Audibax Control 384 User Manual

1. Before You Begin

1.1 What is Included

• DMX-512 Controller
• DC 9V-12V 500mA, 90V~240V Power Adapter
• Manual
• LED gooseneck lamp

1.2 Unpacking Instructions

Carefully unpack the carton, check contents for completeness and condition. Notify the shipper immediately if any parts are damaged and retain packing material for inspection. Save the original carton and packing materials for potential factory returns.

1.3 Safety Instructions

Read these instructions carefully for important information on installation, usage, and maintenance.

• Keep this User Guide for future consultation.
• Ensure connection to the proper voltage, not exceeding the stated line voltage.
• This product is intended for indoor use only.
• Do not expose to rain or moisture; keep flammable materials away from the unit.
• Install in a location with adequate ventilation (at least 50cm from adjacent surfaces) and ensure ventilation slots are not blocked.
• Always disconnect from the power source before servicing or replacing parts.
• Stop using the unit immediately in case of serious operating problems. Do not attempt self-repair; contact authorized assistance.
• Do not connect the device to a dimmer pack.
• Ensure the power cord is not crimped or damaged.
• Never disconnect the power cord by pulling or tugging.
• Do not operate above 45°C ambient temperature.

2. Installation

2.1 Features

• DMX512/1990 Standard
• Controls 24 intelligent lights, each up to 16 channels, totaling 384 channels.
• 30 banks, each with 8 scenes; 6 chases, each with up to 240 scenes.
• Records up to 6 chases with fade time and speeds.
• 16 sliders for direct control of channels.
• MIDI control over banks, chases, and blackout.
• Built-in microphone for music mode.
• Auto mode program controlled by fade time sliders.
• DMX in/out: 3-pin XLR.
• LED gooseneck lamp.
• Plastic end housing.

2.2 General Overview

The Audibax Control 384 is a universal intelligent lighting controller capable of managing 24 fixtures, each with up to 16 channels, for a total of 384 channels. It supports up to 240 programmable scenes stored in 30 banks, and 6 chase banks, each holding up to 240 steps. Programs can be triggered via music, MIDI, automatic, or manual modes. All chases can execute simultaneously. The unit features 16 universal channel sliders, quick access scanner and scene buttons, and an LED display for navigation.

2.3 Product Overview (Front)

The front panel includes:

• Scanner select buttons (1-16): For fixture selection.
• Scanner indicator LEDs: Indicate selected fixtures.
• Scene select buttons (1-8): Universal bump buttons for scene storage and selection.
• Channel faders (1-16): For adjusting DMX values for selected scanners.
• Program button: Used to enter programming mode.
• Music/Bank Copy button: Activates Music mode and serves as the copy command during programming.
• LED display window: Shows pertinent operational data.
• Mode Indicator LEDs: Indicate operating mode (manual, music, or auto).
• Bank Up/Down buttons: Navigate scene/step banks or chases.
• Tap Display button: Sets chase speed by tapping and toggles display values (DMX/percentage).
• Blackout button: Sets all lighting output to 0 (off).
• Midi/ADD button: Activates MIDI external control and confirms record/save processes.
• Auto/Del button: Activates Auto mode and serves as the delete function key.
• Chaser buttons (1-6): Chase memory selection.
• Speed fader: Adjusts hold time of a scene or step.
• Fade-Time fader: Sets interval time between scenes in a chase (cross-fade).
• Page select button: Toggles between pages of control in manual mode.

MIDI Note Functions: The controller maps MIDI notes to various functions, including selecting scenes within banks (Bank 1-15) and controlling chases (Chase 1-6) and Blackout.

2.4 Product Overview (Rear Panel)

The rear panel features:

• MIDI input port: For external triggering of banks and chases via MIDI devices.
• DMX output connector: 3-pin XLR for DMX control signal.
• DC Input jack: For main power feed.
• USB Lamp socket: For connecting an LED gooseneck lamp.
• ON/OFF power switch: Turns the controller on and off.

2.5 Common Terms

Definitions for terms used in intelligent light programming:

• Blackout: All lighting fixtures' output set to 0 or off.
• DMX-512: Industry standard digital communication protocol for entertainment lighting.
• Fixture: A lighting instrument or device (e.g., fogger, dimmer) that can be controlled.
• Programs (Banks): Sequences of scenes (steps) that are called up one after another. The controller supports 30 programs, each with up to 8 scenes.
• Scenes: Static lighting states stored within banks. The controller can store 240 scenes total.
• Sliders (Faders): Controls used for adjusting DMX values.
• Chases (Programs): A sequence of scenes stacked one after another, also referred to as programs.
• Scanner: A lighting instrument with a pan and tilt mirror, or any DMX-512 compatible device used as a generic fixture.
• MIDI: Standard for representing musical information digitally, used for external triggering.
• Stand Alone: A fixture's ability to function independently, often synchronized to music via a built-in microphone.
• Fade slider: Adjusts the time between scenes within a chase.
• Speed slider: Adjusts the hold time of a scene or step, also considered a wait time.
• Shutter: A mechanical device in a fixture that blocks light, often used for dimming or strobing.
• Patching: Assigning fixtures to DMX channels.
• Playbacks: Scenes or chases directly recalled by the user, or program memory that can be recalled.

