Setup Utility Guide

Introduction to the Setup Utility

The Setup Utility is the most efficient way to configure advanced features for the Audio Authority ADX series (using a Mac or PC). It provides an easy method to save configurations for off-site editing or backup. The following settings can only be configured via Ethernet/serial commands or the Setup Utility: DSP (EQ), Network Settings, and Groups. Note that some ADX features may not be compatible with third-party controllers designed for similar functions.

Setup Tips

1. Select Programming Mode: Choose the mode for your ADX configuration. Options include:
   • File Mode: (default) Requires a USB drive to save and transfer setup files to the ADX via the back panel USB jack.
   • Serial Mode: Requires a direct serial port connection.
   • Ethernet Mode: Requires a connection via a network or a direct Ethernet connection.
2. Create A New ADX Configuration: Start with a blank configuration file when setting up a new ADX.
3. Modify An Existing Configuration: Import the current setup file if you are modifying an existing setup.

Note: All examples in this guide show setup using a Mac for configuration.

Network Configuration

The Network Tab is used to configure IP settings and device discovery.

Network Tab and Connection Menu

The screenshot displays the "Network" tab of the ADX Setup Utility, showing IP settings (DHCP/Static), Device Discovery options, and front panel control settings.

Internet Protocol (IP) Settings:

• Use DHCP: Check this option [✔️] to connect automatically to a DHCP network for initial setup.
• Static Settings: Configure IP Address, Network Mask, and Gateway manually.

Device Discovery:

• Use Control4(tm) Simple Device Discovery Protocol (SDDP): Enable this option when using Control4 products to connect to the ADX.

Commit Changes: Click this button to apply network setting changes.

Mode: Select the connection mode (e.g., Wired IR, Network).

Send Detect Command: Initiates a command to detect the device.

Once the ADX is installed, it is recommended to use a static IP address and turn DHCP off. The Network/Misc Tab displays the network status, native IP address, Network Mask, and gateway.

Front Panel Controls

Configure front panel settings:

• Front Panel Brightness: Adjust the brightness of the keys and front panel display (25%, 50%, 75%, or 100%).
• Front Panel Sleep Time: Set the time (0, 1, 2, or 5 minutes) after which the front display turns off if keys and knob are not used.
• Front Panel IR Disable: Enable or disable the front panel IR sensor [IR sensor]. It is recommended to disable it if not required for control to avoid interference.
• Front Panel Lock: Enable or disable the front panel controls. Disable if IR is not required for daily use.

Screenshot shows the Network Tab and Connection Menu, with options for DHCP, static IP, and device discovery highlighted.

Serial and Trigger Connections

Serial Port:

• Serial Enable: Check this option [✔️] to enable serial control.

Follow instructions for your Control4, RTI, URC, or other controller to connect via serial. Serial commands can be downloaded from the Audio Authority website (www.audioauthority.com/adx_tips).

Connection Behavior:

• At idle, the ADX checks for serial or telnet data every 200 ms. Upon receiving data, it checks every 1 ms for rapid commands. After 100 ms of inactivity, it returns to 200 ms intervals.
• The ADX telnet server supports two simultaneous clients. Each connection has a 15-minute timeout; a crashed client that doesn't close properly leaves the connection busy until timeout.

Wired IR/Trigger:

The ADX enters standby mode when voltage on its Trigger input drops below a set threshold and wakes up when voltage rises above it. The trigger port allows equipment like A-V receivers or power management devices to put the ADX into standby to conserve energy.

To use the System Trigger:

1. Enable "Trigger" via the Mode dropdown menu. Use "Trigger+Serial" for serial commands (see website). Select timeout (5, 10, or 15 minutes) and voltage level (20 - 200mVRMS).
2. Connect to the ADX IR Control Input.
3. Power the ADX and test the power management system.
4. A high-to-low voltage transition on the trigger input puts the ADX into standby; a low-to-high transition wakes the unit.

Screenshot shows the Network/Misc Tab with serial port enabled and Wired IR/Trigger mode selected.

Source Setup

The Source Setup Tab allows you to name each source connected to the ADX.

The interface lists sources 1 through 16, with a field to enter a custom name for each source input.

Example: Source 1 can be named "Dish", Source 2 "AppleTV", Source 3 "Roku", etc.

Screenshot shows the Source Setup tab with example source names.

Zone Setup

The Zone Setup Tab is used to name zones, set volume levels, mute, fixed outputs, balance, and Power On volume levels. Some settings, like balance and fixed volume, are permanent. Others, like source, mute, and power on volume, are for temporary convenience during setup.

