The software transfers the settings selected during the wizard to the processor’s main memory. If you are using S8 DSP when connecting for the first time it is advisable to FINALIZE the product, to avoid losing the data stored during the calibration phase (see section 8.1.5).
At this point the S8 DSP has the correct basic configuration. The functions that allow the acoustic tuning of the system will be described in the following paragraphs.
WARNING: avoid changing the parameters of the S8 DSP by exploring the functions and, take the time to familiarize yourself with the possibilities offered by this software. Adjustments made via the S8 DSP software have an immediate effect on the signal and can, if not carefully done, damage your system’s speakers.
Remember to make adjustments with a general volume that does not pose a danger to the system speakers.
8.1 MAIN MENU “FILE”
By clicking on the relevant button a drop-down menu opens up with the items shown in the figure.
1. Load
this function loads the complete configuration of the S8 DSP from a previously saved file (E.g. “S8 DSP setup file.s8c”). This function is available in both CONNECT and OFFLINE mode. In CONNECT mode this function has the purpose of being able to reload all the settings previously saved. This function is useful in case you want to recover all the settings made previously, to install another S8 DSP with the same settings, in order to try out different acoustic settings.
2. Save
this function saves the complete configuration of the S8 DSP in a file (E.g. “S8 DSP setup file.s8c”), which can be reloaded later in the S8 DSP using the “Load” function. This function is available in both CONNECT and OFFLINE mode.
3. Synchronize, PC/MAC to DSP or DSP to PC/MAC
these functions synchronize the PC/MAC with the S8 DSP.
- Press PC/MAC to DSP to load the settings made so far in the memory of the S8 DSP.
- Press DSP to PC/MAC to load the settings in the memory of the S8 DSP on the Control software.
- Press BACK to go back to the “File” menu.
- Press CLOSE to cancel the operation.
4. Reset to factory default
this function performs a total reset of the S8 DSP returning the product to its original conditions, deleting all the data previously saved in the processor.
- Press YES to perform the factory default reset.
- Press No to interrupt the operation.
WARNING: the reset restores the system currently used to the default conditions (see sec. 7.4).
5. Finalize to DSP
this function allows you to load all the parameters set during system calibration into the internal memory of the S8 DSP. This operation allows the S8 DSP to work without being connected to the PC/MAC.
When Finalize to DSP is run, the software warns that the data in the S8 DSP will be overwritten:
- click YES to load the data set within the S8 DSP, overwriting, if present, any data that was previously saved
- click NO to interrupt the operation.
Remarks: if the Master Volume and Sub Vol levels are not set to 0dB, you will be prompted for the level at which the processor will be finalized.
- Click on the drop-down menu to set the desired level.
- Press OK to proceed with finalizing the data on the device.
- When finalization is complete, press Close to return to the main screen.
WARNING: always run Finalize to DSP before disconnecting the product from your PC/MAC or whenever you exit the software after system configuration changes have been made. If this is not done, all entered data will be lost.
6. Bluetooth
This function is used to connect, disconnect, or remove the automatic connection of the S8 DPS to the PC/MAC software.
This function is active if:
1. one or more S8 DSPs turned on nearby are detected (the BT symbol will appear at the top right of the screen “Device Info”) (see sec. 8.11).
2. S8 DSP is already connected to the software via Bluetooth connection.
WARNING: the Bluetooth function is disabled:
- if no S8 DSP is detected nearby.
- if the BT interface of the PC / MAC is not active.
- if S8 DSP is connected to PC / MAC via USB.
6.1 S8 DSP connection to PC/MAC via Bluetooth connection.
1. Press Bluetooth to start the search for the S8 DSPs turned on nearby.
2. Select a BT Device: at the end of the scan, one or more S8 DSPs will be detected,
“E.g. S8 DSP-XXXX” (XXXX is the identification number of the S8 DSP).
- click on the name E.g. S8 DSP-XXXX to select the processor.
Remark: in the case of more processors available it will be possible later with the Identify function to check if the selected S8 DSP is the one you want.
- press Close to interrupt the operation.
After selecting S8 DSP, a pop up will appear with the name of the processor
- press Connect to proceed with the direct connection of the S8 DSP.
- press Identify to check if the processor you intend to connect to is the one you want (in the case of multiple S8 DSPs detected).
