The DRS 2006 Audio Manager (05/11/2002)
This is where it all begins with DRS 2006 Enterprise, the Audio Manager. Don't let the name fool you, it does a lot more than just manage your audio. This module was the first to be built for the Enterprise package. It has more than a dozen new features built into its structure recommended by DRSers from all over the world. Though the interface may seem familiar to DRS 2006 v1.71, it's more intuitive and easier to use than ever before. Let's get started.

The graphic user interface or GUI is mapped out with user friendliness in mind. It flows from top to bottom, left to right. You'll find many familiar Windows® key strokes within this very powerful module.
HINT: Use the 'TAB' key to maneuver within the GUI or 'shift TAB' to move back. Arrows keys also play a huge roll in the Audio Manager's functionality but more on that later.


Add music & more to your DRS 2006 database
Inside the Audio Manager are a variety of tools that allow you to add and remove files from the database. Many different sound files like mp3, mp2, wav, wma, etc. can all be used. Even with a choice of formats to choose from, these days most people almost always go with the smallest and that's mp3. **Mp3 files have their own little mini-database of info about the item.** This info is of course easy to edit then save and most importantly allows you to save time when importing your music files in the DRS 2006 Audio Manager. Aside from getting your music into the database you can also tweak it until you're silly. The database is used to store additional information about each item, like cue points and fades, intros hooks points and much more.

Click the 'Insert New Items' button you'll find in the lower left corner of the Audio Manager. It the next box that appears you may select the drive in which to search for music, the folder and the sound file format also. Once you've selected the directory in which to add your files from you'll see the number of 'Found Audio Files'. 

There's no need to select the files to add to your database. Only those files not in the database will be added. Cool huh? Select the 'Preset Cue Out Time' or to put it more simply; the time at which you'd like to fade out the items you're about to add to the database. You can select 10 seconds up to 30 seconds. The default value for this setting is 10 seconds. Select the 'Preset Fade Out' time or how quickly you'd like the fade out to happen. This value defaults to 5 seconds but configurable up to 20 seconds.

Now you're ready to 'Insert Files'. Go ahead, click the button it won't bite you.
NOTE: All inserted files are automatically placed in the 'New' category until they are moved into a category of your choice. More on this operation later in the manual.


Remove Item: Nothing trivial about this option. The item currently loaded in the Audio Manager interface may be deleted by pressing this button. A confirmation box will appear to allow you to change your mind if you hit this button by mistake. We're looking out for ya. 8)


Audio Editor: provides a link to your Audio Editor. Will open this program once clicked. This shortcut will be set up in the Administration Kit.


MP3 Tag Editor: Provided you've followed the steps listed above concerning ripping and tagging you should see your files mp3 info in this window. Both MP3 Tag and DRS 2006 Database should have the same info in its respective column. This editor allows you to update your file's info and immediately copy that info into the database. You can also remove the files' MP3 tag altogether, copy the complete tag to the DRS 2006 database or from the database to the file. Alternatively you can copy individual fields into either.
NOTE: Remember to Save MP3 Tag before exiting.

NOTE: You can also access the MP3 Tag Editor by double-clicking any file in your database list.

Utilities: There is no Database Connector in DRS 2006 Enterprise but you can still check the integrity of your database and all associated files from within this window. Simply click 'Check Integrity' and Utilities begins to make certain that each item in your database can be found at the location from which it was read originally. If there are any missing sound files you'll see the information you need to know in the display window directly above. You may also clear the display if you're a tidy person.

Remove all missing files: Exactly as it sounds :)

Update all Auto Complete/Drop Down Assistants: Once items have been inserted this feature will save you time by auto completing an Artist, Title etc field as you type. Based on the current database it is advisable to update this regularly.

Search & Replace: Now you can mass edit any imaginable combination of database columns and categories. This is especially effective if you wish to move an entire category to a newly created one. You can also search for individual words to replace with something of your choice.
EXAMPLE: Enter a search for "Matchbox 20" In Column Artist in All Categories. Replace with "matchbox twenty". Simple right?

