7.1 MASTER VOLUME
The Master Volume control is visible in the lower left corner of the bit Drive main window.
This Master Volume control can be used in the following ways:
◼︎ It can be controlled by an optional DRC AC
◼︎It can be controlled by an optional Maestro AR interface (see below for more information)
◼︎It can be controlled by an optional Audison B-CON in Absolute Volume mode (see the documentation with the B-CON for more information.
◼︎If none of these devices are connected to the amplifier, this setting defaults to 0dB.
Note: If an experienced user requires more gain, this setting can be boosted above 0dB, up to +6dB. To do this, the Volume slider must be highlighted, and the CTRL key must be pressed while moving the slider upwards to the desired level.
Note: If a value above 0dB is selected, make the corresponding change in the Volatile Data window (section 6.6.2).
7.2 ZONES
The listening zones allow to split the output channels in groups, each one with its own level control. This is useful when the speaker distances are long and they be considered part of different listening environments. Each zone can hold one or more channels, to be associated as shown section 5.3.
In the main window there are two different panels for the zone control.
Zone settings panel
Select zone
click on the Zone name to select.
Zone settings
allows to rename the zone.
Help
opens the section's quick guide.
Zone levels panel
Mute: mutes all the channels of the zone selected;
Solo: mutes all the channels not included in the selected zone;
Zone level: change the selected zone level by moving the slider.
7.3 WORKNOTES
The worknotes window allows to save a current setup in the software memory, without the need for saving a file to the laptop.
Snapshot
click to save the current setup.
Select snapshot
shows the time of the setup save. Click once to restore that setup.
Delete snapshot
click to delete the snapshot.
Note: Each snapshot will overwrite the previous one. If the user wants to save a snapshot configuration to the PC:
- Select the snapshot to restore it.
- Save in the PC from the Save As command in the command bar.
Help
open the section inline help.
The snapshot save can be done in two ways:
- Manual: the user press the camera button.
- Automatic: set the automatic snapshot from the software Settings panel (see sec.2.2) to activate the automatic snapshot every 2 minutes.
7.4 STATUS BAR
The status bar is in the right bottom side of the main window and provides some useful informations to the user.
bit Drive software notifications:
◼︎ Warning: notifies that there could be configuration problems leading to poor sound, or no sound. This happens for example if in the mixer one or more inputs are not used, or an output channel does not receive any contribution from the input signals.
◼︎ Info: useful infomations. This messages could show up for example when in the mixer an output channel receives a contribution higher than 100%, or when the delays set for the outputs do not match the speaker distances.
◼︎ OK: there are no potential errors in the setup.
The number close to each symbol shows the number of messages. Click on the bar to open the list with all messages.
Note: the messages in the status bar acts as reminders and can show possible errors or forgetfulnesses. However, It is not strictly mandatory to correct all the warnings to save the setup or finalize the device.
Note: the Notifications in the Status Bar act as reminders to the user, to prevent possible errors. However, Notifications do not prevent operation of the bit device, and it is not required to correct all warnings before saving the Configuration file, or Finalizing the device.
Temperature
dislays the amplifier temperature in both Celsius and Fahrenheit scales
Battery voltage
displays the amplifier supply voltage.
7.5 TRIGGER
Press the icon the command bar to open the configuration panel of the hardware trigger. These can be activated by the Control 1/Control 2 terminals of the CTRL connector. These special functions are activated when the Trigger Input wire receives a +12V signal.
For each trigger input, it is possible to set:
1. Enable/Disable the input trigger
2. Action: operation to be executed when the the trigger is activated. Source change, memory change, volume change, enable/disable Final Tuning;
3. Parameter: set the parameter according to the chosen Action, as per table below.
|
Action |
Parameter |
|
Source change |
Master/Optical |
|
Memory change |
Mem1/Mem2/Mem3/Mem4/Mem5/Mem6 |
|
Volume change |
-60÷6 dB |
|
Enable/Disable Final Tuning |
Enable/Disable |
4. Release time: time delay from the trigger reception to the activation of the programmed action.
7.6 FEATURES
Press the icon in the command bar to open the programmable functions.
