Video Transcript
Basic Q-SYS Signal Path
3m 52s
0:08
To better understand the Q-SYS System, let’s start by diagramming a basic signal path.
0:13
The brains of the Q-SYS system is the Q-SYS Core: a powerful 64-bit centralized processor
0:20
that will handle all the signal processing, routing, and conrol.
0:24
The way this processing and routing is managed is called the design,
0:28
which is the software file that you architect using the Q-SYS designer software
0:32
and then save to a core.
0:34
Learning how to use the many tools in Q-SYS Designer is the main puporse of this course,
0:39
but there will also be plenty of information on hardware devices, as well.
0:44
The Q-SYS core comes in several models, depending on the system's size and needs.
0:49
Smaller systems might use a Unified Q-SYS Core, which has built-in analog connections
0:54
on the rear panels to bring in the audio sources and send to amplifiers and loudspeakers.
1:00
Medium-sized systems might use the Q-SYS Integrated Core, which has 8 card slots,
1:06
which allow for customized I/O solutions.
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There are many different kinds of I/O cards which can send and receive different types of audio
1:15
or interface with various other types of audio networks.
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Very large systems might use our Enterprise Q-SYS Cores. These cores have tremendous
1:24
processing capabilities, but only one I/O card slot, as the majority
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of the input and output connections will enter the network via an I/O frame.
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Q-SYS I/O frames allow for remote input and output connections to Q-SYS, which can be used on any
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sized system. The I/O frame can be positioned in relatvely close proximity to the physical audio
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source or destination.
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There are a few different types of I/O devices. In this example, I/O frames convert audio input
1:57
and third-party control inputs into network packets, and then send them over a
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Standard Layer 3 Gigabit ethernet infrastructure called "Q-LAN."
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Q-LAN is made up of a collection of standard IT protocols which allow for native network connections
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and built-in compatibility with IT systems like LDAP, SNMP, and SIP softphones without
2:21
cumbersome workarounds.
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The core receives all the audio from its inputs, the network inputs, and other sources
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such as its own audio player or external streaming sources on the network
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and then processes these channels according to your design.
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After it's done, it routes the output signal to the appropriate destinations.
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This may be an output on the core itself or it may send it back out over the network
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to another I/O card on an I/O frame.
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In either case, the audio then leaves the Q-SYS network to be delivered to an amplifier
2:57
which is connected to a loudspeaker.
3:00
Certain QSC amplifiers use a connection called a dataport which allow the core to monitor the
3:05
health of the amplifier and the loudspeaker, as well as the audio signal status.
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Some QSC amplifiers, like the CXD-Q, are networked directly to Q-LAN, and also serve as
3:17
an onramp for additional audio channels.
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The end user is provided conrol of the system via a User Control Interface (UCI),
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which is also designed in the Designer software.
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A UCI can be displayed on a networked QSC touch screen, an iPad or iPhone, or a PC connected
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to the Q-SYS network. Or, if you prefer, the system can also be controlled
3:39
by third party interface devices using custom scripting.
3:44
And that's an overview of how a basic Q-SYS system works.
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Thanks for watching.
Lesson Description
Basic Q-SYS Signal Path
3m 52s
Learn how Q-SYS components create a signal path from input to output.
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Basic Q-SYS Signal Path
3m 52s