dbx ZonePRO Driver for Control4

This driver is designed to enable Control4 systems to control dbx ZonePRO processors over an Ethernet connection. The driver features full control of input/output switching, scene recall, and basic control of volume and mute status for each output.

Limitations

1. Unfortunately, dbx does not support a two-way API which limits this driver to one-way communication only (i.e., Control4 to dbx). If you require bi-directional communication or mixing capabilities, we recommend using the Yamaha MTX series DSP processors in conjunction with our MTX Universal Driver instead.
   
2. Because of this limitation, volume level is tracked within the driver, and will not update if changed directly on the dbx ZonePRO or by another device attached to the dbx ZonePRO. We highly recommend designing the project to rely only on the Control4 system for volume control and not use external dbx Zone Controllers.
   
3. This driver does not support mixer mode and only works in router mode. Mixing capabilities are available with the Yamaha MTX DSP processors and our MTX Universal Driver listed above.
   

Compatible ZonePRO Processors

This driver is compatible with the following ZonePRO processors:

1. ZonePRO 640M/641M
   
2. ZonePRO 1260/1261
   
3. ZonePRO 1260M/1261M
   

Note: This driver is not compatible with the ZonePRO 640/641.

Installation Instructions

Naming dbx ZonePRO Inputs/Outputs

REQUIRED: Using the dbx ZonePRO Software, rename all inputs/outputs EXACTLY as follows:

Note: This driver ONLY works if ALL channels are in Router Mode. This driver is not compatible with mixer mode.

RTE Index

1. Set up the entire ZonePRO System with the Design Software.
2. Configure mixes, inputs, gains, outputs, and rename inputs/outputs as instructed above.
3. In the Zone Pro software, click once on the RTE for Output 1.
4. Press <Shift>+<Ctrl>+<o> simultaneously. A window will appear with system information.
5. Locate the Address:b0 field. The number following this (e.g., 24) is the RTE Index.
6. Enter this number in the First Output Index property in the driver.

Node Address

1. Open the dbx ZonePRO Designer program.
2. Select Network > Properties.
3. Ensure Use Ethernet is checked.
4. Click Next twice.
5. The NODE ID and IP address will be displayed.
6. Click Finish if you're satisfied with the IP address settings

Static IP (Recommended)

1. Click on the dbx unit, then select Change Address.
2. Set the NODE ID (32 is default).
3. Check the SET IP box.
4. Assign an IP address (outside your router's DHCP range), Subnet (typically 255.255.255.0), and Gateway (typically your router's IP address).
5. Click OK, then Finish.

Driver Setup

1. Obtain a license key from the Blackwire site.
   
2. Add the dbx Node Address to the driver.
   
3. Add the dbx RTE Index to the driver.
   
4. Add the dbx ZonePRO IP Address under Connections in Composer
   
1. IMPORTANT: Do NOT add the IP address to the driver until all other settings are complete.
   
5. Make audio input and output bindings.
   
6. Assign the dbx unit as the audio endpoint and audio volume endpoint for zones connected to a non-controlled amplifier.
   

Properties

Actions

Commands

Support

Basic Troubleshooting

Before contacting support, check the following:

1. Verify the dbx unit is online via the dbx software.
   
2. Confirm the Node Address is correct.
   
3. Ensure the RTE Index is correct.
   
4. Reboot the dbx ZonePRO unit
   
5. Reboot Control4 Director
   
6. Verify all inputs and outputs are renamed according to the instructions above
   
7. For additional support, refer to the dbx Driver Instructions Page.
   

Contact Support

Visit Blackwire Designs for phone and chat support information.