System Manager Software for Allen & Heath's iDR Series Ready
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January 12, 2003
Allen & Heath has announced the first release of iDR System Manager software for its iDR series, a new DSP audio system for installed and live sound.
The software is available for free download from the Allen & Heath website at www.allen-heath.com/idr.asp.
iDR System Manager runs on a Windows PC and allows installers to create customized, integrated audio systems using iDR series hardware units. PC connection can be direct to an iDR-8 or remotely across a network or via a modem. Once a software configuration is complete it can be saved to an iDR-8 audio mix processor and the PC can be removed, leaving the iDR system to run as a standalone entity.
iDR-8 uses a fixed architecture, with full processing resources available to up to 16 inputs and 16 outputs (iDR-8 has eight inputs and eight outputs and can be expanded using iDR-in and iDR-out units), making it impossible to run out of DSP power. This rigid structure is reflected in the software, which uses a straightforward channel-by-channel format rather than the CAD style employed in some other DSP systems.
Hardware units, which come under software control, include iDR-8 audio mix processors, iDR-in and iDR-out expanders, iDR-switch boxes, wall plates and other remote control devices.
Allen & Heath's Software Manager, Antony Jackson, explains the thinking behind iDR System Manager: "From the outset we wanted to create a highly intuitive interface with an 'analog' feel. Nobody wants to spend days learning new software, so we have done everything possible to make it easy to find your way around iDR System Manager. Configuring sophisticated installations is never going to be a ten minute job, but having good software certainly takes a lot of the hassle out of the process."
For more information, visit their web site at www.allen-heath.com. | 
