CEDAR DNS2000 FAQ's

 

Installation FAQs

Question

Answer

Is there a problem with Mac OSX 10.5.6 ?

When Apple released OSX 10.5.6, there were reports of difficulties when using the DNS2000. CEDAR recommend that you don't upgrade to OSX 10.5.6 for the moment

Can I use the DNS2000 with Microsoft Windows XP?

DNS2000 Remote Control Software versions 3.1 and higher include Microsoft Windows XP support.

Can I use the DNS2000 with Pro Tools Version 7?

DNS2000 Remote Control Software versions 2.0 and above are compatible with Pro Tools 7. Version 3.0.2 or higher is strongly recommended.

Can I use the DNS2000 with the Digidesign Icon?

DNS2000 Remote Control Software versions 3.0.2 and higher include Icon support.

Can I use the DNS2000 with an Intel-based Macintosh?

DNS2000 Remote Control Software versions 3.0.2 and above are compatible with Intel-based Macintoshes.

Can I use the DNS2000 with Pro Tools 6?

Yes. You need version 2.0 of the plug-in software. This version is no longer actively supported.

Can I use the DNS2000 with Pro Tools 5 and OS9?

Yes. You need version 1.1 of the plug-in software. This version is no longer actively supported.

How do I obtain the latest versions of the Remote Control Software, firmware and drivers?

The most recent versions may not compatible be with your system. Please contact support@cedaraudio.com to determine whether suitable software, firmware and drivers are available.

I have downloaded the DNS2000 software, but the icons are blank and/or the files are not recognised by the host system. Why?

It is possible that you have read the DNS2000 software CD or downloaded the files using a PC. These are unable to recognise Macintosh resource forks, and will lose data essential for correct operation. To overcome this, always use a Macintosh to read the Mac specific CD or to download the files.

The DNS2000 files appear correctly on my Macintosh, but are not functioning. What should I do next?

The files must be installed in the correct locations to operate. See the installation instructions for details.

Can I locate the DNS2000 hardware in a machine room?

Yes. The DNS2000 requires a USB connection to the Pro Tools system but, other than the power switch, has no front-panel controls. You can therefore place it anywhere convenient provided that you can route audio and USB connections to it. Note that the maximum cable length for USB is 5m, or up to 25m with suitable hubs/repeaters. For audio runs of more than a few metres we recommend using the AES/EBU audio ports rather than the SPDIF ports.

I think that I have installed and connected everything correctly, but the plug-in cannot "see" the DNS2000 hardware. What should I do?

Try the following three-stage check-list:

  • Check that the "USB Link" light on the unit is illuminated. If not, check the power and USB connections to the unit, and that the unit is switched on (both the "Power on" and "Standby" lights should be lit).

  • Second, try switching the DNS2000 off and back on again. When you do so, the "USB link" should be lit continuously, and the "USB data" light should blink for a moment, and then go out.

  • If you are still experiencing a problem, check that the Plugin file is in the correct plugins folder (and for OS9 versions that the driver files are in the correct "Extensions" folder) and then reboot the Macintosh.

Operational FAQs

Question

Answer

Can I combine the DNS2000 process with TDM plug-ins?

Yes. Pro Tools is not capable of running RTAS plug-ins after TDM plug-ins. However, you can place the (RTAS) DNS2000 plug-in in the first slot, before any TDM plug-ins, and it will work correctly. This is because the audio path is governed by the external routing to the DNS2000 rackmount, and not by the position of the remote control plug-in in the mixer.

Can I use the DNS2000 in a surround-sound session

Yes. Each DNS2000 unit supports up to two channels of processing, so you will need three units to process a full 5.1 channel mix. The plug-in does not support multi-mono mode, or multi-channel mode for more than two channels since each DNS2000 unit supports only two channels. You will therefore need to split the 5.1 channel signal into separate single-channel and/or two-channel mixer strips as appropriate.

Can I process audio on a voice track?

Yes. Pro Tools does not allow RTAS plug-ins on a voice track, but the plug-in is a remote controller for the DNS2000 hardware that actually performs the processing. Therefore you can insert the plug-in on a non-voice track (or a voice track set to "auto") while still routing the audio from the voice track you wish to process through the DNS2000 itself.

The Remote Control Software does not appear in the drop-down list. Have I done something wrong?

There are many possible reasons for this:

  • The DNS2000 software is an RTAS plug-in, so it will not appear in the TDM list.

  • Only mono (single-channel) and stereo (two-channel) modes are supported. The CEDAR plug-in will not appear in the multi-mono list, or in the multi-channel list for more than two channels.

  • The plug-in file may not be correctly located in the "plug-ins" folder of the Pro Tools system.

  • The plug-in file may have become corrupted and should be reinstalled.

  • The DNS2000 works at 44.1kHz and 48kHz and Pro Tools must be set to one of these sample rates for the plug-in to appear.

I am using a Pro Controller. Why does the Level fader appear to the right of the Gain faders?

This is a known issue in v1.1, but has been fixed in v2.0 for MacOS 10.x.

I've noticed latency in the response of the DNS 2000 to automation data. Is this a problem with my system?

A latency of approximately 40ms (1.1 frames) is introduced by the USB subsystem of MacOS 10.x. Our engineers are monitoring the situation.

Known issues

Question

Answer

Is there a problem with Pro Tools 6.9 and MacOS 10.3.9?

There appears to be a problem with the combination of DNS2000 software version 2.0, Pro Tools 6.9 and MacOS 10.3.9, although only a small number of users have experienced this and many such systems work correctly and reliably. If you experience a problem, we recommend that you avoid this combination of Pro Tools and MacOS versions, and preferably upgrade to Pro Tools 7 and DNS2000 software version 3.0.2 or higher.

Is there a problem with Pro Tools 7?

When Digidesign first launched Pro Tools 7, there were reports of difficulties using the DNS2000 version 2.0. With Digidesign's release of Pro Tools 7.1 HD and the CS-4 update, version 2.0 appeared to be fully operational again. DNS2000 software version 3.0.2 or above is strongly recommended for Pro Tools 7 systems. Version 2.0 is no longer actively supported.

Is there a problem with Mac OSX 10.5.6?

When Apple released OSX 10.5.6, there were reports of difficulties when using the DNS2000. CEDAR recommends that you don't upgrade to OSX 10.5.6 for the moment.

If you would like to submit a question or notify CEDAR Audio of a possible bug, please contact support@cedaraudio.com.

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