d&b DS100M Signal Engine Manual

Document Version Notes

This is version 1.4 of the manual, updated to include Matrix I/O License modelling. Previous versions are no longer valid. Refer to Chapter 1.1.2 for Matrix I/O License models and Chapter 3 for technical specifications.

General Information

Product: DS100M Signal Engine
Version: 1.4 en, 03/2025, D2049.EN.01
Copyright: © 2025 by d&b audiotechnik GmbH & Co. KG. All rights reserved.

Keep this document with the product for future reference. Regularly check the d&b website for the latest version. When reselling, transfer this document to the new owner.

Contact:
d&b audiotechnik GmbH & Co. KG
Eugen-Adolff-Str. 134, D-71522 Backnang, Germany
T +49-7191-9669-0, F +49-7191-95 00 00
docadmin@dbaudio.com, www.dbaudio.com

Important Safety Instructions

Graphical Symbols:

• Lightning Symbol: Indicates the presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltages" within the unit that may pose a risk of electric shock.
• Exclamation Point Symbol: Alerts the user to important operating and service instructions in the accompanying literature.

Before using this product, carefully read the following safety instructions:

1. Keep instructions for future reference.
2. Heed all warnings and follow all instructions.
3. Do not expose the unit to rain or moisture. Keep liquids away from the unit.
4. Always operate the unit with the chassis ground wire connected to the electrical safety earth.
5. Do not use if the power cord is damaged or frayed. Protect the power cord from being walked upon or pinched.
6. Use the unit in a 19" rack, following mounting instructions. Exercise caution when moving a loaded rack on wheels.
7. Unplug the apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods.
8. Ensure all cables are laid carefully to prevent tripping hazards.
9. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Do not remove covers as they expose hazardous voltages and contain no user-serviceable parts.
10. Use the mains plug as the disconnecting device, ensuring it is readily accessible.
11. An experienced user must always supervise the equipment.

Contents Overview

This manual is structured as follows:

• 1. DS100M Signal Engine
• 2. Scope of supply
• 3. Technical specifications
• 4. Startup
• 5. Milan™/MADI interfacing
• 6. Initial setup
• 7. Service/Maintenance and care
• 8. Manufacturer's declarations

1. DS100M Signal Engine

1.1 Intended Use

The d&b DS100M Signal Engine is a specialized 3 RU, 19" rack-mount audio processor featuring Milan™ audio networking and MADI audio inputs. It provides a 64 x 64 level/delay audio matrix, with optional software modules for dynamic source positioning and emulated acoustics.

NOTICE: The device complies with EN 55032:2019 for Class B environments. Avoid operating near high-frequency transmitters to prevent acoustic interference or potential damage.

1.1.1 Software Terms of Use

Software modules must be used only as intended. d&b is not liable for damages from non-conforming use. Decompiling, copying, altering, or enhancing the software or its source codes is prohibited. d&b will investigate copyright infringements.

1.1.2 Matrix I/O License Models

The matrix input/output sizes depend on the active license:

• 64 x 24 @ 48 kHz or 96 kHz
• 64 x 64 @ 48 kHz or 96 kHz
• 128 x 64 @ 48 kHz or 96 kHz

1.1.3 Application

The DS100M is a versatile tool for large and complex audio systems, routing and distributing audio channels to amplifier channels, breakout rooms, and loudspeaker zones. It integrates with the d&b system approach, including loudspeakers, amplifiers, rigging, transport, and the DS20 Audio network bridge. It is designed and optimized using d&b ArrayCalc and controlled via d&b R1 Remote control software.

The input processing offers Gain, EQ, Delay, Mute, and Polarity switches. Extended processing is available on outputs. The audio matrix with level, mute, and delay controls at each crosspoint allows flexible signal distribution and source positioning in distributed loudspeaker setups.

Note: For detailed information on "Media integrated local area network" (Milan™), refer to d&b technical information TI 370, available at www.dbaudio.com.

2. Scope of Supply

Verify the shipment for completeness and proper condition. Contact your local dealer if there is any sign of damage.