The status LED of the selected S8 DSP will start flashing green.
- press Connect to proceed with the S8 DSP connection.
- press Stop to go back to the previous window.
- press Back to go back to the previous window.
- press Close to interrupt the operation.
Remark: when connecting for the first time the software will ask whether to connect automatically to the S8 DSP selected for any future connections, it will also avoid the PIN, if enabled (see sec.8.2.8).
- press Yes to connect S8 DSP automatically in the future.
- press No not to connect S8 DSP automatically in the future.
- press Cancel to cancel the operation.
Remark: you can later remove the automatic connection of the S8 DSP with the function “Bluetooth>Forget” (see sec. 8.1.6.3).
WARNING: If the Bluetooth PIN has been activated previously (see sec. 8.2.8) click on the first white box on the left to enter the numbers with the PC / MAC keyboard.
- press OK after entering the PIN to access the control software.
- press Cancel to cancel.
Invalid PIN: if the PIN entered is incorrect, the bluetooth connection operation must be repeated from the beginning.
- press Dismiss to return to the main screen.
WARNING: if the pin is not available, it is still possible to connect the S8 DSP to the software via the USB connection.
If the PIN entered is correct, you will be asked how to connect to the software.
- Press Stay offline to suspend the connection and continue working on the software with the S8 DSP not connected.
- Press DSP to PC/MAC to load the settings stored in the S8 DSP memory onto the software.
- Press PC/MAC to DSP to load the settings made so far on the software into the memory of the S8 DSP.
6.2 Disconnect the Bluetooth connection between S8 DSP and PC/MAC
To disconnect S8 DSP already connected to the software via Bluetooth connection, while maintaining the auto connection, use the function Bluetooth>Disconnect.
- press Disconnect to disconnect the S8 DSP.
- press Back to go back to the file menu.
- press Close to cancel the operation and return to the main screen.
- press YES to confirm the disconnection.
- press NO to go back to the previous window.
6.3 Disconnect and remove the Bluetooth auto connection between S8 DSP and PC/MAC
To disconnect and remove the auto connection of the S8 DSP already connected to the software via Bluetooth connection, use the function Bluetooth>Forget
- press Forget to proceed with the disconnection and removal of the auto connection.
- press Back to go back to the file menu.
- press Close to cancel the operation and return to the main screen.
- press Yes to confirm the disconnection and removal of the auto connection.
- press NO to go back to the previous window.
7. Help
Languages: to change the language, select the desired item from the menu, among the available ones.
Check Update (online): this function checks the presence of S8 DSP software / firmware updates by connecting to the “hertz-audio.com” site (see sec. 10). In order to perform this operation, the PC must have an active internet connection.
User’s manual (online): the internet browser on the PC will open and the search will automatically start in the HERTZ download area, to consult the product manual. In order to perform this operation, the PC must have an active internet connection.
Tutorials (online): a link is activated on youtube, to consult audio / video information relating to the product. In order to perform this operation, the PC must have an active internet connection.
About: shows information about the S8 DSP software in use.
8.2 MAIN MENU “SETTINGS”
Clicking on the relevant button opens a drop-down menu with the items shown in the figure:
1. I/O Configuration Wizard.
It is possible to start the wizard for setting the S8 DSP (see sec. 7.5).
- press Start to start the wizard.
- press Cancel to interrupt the operation and return to the main screen.
2. Analog inputs configurations
1. Analog Input
It is possible to select the type of analog input used: RCA (PRE IN) or High Level (SPEAKER IN) (see sec. 7.5.4).
2. I/O Routing
It is possible to change the assignment of the input channels on each output channel and adjust the mixing percentage (see sec. 7.5.5).
3. Sensitivity
It is possible to calibrate the correct sensitivity of the S8 DSP inputs to adapt them to the signal coming from the source. (see sec. 7.5.6). The sensitivity scale will vary according to the type of analog input selected: RCA (0.8 - 6 Vrms) or Hi level (2.5 - 21 Vrms).
3. Analog input equalizer
The S8 DSP software provides an input equalizer, which can be managed by a maximum of 7 parametric equalization poles per channel, this operation is useful for correcting the outputs of OEM HU sources when they are equalized. (see sec.7.5.7).
