MODE AUDIO MDX-48 Fir Dsp Speaker System Processor User Manual

Do not block any ventilation openings, it should not be placed flat against a wall or placed in a built-in enclosure that will impede the flow of cooling air.
Do not install this product near any heat sources, such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including heat-producing amplifiers) that produce heat.

Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades one wider than the other. A grounding-type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The side blade or the third prong are provided for your safety if the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
Protect the power cord being walked on or pinched particularly at Plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus. Do not break the ground pin of the power supply cord.

Only use attachments specified by the manufacturer.
Use only the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.

Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
Care should be taken so that objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled into the unit through the ventilation ports or any other openings.

Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way; such as, the power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally or has been dropped.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.

When the MAINS plug, or an appliance coupler is used as the disconnect device, the disconnect device should remain readily operable.
Protective Ground Terminal: The apparatus shall be connected to an AC main socket with a protective earth ground connection.

CAUTION RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE CHASSIS. NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

IN THE PACKAGE

MDX-48 DSP PROCESSOR
- X 1

POWER CABLE
- X 1

USB CABLE (type A to Type B)
- X 1

USB flash drive (Mconsole software installer & Manual)
- X 1

Contact Our US-Based Support Team
Got questions? We’re here to help! For any inquiries or assistance, reach out to our dedicated support team. We’re committed to providing excellent service swiftly. Email: info@modeaudio.us

INTRODUCTION

MDX-48 is a 4 in-8 out FIR DSP speaker system processor, integrated with high-performance DSP, Dynamic EQ, FIR automatic linear phase and other powerful functions. This processor supports a variety of input signal: Analog\AES3\Dante network audio. Standard FIR designer in Mconsole provides automatic linear magnitude and phase function, users can easily adjust the speaker parameters to achieve the ideal system. With RJ45\USB and RS232 connectors, the PC software Mconsole provides user a easy way to control multiple devices. RS232 connectors support devices being controlled froma third-party system.

Features

4 channel inputs and 8 channel outputs.
Each input supports to switch AES3 signal.
4 channels Dante network audio.
High-performance DSP processor, 96k 24bit sampling rate.
Input with 15 bands PEQ, output with 1 0 bands PEQ. e Support HPF and LPF with Butterworth\Bessel\Linkwitz-Riley. Support LSLV and HSLV. Support ALL -PASS, Band pass, Band stop filters, Phase, Notch filter, 3 types of High pass and Low pass.
Input with 3 bands Dynamic EQ.
Input with 4 x 512 Taps 48k FIR linear phase setting.
Output with 4 x 512 Taps 48k FIR linear phase setting.
Standard FIR automatic linear phase function designer.
Support presets archiving and locking, hiding of set parameters.
Control connections: USB or TCP/IP. Configured with RS232 central control connection.
Friendly GUI software Mconsole for windows7/8/10/11.
Colorful LED level indicator for input and output signal.
High analytical power, wide dynamic audio performance, suitable for stage, bar and other high-end sound systems.

TECHNICAL PARAMETERS

DSP PROCESS
Core	ADI SHARC 21489 450MHz
System delay	2.1ms
AD/DA	24-bit 96kHz

ANALOG AUDIO INPUTS AND OUTPUTS
Input	4 channels balanced
Input connector	XLR(Neutri k®)
Input impedance	20kO
Max input level	20dBu/Line
Dante in/out	4*4 channels optional
Output	8 channels balanced. Line level
Output connector	XLR(Neutri k®)
Output impedance	500

AUDIO PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS
Frequency response	20Hz-20kHz(+-0.5dB)/Line
THD+N	-93dB(@0d Bu,1kHz,A-wt)/ Line
Ground noise	20Hz-20kHz, A-wt , -93dBu
SNR	113dB (@16dBu,1kHz,A-wt)/ Line

CONNECT PORTS AND INDICATORS
USB	Type A-B, driver-free
Rs232	Serial port communication
TCP/IP interface	RJ-45
Indicator light	Clip, level, edit, mute

ELECTRICAL AND PHYSICAL
Supply	AC1 00V ~ 240V 50/60 Hz
Products Dimensions	483mmx215mmx44.5mm
Packaged Dimensions	537mmx343mmx77mm
Net Weight	3.8kg
Packaged Weight	4.2kg
Operating temperature	– 20°C ~ 80 °C