Included Power Cord Connectors:

• Z2611.000: 3-pin Schuko (CE 7/7, IEC Lock)
• Z2611.010: 3-pin GB (BS 1363A, IEC Lock)
• Z2611.020: 3-pin USA (NEMA 5-15P, IEC Lock)
• Z2611.030: 3-pin Swiss (SEV1011, IEC Lock)
• Z2611.040: 3-pin Japan (NEMA 5-15P, IEC Std.)
• Z2611.050: 3-pin South Korea (KS C8305, IEC Std.)
• Z2611.060: 3-pin Argentina (IRAM 2073, IEC Std.)
• Z2611.070: 3-pin China (GB 2099, IEC Std.)
• Z2611.080: 3-pin Australia (AS 3112, IEC Std.)
• Z2611.100: 3-pin Denmark (Afsnit 107-2-D1)
• Z2611.110: 3-pin Brazil (NBR 14136, IEC Std.)
• Z2611.120: 3-pin South Africa (SANS 164-1, IEC Std.)

Note: IEC Lock is a lockable IEC plug. IEC Std. is a standard IEC plug. Illustrations are approximations.

3. Technical Specifications

Power Supply

• Universal range switched mode power supply.
• Mains connection: IEC type socket.
• Rated mains voltage: 100 to 240 V, 50 - 60 Hz.
• Nominal power consumption: 400 W.

Thermal and Environmental Conditions

• IP class: IP20.
• Operating temperature range: 0 °C to 50 °C (32 °F to 122 °F).
• Storage temperature range: -20 °C to 70 °C (-4 °F to 158 °F).
• Operating humidity range (rel. non-condensed): 10% to 85%.
• Storage humidity range (rel. non-condensed): 15% to 90%.

Fan Noise Emission

• Idle (@22 °C/71.6 °F): 36 dB(A).
• Full load (@22 °C/71.6 °F): 42 dB(A).
• Full load (@50 °C/122 °F): 54 dB(A).

Dimensions and Weight

• Height x width x depth: 3 RU x 19" x 481 mm (3 RU x 19" x 18.93").
• Weight: 11 kg / 24.25 lb.

Connections

• ETHERNET: 2 x RJ45 LAN (100/1000 Mbps), OCA/AES70, OSC, SNMP.
• AUDIO NETWORK: USB 3.0 port, Milan™ audio network/AES67, 2 x RJ45 for Milan™ Primary/Secondary.
• MADI interface: 2 x RJ45 for Milan™ Primary/Secondary Gigabit only.
• Physical MADI inputs: IN 1 / IN 2 / IN 3.
• MADI input channel blocks @ 48 kHz: 1-32/33-64 (IN 1), 65-96 (IN 2), 97-128 (IN 2 - not supported).
• MADI input channel blocks @ 96 kHz: 1-32 (IN 1), 33-64 (IN 2), 65-96 (IN 3), 97-128 (Not supported).
• WORD CLOCK: Receiving external word clock signal (IN), Providing word clock signal (OUT).

Controls and Indicators

• Mains power switch: Rocker switch on rear panel.
• POWER: Push-button switch with integrated ring-LED indicator.
• Boot time: Approx. 45 sec.

I/O

• Sample rate for I/O: 48/96 kHz.
• Inputs: Up to 128.
• Outputs: Up to 64 (depending on license model).

Latency

• Milan™ In to Out: 0.875 ms @ 48 kHz, 1.51 ms @ 96 kHz (plus Milan™ latency).

Input Processing

• Gain: -120 dB to +24 dB.
• Polarity: 0°/180°.
• EQ: 8-band PEQ with high/low shelf.
• Delay: Up to 500 ms.
• Mute: On/Off.

Matrix Processing

• Crosspoint Mute: On/Off.
• Crosspoint Level: -120 dB to +10 dB.
• Crosspoint Delay: Up to 500 ms.

Output Processing

• Gain: -120 dB to +10 dB.
• Polarity: 0°/180°.
• EQ: 16-band PEQ with high/low shelf.
• Delay: Up to 500 ms.
• Mute: On/Off.

En-Scene

• Input sources: Up to 128.
• Positioning: Static or dynamic (moving).
• Control: Manual or external (OCA/AES70, OSC).

En-Space

• Convolvers: Up to 144.
• Impulse response length: Up to 10 seconds.

4. Startup

4.1 Overview

The DS100M features several connection ports and controls:

Connections:

• [1] IEC mains connector socket. Refer to Chapter 4.3.1.
• [2] ETHERNET (LAN ports) for remote control. Refer to Chapter 4.3.2.
• [3] USB (USB 3.0 ports) for future functionality. Refer to Chapter 4.3.3.
• [4] AUDIO NETWORK (Milan™ audio network). Refer to Chapter 4.3.4.
• [5] MADI interface. Refer to Chapter 4.3.5.
• [6] SERVICE port (for service purposes only).