7.6.1 Turn On/Off delay
It allows changing the turn on/off time settings of the device.
Note: This allows the installing technician to prevent any possible sonic artifacts due to the different turn-on timing of various devices in the audio system.
7.6.2 Default Volatile Data
set the initial settings for levels and other DSP functions when the device is turned on after that the supply cables were disconnected.
WARNING: If Volatile Data Settings are configured incorrectly, the audio system could stop working after a temporary loss of 12V power. This may cause certain safety systems in the vehicle to lose functionality. See Section 2.4 for more information on PROPERLY configuring Volatile Data Settings.
Press Turn On Enable if you want to apply these parameters every time that the device is turned on
7.6.3 DRC AC
program the DRC functions. For more informations please read the following chapter.
Note: This function is not available offline.
7.6.4 Auto Chimes
The Auto Chimes function allows the correct reproduction of the car's service signals (reverse, parking sensors, door sounds, etc.) even when listening to music via Optical Source.
When activated, Auto Chimes constantly monitors the signal at all analog input channels (if they are enabled in bit Drive).
If you are playing music via Optical Source, and Auto Chimes detects audio signal at at least one of the enabled analog input channels, Auto Chimes automatically forces the switch to Master Source and keeps it active as long as the audio signal is present (i.e. until the service signal is terminated).
When the audio signal is no longer present (i.e. service signal ended), Auto Chimes automatically forces the switch to the previous Optical Source in use.
The Auto Chimes configuration panel is accessible from the Features window and includes the following parameters:
Enable
Enable/disable the function
Memory selected
Allows to set a memory to which the Auto Chimes switches the function is activated.
Relese time
Time delay after which Auto Chimes switches back to Optical Source following the end of the service signal.
Threshold
Minimum level threshold on Analog Input channels beyond which Auto Chimes activates to switch to Master Source
Chimes volume
When Auto Chimes activates, the product's Master Volume momentarily switches to this value. When the service signal ends, the Master Volume will return to the previous music listening level.
COMPATIBILITY WITH B-CON
Auto Chimes can also be used when using a B-CON (regardless of whether it is connected via ADC port or not). In that case, Auto Chimes always takes priority.
COMPATIBILITY WITH AUTO INPUT SWITCH
Auto Chimes can also be used when the Auto Input Switch feature is enabled. In that case, Auto Chimes always takes priority.
7.6.5 Auto Input switch
The Auto Input switch function manages the automatic switch from Master Source to Optical Source and vice versa when playing music through an external player connected to one of the Digital Inputs.
When activated, the Auto Input switch constantly monitors the signal at the chosen Digital Input (if enabled in bit Drive).
If you are playing music via Master Source and Auto Input switch detects audio signal at the Digital Input selected, Auto Input switch automatically forces the switch to Optical Source and keeps it active as long as the audio signal is present.
When the audio signal is no longer present on the chosen Digital Input, Auto Input Switch automatically forces the switch back to the Master Source.
The Auto Input switch configuration panel is accessible from the Features window and includes the following parameters:
Enabled
Enable/disable the funcion
Memory selected
Allows to set a memory to which the Auto Input Switch switches when the function is activated.
Source selected
Select the Optical source where the function must be enabled
Attack time
Time delay after which the Auto Input switch activates and switches to the selected Optical Source following the detection of a signal on it (start of playback from the digital player).
Release time
Time delay after which Auto Input switch switches back to Master Source due to the end of signal detection on the Source selected (stop playback from the digital player).
Threshold
Minimum level threshold on the Source selected beyond which the Auto Input switch activates to switch to Optical Source.
Device volume
When Auto Input Switch activates, the product's optical volume momentarily switches to this value. When the function deactivates, the Master Volume will return to the previous listening level.
IMPORTANT: when using a B-CON connected with ADC port, the Device volume applies only at the first switch after turning on the B-CON. The following switches will keep the Optical volume set by the user either with DRC AC or mobile device (if Absolute Volume is ON).
COMPATIBILITY WITH B-CON
- B-CON connected via ADC port: Auto Input Switch can be used for Selected Memory and Device Volume. All other parameters are ignored and managed directly by the B-CON, so there is no need to program them.