FUNCTION STRUCTURE AND PANELS

Front panel

Rear panel

Dimensions (mm)

FRONT PANEL OPERATION

Function select and setting buttons

Press MENU button and the LCD screen will show the menu list, then using NEXT or BACK to select functions: GLOBAL MEMORY, INPUT SECTION, MATRIX, SYSTEM, press ENTER to go to the sub-menu or confirm selection, press QUIT to exit.
The BYPASS (PRESET) is a multi-function button, pressing this button on the main page is a PRESET entry shortcut, pressing this button after entering the menu is to select BYPASS.

EDIT /MUTE buttons

Short press the EDIT/MUTE button to quickly mute the corresponding input and output channels, at this time the corresponding STATUS LED above will turn red.
Long press the EDIT/MUTE button to set the parameter of corresponding input and output channels, at this time the corresponding STATUS LED above will turn blue.
- Remark: ‘X’ represents the corresponding selected channels. If there is no effect after setting the parameters, please check if BYPASS is selected.

More than one channels can be linked before setting parameters or mute by long pressing the EDIT/MUTE buttons of corresponding channels and all STATUS LEDs will turn blue at this time. The LCD screen will display “IPX+” or “OPX+”.
The STATUS LED will turn purple when both MUTE and EDIT modes are selected at the same time. When a user needs to quickly mute channels in the linked setting, short press any of the EDIT/MUTE buttons and all the status LEDs will turn purple.

MCONSOLE SOFTWARE

Mconsole software provides users with a variety of connection options that allow multiple devices to interact quickly, including TCP/IP, USB and common serial port (RS232). Easily set DSP functions of device and check central control codes. The configuration parameter can be stored in presets, convenient for various applications.

Operating Enviroment
Mconsole is suitable for Win 7 /8/1 0/11 x86/x64 PC system with Microsoft.NET Framework 4.0. A USB flash drive is included in the package, and it will run automatically when it’s inserted into the PC. Users only need to unzip the ‘Mconsole’ package and no need to install it.

Then Double click the Mconsole.exe file, the main interface will pop up as below.

MCONSOLE SOFTWARE

Connection Options and Setting

For ethernet cable connection: First click Setting in Device List, then choose TCP in Connection windows.
For USB cable connection (type A to typeB}: First click Setting in Device List, then choose USB in Connection windows.

For Rs232 to USB (type A) cable connection: First click Setting in Device List, then choose COM in Connection windows. Please check the port and baud rate carefully for this connection.

After setting, the system will start scanning, and the device name will be shown in the device list if the connection is successful. For linked connection, all device names will be shown.

User can mute devices, refresh connecting, or delete devices in this window. Single-click ‘Device’ to load the function interface.

IP Address Setting

In a TCP connection, if the device list does not show the correct device name but only a dot as shown in left figure, then user need to change the IP address that matches the PC.
Right-click the device enclosure area, a ‘Net Setting’ window will show.

The IP address of the PC is displayed in the lower left of the screen, in the ‘Net Setting’ window, reset the first three paragraphs same with the IP of the PC.
Click ‘OK’ and then the device can be successfully scanned and connected, and device name will be shown correctly in the device list.
Multiple same devices can be linked in a group by clicking ‘Link’ icon, then in the ‘Net Link’ window, user can set the group name, main device, link mode and parameter according to needs.

DSP Functions Setting

Double-click ‘HOME’ icon to load the all functional interfaces, or double-click a specific function icon separately to load the corresponding sub-interface. When multiple function windows opened, users can drag the windows to switch positions when needed.

Input Setting

Set Phase of input;
Set Mute of input;

Selection of Analog\AES3\Dante input signal;
When choosing test signal, user can select from Sine / Pink Noise / White Noise and adjust the signal parameter from below Test Signal’ window.

Noise Gate

Attack time: 1 to 2895ms adjustable;
Release time: 1 to 2895ms adjustable;
Threshold level: -90 to 0dBu adjustable;

Click ‘Noise Gate ON’ to enable the setting.

