Compiling

The graphical representation of the audio system created in London Architect is correlated to processor code programs that run inside the hardware boxes (e.g. the BLU and FDS series). As the design is created it is itself continuously compiled in the background ready to be uploaded to the hardware at any time. Some systems, such as the control panels and device configurations, can be changed in real time.

In the System Menu there is an option to Recompile All Device Configurations. This can be used to ensure that the system is updated with any design changes you may have made. If you Run the system the design will compile if necessary and go online to the devices.

Resource Meter

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The compiler resource meter can be found on the blue bar at the top of the Configuration Window for all devices with DSP.  This shows the percentage of DSP resource used for each box. The meter is green while the design is using less than 100% and no errors. If there are any errors in the design, such as unwired inputs, the meter will be orange. If this is the case then check the compiler report for any error messages or warnings and fix the problem.

Out of juice?

If the processing required outstrips the available DSP the bar changes to red and warns that the amount of processing objects used in this configuration won't fit in the device, i.e. further devices will be required to fulfil the extra DSP duties.

Hover the mouse over the resource meter a tool tip states whether the compile is successful also. If the meter colour changes to orange this suggests that the configuration is unlikely to work; the tool tip states that the compile has "warnings" and to see the Compiler Report for further information. This could be due to unconnected processing objects left in the configuration layout; these should be removed if not needed.

When processing objects are added to the layout the resource meter, and its tool tip, states that it is "Compiling". The status bar at the bottom of the screen also shows a waveform animation to represent the background activity.

A further "Advanced Resource Usage" dialog is available by double clicking on the resource meter; this displays further statistics relating to the DSP loading and assignment.

 

Compiler Report

The Compiler Report is available from the view menu or by selecting its tab panel. It shows a list of any failed connections within the device configuration. If any processing object is not wired up an entry details whether it is an input or output that is at fault and the device that is affected. Red arrows represent the signal flow. Double clicking on an entry will locate the offending object by highlighting it in the design window, making quick repairs possible - either wire it up properly or delete it. A drop down box at the top of the report allows the warnings to be shown by particular device or, for the complete system.

 

System Output Panel

A more in depth overview of the compilation process is available through the System Output panel (View menu or select its tabbed pane). This is listed by time starting from the initial run of the application.