- B-CON connected via MASTER EN and AUX SEL cables: Auto Input Switch can be used and always takes priority over any triggers set for the source switch via MASTER EN and AUX SEL cables.
COMPATIBILITY WITH AUTO CHIMES
Auto Input Switch can also be used when the Auto Input Chimes feature is enabled. In that case, Auto Chimes always takes priority.
7.6.6 Upmixer
An upmixer delivers multichannel sound from two channels of stereo input. This feature helps to overcome many limitations of the automotive environment, by delivering symmetrical stereo presentations for multiple listening locations, and it increases the apparent size of the vehicle cabin.
The bitDrive integrated Upmixer is very flexible and can be configured to enable a variety of systems. The front left, right, and center channel outputs of the Upmixer deliver the stereo presentation. The rear surround channels increase the apparent size of the cabin by enhancing ambiance.
◼︎How is the Upmixer structure
The Upmixer block is totally configured within the Mixer in bitDrive.
A - Upmixer inputs: the Upmixer block can receive a percentage contribution from each of the Input signals.
B - Upmixer outputs: the Upmixer block processes the signals received from the A columns and generates 5 output signals, which can be routed to the Output channels with the desired percentage contribution.
IMPORTANT: If you use the Configuration Wizard, the assignment of contributions to points A and B can be managed automatically. bitDrive will automatically assign contributions in the Mixer based on the Inputs configuration, the chosen "Derive Center From" setting, and the Outputs configuration.
Possible Upmixed System Configurations:
◼︎Front Stereo, Center-channel, and Sub (3.1)
◼︎Front Stereo, Rear Surround, and Sub (4.1)
◼︎Front Stereo, Center-channel, Rear Stereo, and Sub (3.2.1)
◼︎Stereo, Center, Rear Surround, and Sub (5.1)
◼︎Stereo Front, Stereo Rear, Rear Surround, and Sub (6.1)
◼︎Stereo Front, Stereo Rear, Center, Rear Surround, and Sub (7.1).
The configurations below all include a subwoofer, but the Upmixer does not provide a dedicated “.1” subwoofer channel - that is still defined in the Mixer. The upmixer can also be used without a subwoofer if desired.
The Upmixer-processed channels can be routed to any desired output channels. Once processed, they can be divided into band-limited, driver-specific channels using crossover filters. The Front Stereo can be full-range, active 2-way, or active 3-way, for example. The Center can be full range or active 2-way. Even the Rear Surround could be configured in this way, although this would be rare in practical application.
With traditional stereo systems, an active tweeter arrangement can be very valuable. With upmixed systems, the greatest value is to have sufficient power for the center, and to use an active 2-way center arrangement whenever possible. Active front Left and Right arrangements are not as important as an active center arrangement. It is always better to bridge to the center for more power than to have an unused stereo channel.
Note: Some premium OEM systems license sophisticated upmixer algorithms. If the vehicle you are working with has an advanced upmixed OEM system, it is often simpler to retain it and pass it through to the upgraded high-fidelity system being installed, rather than to try to return that signal to stereo so the internal Upmixer can be used. Many OEM upmixed systems use processing which cannot be properly reassembled into full-range two-channel stereo.
IMPORTANT: OEM systems often have non-entertainment sounds added to various channels. Do not eliminate any infotainment or safety audio content! Often, OEM center channels contain telematics emergency-call audio, and rear speakers contain often rear parking sensor audio. Ensure that these systems operate properly!
The bitDrive Upmixer can be used with either the Master analog Source, the Optical digital Source, or both.
Note: There is one Mixer configuration for the Master Input, which is active whenever the Master input is selected. There is another Mixer configuration for the Optical input, and it is active as long as the Optical source is selected (in both cases, this is regardless of the Memory Preset selected). This means that an OEM upmixed system can be passed through as the Master Source, without using the internal Upmixer - but an Optical source can be routed through the internal Upmixer if desired.
If the user desired one Memory Preset with upmixing and another Memory Preset with a traditional one-seat tune, lower the Center output channels to -40dB for the non-upmixed preset.
