Professional Systems Division

Design | Performance | Support

ControlSpace® ESP-88 / ESP-00

engineered sound processor

ControlSpace engineered sound processors are powerful digital signal processors that provide control and audio signal processing in a single, expandable unit. When combined with ControlSpace control centers, the system provides simple, one touch operation for a variety of system applications.  When a customized control system is required engineered sound processors easily integrate with popular control systems, and IT networks.

FAQ

What's new with the ControlSpace system?

Two new expansion cards are available for use with the ESP-88 and ESP-00: CobraNet I/O card, and ESPLink 8 ch. Output card.

The new ControlSpace CobraNet card uses a single audio processor slot and provides up to 16x16 channels of digital audio using a standard CobraNet network. The card may be configured or any combination of inputs or outputs, not exceeding 32 channels. Basic network setup is accomplished using the ControlSpace Designer software, version 3.0 or newer.

The new ControlSpace ESPLink 8 channel output card provides eight channels of digital audio using a single TOSLINK connection. Intended for use with Bose PowerMatch configurable professional amplifiers the card offers a cost effective solution for distributing 8 channels of audio between an Enerineered Sound Processor and PowerMatch amplifier.

What are ControlSpace ESP-88 and ESP-00 engineered sound systems?

ControlSpace engineered sound systems are signal processing and control solutions for applications in such venues as as houses of worship, large retail stores and large restaurants. Each system consists of at least one ControlSpace ESP-88 or ESP-00 engineered sound processor, which is programmed using ControlSpace Designer software (included in the box and downloadable online).

Typically, one or more CC-64 control centers, CC-16 zone controllers or CC-4 room controllers are also part of the system, providing end users with easy access and control. The ControlSpace expansion cards can increase DSP processing power and dynamic range, and can customize the number of inputs and outputs.

What are the important features of ControlSpace systems?

Simple yet powerful end-user controls

ControlSpace CC-4 room controllers, CC-16 zone controllers and CC-64 control centers provide simple, straightforward operation of ControlSpace systems. Although easy to use, each can control a complex system while hiding this complexity from the user. Descriptive modes of operation—like "Sunday Sermon" and "Choir Practice"—replace jargon and unintelligible audio parameters.

Flexible, configurable, expandable signal processing

ControlSpace processors employ an open-frame architecture that can be configured to match project needs. Analog or digital input and output channels can be added, up to 32 analog or 64 digital channels per processor. General-purpose control input and output channels can be added, up to 16 inputs and 16 outputs. A DSP expansion card can be added to increase processing power fourfold. Enhanced Dynamic Range cards also can be used when higher audio quality is required.

Simple-to-use software with Smart Simulation

The ControlSpace Designer software included with the processors uses industry-standard drag-and-drop programming methods familiar to most system designers. Smart Simulation, featured throughout the program, allows you to see all programming results instantly, saving you time at the job site. For example, you can use the Smart Simulation feature for user controls, and to review the screens and resulting functions with your customers.

What are typical applications for ControlSpace systems?

ControlSpace systems are well suited for typical engineered sound, where medium- to high-complexity signal processing is required, with simplified user control as a benefit. These systems are ideal for school facilities, houses of worship, conference centers, auditoriums, arenas, gymnasiums, retail spaces, hotels/resorts, municipalities and other similar venues.

Is it possible to monitor and control the ESP-88 and ESP-00 remotely?

No. Full IP addressability enables the ESP-88 and ESP-00 to be fully integrated on existing IT networks, but you need to be on the same network to communicate with them.

How do the ControlSpace systems differ from other signal processing and control systems on the market?

  • ControlSpace systems stand out because they simplify and enhance the end user's experience with the audio system
  • We created our user controls (the CC-4 room controller, the CC-16 zone controller and the CC-64 control center) to better meet the needs of end customers. We offer a flexible interface for building scenes and parameters in the software, and for programming the user controls. The way you name operating modes instills confidence with customers and allows them to access all the benefits of the complete system
  • The ESP-88 and ESP-00 also offer a flexible signal path, with expansion slots, at a price lower than most other 8×8 fixed architecture boxes
  • We have also simplified the programming of the control portion of the project and included Smart Simulation throughout to allow you to verify all programming results while off line
  • Choose standard dynamic range performance (SDR) or enhanced dynamic range (EDR), depending on your budget and your project
  • AES input and output is supported with expansion cards

What audio processing algorithms are included in the ControlSpace Designer™ software toolbox?

Supported algorithms include: automatic microphone mixer; crossovers; graphic and parametric EQ; tone control EQ; Bose® speaker EQ; Bose speaker EQ plus crossovers; Bose speaker EQ plus bass array delay modules; routers; gain; delays; standard mixers; matrix mixers; room combining module; signal generators; meters; compressor/limiters; duckers; automatic gain controls; noise gates; and source selectors.

What expansion cards are available for the ControlSpace ESP-88 and ESP-00 engineered sound processors?

ControlSpace surround sound decoder input card
Decodes Dolby Digital, DTS and PCM audio formats, eliminating the need for an external decoder and integrating all required audio processing within the ESP-88.

ControlSpace 4×4 mic/line input/output Series II card
Four microphone or line-level inputs (software selectable) and four line-level outputs. Expands the number of available channels.

ControlSpace four-channel mic/line input card
Four microphone or line-level inputs (software selectable). Occupies one input slot.

ControlSpace four-channel SDR output card
Four line-level outputs. Occupies one input slot.

ControlSpace GPIO card
Eight control/logic inputs and eight control/logic outputs. Inputs have full A/D converters, allowing potentiometers to be attached for simple volume control.