3. Operating Instructions

3.1 Setup

3.1.1 Setting Up The System

1. Connect the AC to DC power supply to the system's back panel and a mains outlet.
2. Plug in your DMX cable(s) to your intelligent lighting as described in the fixture's manual. Refer to the "DMX Primer" section in the Appendix for DMX basics.

3.1.2 Fixture Addressing

The controller manages 32 DMX channels per fixture. Fixtures controlled by the "SCANNER" buttons must be spaced 16 channels apart. The table below shows default DMX starting addresses and corresponding binary dipswitch settings for a standard 9-dipswitch device.

Refer to your individual fixture's manual for specific DMX addressing instructions.

3.1.3 Pan and Tilt Channels

To assign pan and tilt channels for individual fixtures:

1. Press and hold PROGRAM & TAPSYNC simultaneously. Faders are now in assignment mode.
2. Press a SCANNER or PAGE SELECT button for the fixture you want to reassign.
3. Use a fader to select the pan channel.
4. Press the TAPSYNC DISPLAY button to switch to tilt assignment.
5. Use a fader to select the tilt channel.
6. Press and hold PROGRAM & TAPSYNC to exit and save. All LEDs will blink.

3.1.4 Resetting The System

Warning: This action resets the controller to factory defaults, erasing all programs and settings.

1. Turn off the unit.
2. Press and hold BANK UP and AUTO/DEL.
3. Turn the unit back on while holding BANK UP and AUTO/DEL. All LEDs will blink.

3.1.5 Copy Scanner

Example: Copying Scanner 1 settings to Scanner 2:

1. Press and hold SCANNER button #1.
2. While holding button #1, press SCANNER button #2.
3. Release SCANNER button #1 first, then release SCANNER button #2.
4. All SCANNER LEDs will flash to confirm the copy.

This allows copying settings between scanner buttons.

3.1.6 Fade Time Assign

Choose whether fade time applies to all output channels or only Pan & Tilt movement channels.

1. Turn OFF the controller.
2. Hold BLACKOUT and TAPSYNC DISPLAY buttons simultaneously.
3. Turn ON the controller.
4. Press TAPSYNC DISPLAY to toggle between modes: 'A' (All channels) or 'P' (Pan & Tilt only).
5. Press BLACKOUT and TAPSYNC DISPLAY to save settings. All LEDs will blink.

3.2 Operation

3.2.1 Manual Mode

Allows direct control of scanners using channel faders.

1. Press AUTO DEL repeatedly until the MANUAL LED is lit.
2. Select a SCANNER button.
3. Use faders to adjust fixture attributes.

The TAPSYNC DISPLAY button toggles the LED display between DMX values (0-255) and percentages (0-100).

Note: Changes made in Manual Mode are temporary and not recorded.

3.2.2 Review Scene Or Chase

To review recorded scenes and chases:

• Scene Review: Select a bank (1-30) using BANK UP/DOWN, then select a SCENE button (1-8) to review. Adjust attributes with wheel and faders.
• Chase Review: Press a CHASE button (1-6). Press TAP DISPLAY to view step numbers. Use BANK UP/DOWN to review all scenes in the chase.

Note: Ensure you are in MANUAL Mode.

3.3 Programming

A program (bank) is a sequence of scenes (steps). The controller supports 30 programs, each with up to 8 scenes.

3.3.1 Entering Program Mode

Press the Program button until its LED blinks.

3.3.2 Create A Scene

A scene is a static lighting state. Banks store scenes (30 banks, 8 scenes each, 240 scenes total).

1. Press PROGRAM until its LED blinks.
2. Set SPEED and FADE TIME sliders to minimum.
3. Select SCANNERS to include in the scene.
4. Compose the look using sliders and wheel. Tap MIDI/REC button.
5. Choose a BANK (01-30) if necessary.
6. Select a SCENES button to store the scene.
7. Repeat steps 3-7 for up to 8 scenes per program.
8. To exit, hold the PROGRAM button.

Notes: Deselect Blackout if its LED is lit. Multiple fixtures can be selected. The LED display shows the scene and bank number.

3.3.3 Running A Program

1. Use BANK UP/DOWN buttons to select a Program bank.
2. Press AUTO DEL repeatedly until the AUTO LED is lit.
3. Adjust PROGRAM speed with the SPEED fader and loop rate with the FADE TIME fader.
4. Alternatively, tap TAPSYNC DISPLAY button twice; the time between taps sets the scene interval (up to 10 minutes).

