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Finding the ZonePRO processor's Node Address through its properties or address tool.
Clicking the 'Next' button after verifying or obtaining the Node Address.
Highlighting a specific processing block in ZonePRO Designer by left-clicking it.
Opening the Object ID Address display by pressing Ctrl+Shift+o on the keyboard.
Inputting the retrieved Object ID Address into the designated field in the String Calculator.
Generating strings for Input Gain control within the String Calculator interface.
Generating strings for Output Router Source Selection, Gain, and Mute/UnMute control.
Generating strings for Output Mixer Gain, Output Gain, and Mute/UnMute control.
Finding the ZonePRO processor's Node Address through its properties or address tool.
Clicking the 'Next' button after verifying or obtaining the Node Address.
Highlighting a specific processing block in ZonePRO Designer by left-clicking it.
Opening the Object ID Address display by pressing Ctrl+Shift+o on the keyboard.
Inputting the retrieved Object ID Address into the designated field in the String Calculator.
Generating strings for Input Gain control within the String Calculator interface.
Generating strings for Output Router Source Selection, Gain, and Mute/UnMute control.
Generating strings for Output Mixer Gain, Output Gain, and Mute/UnMute control.
This document outlines the quick start guide for the dbx ZonePRO String Calculator, a utility designed to facilitate the programming and control of dbx ZonePRO audio processors. The ZonePRO String Calculator generates control strings that can be used by third-party control systems to manage various parameters of the ZonePRO device.
The process begins with the initial setup of the ZonePRO processor itself. Step 1 instructs the user to program the ZonePRO processor using the ZonePRO Designer software. This is a crucial preliminary step, as the String Calculator relies on the processor being properly configured and operational. The ZonePRO Designer is the primary interface for setting up the audio routing, processing blocks, and overall functionality of the ZonePRO device. A screenshot of the ZonePRO Designer's program screen is provided, showing a graphical representation of the processor's configuration, including various input and output blocks, routing options, and processing modules like EQ, dynamics, and delays. This visual interface allows users to drag and drop components, connect them, and set their initial parameters, effectively designing the audio system's behavior.
Once the ZonePRO processor is programmed, the next step involves preparing the String Calculator. Step 2 guides the user to unzip and open the "dbx ZonePRO String Calculator.exe" file. This indicates that the String Calculator is a standalone executable application that needs to be launched on a computer. A small icon representing the executable file is shown, clearly labeling it for easy identification.
Step 3 focuses on selecting the appropriate device type within the String Calculator. The user is presented with radio button options to choose the specific ZonePRO model they will be controlling. The available options are "1260/1m," "640/1m," "1260/1," and "640/1." A note clarifies that the "1260/1" and "640/1" options are for firmware versions V1.10 and later, highlighting the importance of firmware compatibility for proper operation. This selection ensures that the String Calculator generates commands specific to the chosen device's architecture and capabilities.
Step 4 is critical for establishing communication between the String Calculator and the ZonePRO processor. It emphasizes the need to ensure that the "Node Address" selected in the String Calculator matches the actual Node Address of the ZonePRO processor. The Node Address is a unique identifier for each device on the network. The guide provides clear instructions on how to retrieve this address from the ZonePRO device. First, the user is instructed to right-click on the device icon within the ZonePRO Designer software and select "Properties." A screenshot illustrates this action, showing a context menu with options like "Edit," "Delete," "Locate," and "Properties." Upon selecting "Properties," a "ZonePRO 1260 Properties" dialog box appears, displaying the "Node Address" along with other details like "Unique Node ID," "Firmware Version," and "Peak Output." A visual example shows a Node Address of "32." The guide also offers an alternative method: finding the Node Address under "Network > Address Tool..." within the ZonePRO Designer. Another screenshot shows the "Address Tool" option in the "Network" menu. After retrieving the Node Address, the user is instructed to click the "Next" button in the String Calculator. A table is then displayed showing the Node Addresses of all networked ZonePRO devices, indicating whether they are "Resolved" or not, which helps in verifying network connectivity. This meticulous attention to matching the Node Address is essential for the control system to correctly identify and communicate with the target ZonePRO device.
