BASIS 914lz
4X16 CobraNet Enabled Control and Monitoring Signal Processor
Hardware Manual
*TD-000200-00*
TD-000200-00 rev.A
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Introduction
The BASIS 914lz provides the digital audio transport, signal
processing, control and status monitoring facilities needed
from anywhere a connection to the QSControl.net network
is available.
to bind a group of amplifiers and loudspeakers into an inte-
grated functioning system. In conjunction with QSCon-
trol.net software, the BASIS 914lz enables the user to
design, test and deploy professional audio reinforcement
and distribution systems ranging in size from one to hun-
dreds of channels.
The QSControl.net network can also be managed from a sin-
gle computer running both the client and the server. Once all
BASIS devices in a system are configured, a computer is no
longer required on that system’s network. All basic func-
tions of the BASIS 914lz continue to operate with or without
a control computer connected to the network.
Each QSC power amplifier connects directly to a BASIS
914lz via one of its four QSC DataPorts. All mission-critical
elements of the BASIS-driven sound system are monitored.
User-selected events are logged and loudspeaker protection
features unique to BASIS such as QSC's power limiter are
made possible through the DataPort functionality.
The configurable DSP engine provides all of the functions
necessary to handle the amp/loudspeaker portion of a sig-
nal chain, such as very flexible and precise crossovers,
delays, equalization, compression/limiting, etc.
Audio enters a BASIS 914lz either through analog XLR/TRS
combo inputs (line level) or from CobraNet source devices
such as QSC's line of RAVE digital audio routers. Any combi-
nation of 16 CobraNet channels (selected from up to 4 bun-
dles of 32 channels) can be routed into the 24 x 24 DSP
engine. Any or all of the 24 DSP channels can also be routed
to up to 32 CobraNet channels on the network.
A standard Windows computer is the principle user-inter-
face for controlling the overall BASIS/QSControl system.
However, the BASIS 914lz also offers a front panel interface
for accessing a few critical functions.
A single QSControl.net server computer can support several
clients running QSC's latest Venue Manager software. Thus,
the sound system can be operated via several computers,
roaming wireless laptops, tablets, etc., all at the same time,
Unlike other configurable DSP boxes, the intrinsic process-
ing latency of the BASIS 914lz is both short and fixed at
1- Power indicator
9- DataPorts
2- Diagnostic indicator
10- XLR/TRS combo inputs (line level)
11- Omni inputs
12- RS-232 port
13- Network status indicators
14- QSControl 10BaseT receptacle
15- CobraNet 100BaseT receptacle
16- IEC power inlet
3- Network status indicators
4- Port connection status indicators
5- Multi-function push buttons
6- Display
7- Rotary select/accept knob
8- Safe mode switch (recessed)
See page 14 for detailed descriptions.
3
Introduction (continued)
0.396 milliseconds. When analog input and analog outputs
to visit us there.
are used, the total delay is 2.354 milliseconds. The delay
does not change regardless of the DSP configuration, unless
the configuration intentionally adds more delay.
We've applied our many years of experience in supporting
high-end installed sound with our previous system-building
products such as RAVE, QSControl, CM16a, DSP-3, DSP-4,
and DSP-30. The BASIS 914lz brings all that technology
together in one compact, powerful, easy to use system. We
are confident that your new BASIS 914lz will provide years
of dependable service and we hope it will help you, the sys-
tem designer and implementer, to express your creative
audio system ideas.
The BASIS 914lz also supports the new optional low-latency
CobraNet feature that provides transport at only 2.66 milli-
seconds delay. Thus the delay from analog to analog across
the network can be less than 6 milliseconds, fast enough
not only for large audio distribution but for the most critical
real-time live performance work.
Both software and firmware can be easily updated over the
network. In the future, QSC will be adding new capabilities
to both BASIS and QSControl.net. Our latest code releases
and access to up-to-date information on BASIS and QSCon-
Block Diagram
4
Introduction - Networking the BASIS 914lz
The BASIS 914lz has two RJ-45 network connection ports on the rear panel. One port is labeled "QSControl" and supports standard
10BASE-T Ethernet. The other port is labeled "CobraNet" and supports 100BASE-TX, also known as "Fast Ethernet". In the following
sections we describe the use of these ports and show example network connection schemes.