Controls and Indicators:

• [7] Mains power switch (rear panel). Refer to Chapter 4.4.1.
• [8] POWER button (front panel).
• [9] Integrated LED indicator for POWER button.
• [10] ETHERNET network indicators. Refer to Chapter 4.4.3.
• [11] AUDIO NETWORK indicators. Refer to Chapter 4.4.4.

4.2 Rack Mounting and Cooling

The DS100M is designed for standard 19" equipment racks. Ensure the device is fixed at its front and rear rack ears using appropriate screws and U-washers, or use shelves. Alternatively, shelves can be used.

Cooling: The device has three internal fans for airflow. Ensure adequate cool airflow is provided. Do not block the front panel air intake or rear panel vents. If installed in sealed cabinets, use additional fan modules with filters. Avoid racking DS100M devices together if they produce additional heat and obstruct airflow.

4.3 Connections

4.3.1 Mains Connection

WARNING: Potential risk of electric shock. Connect only to mains power supplies with protective earth. If the power cord or plug is damaged, do not use it. Ensure the mains connector is accessible for disconnection. The device uses an IEC type mains connector socket [1]. Check the mains voltage and frequency against the rating label before connecting.

Lockable IEC type mains plug (IEC Lock): Once connected, the plug locks to prevent accidental disconnection. Pull the release button [R] to disconnect.

4.3.2 ETH 1/ETH 2

Two Ethernet ports (ETH 1/ETH 2) provide 100/1000 Mbps connectivity for remote control. ETH 2 is currently reserved for future use.

4.3.3 USB

Two USB 3.0 ports [3] are provided for future functionality.

4.3.4 AUDIO NETWORK

The DS100M features a Gigabit Milan™ audio network interface [4].

• Primary: RJ45 Ethernet port for primary network connection.
• Secondary: RJ45 Ethernet port for redundancy.

Note: For channel assignment/mapping, refer to Chapter 5.

4.3.5 MADI Interface

The DS100M includes a MADI interface [5] for transferring MADI audio input sources via the Milan™ network. The table below shows the mapping of MADI input channel blocks to physical MADI inputs at 48 kHz and 96 kHz.

WORD CLOCK: IN (Receiving external word clock signal), OUT (Providing word clock signal).

4.4 Controls and Indicators

4.4.1 Mains Power Switch

The rocker switch [7] on the rear panel controls mains isolation. OFF: Mains power supply is switched off but connected. ON: Mains power supply is on, device is ready.

4.4.2 POWER Button and LED Indicator

• Switching on (boot up): With the mains power switch [7] ON, pressing the POWER button [8] boots the device. The integrated LED indicator [9] illuminates green.
• Device shut down/Device reset/System status: The POWER button can be used to set/reset the device into specific system statuses by pressing it a specified number of times within 4 seconds.

Troubleshooting (LED Indicator [9]):

• Off: System not operating (no mains supply, switch off, or POWER button not pressed). Mains power supply faulty.
• Illuminates green: Mains supply available, system switched on and operating.
• Flashing (4 short or 1 long + 4 short): Power supply fault. Contact d&b Service Partner/Hub.
• Flashing (2 short): Fault in CPU power supply or BIOS. Contact d&b Service Partner/Hub.
• Flashing permanently: Milan™ I/O fault. Contact d&b Service Partner/Hub.

* Refer to www.dbaudio.com for a list of d&b Service Partners/Hubs.

AC Power Interruption Behavior:

If AC power is interrupted, the device remembers its last power state and restores it upon re-establishment of AC power.

• Device ON: Powers up immediately to previous 'ON' state.
• Device OFF: Powers up immediately to previous 'OFF' state (device shuts down).

4.4.3 ETHERNET Indicators

• Link status / activity LED: Solid green (Link established), Flashing (Link activity).
• Gigabit link status LED: Solid orange (Established Gigabit Ethernet link).

4.4.4 AUDIO NETWORK Indicators

• Gigabit link status LED: Solid orange (Established Gigabit Ethernet link).
• Link status LED: Solid green (Card present).

Status LEDs:

• READY: Solid orange (AVB daemon started, Milan™ communication enabled).
• STATE: Normally off. Flashing white (ATDECC identification active).

5. Milan™/MADI Interfacing

The DS100M supports both Milan™ audio networking and MADI audio inputs. It allows Milan™ or MADI sources to be processed correspondingly. The DS100M offers 128 possible audio input sources, divided into blocks (1-32 and 33-64). You can assign input source blocks to define the origin of signals (Milan™ or MADI). External clocking is required when using MADI sources.