4. Digital Input
Digital input functions
￭ Automatic switch to digital input:
by activating this function it is possible to select the optical digital input automatically when the digital audio signal is detected.
￭ Extra gain:
it is possible to set the gain of the optical digital input to +0dB (default), + 3dB, +6dB.
5. Output channel names
It is possible to name each output channel with a maximum of 15 characters.
Remark: this function is only available if you have selected Free placement as the system mode.
6. Output Limiter
By activating this function it will be possible to enable the signal limiter on the S8 DSP output.
This function is essential to compensate for transient clipping phenomena, which lead to saturation of the outputs. The function is disabled by default.
It is possible to activate this function by clicking on Output limiter (a check mark V will appear).
Clicking again on Output Limiter the function will be disabled.
7. Options
It is possible to select:
1. Input sel by wire
2. Remote
3. Preferential preset
- press Back to go back to the settings menu.
- press Close to cancel the operation and return to the main window.
1. Input sel. By Wire
it is possible to switch to a selected input (Analog or Digital) by connecting the IN SEL terminal to the MEM GND terminal (see sec. 5.1)
Remark: removing the connection between the IN SEL terminal and the MEM GND terminal will restore the previously active input.
- press Back to go back to the Options menu.
- press Close to go back to the main window.
2. Remote
It is possible to manage the ART function (Auto Remote Turn-On) and the turn on and off settings of the S8 DSP.
￭ ART (Auto Remote Turn-on)
￭ Turn on delay
￭ Shut of delay
- press Back to go back to the settings menu.
- press Close to interrupt the operation and go back to the main window.
￭ ART (Auto remote turn-on)
It provides the ability to turn on S8 DSP through the amplified output (BTL) of a source connected to the SPEAKER IN Ch1-Ch2 inputs. (see sec 5.2.3)
- press Back to go back to the Remote menu.
- press Close to go back to the main window.
￭ Turn on delay
it is the delay between switching on the device and the activation of the audio output. Each amplifier has its own delay in the start-up phase before being operational. By setting Turn On delay to a value equal to or greater than the longest of these delays, you will have a synchronized start of the audio of the entire system.
- press Back to go back to the Remote menu.
- press Close to go back to the main window.
￭ Shut off delay
it is the delay between the deactivation of the REMOTE OUT signal towards the amplifiers and the switching off of the S8 DSP. It is generally not necessary to act on this parameter but it can be useful if you have amplifiers that produce a “Bump” when turned off.
- press Back to go back to the Remote menu.
- press Close to go back to the main window.
3. Preferential preset
It provides the ability to associate a memory to the available inputs (see sec. 8.3).
Select Analog Input to associate a memory from A to D to the Analog input.
Select Digital Input to associate a memory from A to D to the Digital input.
- press Back to go back to the previous menu.
- press Close to go back to the main window.
8. Bluetooth PIN
It provides the ability to manage the PIN for the connection between S8 DSP and the PC/MAC.
By selecting No on the Enabled drop-down menu, the 6-digit pin request for the bluetooth connection is disabled.
By selecting Yes on the Enabled drop-down menu, the 6-digit pin request for the bluetooth connection is enabled.
Pin replacement
To replace the PIN (000000 default), click on the first white box on the left (the box turns green) then enter the numbers chosen for the PIN.
Remark: to make the change effective, you will need to finalize the setup on the S8 DSP (see sec. 8.1.5)
- press Later to subsequently finalize the new setup (the software will keep the changes made in the bluetooth menu in memory).
- press Now to immediately finalize the new setup.
- press Cancel to interrupt the operation and return to the main menu (the software will not store in the memory if changes have been made in the bluetooth menu).
WARNING: the Bluetooth PIN function is not available in OFF LINE mode.
9. Working Mode
￭ Standard mode: simplified procedure with some constraints that facilitate the use of the software (see sec. 8.6.).
￭ Expert mode: there are no restrictions on the functions to use the software (see sec. 8.6).
- press Back to go back to the Settings menu.
- press Close to go back to the main window.
8.3 MAIN MENU “MEMORY”
The S8 DSP manages the system configuration by working by default on memory A, giving the ability to save and recall four memories (A, B, C, D). (see sec. 8.10)
In the memories the following data will be stored:
- the filter, time delay and phase settings for each channel;
- the equalization settings for each output channel;
- the output levels of the individual channels.
