D and R Airlab-DT Module
Specifications
- Product Name: Airlab Module
- Compatibility: Airlab-DT
- Includes: Shuttle cables, screws
Installation
- Ensure that the Airlab-DT is powered off and disconnected from the power source.
- Locate the MUX board on the Airlab-DT.
- Connect the delivered shuttle cables to the new Airlab module on the MUX board and the back print.
- Connect the new module with the shuttle cables.
- Carefully place the module inside the console again.
- Securely fasten the module with screws.
- Test all connections and functionalities before reattaching all front panels.
Installation instructions to install an Airlab module into an existing Airlab-DT.
Instructions: 1. Remove the screw cover strips on top and bottom of the module. 2. Remove all screws from the blank panel or the module that you want to exchange on the position. 3. Lift the front / module. 4. Remove all the shuttle cable on the module. If you remove a blank panel, these cable will not be there. 5. Remove the blank plastic plate on the backside of the Airlab-DT on the position where you want to include the new module. If you want to exchange a module or replace it for another version module, first check if the back print you have received with your Airlab-DT module is the same or not. If this back print is different, you need to exchange this print also on the backplane.
6. Connect the delivered shuttle cables that has been included at the new module on the MUX board and the back print.
7. Now connect the new module with the shuttle cables. 8. Place the module carefully inside the console again and montage the module again with
screws. 9. Test everything before you mount all front panels again.
Good luck!Dear Customer,
Thank you for choosing the Airlab-DT console.
The Airlab is designed by specialists in the field of radio broadcast and is intended to be used as a 24 hour “On-Air”
console as well as a production console.
We are confident that you will be using the Airlab for many years to come, and wish you much success.
We always value suggestions from our clients, and we would therefore be grateful if you could complete and return the
questionnaire included at the back of this manual, once you have become familiar with your Airlab. We will certainly learn
from your comments, and very much appreciate your time doing this.PACKAGE CONTENTS
The Airlab package comes with the following parts inside.
• 1x Airlab
• 1x This manual
• 1x Airlab Control Center Software on USB stick supporting Windows 7,8,10
• 1x Chip card
• 1x Power cable
• 1x USB cable (for meter application and audio)
• 1x RS232 to USB cable (for programming)Before connecting and powering up your Airlab-DT, we strongly recommend to read the quick start manual below first.
STEP 01: Connect the RS232 to USB cable.
Connect the RS232 to USB cable between the RS232 input at the Master section of the back plain and your computer.
STEP 02: Connect the USB cable.
Connect the USB cable between the USB connection
on the Master section of the back plain and your computer.
STEP 03: Connect the power cable.
It’s important to check that your local mains supply corresponds
with the voltage range of 90 volt up to 240 volt that the AIRLABDT can handle.
It is fused with a 2 Amp Slow blow fuse. DO NOT use any other
value.
Connect the power cable between the Airlab-DT and a clean
power outlet that has a ground.
Switch ON the Airlab-DT power on the Master section of the
back plain.
IMPORTANT:
Do NOT switch the Airlab-DT On and OFF within 10 seconds.
If switched OFF, wait for 10 seconds to allow all voltages to drop internally for a clean start.
STEP 04: Meter installing/configuration.
Install the Airlab Meters v1.61 – Setup.exe software on your computer that has been delivered on the USB-stick inside the
Airlab-DT package.
Please note that you can always find the most up-to-date software of all devices of D&R on our
Wiki-page: http://www.d-r.nl/wiki/dokuwiki/doku.php
After installation you will see the Meter application on your screen.
Pressing the Settings button on the right top of this application skin, opens up the Communication Interface window.
Now select the correct virtual serial port which will be created when the Airlab-DT is connected to your computer with the
USB cable.
After this, select the appropriate server IP address and port by clicking on “Use UDP Server / Client”.
Save the settings.
STEP 05: Install Airlab Control Center Software.
With the delivered RS232 to USB cable, you be able to program your Airlab-DT from a remotely connected computer.
This will give you a much better overview on all the available settings that can be made.
All custom-made settings can be saved in a file, so you can create your own personal pre-sets.
