Allen&Heath iDR-4 - Manual (Page 39)

iDR-4 User Guide 39
Starting with the Patches
The patch system is the key to the iDR system’s unique flexibility. Unlike some systems which simply take a ‘snapshot’
of all the current settings, the iDR-4 can store and recall any number of chosen settings from an extensive list of
parameters. These include not only the channel levels and processing such as equalisers and dynamics, but also how
the soft keys, soft LEDs, LCD display and connected remotes are set up. You can set up patches that recall all settings
to reset the system to a required starting point or change the application completely, and you can set up ‘part’ patches
with just a few parameters that make local changes without affecting the rest of the system.
Plan your application
Before starting to configure
the system, plan how you want to use the soft controls and
patches. Make sure you understand the effect that each patch
will have before recalling it.
Use the simulation
the iDR System Manager provides
a simulation of the iDR-4 front panel as well as connected
expanders and remotes. You can use these to experiment with
the system offline as well as online.
Archive your settings
Make regular backups of your
settings and save them under different .cfg file names so that
you can restore your last settings if you make a mistake.
Decide your system starting point
Assign the
soft keys, soft LEDs, LCD text, remote controls, and which
channels are to be stereo before you start saving patches. It
can be very complex changing these later once patches have
been set up. Set all parameters for normal operation. Now
save a full patch with all parameters selected. You may want to
assign this as the power up patch. This gives you a known
starting point.
Only store the parameters you need
For your
working patches decide which parameters should be affected
and save only those in the patches. That keeps the basic
system assignment intact.
Keep it simple
Focus on the needs of the application
and avoid the temptation to create complex patch structures.
Plan the structure and apply sensible names to the patches. It
can be helpful to have patch related text displayed in the LCD.
Log your settings
Keep a log of how you have set
your patches up. This is important if you need to revisit an
installation some time in the future to make changes. For
example, additional sources may have been added and
patches need updating to include the new source.
Some Applications
The possibilities are limited only
by your imagination and ingenuity. A few useful applications of
the patch system include:
SINGLE KEY SOURCE SELECTION – Assign a soft key for
patch recall. The patch it recalls routes the new source and
also reassigns the key to another patch. Next press recalls a
different patch to route a different source, and so on. It could
also associate the same LED but with a different colour to each
patch. This way, one key can cycle through several selections
with LED colour change to indicate status.
INTERLOCKED KEYS – Pressing one key recalls a patch,
pressing the next recalls a different patch, for example, a row of
keys selecting between different sources.
ZONE LEVEL CHANGE – A wall plate key could recall a patch
which affects the level in one zone only. It could also change
EQ settings, for example to add more punch to a louder
setting, compensate for a noisier room, or change the mood.
LCD MESSAGES – You could send a message to another unit
or PL-7 remote using a patch that affected just the display text.