PEQ-X (for both input and output)

High Pass Filter (HPF on lower left of the window)
Enter the frequency value under the ‘HPF’ and select type, then press to enable the setting. Type options: Butterworth 6/12/18/24/36/48, Bessel 12/24/36/48, Linkwitz-Riley 12/24/36/48.

Low Pass Filter (LPF on lower right of the window)
Enter the frequency value under the ‘LPF’ and select type, then press to enable the setting. Type options: Butterworth 6/12/18/24/36/48, Bessel 12/24/36/48, Linkwitz-Riley 12/24/36/48.

PEQ 1 5 bands for input channel
Type options: PEQ/LSLV/HSLV/ALLPASS-1 /ALLPASS-2/3 kinds of high/low pass, Phase, Band pass, Band stop, Notch filter; Freq(Hz)/Q/Gain(dB): enter the value or use mouse pulley to set value; Users can also drag the frequency dot on the curve to adjust.

PEQ 1 0 bands for output channel
Type options: PEQ/LSLV/HSLV/ALLPASS-1 /ALLPASS-2/3 kinds of high/low pass, Phase, Band pass, Band stop, Notch filter; Freq{Hz)/Q/Gain{dB): enter the value or use mouse pulley to set value; Users can also drag the frequency dot on the curve to adjust.

Phase curve: display the phase curve of the current channel.
View: show or hide all balance control points.
Bypass: turn on or off all EQ of the current channel at the same time

Preset: save all the setting parameters of the EQ of the current channel to the computer, and recall the channel EQ parameter of the computer, which can be recalled across channels and devices.
Copy: copy the current channel EQ parameter value, which can be pasted to other similar channels {Note: input channel parameter can only be copied to other input channels). Paste: used in combination with the copy button to paste the last copied EQ parameter value to the current channel.
Reset: reset the EQ parameter to the default parameter values.

As shown in the figure above, the left side is the interface switching button for each channel. Click to switch the EQ channel, and the colored one is the currently selected channel. is the curve color of the EQ channel. is to show or hide each channel’s EQ curve, on the interface of selected channels, curves of other channels can be displayed when them is clicked.

Dynamic EQ

Mode: Boost Above\Boost Below\Cut Above\Cut Below e Threshold: -90 to 24.0dBu

Q: 0.27 to 1 5
Ratio: 1 .0 to 1 00.0
Max Gain: 0.0 to 12.0

Attack: 1 to 2895ms
Frequency: 20 to 22000Hz
Release: 1 to 2895ms

Type options: BYPASS\PEQ
Bypass button to disable or enable setting

Delay Setting (input and output)

Max 2000ms for input channel;
Max 2000ms for output channel;
Click to enable the setting;

Click to reset the setting;
Different measurement ft/cm/ms are selectable.

Matrix Mix

In the figure above, input channels (on top side) corresponds to output channels (on left side). Double-click any small value box to change its status, when the value box is green, the input signals on the vertical axis are routed to the corresponding output channel on the horizontal axis. The right part of the above figure contains the Gain, Reset, and Clear button of the matrix mix. Click the value box on the left, and then drag the sliding fader or enter a value to adjust the gain. Click the Reset button to reset the matrix mixing function to the initial one-to-one status; click the Clear button to clear all the matrix mixing setting.

Compressor

Soft knee: 0 to 30 adjustable;
Threshold: -90.0 to 24.0 dB adjustable;
Attack: 1 to 2895 ms adjustable;

Ratio: 1 .0 to 1 00.0 adjustable;
Release: 1 to 2895 ms adjustable;
Click to enable the setting;

Limiter

Threshold: 0.0 to 24.0dBu adjustable;
Release time: 1 to 2895 ms adjustable;

Click to enable the setting;

Output Setting

Set phase of signal;

Set mute of output channel;
Set the gain level of the output channel.

Monitoring and Setting of Channels

User can monitor gains level of input and output channels.

Channel Gain Level

Input the value, drag the gain fader or use mouse pulley to set the gain level of each channel. The device support different types of input signals: ANALOG, DANTE network audio, AES digital audio, and testing signal. Each of the different input signals is distinguished by a label in this window.

Quick Buttons of DSP in Channels

M Mute

+ Phase
N Noise Gate
E PEQ

D Delay
M Mute
E PEQ

D Delay
C Compressor
L Limiter

+ Phase

Group and Channels Link

User can quickly set channels in groups for opening or closing Mute, Phase, Noise gate, PEQ and Delay.