By pressing the MEMORY key on the main menu line, you can access operations that can be performed between the memories themselves:
1. Copy current memory to:
allows you to copy the content from one memory to another.
- select the memory on which to copy the current setting.
- press Yes to confirm.
- press No to cancel.
- press Back to go back to the Memory menu.
- press Close to go back to the main window.
2. Load current memory from file:
It loads a specific memory by taking it from a previously saved setup file
(Eg “S8 DSP setup file.s8c”), placing it in the memory you are working on.
- select the memory available in the setup file.
- press Back to go back to the Memory menu.
- press Close to go back to the main window.
3. Reset current memory file:
It restores the crossover, equalization and volume levels of the standard outputs, those that would be proposed at the end of the configuration procedure.
- press Yes to confirm.
- press No to cancel.
- press Back to go back to the Memory menu.
- press Close to go back to the main window.
8.4 CHANNEL MAP
In this window you can view both the type and composition of the system, you can click directly on the speaker or group of speakers to view or set the parameters of the single channel. Once selected, the speaker/s will appear highlighted.
8.5 CHANNEL LIST
In this window you can view both the type and composition of the system, you can click directly on the description of the speaker or group of speakers to view or set the parameters of the single channel. Once selected, the speaker/s will appear highlighted.
- If the MUTE on the channel is active, the message “m” will appear.
- If the SOLO function is active, the message “s” will appear.
- If there are time delays on the channel, the message “fds” will appear.
- If phase inversion has been activated on the channel, the word “±” will appear.
8.6 CROSSOVER SETTINGS
S8 DSP manages 8 crossovers, one for each output channel. Each filter allows you to adjust all the parameters relating to the channel highlighted in the Channel List.
1. Xover L/R Link:
with the option enabled, the changes applied to one of the channels (right or left) will automatically be made to the other as well. Xover L/R Link affects all Crossover Settings except Set Distance (Delay).
2. Invert Phase:
it allows you to invert the phase of the selected channel by 180°. This function can be useful for solving phase alignment problems between the various filtered channels.
3. Filter Model:
Hi-P Model / Lo-P Model
- By clicking on the drop-down menus you can select the type of filter/s applicable to the selected output channel:
- Butterworth
- Bessel
- Linkwitz
When starting the software, S8 DSP proposes Butterworth as a standard filter model. By changing the model in Linkwitz or Bessel, the change will be made only to the channel (mono) or channels (stereo - Xover Link activated) concerned.
4. Cut Frequency:
By clicking on the drop-down menus you can select the desired cut-off frequency of the filter (s) applied to the selected output channel.
Hi-P Hz 20 ÷ 20480: filtro High-Pass
Lo-P Hz 20 ÷ 20480: filtro Low-Pas
5. Filter Slope:
By clicking on the drop-down menus you can select the slope of the filter/sI applied to the selected output channel.
- Hi-P Slope:
0/6/12/18/24/30 dB/Oct. (Butterworth).
0/6/12/18/24/30 dB/Oct. (Bessel).
0/12/24 dB/Oct. (Linkwitz).
- Lo-P Slope:
0/6/12/18/24/30 dB/Oct. (Butterworth).
0/6/12/18/24/30 dB/Oct. (Bessel).
0/12/24 dB/Oct. (Linkwitz).
When starting the software, the S8 DSP proposes Butterworth with a standard slope of 12 dB/Oct. By changing the filter slope, the change will only be made to the channel you are working on.
E.g: if you are adjusting the Front Woofer, the change will affect only this channel (right and left if they are linked).
In STANDARD mode (see sec. 8.2.9):
Depending on the speaker or speaker system selected during configuration, a suitable type of filter will be available. E.g.: for the Front Woofer both Hi-P and Lo-P Models will be available, forthe Front Tw only Hi-P Model will be available, etc. An optimized cut-off frequency is set bydefault to avoid speaker breakdown and limits on selectable frequencies will be applied.
In EXPERT mode (see sec. 8.2.9):
Any loudspeaker or speaker system you select has any type of filter and cut-of frequencies available.
Remark: with the slope set to 0dB the filter is disabled.
WARNING: in EXPERT mode, due attention must be paid to filter adjustment. Loudspeakers have mechanical limits which must not be exceeded and which could lead to their breaking.
