl custom software application.

The contact closure sense input shall be capable of toggling between

presets 14 and 15, regardless of the computer’s connection status.

Data Network. All CM16a functions shall be controlled and monitored

via an Ethernet digital control network using the TCP/IP transport

protocol and the QSC-24 control and monitoring application protocol.

Rear-panel connections shall be provided for 10BASE-T Ethernet

utilizing a standard RJ-45 Unshielded Twisted Pair Category-5

connection. Other than the AC power and bypass switches, the CM16a

shall have no manual controls. A 9-pin, “D” subminiature connector

shall be provided to allow interfacing to an RS-232 connection. This

connector shall be used for CM16a setup, testing, diagnostics, and

limited control functions.

Amplifier Interface. The CM16a’s interface to each power amplifier

DataPort shall be via a HD-15 connector. The amplifier interface shall

use a standard personal computer Video Graphics Adapter (VGA) CRT

monitor cable 1. This interface shall transmit two amplifier input audio

signals as well as all control and monitoring signals. Special signal

conditioning and grounding techniques shall be used in this interface to

ensure negligible levels of noise and crosstalk.

General. All audio inputs and outputs shall be balanced with a nominal

input level of +4 dBu and maximum level of +21 dBu. Input connectors

shall be of the “Euro-style” depluggable barrier strip type.

1QSC DataPort cable required for connection with QSC DSP devices.

2 For lengths greater than 2 meters, a QSC DataPort cable is recommended.

Input

Sensitivity

3V / 1V

Port A Ch 1

Audio

Inputs

DataPort A

Input

Source

Normal

/ Page

Meter

Mon (Pre)

Meter

Mon (Pre)

Meter

Mon (Post)

Mon (Amp)

Mon (Amp)

Meter

Mon (Post)

Input

Sensitivity

3V / 1V

Mute Polarity

Parallel

Stereo Mode

Input

Source

Normal

/ Page

Level Control

-95.5 to 0 dB

0.5 dB steps

Mute Polarity

Level Control

-95.5 to 0 dB

0.5 dB steps

Output

Open

Detect

Output

Open

Detect

Output

Short

Detect

Output

Short

Detect

Protect

Status

Detect

Protect

Status

Detect

Load

Monitor

Detect

Load

Monitor

Detect

Power

Status

Detect

Amp

Model

Detect

Standby /

Operate

Control

Bridge

Mode

Detect

Real

Power

Detect

Real

Power

Detect

Clip

Detect

Clip

Detect

Amp

Gain

Detect

Amp

Gain

Detect

Over-

temp

Detect

Over-

temp

Detect

Heat-

sink

Temp

Heat-

sink

Temp

Head-

room

Meter

Head-

room

Meter

Output

Current

Meter

Output

Current

Meter

Output

Voltage

Meter

Output

Voltage

Meter

Input

Sensitivity

3V / 1V

Input

Page

RS-232 Ethernet

Input Output

Monitor

Chain

Monitor

Chain

Port A Ch 2

Ch 1

Ch 1

Functions

Ch 2

Functions

Amp Functions

RLY

Out

RLY

Trig in

Serial I/O (DB-9) Internal

Micro-Controller

Ch 2

DataPorts B through H (same as DataPort A)

Audio Monitor Chain

(Summing Bus)

Internal DAC

(for Test Tones

and Playback)

NCNO

C

Contact

Closure

I/O

RLY

From

Tap Points

Mon

Power Amplifier DataPort Interface

Up to four signals may be

sent to the Monitor Bus at

one time. Each tap has

its own gain adjust.

Mon 1

Mon 2

Mon 3

Mon 4

Block Diagram of the CM16a

QSControl Network Audio Systems

Processor 866 MHz Intel Pentium™ III processor

RAM 128 MB, 133 MHz bus

Hard Disk 4 GB or greater Ultra DMA

Floppy 3.5" 1.44 MB drive

CD-Rom 40x or greater IDE

Network 10/100BASE-T

Network Configuration TCP/IP host

Modem 56k V.90 internal PCI (optional)

Video 2D/3D Graphics, 133/100 MHz, 4 MB Display cache or better

Sound Sound Blaster® compatible (optional)

Keyboard 104 key, PS/2 compatible

Mouse PS/2 compatible

Operating System Windows NT-4 (SP-6) or Windows 2000 (SP-2)

All specifications are subject to change.