Step 5 deals with selecting the communication protocol. The user must choose between "RS232" and "IP (port 3804)." This choice depends on how the third-party control system will interface with the ZonePRO processor. RS232 is a serial communication standard, often used for direct connections, while IP (Internet Protocol) allows for network-based control, typically over Ethernet. The specified port "3804" is important for IP communication.
Step 6 introduces the concept of the "Object ID." The Object ID is the address of a specific processing block within the ZonePRO device that the user wishes to control. This could be an "Input Block," "Output Router Block," or "Output Mixer Block." The String Calculator provides fields (b0, b1, b2, b3) to enter the Object ID, along with its decimal representation. The guide explains how to find the Object ID: within the ZonePRO Designer, the user needs to highlight the desired processing block by left-clicking it once. Screenshots show various processing blocks like "RTE," "AW," "BPF," "EQ," and "DYN." After highlighting, the user presses "Ctrl+Shift+o" on the keyboard to reveal a dialog box displaying the "Object ID Address." This dialog box provides detailed information about the selected block, including its "ID" (ObjClass), and its address components (Address.b0, Address.b1, Address.b2, Address.b3). A crucial note emphasizes that "Each channel's Input Block, Output Router Block or Output Mixer Block will have a different Object ID Address!" This highlights the granular control offered by the system, where individual components within the audio path can be addressed and manipulated.
Step 7 focuses on customizing the control string format by setting the "Prefix" and "Separator." These elements are determined by the requirements of the third-party control system manufacturer. The String Calculator provides dropdown menus for both, allowing the user to select appropriate values. A default prefix of "$" is shown, along with a "
Finally, Step 8 describes the core function of the String Calculator: generating control strings based on desired parameter values. The user sets the parameter values for the specific processing block they want to control, and the String Calculator automatically generates the corresponding string. The guide breaks this down into three main categories:
Below these control interfaces, the generated string is displayed in both "decimal" and "Hex" (hexadecimal) formats. An example string is provided: "decimal 240 100 0 1 0 0 0 27 0 51 1 5 0 30 0 48 1 5 0 30 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 150" and its hexadecimal equivalent "$F0,$64,$00,$01,$00,$00,$00,$18,$00,$33,$01,$05,$00,$1E,$00,$30,$01,$05,$00,$1E,$01,$00,$00,$00." This dual representation is useful for different control system requirements.
The document concludes with a recommendation to "Please see the Help file within the String Calculator for further information," indicating that the application itself contains more detailed guidance and potentially troubleshooting tips. A "HELP" button is also shown, suggesting direct access to this internal documentation.
In summary, the dbx ZonePRO String Calculator is a utility designed to simplify the integration of ZonePRO audio processors with third-party control systems. It acts as an intermediary, translating user-friendly selections of device parameters into specific control strings. Its usage involves a clear, step-by-step process: programming the ZonePRO, launching the calculator, selecting the device type, verifying the Node Address, choosing the communication protocol, identifying the Object ID of the desired processing block, configuring string prefixes and separators, and finally, setting the desired parameter values to generate the control string. This tool significantly reduces the complexity of manual string generation, making it easier for integrators and users to implement sophisticated control over their ZonePRO audio systems. The emphasis on matching Node Addresses and Object IDs highlights the precise addressing capabilities of the ZonePRO system, allowing for granular control over individual audio processing elements. The provision of both RS232 and IP protocols ensures compatibility with a wide range of control environments.
General| Control I/O | Yes |
|---|---|
| Crossover | Yes |
| Compressor | Yes |
| RS-232 | Yes |
| Analog Inputs | 4 |
| Channels | 4 |
| Dynamic Range | >110dB |
| THD+N | <0.005% |
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