Note: Rear ambiance channels can be effective regardless of whether or not a center speaker is used. 4.1 and 6.1 systems using rear surround channels for ambiance can provide great one-seat performance without a center speaker.
◼︎Configuring the Upmixer
The Upmixer provides best results with 2 channels of flat, full-range, time- and phase-aligned signal. When using OEM signals, channels should be summed together to full-range, and corrected back to a flat frequency response and aligned phase and time response.
Note: With some modern vehicles, this may require some manual correction of phase and time. Always confirm phase and time linearity before you begin tuning.
The front and center outputs of the Upmixer are full range.
1. If using an OEM system, ensure your front channels are corrected to flat, full-range, and aligned in time and phase.
2. Using the Mixer, route these front channels into the Upmixer.
3. Use the Upmixer output channels to supply signal to the desired output channels.
- Front Left e Right
- Center
- Rear Surround
The subwoofer channels can be derived directly from any Input channel, or from the outputs of the Upmixer, as desired.
IMPORTANT: OEM Infotainment Systems often use specific audio channels of the OEM system for non-entertainment sounds. Examples include center speakers playing telematics emergency handsfree-call audio, and rear speakers playing collision-alert notifications. NEVER disable any OEM safety system - always retain all emergency audio and all safety notifications
► 3.1 Front Left / Front Center / Front Right / Sub
- Go to the Mixer and Route the Front Left and Front Right inputs into the Upmixer in the Mixer, as shown.
- Use the Front Left and Front Right outputs of the Upmixer to supply signal for the Front Left, Front Right, and Subwoofer channels.
- Use the Center output of the Upmixer to supply signal for the center channel(s).
► 3.2.1 Front Left / Front Center / Front Right / Left + Right Stereo Rear / Sub
- Go to the Mixer and route the Front Left and Front Right inputs into the Upmixer in the Mixer, as shown.
- Use the Front Left and Front Right outputs of the Upmixer to supply signal for the Front Left, Front Right, and Subwoofer channels.
- Use the Rear Left and Right inputs to supply signal directly to the Rear Left and Rear Right channels. Do not go through the Upmixer.
- Use the Center output of the Upmixer to supply signal for the center channel(s).
► 4.1 Front Left / Front Right / Left + Right Rear Ambiance / Sub
- Route the Front Left and Front Right inputs into the Upmixer in the Mixer, as shown.
- Use the Front Left and Front Right outputs of the Upmixer to supply signal for the Front Left, Front Right, and Subwoofer channels.
- Use the Left Surround and Right Surround outputs of the Upmixer to supply signal for the Rear Left and Rear Right speakers.
► 5.1 Front Left / Front Center / Front Right / Left + Right Rear Ambiance / Sub
- Route the Front Left and Front Right inputs into the Upmixer in the Mixer, as shown.
- Use the Front Left and Front Right outputs of the Upmixer to supply signal for the Front Left, Front Right, and Subwoofer channels.
- Use the Center output of the Upmixer to supply signal for the center channel(s).
- Use the Left Surround and Right Surround outputs of the Upmixer to supply signal for the Rear Left and Rear Right speakers.
► 6.1 Front Left / Front Right / Left + Right Stereo Rear / Left and Right Rear Ambiance / Sub
- Route the Front Left and Front Right inputs into the Upmixer in the Mixer, as shown.
- Use the Rear Left and Right inputs to supply signal directly to the Rear Left and Rear Right channels. Do not go through the Upmixer.
- Use the Front Left and Front Right outputs of the Upmixer to supply signal for the Front Left, Front Right, and Subwoofer channels.
- Use the Left Surround and Right Surround outputs of the Upmixer to supply signal for the Rear Left and Rear Right speakers.
► 7.1 Front Left / Front Center / Front Right / Left + Right Rear / Left and Right Rear Ambiance / Sub
- Route the Front Left and Front Right inputs into the Upmixer in the Mixer, as shown.
- Use the Front Left and Front Right outputs of the Upmixer to supply signal for the Front Left, Front Right, and Subwoofer channels.