The BASIS 914lz supports two distinct kinds of network activity; the first is audio transport via CobraNet, and the second is control and
monitoring via QSControl.net. The user can choose to install one network for CobraNet traffic and a second separate network for
QSControl.net traffic. We call this the "Two Wire Interface". Alternately, it is possible to run both control and audio traffic over Cobra-
Net via the CobraNet port. In this case the QSControl port is unused. We call this the "Single Wire Interface".
Under the most demanding real-time control conditions and when using the lowest latency CobraNet settings, users may experience
better QSControl.net performance using separate networks, especially when displaying a great many real-time meters. For most appli-
cations, separate networks won't provide any discernible benefits and will cost more. We therefore recommend using the Single Wire
Interface when running CobraNet.
If your application uses only analog I/O without CobraNet, then you should use the QSControl port for QSControl.net traffic and ignore
the CobraNet port.
Why CobraNet Needs Special Treatment:
Ordinary Ethernet traffic has no guaranteed time of delivery. Packets of information may arrive at their destination out of order and
some may be delayed more than others. This is fine for E-mail and even for downloading MP3 files over the Internet. Everything ends up
properly reassembled at the destination, but how long this takes will vary according to network loading, span, etc. In contrast, Cobra-
Net is "real time" - it delivers audio with a minimal, consistent transmission delay. CobraNet is designed to use as much of conventional
networking technology as possible while providing both guaranteed time of delivery and isochronicity - maintaining a phase-locked
sample-accurate clock across the entire network. These requirements mean that ordinary unregulated Ethernet data cannot be freely
mixed with CobraNet information. The two can coexist on the same wire, but only by adhering to the proper rules.
Notes on Network Systems Design:
As with any communications system, the reliability and performance of a local area network is intimately related to the designer's skill
and knowledge in implementing a topology that is robust, efficient and standards-compliant. Proper network design is even more criti-
cal in distributed multimedia systems. Therefore, it is important for the system designer to realize that some conventional network
practices must be avoided. Although each network design is unique and may carry its own performance requirements, compliance to
the following three points will assist in building an audio network that is trouble free and efficient.
First, audio and conventional data communications deliveries should not exist on the same LAN or VLAN. The exception to this is the
BASIS 914lz Single Wire Interface, which offers a solution for converging audio and QSControl.net onto the same LAN or VLAN. How-
ever, conventional communications, such as corporate networks, print services, e-mail and Internet access, should not exist alongside
CobraNet audio and QSControl.net on the same LAN or VLAN. Further, CobraNet audio and QSControl.net data should not exist
together on the same LAN or VLAN when implementing the Two Wire Interface. This is not to say that conventional communications
cannot share the same network hardware with a BASIS 914lz. In fact, common network hardware, such as managed Ethernet switches
and media converters, can service both BASIS 914lz products and conventional data communications equipment so long as the man-
aged switch or media converter are partitioned into separate network domains. This is normally done by configuring a separate VLAN
for each data type. (Some switches may allow individual port assignments or support partitions through DIP switch selection.)
Second, CobraNet audio must traverse either a repeater domain or a network switch domain. The point here is that the CobraNet port
on a BASIS 914lz must connect directly to, and only to, either a repeater LAN or a switched Ethernet LAN. Hybrid networks containing
both repeaters and switches are not permitted on the audio segment. Connecting the CobraNet port to a repeater that is in turn con-
nected to a network switch poses an illegal and non-compliant condition. We recommend always connecting the QSControl and/or
CobraNet port(s) directly to network switch ports.
5
Third, the BASIS 914lz and QSControl.net system are targeted at network switch deployments. The consumer costs of Ethernet
switches have continued to fall over the last several years and are now comparable with repeaters on a per port basis. In addition, the
sophistication and scalability of network switches make them ideal for new installations. However, we do realize that designers may
wish to add BASIS products to existing audio network installations that are built on repeater LAN topologies. This applies primarily to
existing CM16a and RAVE networks. For this very reason we continue to support connectivity to network repeater hardware with the
BASIS 914lz. Support for network repeaters exists only with the Two Wire Interface and only with the standard CobraNet forwarding
latency. That is to say that the QSControl port and the CobraNet port must be connected to separate repeater LANs. Even when properly
configured, audio channel capacity is severely limited and both audio and control network expansion is limited by the respective capac-
ity of each segment. In other words, scalability ceases to exist when bandwidth demands on the QSControl.net segment approach 10
Mbps and demand on the CobraNet segment approaches 100 Mbps. Obviously, we recommend taking advantage of switch network
technology whenever possible.