ControlSpace DSP expansion card
One card can be added to an ESP-88 to increase processing power by 300%.

ControlSpace EDR line-input and EDR line-output cards
Four input or four output analog audio channels. 111 dB dynamic range (typical) for projects in which the highest level of system performance is required.

ControlSpace AES-3 input and AES-3 output cards
Eight input or eight output digital audio channels.

How many of each expansion card I can add or use in an ESP-88?

The ESP-88 can be configured for different input and output requirements, but the standard ESP-88 ships with: eight mic/line audio inputs, eight audio outputs, eight general purpose control inputs and eight general-purpose control outputs.

Accessory cards enable the ESP-88 to expand up to 32 analog inputs and outputs, or 64 digital inputs and outputs. One GPIO expansion card and one DSP expansion card can be added. There are four audio input or output card slots available.

What are the differences between the 4×4 mic/line card and the EDR cards?

  • The 4×4 mic/line card has four inputs plus four outputs. The EDR input has only four inputs, and the EDR output has only four outputs
  • The 4×4 mic/line card has mic/line level inputs (software selectable). The EDR input card is line-level only
  • The 4×4 mic/line card is two slots wide. The EDR cards are one slot wide
  • Dynamic range of the 4×4 is 104 dB typical; for EDR cards it is 111 dB typical
  • The 4×4 mic/line card has seven gain "pads" (14 dB, 24 dB, 42 dB, 48 dB, 54 dB and 64 dB). The EDR input card has none

Do you always need a CC-64 control center in the system, or can you use a CC-16 zone controller instead?

The ControlSpace CC-16 zone controller is designed to control a single audio zone. The ControlSpace CC-64 control center is a comprehensive, system-wide control center that operates systems of varying complexity by switching audio sources, selecting scenes and changing complex system configurations.

What is ControlSpace Designer software?

ControlSpace Designer software is a graphical user interface tool for designing and configuring ControlSpace ESP-88 and ESP-00 systems. It uses a familiar CAD layout in which devices (signal processing, user controls, amplifiers, etc.) are dragged onto a project view. For each ESP-88 or ESP-00 in the system, an ESP View window is created. Within the ESP View, a CAD layout is used to drag, drop and wire audio modules to create any signal path and audio processing function necessary.

Groups, presets and parameter sets can be created to control multiple signal processing factors. These high-level constructs and other discrete signal processing controls are dragged onto user controls or timers for implementation of the installation's controls. Once a control, group or parameter set is dragged onto a user control or general-purpose input, it can immediately be "used" (by pressing the onscreen button) and the user control operation can be verified via the software's Smart Simulation feature. Because all this can be done off-line, hours of user control debugging can be saved by verifying interactions before ever going to the job site or connecting the hardware.

What are the key features of the new ControlSpace Designer version 3.0 software?

New features include:

  • Support for the Bose PowerMatch configurable professional amplifiers.Configure, set up and control the PowerMatch amplifiers via network or USB
  • New Signal processing functions for the ESP specifically intended for RoomMatch systems include, RoomMatch Array EQ, Loudspeaker EQ, and Peak/RMS limiter
  • New Monitor mode operation protects system settings whie allowing the system operator to monitor the status of network devices, and operate virtual control centers

Other features include:

  • EQs and crossovers for all Bose professional speakers
  • Flexible signal path, drag-and-drop signal-processing design, allows designers to create the audio configuration of their choice
  • Drag and drop control programming, and Smart Simulation of control programming while off-line
  • Only one cursor mode; no need to right click and change between various cursor modes
  • Visual cues that let designers clearly see operational status of system devices, mute states, fault conditions and additional information to improve system operation and and troubleshooting
  • Standard Ethernet and protocols allowing for high-speed and industry-standard PC control and configuration
  • EQs and crossovers for all Bose professional speakers

Can ControlSpace Designer work with Microsoft Windows Vista?

Yes. ControlSpace Designer v3.0 and later has been fully tested on the Windows 7 operating system and is compatible.

What kind of computer do I need to run ControlSpace Designer software?

The following are the minimum system requirements for ControlSpace Designer 3.0:

  • Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional, Service Pack 2 (or later)
  • Microsoft Windows 7 (Professional or Ultimate)
  • Microsoft® .NET™ Framework version 2.0 or later
  • Intel® Pentium® 4 850Mhz processor (or better)
  • 512 MB RAM
  • 100 MB disk space available
  • CD-ROM Drive
  • 1024x768 32 bit XGA color video display adapter

NOTE:  When running Windows 7 64 bit OS the Windows XP virtual machine is required for USB connection to PowerMatch amplifiers.

Can ControlSpace systems integrate with AMX/Crestron controls?

Yes. All signal processing modules, parameter sets, presets and groups are directly controllable by third-party devices via the RS-232 port.

Are the ControlSpace Systems engineered sound processors used for voice override for emergency applications?

No. ControlSpace systems components are not approved for life-safety applications. Ducking signal processing modules are available, and they can be used for paging applications. However, they generally require some non-audio user input (such as a push-to-talk control signal) in order to override currently selected sources.

Can I email program files of the ControlSpace Designer software?

Yes. However, we recommend that when sending files via email a compression utility, such as WinZip, is used to prevent file damage during transfer.

Do the CC-16 or CC-64 controllers track changes in the room-combining module?

No.

What is the warranty of the ControlSpace ESP-88 engineered sound processor?

The ControlSpace ESP-88 is covered by a two-year limited warranty that is fully transferable.