Set Auto Hooks: Will set the Hook In and Hook Out times to a default setting (middle of the file), however you have the option of choosing your own setting. It will complete this action for all database items, except those under 30 seconds and those which have Hooks already set.


Audio Plugin: While the DRS 2006 Broadcast Processor Plugin plays a major role in the On Air Studio. It's function is not relative here in the Audio Manager therefore it's explanation will be forthcoming in the On Air Studio manual.


Exit: This buttons exits the Audio Manager but not before displaying the confirmation, "Are you sure?" Well, are you?



Create and manage categories for your items
The DRS 2006 Enterprise Package ships with a number of categories for your items to choose from but it's easy to create your own as well. Simply type the desired name for your new category in the box and click 'Add Category'. You should notice the count increment up for each new category. 'Remove Category' works much the same only that it removes the highlighted category in the list but not before confirming the action with you.
HINT: Double-clicking a category in this list immediately filters all items within the category into the database view on the right. Cool!

NOTE: It's worth noting here that removing a category from the list DOES NOT delete the items within the category. If you should happen to delete a category by accident simply add it once more and everything will be fine.


Learn more about the database
Filtered Items: The number shown beneath 'FILTERED' serves two purposes. This features' first purpose is to update you on how many items are in your database and the second is to inform you of the number of filtered items in your database list. Use the 'Prior Item' or 'Next Item' shown below to move through the database list.

This is a shot of the database list. Clicking an item in this list makes it active in the Audio Manager interface. 

HINT: Double-clicking an item in this list brings up the MP3 Tag Editor.

Filter New Files: Click this button to immediately filter all recently added items in the database. The 'FILTERED' display will reflect the number of items categorized as 'New' and you may begin to edit them as you see fit.

Reset & Refresh: This button performs the same function as within the 'Search Engine'.

Write to MP3 Tag: Use this button to update your files' MP3 tag automatically if any changes are made to the Artist, Title, Album, Year or S-Code.

The Search Engine Features
Now this is what I call a complete overhaul. The DRS 2006 Enterprise Search Engine has it all. Execute a text search from within a single category or all categories combined. Sort the results of a search however you'd like and use the 'Quick Filter' to find an artist or title quickly. In the Enterprise Search Engine you can quickly filter categories with the 'FILTERED' display accurately reporting the number of items within them.

Select: When you've located the desired item simply highlight and 'Select' it with the button on the far left of the engine or you can double-click your selection to bring it into focus in the Audio Manager interface.

Reset & Refresh: You can choose 'Reset & Refresh' at anytime to show all items in your database. It's sort of like the default view.

Print: Select this option to print the currently filtered items. A new window will open up allowing you to save the newly created report. By clicking on the printer symbol the report will be send to your default printer. If you want to change any of your printer settings click on the Printer Setup button.

Category Filter: Allows for quick and easy access to the few or many categories of music you may have within your database. Typing 'All' in the category filter box, will display all your database items in the search engine window. For example if you choose 'Rock' it will display only those items pertaining to rock, which have been set via the Audio Manager. To refresh this screen and return to view all database items click 'Reset & Refresh'.

Sort after Column: Again the same for this filter, giving you the option to view songs by year or intro for example, displaying those in the search engine window.

Text Search in current Columns: By entering a few characters of a title or artist of a song, the DRS 2006 powerful search engine will immediately display all songs that have those characters contained within the filename. For example typing: auto, will display Automatic Taxi Star - She's a bit, and any others containing the word auto. Can't remember the Artist, no problem, just type in what you know and let DRS 2006 find the matches for you. It is worthy to note to activate the search you must click the 'Search' button below the Filtered items digits.