The response of the crossover filter for the selected channel is graphically displayed by a red curve, as in the examples below.
6. SET DISTANCE E DELAY:
This setting is based on an automatic system that allows you to calculate the time it takes for the sound of the speaker to reach the ear.
Preliminary Remarks sound moves through the air at a speed of 343 m/sec (1,125 ft / sec.) at a temperature of 20 ° C (68 ° F). If you know the distance of the sound emission point, it is therefore possible to calculate the time it takes for the sound to reach the ear.
If you set the distances of the various speakers, the automatic system of the S8 DSP transforms them into time (ms-milliseconds). It does not assign the delay (0.0 ms) to the farthest speaker (usually the Subwoofer) and assigns increasing delays as the position of the other speakers approaches, so that all emission points can reach the listening point at the same time.
Fine set and phase delay The assignment of the delay based on the distance calculation is theoretical. In practice, small variations must be made due to small distance measurement errors, due to the resonances of the listening environment, and mainly, due to the speaker phase problem. Two loudspeakers that reproduce two zones of neighbouring frequencies (Eg Woofer and Midrange), in the crossing zone will reproduce the same frequencies at the same time, at an attenuated level. Due to the different nature of the loudspeakers, these will present a phase diversity which, for a small frequency range, behaves like a time delay. By operating on “Fine set” it is also possible to partially correct Phase Delay problems. By operating on the “Fine set” buttons it is possible to change the delay time set automatically. The delay that is varied is added to (+ x.xx) or reduced from (-x.xx) the value of the delay shown in the “Delay” window, which does not change the value shown which is the one assigned automatically. Assigning a positive value (+ x.xx) with the “Fine set” means increasing the delay of that speaker and therefore moving it away from the listening point. Similarly, assigning a negative value (-x.xx) means decreasing the speaker delay and therefore bringing it closer to the listening point.
To allow you to evaluate how much the “fine set” has changed manually, both values are shown. To have the resulting delay value, physically applied to the output, it is necessary to calculate the algebraic sum of the values shown in the “Delay“ and “Fine set” boxes. The negative value (decreasing delay) cannot be assigned to the farthest loudspeaker but only to the others others as they are already all delayed with respect to it. If you try to give a negative value to the farthest speaker, an alert message will appear (Fig.1).
By operating on the “fine set” the word “fds” will light up on the corresponding channel of the “Channel Map” (Fig.2).
SET DISTANCE
It allows the user to set the distance between the speaker concerned and the listening point. Choose cm (centimeters) or in (inches). The “Set Distance” boxes can be set with the cursor using the buttons.
DELAY ms
It displays the time in ms (milliseconds) calculated based on the distance.
FINE SET ms
It displays the time in ms (milliseconds) calculated based on the distance. The S8 DSP’s time delay calculation system also allows manual fine-tuning. The “Fine set” box can be set with the cursor using the buttons.
Example:
setting of time delays on a car (Fig.3).
1. Select the system listening point. To locate the listening point, choose an ideal point positioned in the center of the listener’s head (driver or passenger). For the front and rear center points, choose an intermediate point between the two listeners.
2. Measure the distance of each speaker or group of speakers with respect to the listening point in a straight line (as the crow flies). For the single loudspeaker, choose the center of the mobile membrane as the emission point. For speaker groups, choose an intermediate point between them. Subsequently, fine tuning can be performed by selecting the Fine Set unction.
3. Select the channel related to the speaker under consideration on the Channel Map and enter the related distance value in the Set Distance box in the Crossover Settings menu.
4. Repeat point 3 for each channel.
5. Once all the time delay settings have been made, start music playback and adjust the Fine Set box. By moving the values to positive or negative (except the subwoofer because it is the farthest speaker) you can find the optimal time alignment to have a correct acoustic scene. It is advisable to listen to different types of musical tracks (percussion, melodic, etc.) for a more correct evaluation of the coherence (spatial stability) of the various musical instruments.
6. Once the time alignment procedure has been completed, it is possible to intervene on the output equalizer (see sec. 8.7), to optimize the system response according to the level alignment at the various frequencies.
Remark: the measurements for the previous operations can also be carried out instrumentally by means of a spectrum analyzer equipped with a special microphone. The result must in any case be evaluated and optimized with listening tests.