These personal settings can be saved on your own Chip card, like the one that has been delivered at the Airlab-DT
package.
In this way, every user of the Airlab-DT can load his own customized settings inside the console.
Install the Airlab Control Center v3.1 – Setup.exe software on your computer that has been delivered on the USB-stick
inside the Airlab-DT package.
Please note that you can always find the most up-to-date software of all devices of
D&R on our Wiki-page: http://www.d-r.nl/wiki/dokuwiki/doku.php
During the setup you can choose the path for the installation directory.
A program folder will be created together with a desktop icon.
From this location, you can start-up the Airlab Control Center application.
For specifications of the settings, please see page 60 of the Airlab-DT User Manual.
Airlab-DT manual Page 5
STEP 06: Set the RC balance for Telco modules.
Power down the Airlab-DT by the switch on the Master section of the backplain.
Connect your telephone line with the “to phone” labelled female XLR and the phone appliance to the female XLR with the
label “wall”. Both to be find on the backplain of the Airlab-DT at the section of the Telco channels.
Remove the Telco module out of the frame and horizontally lay down the module on the surface of the
other modules. Please put isolating material between the Telco module and the surface of the other
modules to avoid damage and shorts.
Locate the blue trimmer VR2 (close to switch “LINE”) on the printed board of the Telco module.
Now connect an audio source to the module. The easiest way is a 1kHz +4dB tone from a signal generator. If you don’t have a signal generator you can also generate a 1kHz sine wave with Audacity on your
computer. Be sure that it is +6dBu at the program output.
Connect a headphone or power amp to the TELCO SEND CINCH + connector.
Check if there is no short between the printed board of the Telco module and the surface it is put on.
Be sure that the Sub and CUE switches are OFF. (up)
Now power up the Airlab-DT by the switch on the Master section of the backplain.
Set the Send control of the Telco module to 12.0 clock, Gain set to 12.0 clock.
Dial on the connected phone appliance a telephone number outside the building or make a call to the
Telco module.
Move the fader of the Telco module to the 0dB position.
Make sure that the Line In switch of the Telco module is switched off. (up)
Now press the ON switch of the module. Now the Prog and Sub switch should be activated.
If it’s correct, you now hear the audio signal through the Telco module.
Now adjust the R-Bal trimmer on top of the front side of the Telco module, and set to a minimum audio position.
It is possible that you’ll have to change the C balance jumpering, to be found on the printed board of the module, to a different value to get a better result.
Repeat this setup also to the other Telco modules inside the mixer.
When done, power down the Airlab-DT and install the modules properly.
As long as the Telco modules remains connected to the same phone company, no changes need to be made to this setup.
STEP 07: Programming of the Airlab-DT.
It is possible to program your Airlab-DT by your computer using the Airlab Control Center software that you have already
installed two steps ago.
In our opinion, it’s better first to install your settings by hand on the Master module, so you will have a better view and a
first feeling of the Airlab-DT.
Power ON the Airlab-DT.
You will now see that the display of the Master module notice the text: 00:00:00 TIMER.
This is the menu that’s normally active.
Airlab-DT manual Page 6
Now we need to program the Airlab-DT first to your requirements.
Please be informed that during programming the AIRLAB-DT, you cam always save all data by simply hitting the
Enter button in the fron of the master section.
All settings are stored in the internal memory of the AIRLAB-DT.
If you leave the modules set-up section with the the ESC button, all previous stored data will still be active.
To leave the Timer menu, you have to press the UP or DOWN button in the centre of the master section.
If you do this, you’ll notice the following four main menus:
– Timer (default)
– Module Settings
– Master Settings
– System
You will never see more than these four menu options.
The settings for all types of modules inside the Airlab-DT are the same. Therefor you don’t see a difference between all
models in programming. Only the Master module of the Airlab-DT has his own settings menu.
To program the modules to your requirements, please see page 52 of the Airlab-DT User Manual.
Now you have programmed all modules, it’s time to program the Master module.
To program the Master module to your requirements, please see page 59 of the Airlab-DT User Manual.
Now you have programmed the Master module, it’s time to program the System Setup.
