With its fixed-path design, system installers need only configure the routing matrix and decide which of the processing objects will be utilized. Once these are established, the set-ups may be stored as presets and recalled via the PC, contact closure or the 8810’s own internal events scheduler. All functions of the PS-8810 are set-up and controlled from a PC running IQ-WIN software, the control suite that can control a variety of types of audio equipment.
The real strength of this new DSP, however, is that it is the first in a new generation of Harman Professional ‘partnership’ products, utilizing the IQ communication protocol from Crown. In addition, it provides audio networking via CobraNet technology that will enable digital audio and control signal exchange with other existing and developing Harman equipment. With the well-established IQ system, the PS-8810 has the ability to network with Crown amplifiers and other IQ-compliant devices. This means that systems with control and monitoring of amplifiers and signal processing can now be readily constructed, with centralized control from a PC running one control program. IQ for Windows allows the designer to create custom control pages so that critical system functions can all be monitored from a single window.
Further expanding the system integration concept is the CobraNet option, the model becoming the PS-8810C. CobraNet provides the facility to network multiple audio channels over an Ethernet network using Cat 5 cable. The CM-1interface module allows a PS-8810C to select eight discreet audio channels from 32 signals on the Cat 5 port to feed its inputs and outputs. This means that not only can ProSys devices share audio signals with each other, bypassing the analogue conversion stages, but the 8810 can be used in CobraNet networks with other CobraNet devices. As an example, a PS-8810C could be used in a design not only as the bridge from CobraNet to analogue outputs, but also has the added advantage of the integral DSP to provide processing for equalization, localized zone delays, loudspeaker crossovers and equalization.
(Lee Baldock)