Notes: Deselect Blackout if its LED is lit. This is also called Tap-Sync.

3.3.4 Check Program

1. Press and hold PROGRAM until its LED blinks.
2. Use BANK UP/DOWN buttons to select the PROGRAM bank to review.
3. Press SCENES buttons to review each scene individually.

3.3.5 Editing A Program

Scenes can be modified manually.

1. Press and hold PROGRAM until its LED blinks.
2. Use BANK UP/DOWN buttons to select the desired Program bank.
3. Select the fixture via a SCANNERS button.
4. Adjust fixture attributes using channel faders and wheel.
5. Press MIDI/ADD to prepare saving.
6. Select the desired SCENES button to save.

Notes: Deselect Blackout if its LED is lit.

3.3.6 Copy A Program

1. Press and hold PROGRAM until its LED blinks.
2. Use BANK UP/DOWN buttons to select the PROGRAM bank to copy.
3. Press MIDI/ADD to prepare copying.
4. Use BANK UP/DOWN buttons to select the destination PROGRAM bank.
5. Press MUSIC BANK COPY to execute the copy. All LEDs will blink.

Note: All 8 scenes in a program bank are copied.

3.4 Chase Programming

Chases are created using previously recorded scenes as steps, which can be arranged in any order. It is recommended to delete all existing chases before programming new ones.

3.4.1 Create A Chase

A chase can contain up to 240 scenes as steps.

1. Press PROGRAM until its LED blinks.
2. Press a CHASE button (1-6) to program.
3. Change BANK if necessary to locate a scene.
4. Select the SCENE to insert.
5. Tap MIDI/ADD to store the scene as a step.
6. Repeat steps 3-5 to add more steps (up to 240).
7. Press and hold PROGRAM to save the chase.

3.4.2 Running A Chase

1. Press a CHASE button, then press the AUTO DEL button.
2. Tap the TAPSYNC DISPLAY button twice to set the chase speed (up to 10 minutes between taps).

3.4.3 Checking A Chase

1. Press and hold PROGRAM until its LED lights.
2. Select the desired CHASE button.
3. Press TAPSYNC DISPLAY to view steps.
4. Use BANK UP/DOWN buttons to review each scene/step in the chase.

Note: Ensure you are in MANUAL Mode.

3.4.4 Edit Chase (Copy Bank Into Chase)

1. Press and hold PROGRAM to enter programming mode.
2. Press the desired CHASE button.
3. Select the BANK to be copied using BANK UP/DOWN buttons.
4. Press MUSIC/BANK COPY to prepare the copy.
5. Press MIDI/ADD to copy the bank. All LEDs will blink.

3.4.5 Edit Chase (Copy Scene Into Chase)

1. Press and hold PROGRAM to enter programming mode.
2. Press the desired CHASE button.
3. Select the BANK containing the scene to be copied using BANK UP/DOWN buttons.
4. Press the SCENE button corresponding to the scene.
5. Press MIDI/ADD to copy the scene. All LEDs will blink.

3.4.6 Edit Chase (Insert Scene Into A Chase)

1. Press and hold PROGRAM to enter programming mode.
2. Press the desired CHASE button.
3. Press TAPSYNC DISPLAY to switch to steps view.
4. Use BANK UP/DOWN buttons to navigate to the desired insert point (step number).
5. Press MIDI/ADD to prepare the insert.
6. Use BANK UP/DOWN buttons to locate the SCENE to insert.
7. Press the SCENE button corresponding to the scene.
8. Press MIDI/ADD to insert the scene. All LEDs will blink.

Example: To insert a scene between Steps 05 and 06, navigate using BANK buttons until the display reads STEP05.

3.4.7 Delete a Scene in a Chase

1. Press and hold PROGRAM to enter programming mode.
2. Press the desired CHASE button containing the scene to be deleted.
3. Press TAPSYNC DISPLAY to switch to steps view.
4. Use BANK UP/DOWN buttons to select the scene/step to delete.
5. Press AUTO DEL to delete the step/scene. All LEDs will blink.

3.4.8 Delete A Chase

1. Press and hold PROGRAM to enter programming mode.
2. Press the CHASE button (1-6) to be deleted.
3. Press and hold AUTO DEL, then press the respective CHASE button to delete it. All LEDs will blink.

3.4.9 Delete All Chase Programs

Caution: This procedure results in irrevocable loss of chase step memory. Individual scenes and program banks are preserved.

1. Turn OFF the controller.
2. Press and hold BANK DOWN and AUTO DEL buttons while turning the controller ON.
3. All LEDs will blink.