Quick Filter: Select either Artist or Title and using your mouse click a letter of the alphabet corresponding to the first letter of your search criteria (Artist or Title). A list of all matching items found within your search will immediately be displayed in the window. The 'FILTERED' display quickly updates with the number of matches to your query.


Player Level, the Big Buttons and more!
Player Level: This level indicates the level of playback in the Audio Manager. A sort of visual reference that you're full-on crankin' I suppose.

Drop Others: A powerful new feature in DRS 2006 Enterprise is the ability to drop the volume of proceeding items by checking this box. This option prevents your softer sounding items from being drowned out by a more aggressive element in the playlist. You will use this often.

Dynamic: Check this box to make your items dynamic in all play lists. A dynamic item is monitored by the On Air Studio and instantly updated before 'air'. This option is useful with pre-recorded news announcements, weather reports, etc. NOTE: Replacing 'Dynamic' items resets all 'Cue' points to the very end.

Hook: This is yet another powerful feature in the DRS 2006 Enterprise Package.  Most people in the broadcast industry refer to the chorus of a song as the 'Hook'.  In the 'Audio Options' portion of the Audio Manager you can define a 'Hook In' and 'Hook Out' point useful later in the On Air Studio. The 'Hook' button pictured here allows you to pre-listen to the portion you've selected to be the 'Hook' in the 'Audio Options' area which we'll define later.
HINT: Use CTRL-+ on your keyboard to access this feature quickly. The 'Hook' feature is not available until the 'Hook Out' time has been prescribed.

Stop: Stops playback of audio in the Audio Manager.
HINT: Use CTRL-0 on your keyboard to access this feature quickly.

Start: Starts playback of the item loaded into the Audio Manager from the beginning of the file.
HINT: Use CTRL-Enter on your keyboard to access this feature quickly.


Audio Options Area
****WARNING: It is important to note that clicking the mouse in the fader area of any 'Audio Option' will cause the fader to jump to that point automatically. To avoid undesirable edits of a particular option use 'TAB' or 'shift TAB' to jump through each fader area effectively highlighting the 'Hot Track'. You can also click directly on a fader to highlight the desired 'Audio Option'.****

Cue Fade In: Working directly with 'Cue In' dragging this fader allows you to set a number of seconds to fade up a cue point.
HINT: Click the fader knob and use the left & right arrows keys to move the fader in increments of seconds and CTRL+arrow keys for 10ths of a second. The big green arrows serve this same purpose in the 'Audio Options'.

Cue Fade Out: Working directly with 'Cue Out' dragging this fader allows you to set a number of seconds to fade out a cue point.
HINT: Click the fader knob and use the left & right arrows keys to move the fader in increments of seconds and CTRL+arrow keys for 10ths of a second. The big green arrows serve this same purpose in the 'Audio Options'.

Hook Fade In: Working directly with 'Hook In' dragging this fader allows you to set a number of seconds to fade up a hook point.
HINT: Click the fader knob and use the left & right arrows keys to move the fader in increments of seconds and CTRL+arrow keys for 10ths of a second. The big green arrows serve this same purpose in the 'Audio Options'.

Hook Fade Out: Working directly with 'Hook Out' dragging this fader allows you to set a number of seconds to fade out a hook point.
HINT: Click the fader knob and use the left & right arrows keys to move the fader in increments of seconds and CTRL+arrow keys for 10ths of a second. The big green arrows serve this same purpose in the 'Audio Options'.

****WARNING: It is important to note that clicking the mouse in the fader area of any 'Audio Option' will cause the fader to jump to that point automatically. To avoid undesirable edits of a particular option use 'TAB'or 'shift TAB' to jump through each fader area effectively highlighting the 'Hot Track'. You can also click directly on a fader to highlight the desired 'Audio Option'.****

Intro: Drag this fader to set the number of seconds leading up to the first vocal, music post or anything you consider an intro in an item. You can also 'SET' the intro of an item while in playback. Simply 'Start' playback and click the 'SET' button at the point you wish to mark the intro and you're done. To test this marker 'Stop' playback and click 'GO' on the right of the 'Intro' fader. The audio will begin playing back from the point immediately following the 'Intro' marker. HINT: Click the fader knob and use the left & right arrows keys to move the fader in increments of seconds. The big green arrows serve this same purpose.