To enter this part of the programming, hit the ENTER button to leave the Master settings with saving changes.
The System menu consists out of five submenus:
– Configuration
– Recall
– Store
– Recall Memory CARD
– Store Memory CARD
You can select these sub menus by pushing the UP or DOWN button.
The last two menus are only visible when you have inserted a Memory Card inside the
Master front section. This Memory Card has been delivered also inside the package of the Airlab-DT.
To program the System Settings to your requirements, please see page 60 of the Airlab-DT User Manual.
Now you have programmed the System Settings and you can start to use your Airlab-DT.
These pages are for quickstart only, for more detailed info please read the manual.
D&R Electronica BV, Rijnkade 15b, NL-1382GS Weesp, The Netherlands
www.d-r.nl, mail@d-r.nl
Airlab-DT manual Page 7
3. SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
D&R Quality
D&R has been the largest manufacturer of mixing consoles and signal processors in the Netherlands since 1972.
More than 90% of the total production is exported worldwide. This market demands excellent pricing and quality
standards.
D&R products are used in studios and live performances, both of which require 100% reliability, which is the result of 42
years of research, design and manufacturing.
These high standards of reliability are also to be found imbedded in the new line of broadcast mixers, which is particularly
important for this type of product, required to work around the clock.
Airlab-DT Quality
The high standard of quality of the Airlab is demonstrated by the welded steel RF screening and sturdy housing, the
heavy duty power supply, its modular approach and locking IDC connectors mounted on high quality double sided, plated
through, glass epoxy printed circuit boards.
The signal paths are electronically switched using CMOS logic and ‘FET’ components, ensuring reliable and smooth
switching.
High quality 100mm faders control the new redesigned “THAT” VCA’s. Switching is performed by isolated encapsulated
reed relays guaranteeing many years of trouble free smooth switching.
Airlab-DT flexibility
The Airlab is a specially designed production/ On-Air broadcast console. Although the design has been carefully
budgeted, no compromises have been made in either quality or features, particularly in the areas of VCA control,
switching, signaling, fader start/stop and communication.
The Airlab is fully modular, which means flexibility in the configuration. The Triple input modules (with ot without EQ), the
USB modules and digital modules as well as the Telco input modules can be placed anywhere in the chassis.
A partially loaded Airlab can be fully filled with ‘blind modules’.
Digital programmable
Most of the important module functions such as module set-up as well as overall master settings are programmable and
can be saved on a personal memory card or in the internal memory of the Airlab.
The LCD in the master section helps you with the programming. There is also a possibility to do this on your PC by
connecting the Airlab to your PC by way of a RS232 (Airlab side) to USB (PC side) cable set that is part of the delivery.
The Airlab is a complete and self-contained piece of hardware, requiring no additional items in order to be operated.
All relevant functions are built-in, such as fader start/stop (pulse or continuously selectable). There is also no need for
complex mic-on/cough switching to the announcer booth. A stereo jack, a LED and a simple push-button switch complete
this task.
The optional Studio Remote is a nice looking drop through control unit for Cough switching and monitoring.
Built-in stereo headphone amp
The Airlab contains built-in headphone amps for the Announcer and Guests. No additional amps are needed.
The Studio output needs to be hooked up to a power amp that can handle +6 dBu as nominal level for full power.
Clear layout
To create a clear layout most of the switches have LED indicators, large CUE/SELECT and ON switches.
All similar functions in the triple input channels are color-coded, additional cur coded fader knobs are available for
personalized channel color-coding.
Example: Microphone channels: red fader knobs
Telephone channels: gray fader knobs
Stereo channels: black fader knobs
Radio communication
There’s no radio without communication, so the Airlab has extensive possibilities for signaling and communication. Every
microphone channel has its own signaling and talk back circuitry and all outputs can also be connected to the talk back
circuitry. The announcer/technician/producer/director can communicate with the announcer booth, guests, monitoring
system, all connected Telco modules and auxiliaries, either individually or in any combination.
A very intelligent CUE system connects every activated CUE switch with each other to create a transparent and intuitive
communication system. It will be explained in detail further in this manual.