3.5 Scene Programming (Steps)

3.5.1 Insert a Scene

1. Press and hold PROGRAM to enter programming mode.
2. Press the desired CHASE button.
3. Press TAPSYNC DISPLAY to switch the LED display to steps view.
4. Use BANK UP/DOWN buttons to navigate steps and locate the insert point (display shows step number).
5. Press MIDI/ADD to prepare the insert.
6. Use BANK UP/DOWN buttons to locate the SCENE to insert.
7. Press the SCENE button corresponding to the scene.
8. Press MIDI/ADD to insert the scene. All LEDs will blink.

Note: To insert a scene between Steps 05 and 06, navigate using BANK buttons until the display reads STEP05.

3.5.2 Copy a Scene

1. Press and hold PROGRAM to enter programming mode.
2. Select the BANK containing the scene to be copied using BANK UP/DOWN buttons.
3. Press the SCENE button corresponding to the scene to be copied.
4. Press MIDI/ADD to copy the scene.
5. Select the destination BANK using BANK UP/DOWN buttons.
6. Press the desired SCENE button to complete the copy. All LEDs will blink.

3.5.3 Delete a Scene

1. Press and hold PROGRAM to enter programming mode.
2. Select the BANK containing the scene to be deleted using BANK UP/DOWN buttons.
3. Press and hold AUTO DEL.
4. Press the SCENE button corresponding to the scene to delete. All LEDs will blink.

Note: Deleting a scene sets its 192 DMX channels to value 0, but the physical location is not removed.

3.5.4 Delete All Scenes

1. Press and hold PROGRAM and BANK DOWN buttons while turning off the controller.
2. Turn the controller back on.

Caution: This process is irreversible. All scenes with data will be set to 0.

3.6 Playback

3.6.1 Running In Sound-Mode

1. Press MUSIC BANK COPY until the MUSIC LED turns on.
2. Select the program BANK to run in sound mode using BANK UP/DOWN buttons.
3. Alternatively, press a CHASE button (1-6) or multiple chase buttons sequentially; selected chases will loop in order.
4. Adjust duration using the FADE TIME fader.

Notes: In Sound mode, programs trigger via the built-in microphone. Multiple selected chases loop in their original order.

3.6.2 Running In Auto-Mode

1. Press AUTO DEL until the AUTO LED turns on.
2. If no CHASE button is pressed, the controller runs a BANK program automatically.
3. Change BANK programs using BANK UP/DOWN buttons.
4. Alternatively, press a CHASE button (1-6) or multiple chase buttons sequentially; selected chases will loop in order.
5. Adjust time between steps with the SPEED fader and step duration with the FADE TIME fader.

Notes: In Auto mode, programs trigger based on fader settings. Multiple selected chases loop in their original order.

3.6.3 Blackout

The Blackout button sets all lighting output to 0 (off).

3.7 Midi Operation

The controller responds to MIDI commands on its set MIDI channel. All MIDI control uses Note On commands. To stop a chase, send the blackout on note.

1. Press and hold MIDI/ADD for approximately 3 seconds.
2. Select the MIDI control channel (1-16) using BANK UP/DOWN buttons.
3. Press and hold MIDI/ADD for 3 seconds to save settings.

Note: This is the channel the controller will receive MIDI note commands on. To release MIDI control, press any button other than the BANK buttons.

4. Appendix

4.1 DMX Primer

DMX-512 uses 512 channels. Channels can be assigned arbitrarily. Each fixture requires one or more sequential channels. A starting address must be assigned on the fixture, indicating the first channel reserved by the controller. Fixture channel requirements vary. Plan start addresses carefully to avoid overlap, which causes erratic operation. Multiple fixtures of the same type can use the same start address for unison operation.

DMX fixtures receive data via a serial Daisy Chain. Connect the DATA OUT of one fixture to the DATA IN of the next. The connection order is not critical. Use shielded, two-conductor twisted pair cable with 3-pin XLR connectors. Pin 1 is the shield; Pin 2 is Data Negative (S-); Pin 3 is Data Positive (S+).

4.2 Fixture Linking

DMX-OUTPUT XLR Connection:

• Socket/Plug Pin 1: Ground
• Socket/Plug Pin 2: Signal (-)
• Socket/Plug Pin 3: Signal (+)

Caution: At the last fixture, terminate the DMX cable with a 120-ohm resistor connected between Signal (-) and Signal (+) on a 3-pin XLR plug, inserted into the DMX output.

4.3 DMX Dipswitch Quick Reference Chart

This chart provides DMX address quick reference based on dipswitch settings.

4.4 Technical Specifications

• Dimensions: 520x183x73mm
• Weight: 3.0Kg
• Operation Range: DC 9V-12V 500mA MIN
• Maximum ambient temperature: 45°C
• Data input: locking 3-pin XLR male socket
• Data output: locking 3-pin XLR female socket
• Data pin configuration: pin 1 shield, pin 2(-), pin 3 (+)
• Protocols: DMX-512 USITT