Assignment/mapping is performed in R1. The example shows MADI input source block 33-64 assigned to DS100M input source block 1-32, and Milan™ input source block 1-32 assigned to DS100M input source block 33-64.

DS100M input source assignment/mapping in R1

6. Initial Setup

6.1 Physical Setup

Connect the computer's LAN port to the ETHERNET [2] (ETH 1) connector of the device.

6.2 Direct Connection

To access the Web Remote interface, set your computer's IP address to 192.168.1.101 (subnet mask 255.255.255.0). Then, enter the device's default IP address (192.168.1.100) in your web browser.

6.3 Web Remote Interface

A Web Remote interface is integrated for direct access via a standard web browser. Manual static IP address configuration on the PC network interface is required. Connect the DS100 and the computer to the same Ethernet network.

Recommended and tested browsers:

• Windows: Firefox V22.0+, Microsoft Internet Explorer V11+, Microsoft Edge V12+, Google Chrome V21+, Opera V15+.
• macOS: Safari V6.0+, Firefox V22.0+, Google Chrome V21+, Opera V15+.
• iOS: iOS 6+.
• Android: Mobile Firefox V27.0+, Android Browser V4.4+.

6.4 Web Remote Interface Page

The interface has three tabs: Event Log, Commands, and Licenses.

6.4.1 Event Log Tab

Stores up to 10000 records in a ring buffer. Records can be scrolled through using navigation buttons or by entering a record number. An option is available to save the Event Log data locally for service and troubleshooting.

To save Event Log data:

1. Select the "Save" button.
2. Choose to save "Last [n]" records or "All" records.
3. Select "Save" to download the data.
4. Select "Save" again to store the file locally (e.g., Event.log).

6.4.2 Commands Tab

This functionality is intended for service purposes only.

6.4.3 Licenses Tab

Provides an overview of installed licenses and allows uploading new licenses or updates. The device serial number is displayed.

6.4.3.1 License Update:

1. Select "Download context file". Save the file (e.g., dbaudio-DS100_[SerialNumber]_[LicenseKey]_[Date].rac).
2. Email the file to your d&b sales partner.
3. Receive the new license file (e.g., dbaudio-DS100_[SerialNumber]_[LicenseKey]_[Date].rau).
4. Select "Upload license file" and upload the received file.

License keys can then be enabled or disabled within R1.

6.4.4 Service Tab

Provides Backup/Restore functions for the device configuration.

• Login: Use "dbaudio" as the password if no password protection is applied.
• Backup: Select "Download backup file from device" to store the backup file (*.backup) locally.
• Restore: Select "Upload backup file to device" to upload a backup file. Then select "Activate backup file on device" to apply settings.
• Log file collection: Select "Download log file collection" to store log files (*.logpack.) locally for service/troubleshooting.
• Logout: Click the "Logout" button to exit service functions.

7. Service/Maintenance and Care

7.1 Service

CAUTION! Potential risk of explosion. The device contains a lithium battery. Replacement must be done by qualified d&b audiotechnik service personnel only. Do not open the device. No user-serviceable parts inside. Do not operate if damaged.

Refer servicing to qualified d&b audiotechnik personnel, especially if:

• Objects or liquids have entered the device.
• The device does not operate normally.
• The device was dropped or the housing is damaged.

7.2 Maintenance and Care

The air-intake at the front is covered by a mesh-filter-inlay. Clean the filter regularly from dust and moisture.

Cleaning procedure:

1. Remove the mesh-filter-inlay.
2. Clean the filter.
3. Insert the filter-inlay into the bottom edge of the air-intake slot.
4. Push in the top edge and spread the filter-inlay to both sides.
5. Ensure the filter-inlay is properly fitted.

8. Manufacturer's Declarations

8.1 Declaration of Conformity

This declaration applies to the d&b Z4102 DS100M Signal Engine. It confirms conformity with relevant directives. Detailed declarations are available on request or downloadable from www.dbaudio.com.

8.2 WEEE Declaration (Disposal)

Electrical and electronic equipment must be disposed of separately from normal waste. Dispose of this product according to national regulations or contractual agreements. Contact d&b audiotechnik for disposal questions. WEEE-Reg.-Nr. DE: 13421928.

8.3 Licenses and Copyright

The device includes software components under various open source licenses. A copy of the used source code can be obtained by contacting software.support@dbaudio.com.

8.4 Certifications

• Avnu DS100M certification: Certification ID: 316, Date Certified: 2024-04-05, Supported Segments: Milan™, Product Classes: End Station, Product Type: Matrix Mixer.