Key Zone Settings:

• Zone Name: Assign a name to each zone (e.g., "Living Room", "Kitchen"). Zones without assigned outputs do not appear on the front panel.
• Volume (dB): Set the volume level for each zone using a slider.
• Mute: Enable or disable mute for a zone using a checkbox [mute checkbox].
• Fixed Output: Configure fixed output settings using a checkbox [fixed output checkbox].
• Balance (dB): Adjust the audio balance for a zone using a slider.
• Power On Volume: Set moderate volume levels for when an output is powered on. These limits do not apply after mute.

Screenshot shows the Zone Setup tab, detailing zone names, volume, mute, balance, and other settings.

DSP (Digital Signal Processing) Settings

The DSP Tab offers five DSP modes for individual or multi-band EQ use: ZQ, Tone, Presets, Highpass, and Lowpass.

• Highpass and Lowpass filters are intended for passive subwoofers and full-range speakers, respectively.

Using ZQ Mode

To use ZQ mode:

1. Select a zone.
2. Select "ZQ" from the DSP Mode dropdown menu.
3. Make desired adjustments to EQ sliders; settings are saved automatically.

The interface shows EQ sliders for different frequencies and a graph representing the combined results of all filters.

EQ Presets

The ADX includes 10 built-in "Global" EQ presets. By default, these presets are flat and require adjustment. The ADX EQ Preset feature allows naming all 10 presets and adjusting band settings for each.

To Modify and Store EQ Presets:

1. Select a zone.
2. Select "Preset" from the DSP Mode dropdown menu.
3. Double-click on a "Preset Name" (e.g., Preset Name 1) and name it.
4. Make desired adjustments to EQ sliders for that preset. Settings are saved automatically. Repeat for remaining presets.

The interface displays presets like Acoustic, BassBooster, Classical, etc., which are preconfigured EQ intervals that can be selected.

Bass & Treble (Tone) Mode

If no EQ or tone mode is desired, select "Disabled" from the DSP Mode dropdown. Previous settings can be recalled by switching back to a filter mode.

To adjust Bass & Treble:

1. Select the desired zone.
2. Select "Tone" from the DSP Mode dropdown menu.
3. Make any desired bass and treble adjustments using the Bass Treble sliders.

Screenshot shows the Tone mode interface with Bass Treble sliders.

Lowpass and Highpass Filters

These filters can turn any zone output into a dedicated lowpass output for a subwoofer or a highpass output for full-range stereo speakers. A lowpass zone can be grouped with a highpass zone to create a single 2.1 audio zone. IR and serial group commands (source, volume, mute) can control both outputs simultaneously.

How to set up a lowpass or highpass zone output:

1. On the DSP tab, select a zone to designate as a lowpass or highpass output. For clarity when grouping, name zones in pairs (e.g., "Master BR" and "Master BR Sub").
2. On the Zone menu, select the zone.
3. Select "Lowpass" or "Highpass" from the DSP Mode dropdown menu.
4. Adjust the Crossover Frequency. Lowpass range: 40Hz to 240Hz. Highpass range: 1 Hz to 20,000 Hz. For 2.1 zones, set crossover points at the same frequency (e.g., lowpass at 100 Hz and highpass at 100 Hz).
5. On the Groups tab, group the lowpass and highpass zone outputs.

Screenshots show the Highpass mode and Lowpass mode interfaces, illustrating filter frequency adjustments.

Groups Tab

Groups allow simultaneous control of multiple zones using Group volume and switching commands. When a group command is issued, all member zones respond, though individual zone settings can still be adjusted. Up to 10 groups can be created per ADX.

Group Settings: Include Group naming and selection of output Zone members. 2.1 audio zones can also be created by joining highpass and lowpass zone outputs.

To set up a group:

1. Label groups on the Group/Active Naming menu.
2. Select the Group name from the "Favorite Name/Active" list.
3. Select Group Members (zones).
4. Repeat for all desired zone/group combinations.

Screenshot shows the Groups Tab interface, with fields for group name and member selection.

Favorites Tab

The Favorites Tab allows you to set up audio "scenes" (e.g., party, breakfast, movie night). Each scene is a list of zone/source combinations. Favorites can be recalled via serial/IR command or from the front panel.

To set up a favorite:

1. Label favorites on the Favorite Name/Active Naming menu.
2. Select a favorite name from the "Favorite Name/Active" list.
3. Select "Bypass" to exclude zones. Select a source to include a source/zone combination in the scene.
4. Repeat for all desired source/zone combinations.
5. Follow steps 2-4 for all additional favorites.

Screenshot shows the Favorites Tab interface, with favorite names and member selections.

Contact and Support

For more information, serial commands, and tips, visit the Audio Authority website:

audioauthority.com/adx_tips

Audio Authority
2048 Mercer Road, Lexington, Kentucky 40511-1071
Phone: 800-322-8346 | 859-233-4599
Fax: 859-233-4510
Website: www.audioauthority.com
Email: support@audioauthority.com

Document Revision: E-152 20161011