M Mute
+ Phase
N Noise Gate
E PEQ
D Delay
Linked Channels for Input
M Mute
E PEQ
D Delay
C Compressor
L Limiter
+ Phase
Linked Channels for Output

When click link button, Channels Link window would show as below

Select the corresponding channels to link, they will be in group for user to set parameter.

Menu File

New project: Restored to the initial open state.
Demo Device: User can view all the functions of the device without affecting the specific device connected.
Open: Open an existing device management project from the computer disk.
Save: Save the current equipment management project in the computer disk.
Save as: Save the current equipment management project to the computer disk.

Menu – Device (including Device lock)

Devices: View or modify the software version, device name and device IP address of the upper and lower computer of the device. Set the password of the device.
Channel name: Set the name of each input and output channel, with memory function.
Channel copy: Copy the parameter of the input and output channel, can be a cross-device copy ( Note: the same type of device is required).
Central control: Provides the user a quick way to inquiry code of Center Control setting. For more details, please refer to another user manual <Center Control Code User Manual>, it provides a whole guide and codes for user to match every specific system.
Device locking: User can set his own password of this device to protect setting parameters. Enter a four-digit number (0, 1 ,2 … 9) in the ‘Device Locking’ window to set the password or click ‘Clear’ to cancel setting. When the device is locked, an icon will show on the LCD as below.
Unlock with software: Input the password in below window to unlock.
Unlock via buttons on the front panel: Press any of the BACK, NEXT, MENU, ENTER, BYPASS, or QUIT buttons, LCD will show the interface as below to input the password, turn the GAIN button to select digit, and press BACK or NEXT to select digit position. Then select ‘OK’ and press ENTER to unlock.
A maximum of 5 incorrect password inputs are allowed, beyond which the device can’t be unlocked and need to contact the manufacturer for resolution, but all parameters will be lost.
A successfully password input will load the main interface

Menu Connection

Port: Set the connection mode, port number and baud rate, confirm the connection mode and then select the corresponding port.
Connect: Connect and download the device parameter.
Disconnect: Disconnect the connected device.
Connect all: Connect and download the device parameter of all the devices in the device list.
Disconnect all: Disconnect all connected devices in the device list.

Menu – Preset

Save: Select a preset gear from 2~30, and save all the parameters of the current auto gear to the selected preset gear.
Recall: Recall the selected preset to the current auto gear position.
Delete: Delete the existing preset, the default file cannot be deleted, over written or saved.
Clear: Delete all presets in the device.
Boot: Select a certain preset and set it as the boot file, each time when the device is restarted, it will automatically recall the save the parameter; when setting the auto file to the boot file, the last set parameter will be recall when device is restarted.
Import preset: Import a single preset file on the computer.
Export the preset: Export all the parameter of the current state to the computer, and generate a single preset file.
Import preset package: Import the preset package file containing multiple presets on the computer.
Export preset package: Pack multiple presets into one preset package and export it to the computer.

Menu – System

Language: Supports simplified CN, traditional CN and ENGLISH. About: Software and device firmware version information.
Upgrade: For user to upgrade the firmware, an upgrade.bin file will be needed from manufacturer.

FIR Filter and Function

FIR Filter and Applications
When user uses PEQ to adjust audio signal and set a linear magnitude, he may find the phase of signal changed due to the IIR filter. However, a useful tool FIR filter is provided to adjust the audio signal with a linear phase.

Some calculations:
- Frequency resolution = Sampling/Taps
- Available min. frequency ∼ Frequency resolution*3

Means when we adjust audio signal with 48kHz, 1 024 taps, the FIR filters will take effect in frequency above 141 Hz. The tap value more higher, and the FIR filter curve is more steep.