It should be noted here that while the CobraNet port on a BASIS 914lz is restricted to repeater LAN or switch LAN deployments,
QSControl.net is a TCP/IP standards-compliant network system and therefore supports operation on network repeaters, switches and
routers. When implementing the Two Wire Interface, the QSControl.net segment does not require a single topology data path and
therefore repeaters, switches and routers may be assembled on the LAN in a hybrid fashion.
products/network/resources.htm. To learn more about CobraNet design requirements and to obtain the CobraCAD system design utility
All of this may seem daunting if you are new to networking. However, it all boils down to connecting a few simple cables between var-
ious networking devices. Most of the time it "just works". QSC helped pioneer CobraNet with our RAVE ™ products and there are hun-
dreds of installations all over the world, in theme parks, hotels, stadiums - everywhere. They run hum-free, sound great and are very
reliable.
The following examples will help get you started, but they just scratch the surface of what can be achieved with advanced network-
ing…
Example #1 - QSControl.net X-over mode:
This is the simplest connection you can make between the BASIS 914lz and your computer. Use a CAT-5 crossover cable connected
between the BASIS QSControl port and your computer's Network Interface Card, (NIC). No network switch is required. With QSCon-
trol.net server and client software installed and running on your computer you will be able to completely set up and monitor your BASIS
914lz.
6
Example #2 - CobraNet X-over mode:
This is the simplest connection you can make between two BASIS boxes. Use a CAT-5 crossover cable connected between the Cobra-
Net ports of each unit. No network switch is required. This connection allows audio to pass between the two BASIS boxes over Cobra-
Net.
Combining example 1 and 2 lets you setup and monitor one box at a time, much as you would have to do using a point-to-point RS232
connection, while passing audio between them, all without a network switch. However, you would have to physically connect your
computer first to one BASIS box and then to the other. With this elementary connection you don't have a true network. It is just like
making RS-232 connections - except that performance is much better.
All the other examples are of proper networks and all require a network switch. On a proper network, you have direct access to all
BASIS products all of the time without having to physically switch between them. You still get the great performance of TCP/IP over
Ethernet. (And we believe QSC's advanced 4th generation networking software provides the best performance of any networked
audio control system available today including Ethernet based systems from competitors.)
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Example #3 - Single Wire Interface:
Here all QSControl.net and CobraNet traffic shares the same single CAT-5 cable between the BASIS 914lz and an unmanaged Ethernet
switch. The QSControl.net system manages traffic flow efficiently and reliably so that all audio and control data is delivered to its
appropriate destination anywhere on the network. Though the example shows only two BASIS 914lz units, as many devices may be
connected as there are available switch ports. All BASIS units will be able to communicate simultaneously with the computer. All will
have CobraNet audio. Switches can be connected to other switches to build larger networks; all of the normal networking principles
apply. (Note: there must be at least two CobraNet devices online for any data - audio or control - to come out of the CobraNet port.)
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Example #4 - Two-Wire Interface (shared network hardware):
This example illustrates the Two-Wire Interface with a managed Ethernet switch. The switch is configured with multiple virtual
local area networks (VLANs). Ethernet deliveries can only reach destination ports belonging to the same VLAN from which it was
sourced. The figure shows a separate VLAN for QSControl.net traffic and a separate VLAN for CobraNet audio traffic. This config-
uration essentially provides a dedicated network for BASIS 914lz control and monitoring (including the system controller) and a
second dedicated network for CobraNet audio. As with the previous example, as many BASIS 914lz units may be connected as
there are switch ports available. All BASIS units will be able to communicate with the computer. All will have CobraNet audio.
Switches can be connected to other switches to build larger networks; all of the normal networking principles apply.
9
Example #5 - Two-Wire Interface (separate network hardware):
Example #5 is conceptually similar to example #4. The difference here is that separate networks are created by providing each local
area network (LAN) with its own network switch. Therefore, traffic segmentation is physical rather than logical. Example #5 also pro-
vides an additional level of fault tolerance, although at the expense of additional network hardware. The figure shows a separate net-
work switch for QSControl.net traffic and a separate network switch for CobraNet audio traffic. All of the previous comments regarding
network expansion still apply.
10
Unpacking
There are no special unpacking precautions. However, it is recommended you keep the original packing material for reuse in the rare
event that service be required. If service is required and the original packing material is not available, ensure that the unit is adequately
protected for shipment (strong box of appropriate size, sufficient packing material to prevent load-shifting or impact damage) or call
QSC’s Technical Services Department for packing material and a carton.