- Use the Rear Left and Right inputs to supply signal directly to the Rear Left and Rear Right channels. Do not go through the Upmixer.
- Use the Center output of the Upmixer to supply signal for the center channel(s). Use the Left Surround and Right Surround outputs of the Upmixer to supply signal for the Rear Left Surround and Rear Right Surround speakers.
IMPORTANT: If the OEM rear channels contain essential non-entertainment sound - or if OEM fader functionality must be retained - there is another approach that can be used for rear surround speakers.
- Set each rear surround speaker to derive 66% of its signal from the corresponding rear input. For example, set the Left Rear Surround speaker to receive 66% of the Left Rear input.
- Then set the same channel to receive 34% of the opposite channel. For example, set the Left Rear Surround speaker to receive 34% of the Right Rear input channel.
- Then use the inversion switch as shown to invert that opposite-side signal. Set up the opposite-side rear surround speaker in the same way - 66% signal from the same side, 34% inverted from the opposite side.
- Then set the delay for these rear surround channels to some value between 8 and 12mS. Play them just loud enough to help widen and deepen the stage, but not so loud that the rear speakers sound unnatural.
IMPORTANT In some cases the OEM center channel carries essential non-entertainment sounds.
In these cases, split the Center input into both the Left and Right inputs of the Upmixer, and then use the Center output of the Upmixer to supply signal to the Center output channel(s). Align this input with the left and right inputs in time and phase. If the center input signal has a higher highpass frequency than the left and right input signals, it will usually be out of phase with the left and right input channels. A first-order all pass filter may be used in the stop band of the center input to put it back into phase with the left and right sides prior to them being summed together.
◼︎Tuning Upmixed Systems
The process of tuning an upmixed system is very different than tuning a driver’s-seat 2-channel system - but it’s not necessarily as difficult to perform. With a driver’s seat 2-channel system, the center image is not laterally in the center of the stage unless we match left and right frequency response, level, and arrival times for the intended listening position. With an upmixed system, the center is in the center laterally because we have a speaker there - in the center of the dash. Now all we have to worry about is center level (to achieve the proper stereo imaging and avoid the “black hole” effect, where the center pulls everything in), the frequency response of the various speakers, and the frequency response of the overall system. The center speaker is the most critical sound-quality speaker in the system. Great results can be achieved with upmixers without any use of delay. If delay is used, symmetrical left/right delay is recommended to address transition-band cancellations. Using traditional distance-based asymmetrical delay to address left/right passband cancellations ruins the symmetrical nature of an upmixed system. (This is a good application for allpass filters).
NOTE: When configuring an upmixed system, do not enter the distances to any listening position into bit Drive! Many tuners succeed with upmixed systems using no delay at all.
One effective approach is to tune each front channel for the near listener. Since upmixed systems can be thought of as recreating the experience of listening to a performance from the audience in a slightly off-center seat, the near front speakers and the center are more critical than the far front speakers. Put the mic in the driver’s seat. Play mono pink noise. Mute all speakers but the driver’s side Front. Tune the driver’s side to the target, adjusting output level and EQ as needed. When the driver’s side matches the target, copy the driver’s side EQ and level settings over to the passenger side. (This is practical since vehicles are generally symmetrical longitudinally. Don’t worry about the steering wheel.) Do not use channel linking, as it will make the use of allpass filters more difficult later in the process. Play both left and right front. Look for cancellations, especially for one in the 200-300 Hz region. To predict the frequency of these cancellations more precisely, measure the distances to the front left and front right speakers from a listening seat, and subtract to find the path-length difference. Use the Technical Document “Path Length Cancellation Chart” to find the cancellations caused by this path-length difference. Test 2nd-order all-pass filters on the worst cancellations and verify that the response is improved. (This method is often only used on the first cancellation, in the 200-300 Hz region, to improve the midbass). Now play the center speaker. EQ the center to the same target. Many tuners may add a 6dB dip at 2500 Hz to the center. Since many center speakers are smaller than the front stereo speakers, and cannot use the same highpass crossover point, there may be a phase cancellation at the crossover point in the stop band region of the center highpass crossover filter. Look for this with the center and the driver’s side speaker playing. A first-order allpass filter can be used on the center output channel to invert polarity below a specific frequency and address this phase issue. Remove the mic and listen in the driver’s seat. Adjust the level of the center and the sides to ensure that left center sounds are directly in front of the left seat, and right center sounds are directly in front of the right seat. If these sounds are too close to the center speaker, that means the center speaker is too loud relative to the fronts. If these sounds are too far from the center speaker, that means the center is not loud enough relative to the fronts. Once this level is correct, also play the rear speakers. Adjust the level to ensure that these rear speakers are loud enough to add ambience, but not loud enough to damage the stereo presentation up front. When listening for bass up front, use of a 2nd-order allpass filter on top of a front/sub cancellation to restore phase alignment can be very effective.