FIR filter processing audio signal will produce a certain delay: Delay = (1 /Sampling Hz)*Taps/2

Taps Sampling	48kHz	96kHz
256	2.67ms, LF 563Hz	1.33ms, LF 1125Hz
512	5.33ms, LF 279Hz	2.67ms, LF 558Hz
768	7.99ms, LF 188Hz	4.00ms, LF 375Hz
1024	10.67ms, LF 141Hz	5.33ms, LF 281Hz
2048	21.33ms, LF 70Hz	10.67ms, LF 141Hz

Applications:

Linear of the phase curve of the speaker;
Match the phase and magnitude of different speaker models within the same product line, as well as different speaker models in the installation project to make it easier to debug speaker groups and arrays;
Dealing with line array systems (for audience area coverage optimization);
Frequency division optimization to improve the consistency of frequency response of multidivision speakers over their coverage Angle range.

Devices required

Connection schematic

Using FIR Designer in Mconsole to Adjust FIR Magnitude and Phase
Beside using a third-party software, Mconsole provides a more convenient way to adjust the FIR magnitude and phase of each channel.
There are two ways to open the FIR DESIGNER interface:

Click ‘FIR’ and then click the ‘Designer’ button.
Or click ‘FIR DESIGNER’ in the main interface, which can quickly help user to return to the page he set last time.

FIR Designer – Import

Load: Load speaker measurement file from Smaart, usually it’s a .txt file.
Import Clipboard: Load ASCII data directly from Smaart.
Clear: Clear measurement data.
Normalise magnitude to max or Magnitude offset (dB): Can help user to adjust a certain dB of magnitude, in order to adjust magnitude curve as little as possible.

FIR Designer – FIR-EQ

There are High pass filter and low pass filter for setting the frequency divider, and 15 bands of PEQ \ LSLV \ HSLV to adjust magnitude. Try to set a linear magnitude of the target speaker.

Mark: changing FIR magnitude doesn’t affect its phase.

FIR Designer – Magnitude Correction and Phase Correction
When there are too many speakers to be adjusted, user might have to spend a long time for manually adjusting their magnitude. In this case, Magnitude Correction will be more useful. Just enable ON button for frequency.

After adjusting magnitude, set linear phase of the speaker.

FIR Designer – Generate
Select Taps (such as 512) of this adjustment, and store it in a FIR channel. User can also name this FIR adjustment and export it to a .KF file. After finish all settings, return back to FIR interface. Cancel the BYPASS button to enable the setting.

Filters and Application
In parameter EQ, this processor provides a variety of useful filters, including kinds of shelf, pass, and phase filters. Users can make full use of them in actual acoustic engineering.

Low Shelf / High Shelf Filter
Using a shelf equalizer will allow more frequencies to remain intact, but still decay to a more acceptable level. This will help user retain the original sound as well as the overall sound.

Freq (Hz): 20 to 22kHz
Q: 0.25 to 1 .00
Gain: -15 to +15 dB

LPF / HPF / Variable Q Pass/ Elliptic Pass/ Band Pass/ LP-1 / HP-1 Filter

Freq {Hz): 20 to 22kHz
Q: 0.40 to 1 28

Allpass-1 / Allpass-2 / Phase Filter
Using phase filter can adjust the original phase curve and optimize the phase coupling of part of the frequency band without changing the frequency response.

Freq {Hz): 20 to 22kHz
Q: 0.25° to 1 79°
Q value for setting degree

Band Stop – Notch Filter

Freq {Hz): 20 to 22kHz
Q: 0.25 to 1 28

MODE AUDIO CREATION INC.

Los Angeles, California, USA
www.modeaudio.us
info@modeaudio.us
MODE AUDIO // Features and specifications are subject to change and or improvement without notice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can I contact Mode Audio’s support team?
A: For any inquiries or assistance, reach out to our dedicated support team via email at info@modeaudio.us. We are committed to providing excellent service swiftly.

Documents / Resources

MODE AUDIO MDX-48 Fir Dsp Speaker System Processor [pdf] User Manual
MDX-48 Fir Dsp Speaker System Processor, MDX-48, Fir Dsp Speaker System Processor, Speaker System Processor, System Processor

References

User Manual

MODE AUDIO MDX-48 Fir Dsp Speaker System Processor

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

IN THE PACKAGE

INTRODUCTION

TECHNICAL PARAMETERS

FUNCTION STRUCTURE AND PANELS

FRONT PANEL OPERATION

MCONSOLE SOFTWARE

MCONSOLE SOFTWARE

Frequently Asked Questions

Documents / Resources

References

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