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6 IDR-8 User Guide
Welcome to the iDR-8
The Allen & Heath iDR system is a set of components whose hardware, control and signal processing
flexibility make it well suited to many installed, live sound and special project applications. The 2U
rack or desk mount iDR-8 is the main unit in the iDR system having all the DSP (digital signal
processing) power needed for 16 input and 16 output channels. It has 8 XLR analogue mic/line inputs
and 8 XLR analogue line outputs. You can add a further 8 inputs and/or 8 outputs bringing it up to a
maximum 16x16 matrix by plugging in the iDR-in and/or iDR-out audio expanders. The signal can be
routed at three key points, the input source patch bay, central matrix, and output source patch bay.
Although the iDR does not work with networked audio, the expanders can be located up to 250 metres
away so providing remote analogue audio inputs and outputs connected using CAT5 cables. You can
also daisy chain multiple iDR-8 units in a distributed system. The units are linked using an 8 channel
wide bus which plugs into the digital expander ports. Maximum matrix at any unit is 16x16 which
includes the interconnecting bus. Several iDR-8 units can be linked in this way, but you can have only
one iDR-in and one iDR-out expander per system. This is described later.
A stereo audio monitor is included. This has both input and output TRS jacks so that the monitor can
‘ripple through’ chained iDR units. It also feeds a front panel headphones socket for local monitoring
of any point in the audio signal path. The monitor can access the input and output channels so that
they can be used with the matrix. For example, you can achieve a 10x10 matrix from an unexpanded
iDR-8. A built-in signal/noise generator provides a further source which can be routed to the input
channels for test and line up purposes.
There are many operator control possibilities. You can configure the 16 front panel keys and 32 3-
colour LEDs, and use the DR-Link port to add up to 3 iDR-switch units for up to 72 additional switch
closure and 48 open-collector logic outputs. In addition you can choose two of the following: MIDI, the
Sys-Net serial port to interface with third party remote controllers, RS232 for modem communication,
and the PL-Anet serial port for setting up a network of Allen & Heath PL wall plates and controllers.
The iDR-8 features networked control. It is configured using the iDR System Manager software via an
Ethernet port either connected directly to the installer’s PC, or over a TCP/IP network. Once configured
it runs stand alone using its built-in iDR Unit software with stored settings. iDR units can also be
operated from networked PC workstations running PL Client software configured as ‘virtual’ wall plates
by the installer using PL Designer software. An RS232 modem port lets the installer remotely
interrogate units. A front panel RS232 port allows easy operating code update.
The iDR system offers tremendous flexibility. The way the system is set up is stored in patches. Up to
99 patches can be programmed. You can decide which parameters are affected by each. To make
best use of this it is important that you plan your installation carefully before you start. You can try out,
prepare and archive different configurations offline before plugging in. Virtual panels and controllers
are displayed so you can simulate how it will work for real. You can program the unit name, clock and
IP address, and check diagnostic information and audio signal presence using the front panel menus
accessed by removing the face plate. You can also attach your custom label here so that it is
protected when the plate is refitted. For further information on the configuration of the unit please refer
to the Help files which come with the software.
DR-8
AUDIO MIX PROCESSOR
AUDIO INPUT EXPANDER
powerlock link
iDR-in
lock link power
AUDIO OUTPUT EXPANDER
iDR-out
link power
24 IN 16 OUT SWITCH CONTROLLER
iDR-switch
iDR-switch
iDR-in
iDR-out
PL-Anet
iDR-8
Sys-Net
MIDI
DR-Link
REMOTE CONTROLLERS
MODEM
RS232
NETWORK
AUDIO EXPANDERS
AUDIO MONITOR
iDR System Manager software
PL Designer software
Infra-red
Switch closures
Open-collector logic
Relays
Lamps
'Vitual' wall plates
System configuration
PL Client software