TOA Introduces New DP-SP3 Digital Speaker Processor

TOA Electronics, Inc., a subsidiary of TOA Corporation, revealed its new DP-SP3 Digital Speaker System Processor at InfoComm13. The DP-SP3 is 2-input x 6-output DSP operating at 24bit/96k resolution and is designed to handle all speaker system management functions.  It is housed in a 1U chassis and can be connected to other system components via balanced removable Euro-block connectors. The DSP includes comprehensive tools for achieve optimized sound system performance including: 12-band filter section per channel (with a choice of parametric, Hi or Low shelving, HPF/LPF, notch, band-pass, all-pass & horn eq. different slope types are also selectable), Compression, Delay and Attenuation. The DP-SP3 can be programmed and controlled via proprietary GUI software connected via Ethernet to a Windows PC. It can also function with any web browser and allows access to basic functions (such as passwords and IP settings) plus a library of TOA speaker EQ/Crossover presets. The DP-SP3 may also be synchronized for preset selection along with the M-864D Digital Mixer by using the provided contact Ins & Outs. The DP-SP3 carries TOAs 5-year Audio Product Warranty.

InfoCommm 2013: TOA Electronics Shows New Security Intercoms

Troubleshooting RS-232 Command Strings to TOA Products

By Rick Escobar - TOA Product Support Assistant Manager
 
One issue we hear from time to time is that “My Brand X” controller cannot control a TOA product by sending RS-232 commands.

For this example, let’s refer to a 9000M2 series Matrix / Mixer Amplifier (for you references download this document “9000M2 RS-232C Protocol Manual” by clicking here).

We’ll skip the low level detail and get to the point on how to make your control surface work for you. The 9000M2 is looking for a hexadecimal string that it will read, then react to the instructions sent.
 
Here is an excerpt from the “9000M2 RS-232C Protocol Manual”:
 
5.5 Power ON/OFF
 
This command performs ON/OFF setting of the power switch of the 9000M2 Series
Amplifier. 9000M2 Series Amplifier responds with the same data as that received.
 
F4H, 01H, <ON/OFF>
 
Example 1: Setting the power switch to OFF
    F4H, 01H, 00H
 
Example 2: Setting the power switch to ON.
    F4H, 01H, 01H
 
A common misconception is that the H is required in the command string. However, in this case it’s just noting that F4 is going to be a hexadecimal number. There is no standard for different control manufactures or terminal programs. So the first step to understand how the device you are working with, is going to want this string formatted.
 
All of these examples could be valid to power the 9000M2 off:
\xF4\x01\x00
#F4#01#00
[F4][01][00]
And so forth. 

The best recommendation would be to have the ability to cross check a string with a Terminal Program. This way if the hardware controller does not work, but the software terminal does, then you have isolated the issue most likely to how the device in question wants the string formatted.
 
A key word search on the internet for “RS-232 terminal emulator” will turn up several programs that provide you the ability to send RS-232 to your TOA product.
 
Good Luck and Happy RS-232 Programming!

TOA Introduces New SR-D8 Active Line Array

TOA will debut its new SR-D8 Digitally Active Line Array at InfoComm13.  The SR-D8 contains 8 "cells", each with a compliment of a 4" low frequency speaker and a coaxially-mounted array of 3 - 1" dome tweeters Each cell is powered by an independent Class D amplifier. The SR-D8 System comprises two different models: The SR-D8-M (Master) and the SR-D8-S (Slave). A single SR-D8-M may be connected to up to three SR-D8-S units for linear 4-speaker array. A total of 16 SR-D8s may be connected in any given system. Each SR-D8-M has an input via balance analog line or CobraNet. The signal may be daisy-chained to other SR-D8-Ms via an AES/EBU link. The SR-D8s advanced 24bit/96k on-board DSP is controlled via supplied GUI software and is also accessible via web browser. The software provides full control of all SR-D8s in the system. It is possible to control the beam angle within a +/- 45 deg range and the beam may also be split two ways at any point along the array (from single to four-speaker configuration). The GUI software provides a full-compliment of parametric EQ, compression, delay and beam control. The GUI also displays a predictive preview of beam propagation for any configuration. One main advantage is the calculation time-from configuration selection to execution, the process time is instantaneous! This line array speaker is ideally suited for large atrium spaces, auditoriums & Houses of Worship. The SR-D8-M & SR-D8-S carry TOAs 5-year Audio Product Warranty. The SR-D8 System will be available for sale in the Summer of 2013. Visit the webpage for this product for more information and software downloads.

TOA Introduces New M-864D Digital Mixer

TOA will debut its new M-864D Digital Rack-mount Mixer at InfoComm13. The M-864D is housed in a 4U rack chassis and is based on a next-generation 24bit/96k DSP. It has a compliment of 8 Balanced Mic/Line Inputs (using removable balanced Euro-block connectors), plus 2 Stereo channels, each of which may be assigned any (or all) of three Stereo Line inputs (on RCA connectors) plus an additional 1/8” stereo input on the front panel. These may all be selected remote. The front panel features easy access controls for most basic functions, including  linear fader volume controls for each channel, and up to 16 of TOA’s ZM-remote wall controllers may be directly connected and programmed for volume, scene select and various other functions. The M-864D can be programmed and controlled from the supplied GUI software via Ethernet connection to a Windows PC. The units DSP compliment includes a 3-band EQ for each inputs channel, Input Trim, Phantom Power and a Mute/Duck circuit allowing the mic/line channels to override the stereo inputs to allow for paging over BGM functions. Each mic channel also includes an independently selectable and adjustable Feedback Suppressor to provide optimal gain before feedback when using microphones. The 4-bus output section includes a 10-band parametric EQ and ARC (Automatic Resonance control) processor. The patented, exclusive TOA DSP (originally introduced in the TOA DP-K1) quickly and effectively reduces the worst effects of reverberant spaces, maximizing speech intelligibility. The M-864D is ideal for use in multipurpose meeting rooms, gymatoriums and other large spaces.. Its cost-effective, feature-packed design and easy-to-use interface will make it an easy choice for schools, conference centers and houses of worship. The M-864D carries TOAs 5-year Audio Product Warranty and will be available for sale in the Spring of 2013.