Cue In: Drag this fader to set the number of seconds to cue in an item. You can also 'SET' the 'Cue In' of an item while in playback. Simply 'Start' playback and click the 'SET' button at the point you wish to mark the 'Cue In' and you're done. To test this marker 'Stop' playback and click 'GO' on the right of the 'Cue In' fader. The audio will begin playing back from the point immediately following the 'Cue In' marker.
HINT: Click the fader knob and use the left & right arrows keys to move the fader in increments of seconds and CTRL+arrow keys for 10ths of a second. The big green arrows serve this same purpose.

Cue Out: Drag this fader to set the number of seconds to cue out an item. You can also 'SET' the 'Cue Out' of an item while in playback. Simply 'Start' playback and click the 'SET' button at the point you wish to mark the 'Cue Out' and you're done. To test this marker 'Stop' playback and click 'GO' on the right of the 'Cue Out' fader. The audio will begin playing back from the point immediately following the 'Cue Out' marker.
HINT: Click the fader knob and use the left & right arrows keys to move the fader in increments of seconds and CTRL+arrow keys for 10ths of a second. The big green arrows serve this same purpose.

Hook In: Drag this fader to set the number of seconds where to begin the 'Hook' of an item. You can also 'SET' the 'Hook In' of an item while in playback. Simply 'Start' playback and click the 'SET' button at the point you wish to mark the 'Hook In' of the item. To test this marker 'Stop' playback and click 'GO' on the right of the 'Hook In' fader. The audio will begin playing back from the point immediately following the 'Hook In' marker. Don't forget to set the 'Hook Out' fader before trying to audition the 'Hook' using the big green 'Hook' button.
HINT: Click the fader knob and use the left & right arrows keys to move the fader in increments of seconds and CTRL+arrow keys for 10ths of a second. The big green arrows serve this same purpose.

Hook Out: Drag this fader to set the number of seconds where to end the 'Hook' of an item. You can also 'SET' the 'Hook Out' of an item while in playback. Simply 'Start' playback and click the 'SET' button at the point you wish to mark the 'Hook Out' of the item. To test this marker 'Stop' playback and click 'GO' on the right of the 'Hook Out' fader. The audio will begin playing back from the point immediately following the 'Hook Out' marker.
HINT: Click the fader knob and use the left & right arrows keys to move the fader in increments of seconds and CTRL+arrow keys for 10ths of a second. The big green arrows serve this same purpose.

Tracker: Drag this fader to a position marked by hour:minute:second:tenth you wish to begin playback of the item. You can also click anywhere in the 'Tracker' fader area to jump playback to that point in the item also.


Get To Know the Files In Your Database
Artist: Do I really need to explain Artist to you? Click 'Scan from Filename' to automatically insert the artist from your file.
NOTE: Files must be labeled 'artist - title.xxx' for this feature to work properly.

Title: Click 'Scan from Filename' to automatically insert the title from your file. NOTE: Files must be labeled 'artist - title.xxx' for this feature to work properly.

NOTE: You can also type the 'Artist' and 'Title' information directly into the corresponding boxes. Your input is automatically saved.


Filename: This string reflects the complete path where the item currently displayed in the Audio Manager interface is read from and can be located.

Auto Rename File: This option allows you to update the filename of an item with the information entered into the 'Artist' and 'Title' boxes if different from that of the filename as it exists now.
WARNING: Please only 'Auto Rename' files when you are certain they do not exist in current play lists and that they are New files that have been recently added to the database.

Category: A drop down list filled with the categories shipped with DRS 2006 Enterprise and those you've entered yourself. A 'Category' is a simple description of the sound of an item. Items may only have one category at a time.

