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Multiple component objects may be merged together using the Custom Blocks menu. Custom Blocks can
then be copied to the Processing Library as mentioned above. Custom Blocks can simplify the design
process by integrating frequently used component combinations, and can provide password protection for
intellectual property such as unique processing and component settings.
Right-clicking over the Processing Library will also allow new category files (.APL) to be created, for quick
access to specialized or often-used components. Existing category files (.APL) can be closed, to customize
the Processing Library. All available category files (.APL) can be viewed and opened from the Processing
Library Menu and from the Open dialog box.
Object and Layout Text
The size and appearance of both text and objects can be customized. Special Text Objects can be placed
into the Layout using the Text cursor on the Object Toolbar. When selected, Component & Text Objects
display handles which can be dragged for re-sizing. Right-clicking over an object provides a pop-up menu
which includes the Edit Text option. Edit Text can also be accessed for a selected object by simply
pressing the Enter key. Text (and object) appearance can be customized using the associated tools on the
Format Toolbar.
System Compiling Considerations
Once a system design is created (components placed & connected), the system can be compiled by
selecting Compile from either the File Menu or the Standard Toolbar. Compile provides system design
analysis and calculates DSP processing requirements. Compile also makes initial determinations of
quantity/type of Audia
®
devices needed, CobraNet™ channel assignments, allocation of DSP resources,
and I/O channel number assignments. In addition, Compile will provide indication of system design errors.
Although Compile is an automatic process, certain settings can be pre-determined to help guide this
process. DSP blocks (components) can be Allocated To Unit, which assigns them to a particular Audia
device. This can be useful either to dedicate particular audio functions to specific physical locations, or to
reduce the number of CobraNet channels being transmitted between Audia devices (reduces propagation
delay).
Propagation Delay (also known as Latency) is an inherent time delay of the audio signals, which increases
with the amount of DSP processing and CobraNet routing applied. Each CobraNet 'hop' (one-way
transmission) produces 5.33mS delay (see CN Latency). Therefore, system outputs can have different
amounts of propagation delay. Compile determines worst-case propagation delay for a system, and applies
Delay Equalization to synchronize all audio outputs. In applications where audio output synchronization is
not important (audibly isolated areas), then Delay Equalization may be disabled on individual Input Output
components (DSP blocks) or system wide. See Object Property Sheet and Compile Options.
Compile also attempts to 'group' simple DSP blocks together, reducing the number of DSP blocks to be
allocated to the available
Audia devices. Allocated To Gang can be used to 'gang' specific components
(DSP blocks) into the same group and, therefore, the same device.
Compile will automatically add appropriate Audia devices to the system, based upon Input & Output
needs of the design. However, this Auto Device Add function may be defeated, and Audia devices may
be added manually, using the Equipment Table. Also, I/O Preference can be changed, to force Compile
to use a specific Audia device (Input/Output configuration).
For visual aids in determining DSP block allocations, see Display Options. A system design file must be
compiled before it can be downloaded to Audia devices (see Send Configuration).
Compile results may be reviewed at any time (see Tools Menu > Layout Compile Results).
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