Minimum Recommended Specifications for the System Controller

QSControl Software

QSControl Software allows you to view and adjust signal controls with

the click of a mouse. You can use System Manager, a standard

application included with QSControl Software, or design a custom

application tailored to your specific needs with easy-to-use Visual Basic.

QSControl Software significantly expands the system’s overall

capabilities. Users can now create custom applications with “drag-and-

drop” programming, minimizing the need to write code. In addition to

amplifier management, users can control additional audio components

including MIDI devices. A QSControl system can also be accessed and

controlled by multiple System Controllers from multiple locations.

The software supports the CM16a Amplifier Network Monitor, a

1RU unit that links the PC to networked QSC amplifiers to provide remote

control and monitoring functions. The CM16a enables QSControl’s

amplifier monitoring functions by allowing users to adjust thresholds for

detecting load opens and shorts, monitor average load impedance, monitor

amplifier output in watts, and view amplifier headroom. The CM16a

supports all QSC DataPort-equipped amplifiers, including the 4- and 8-

channel models. The QSControl architecture supports network

communications of QSC’s digital signal processors, such as the DSP-3, via

CM16a DataPorts. Users can also apply future CM16a firmware updates

quickly and easily from a remote PC via Ethernet.

System Manager

System Manager requires no programming whatsoever to operate the

system. You can perform comprehensive signal metering and gain

adjustment for each amplifier:

■Adjust input sensitivity for 3-volts or 1-volt

■Adjust input levels to the amplifier

■Meter pre-fader and post-fader levels

■Invert the signal polarity

■Override each channel with an auxiliary input that can be used

for emergency paging

■Fold back audio to the front-of-house or control position from

selectable points in the audio chain: pre-fader, post-fader,

or the amplifier output

■Up to sixteen configuration presets can be recalled automatically

You can also perform comprehensive amplifier management:

■Control amplifier power state (On/Standby)

■Monitor amplifier status including clip, protect, and operating

temperature

■Monitor amplifier output including voltage, current, power in

watts, and headroom

■Load status, including average load resistance and adjustable

thresholds for detecting loudspeaker opens and shorts

■Amplifier configuration, including gain control settings and

stereo, parallel, or bridge mode

■Monitor amplifier’s power status and AC standby mode

System Manager also provides an Event Log that allows you to keep

track of system events such as amplifier clipping, protect modes,

loudspeaker opens and shorts, and other conditions. These text files can

be saved for future reference or downloaded remotely via modem.

When any event occurs, System Manager automatically notifies you with

a flashing icon.

Custom Applications

Operate QSControl with System Manager, our standard control application

included with QSControl Software, or create a custom application to meet

your specific needs. Using standard Windows tools such as ActiveX , COM,

and plug-in components for Microsoft Visual Basic, QSControl offers the

most user-friendly and advanced development tools available today.

QSControl’s “open architecture” also allows the control of other

manufacturer’s devices using RS-232, MIDI, Ethernet, or other interfaces

for a single integrated solution using standard development tools such as

Microsoft Visual Basic.

QSControl’s improved

System Manager requires

no programming to

configure and control your

system. Features include

an Event Log for tracking

system changes and status

of amplifiers.

Using Microsoft’s Visual

Basic, custom screens

and panels can be

created to display and

control all aspects of

your system. You can

even control 3rd party

gear over MIDI, RS-232,

Ethernet, etc.

Benefits of a Custom Application

■Build simple control screens that can perform complex functions.

■Create a full range of system-wide presets that are available for

different operating modes in multipurpose venues.

■Perform pre-programmed functions at designated times—without an

operator present. For example, perform basic diagnostic checks at

night, log the results, and power the system down.

■Control non-QSC equipment via Ethernet, MIDI, contact closures,

RS-232 or other interfaces for a single integrated solution.

■Automate performance monitoring and maintenance. For example,

alert the operator whenever a loudspeaker circuit becomes open or

shorted, mute the power amplifier, and log an error message for

maintenance personnel.

■Provide a comprehensive set of fire and emergency mode functions

that are invoked by an external contact closure or other simple signal.

■Employ full, multi-level password security, allowing only authorized

personnel access to certain control functions.

QSControl Spec Sheet 02/05/02