8.7 OUTPUT EQUALIZER
The S8 DSP software provides an output equalizer, which can be managed by up to 15 equalization bands for each channel.
Through the EQ Fine Tuning function it is possible to make a parametric adjustment for each band.
- Equalization bands: by operating the sliders it will be possible to adjust the gain of the selected band (Gmin + 12dB ÷ Gmax -12dB), by double clicking on the slider it is possible to restore the gain to 0dB.
- dB: this part of the screen displays the Gain (dB) values set for each equalization band. By clicking on the buttons it is possible to select a group of equalization bands for which the Gain levels can be adjusted at the same time.
- By clicking on the button again, the function will be disabled.
- Hz: in this part of the screen the frequency values Fo (Hz) set for each equalization band are displayed.
- Select all: by clicking on the “Select all” button it will be possible to adjust all the Gain levels of the equalization bands at the same time. By clicking on the “Select all” button again, the function will be disabled.
- Flat: by clicking on the Flat button, the gains of all bands will be returned to the 0 dB position.
- EQ L/R Link: when active, it applies the equalization curve of the left channel to the right channel or vice versa.
- EQ off: by clicking on the EQ off button, the equalizer on the selected channel or 2 channels (EQ Link active) is disabled to check the effect without losing the settings. By clicking on the “EQ off” button again, the function will be disabled.
- It is the equalization curve that will be applied to the output signal.
- It is the electrical response curve of the output signal subjected to filtering (XOVER) and equalization.
EQ Fine Tuning parametric adjustment. It is possible to change the parameters of each equalizer band clicking with the right mouse button on the slider, after that “fine tuning” will appear next to it, then click with the left button on the wording to open the “EQ Fine Tuning” menu.
- in this part of the screen the name of the output channel being equalized is displayed.
- in this drop-down menu, by selecting the frequency, it is possible to change the band (s) of the equalizer on which to intervene.
- G (dB): by operating the “G” slider, it will be possible to make adjustments to the gain of the selected band (Gmin +12dB ÷ Gmax -12dB).
- Fo (Hz): By operating on the “Fo” slider, it will be possible to make adjustments to the frequency of the selected band.
- Q: By operating on the “Q” slider, it will be possible to make adjustments to the “Q” quality factor of the selected band (Q: 1 ÷ 15 step min 0.1).
8.8 OUTPUT LEVEL
This section shows the settings relating to the output levels of the S8 DSP active channels on the screen.
- By operating on one of the sliders belonging to the output channels, it will be possible to adjust the output level (-30 ÷ 0 dB) for each channel.
- This part of the screen shows the output level of each individual channel (-30 ÷ 0 dB), referring to the position of the output channels slider.
- By clicking on the “Mute” button it will be possible to mute the output channels referred to it. By clicking on the “Mute” button again, the mute function will be deactivated.
- By clicking on the “Solo” button it will be possible to mute the output channels excluding the activated one. By manually clicking on the “Solo” button this function will be disabled.
- By operating on the “Volume” slider, it will be possible to make adjustments to the overall system output level (-60 ÷ 0 dB).
- By acting on the “Sub Volume” slider it will be possible to adjust the subwoofer output level
(-15 ÷ 0 dB), if present in the system. - This part of the screen indicates the general output level of the system (-60 ÷ 0 dB).
- This part of the screen indicates the subwoofer output level (-15 ÷ 0 dB).
- By clicking on the “Mute” button it will be possible to mute the general output.
8.9 SELECT INPUT
The window will show and give the possibility to select the active input source when connecting with the PC/MAC.
8.10 MEMORY
The S8 DSP manages the system configuration by working by default on memory A, but provides the ability to save and recall four memories (A, B, C, D).
8.11 DEVICE INFO
This window shows:
◼︎ if you are using the software in STANDARD or EXPERT mode (see sec. 8.2.9)
◼︎ if the ART function is activated (see sec. 8.2.7.2.)
◼︎ if the LIMITER function is activated (see sec. 8.2.6)
◼︎ the battery voltage
◼︎ the connection mode to the PC/MAC: USB or BT (see sec. 7.2 - 7.3)
◼︎ the device Firmware version
◼︎ the device Serial Number
◼︎ if S8 DSP is connected to the PC/MAC
◼︎ the Input clipping indicator (CLIP)