Signaling
It is extremely important in broadcast to know whether a microphone channel is active.
Every channel has a red light signaling available on the remote connector. The Airlab has two external connectors for ONAIR (mic-on) signaling to control external relays activating high voltage ON-AIR lamps or the D&R ON-AIR led light that
does not need any additional circuitry to function. keep that in mind.
NEVER CONNECT 115-230 VOLT LAMPS DIRECTLY TO THE ON-AIR SIGNALING OUTPUTS IN THE MASTER SECTION!!
Airlab-DT manual Page 8
Broadcasting Options
In designing the Airlab, D&R decided to make the system as flexible for the operator as possible, therefore the Airlab can
be used in many ways.
There’s a minimum of jumper settings, which can be set to suit your own needs. Most of the settings are under software
control in the master section and can be stored to a chip card.
The Airlab can be used in a traditional manner with separate control and announcer rooms, or in a more open way,
whereby announcing and engineering control are carried out in one room. A self-op setup or a combination of several
setups is possible.
More than one Broadcast Studio
There are numerous monitor facilities in the Airlab for external sources as well as internal sources.
The control monitors (and software meters) can be switched to follow the control room for separate (stereo) sources.
These features mean that the Airlab is specially suited to work in a studio-complex environment, where there is more than
one studio/control room being used for broadcast.
In this situation, the Airlab is capable of being the main On-Air console due to the two main outputs it contains.
These main outputs can be fully transformer balanced as an option.
Special Recording Outputs
The Airlab has a special Recording output on a 0dBu output level.
Double Stereo Software Peak Metering application
In order to achieve a good balance between spoken words and music, it’s important to be able to read the recording level
accurately. The Airlab has as standard 4 Peakreading software meters reading per pair the Program output, the Sub
output and the CRM output4. TRIPLE LINE INPUT STEREO MODULE
MONO
Every channel has a mono switch with LED to send a mono input signal to both outputs of the module.
(The PHANTOM POWER of 48 volt is switchable by a jumper setting (see also chapter 12))
MIC-TRIM
The trim control adds an extra 13dB of mic gain to the mic pre-amp. An optimal gain range can be
accomplished in this way.
GAIN
The gain control adjusts the incoming signal level on the MIC and LINE input.
LINE A
The triple module default is in ‘LINE A’ mode. Operating the ‘LINE B’ switch or the MIC switch changes
the input source selection.
LINE B
When line B is selected (with optional RIAA correction amp), the green LED is illuminated.
MIC
MIC input selector switch between MIC-input or Line-A/B input. When the LED is illuminated the MICinput is activated. Mic overrides the Line A or B selection.
HIGH
Adjusts high frequencies with +/- 12 dB at 10 kHz shelve.
MID
Adjusts mid frequencies with +/- 12 dB at 1 kHz bell.
LOW
Adjusts the low frequencies with +/- 12 dB at 60 Hz bell.
SUB
The sub switch assigns the signal in stereo to the sub output.
PROG(RAM)
The program switch assigns the signal in stereo to the program output.
STEREO AUX
Transmits a stereo signal to the AUX master post fader. A jumper on the board determines whether this
is pre or post VCA. The channel ‘ON’ switch also affects the aux send (only when set to post fader).
PAN
Allows adjustment between the left and right channel outputs.
CUE/SELECT
Stereo pre-fade listening; allows pre-fade listening of the channel with the fader closed.
The CUE function will be automatically TURNED OFF when the channel becomes active.
The CUE switch also generates a start/stop pulse in the line-mode.
The CUE switch also acts as a SELECT switch for the programming of the modules functions.
ON
Channel on/off switch. The Airlab is capable of sending out a pulse by ON switch as well as by fader.
This is software programmable. In any case the adjacent LED will lit when the ON switch is activated.
FADER
The linear fader controls a VCA that controls the module’s overall level. The fader knob position is
electronically sensed when the fader is open and generates (when programmed) the start for remotely
connected devices.
Documents / Resources
 |
D and R Airlab-DT Module [pdf] Installation Guide Airlab-DT, Airlab-DT Module, Airlab-DT, Module |