What is included in the carton:
Item
Description
Quantity
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
BASIS 914lz
1
4
1
1
1
2
10
Self-adhesive rubber feet
Hardware Manual (this document)
QSControl.net Software CD
IEC Power Cord 3 x #18 AWG
3-pin terminal block connector
2-pin terminal block connector
Mounting
The BASIS 914lz can be used in or out of an equipment rack. Rack mounting is optional. Adhesive rubber feet are included for non-rack
mount installations. Use them to prevent the unit from scratching or marring support surfaces.
Rack Mounting
Rack mount the BASIS 914lz by supporting it from underneath while aligning the mounting holes with the threaded screw holes in the
rails; install all four mounting screws and washers and tighten securely. Ensure use of all four mounting screws in order to minimize the
chance of bending or distorting the rack mount ears. If the BASIS 914lz is to be transported while in a rack, we recommend supporting
the rear of the chassis. This will help prevent the unit from being damaged from the increased mechanical stresses of portable and
mobile use. The BASIS 914lz’s chassis includes integral rear mounting tabs for securing to the rack mounting ears.
Be certain not to block the cool-
ing air ventilation openings on
the sides of the chassis.
Be certain not to block
the cooling air ventila-
tion openings on the
sides of the chassis.
11
Computer Requirements & Software Installation
Installing QSControl.net is easy. All you need to do is choose the folder where the program is to be stored (the default setting is accept-
able for most applications). We recommend your system meet the following minimum requirements:
1- IBM PC compatible computer with a Pentium 4 processor.
2- Processor speed of 1 GHz (2 GHz or faster recommended for systems with 30 or more BASIS/RAVE/DSP units).
3- 512 megabytes of RAM (1 gigabyte recommended for systems with 30 or more BASIS/RAVE/DSP units).
4- Hard drive with at least 500 MB of free space for the program and files you generate.
5- Display resolution of 1024 X 768, 16-bit color.
6- CD-ROM drive to install the software.
7- 10BaseT/100BaseTx network interface card
8- Windows XP Professional, XP Home, Windows 2000 SP2 (or better), or Windows NT4.0 SP6a operating system. Windows 95,
98 and ME platforms are not supported.
Note: If system is used for real-time adjustments and configuration of audio systems, we recommend all Windows Power Options
(located in the Windows Control Panel) features be disabled. Display, hard drive, system standby and hibernation settings should be set
to “Never”. This avoids waiting for the system to “wake-up” if adjustment is needed after an elapsed period of time.
To Install QSControl.net:
1- Start your computer and start Windows.
2- If there are any programs running, please close them now. Be sure to leave Windows running.
3- Place the QSControl.net CD-ROM in your CD-ROM drive. You can also select Start-Run and browse for the file named setup.exe
from the CD.
4- Click the Install QSControl.net button.
5- Follow the installation instructions on the screen.
To Uninstall QSControl.net:
1- Click the Start menu button and choose Settings/Control Panel.
2- Double-click the Add/Remove Program icon.
3- Select QSControl.net from the list, then click Add/Remove.
4- Click Yes to confirm you would like to uninstall QSControl.net.
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General Information & Configuration Memories
Amplifier Setup
The QSC DataPort-equipped amplifiers connected to the BASIS 914lz must have their power switches in the “on” position. For initial
testing, use the lowest useful gain setting until the system is operating as expected. After the system setup has been verified and
tested, gain settings may be adjusted as required.
Network
The network should be operable and QSControl.net software should be installed/running on the system controller computer.
CobraNet Connection Loss
If you are operating with a valid CobraNet network, and the connection to the network is disrupted, audio will momentarily mute, allow-
ing the BASIS 914lz to synchronize with its internal clock. If CobraNet network connection is re-established, the audio will mute again
while the BASIS 914lz synchronizes with CobraNet.
Configuration Memories
The BASIS 914lz has non-volatile storage locations that contain settings for the device as well as DSP signal flow. The storage loca-
tions make it possible to set up the BASIS for different situations and quickly recall the setup with or without QSControl.net software
using the front panel controls.
13
Connections
AC Power Cord
CobraNet and QSControl
connection. Accepts rugge-
dized or normal shell-less
RJ45 plugs.
Insert the molded receptacle of the AC power cord into
the AC power inlet on the back of the BASIS 914lz. Plug
the AC line connector into the AC outlet. The power
supply will accept from 100 to 240 Volts AC, 47 to 440
Hertz, without any changes. If a different type of IEC
power cord is required than supplied with your 914lz,
contact QSC’s Technical Services Department.
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