7.6.7 Power Dynamic Management
This function enables the dynamic modulation of the amplifier power, to reduce current consumption and avoid temperature increases due to installation in tight spaces without enough air flow.
7.7 DRC AC
The remote controller DRC AC can be used to turn on/off the amplifier or to do a set of functions programmable on the bitDrive software.
The DRC AC remote controller can perform several functions, all of which are configurable in the bit Drive software.
7.7.1 TURN ON/OFF THE AMPLIFIER FROM DRC AC
Press once the knob to turn on the amplifier.
WARNING
For the amplifier to turn on by DRC AC:
- the amplifier must be connected to power and properly configured;
- the PC Power On must not be active.
A long press on the knob of the DRC AC turns off the amplifier.
WARNING
The DRC AC cannot turn of the amplifier if the amplifier has been turned on by 12V+ on the REM IN input, or by ART detecting DC offset on SPK IN input 1 and 2.
In order to turn off the amplifier by DRC AC:
- there must be no +DC signal on the REM IN pin of the CTRL port
- if the ART switch is Enabled, there cannot be speaker signal present on Input Channel 1 or 2 of the SPK IN input harness.
A long press on the knob of the DRC AC turns off the amplifier.
Note: The DRC AC cannot turn of the amplifier if the amplifier has been turned on by 12V+ on the REM IN input, or by ART detecting DC offset on SPK IN input 1.
In order to turn off the amplifier via the DRC AC:
- There must be no +DC signal on the REM IN lead of the CTRL harness
- If the ART switch is Enabled, there cannot be speaker signal present on Input Channel 1 of the SPK IN input harness.
7.7.2 DRC AC PROGRAMMABLE FUNCTIONS
When the DRC AC is connected to the AF bit, the bitDrive software detects its presence and makes the panel available to configure its functions. In the Features window (see sect. 6.6) there will be a third option to set the DRC AC as per picture below.
◼︎ Sleep mode: after 5 seconds without using the controller, all LEDs turn off except for one. The sleep mode is disabled as soon as the user comes back using the controller.
◼︎ Set LED brightness
◼︎ Programmable functions: the user can set up to 5 functions among
- Master Volume
- Source change
- Memory change
- Volume ZONE 1
- Volume ZONE 2
- Enable/Disable Final Tuning
- Sub group Volume
Important: at every change of the programmable functions, press the Finalize button to save the new settings into the DRC AC. Otherwise, the settings could be lost, and the system may not operate properly.
Once it has been configured, use the DRC AC as follows:
- Press the central part of the knob to move to the following function (among those that were enabled);
- Rotate the knob to change volumes;
- Press quickly two times the central part of the knob to change source, change memory and enable/disable the Final Tuning.
7.8 AUTOMATIC CHECK FOR UPDATES
In the Settings panel you can enable automatic checking for updates at startup (see section 2.2 INITIAL SETTINGS).
When this function is enabled, bit Drive checks for the latest versions of the software, amplifier firmware and DRC AC firmware on the Audison online portal when it starts.
IMPORTANT: An active Internet connection is required for update checking to work properly.
In case of availability, a notification appears on the right side at the bottom of the main screen.
Click on the popup to close it and, if you want to download the new release found, click on the icon
The following window will appear
Click on the link to access the Support section of the Audison website where all updates are available for download.