Choose one and move on OR click the most curious 'More Scheduling Options' button.

More Scheduling Options: This is where DRS 2006 Enterprise shines. As the name suggests you can set additional values for each item in your database to better schedule them in the DRS 2006 'Music Scheduler'. You can choose a texture for an item, intensity, mood, gender, tempo, tempo in, tempo out as well as choose the days on which to play an item and exclude the others. Each attribute and its characteristics are listed below.
NOTE: Setting these options isn't necessary to use DRS 2006 Enterprise on the air effectively. These simply allow more control over the flow (sound) of your station's programming.

More Scheduling Options Explained
NOTE: The explanations of the following options in the Audio Manager 'Category' field are completely open to interpretation and are not necessarily the text book explanation commonly found in different broadcast corporations.

Texture: 'Texture' refers to an items overall sound. 'Texture' settings include Soft, Medium Soft, Medium, Medium Hard and Hard.

Intensity: 'Intensity' refers to an items perceived impact on the listener. 'Intensity' settings include Low, Medium Low, Medium, Medium High and High.

Mood: 'Mood' refers to an items overall mood or ambience.'Mood' settings include Low, Medium Low, Medium, Medium Up and Up.

Gender: 'Gender' refers to an items overall sexuality.(not that kind!) 'Gender' settings include Male, Female, Duet, Male Group and Female Group.

Tempo: 'Tempo' refers to an items overall speed. 'Tempo' settings include Slow, Medium Slow, Medium, Medium Fast and Fast.

Tempo In: 'Tempo In' refers to an items speed at the beginning of a file if different from the overall 'Tempo'. Settings include Slow, Medium Slow, Medium, Medium Fast and Fast.

Tempo Out: 'Tempo Out' refers to an items speed at the end of a file if different from the overall 'Tempo'. Settings include Slow, Medium Slow, Medium, Medium Fast and Fast.

Play On Day / Exclude Others: This options allows you to choose the days an item can be scheduled. Check the appropriate boxes next to each allowable day. Those not checked are considered excluded days and the item will not be scheduled on these days.

Play On Hours Only: In this option you can select a range of hours in which to schedule the item included in the 'Play On Day'. This is useful when airing a specialty show like"The 80's At Noon". You simply select the range to schedule play and the range to end schedule play. NOTE: You may leave this field empty or un-edited to allow ALL hours for schedule play on 'Play On Days'. If 'Play On Hours Only' and 'Exclude Hours' overlap, the 'Exclude Hours' will have the priority.

Exclude Hours: This option makes it possible to exclude a range of hours in your 'Play On Day' list for an item. Commonly referred to as Day parting 'Exclude Hours' allows a user to set a range of hours in which NOT to schedule an item. You may choose to allow play of a harder item only from 10pm - 5am. In this case simply exclude this item for a range set from 05 to 22 or 5am to 10pm. This same Day parting is easily done in 'Play On Hours Only' also only it works the opposite way. If 'Play On Hours Only' and 'Exclude Hours' overlap, they 'Exclude Hours' will have the priority.

Allow As Opener: This option allows you to choose whether or not an item can be scheduled out of a station ID, a set of commercials, or where ever you configure in your clocks an opener must be scheduled. An opener is generally considered a STRONG song.
NOTE: This box is checked as it is the default value for all new items added to your database.

Related Artist 1, 2, 3: These options allow you to specify up to three more items/artists in your database you'd like to separate from the item you're currently editing by a prescribed amount of time when scheduling or shuffling a playlist.
EXAMPLE: For an item like "George Michael" you can set the related artist to include "Wham!".


Get To Know the Files In Your Database cont.
Album: If this information is not contained within the MP3 tag of your item enter the 'Album' title in the box and it'll be saved automatically. You can optionally click 'More Title Information' to delve deeper and define an items unique characteristics.

More Title Information: Again, this is where DRS 2006 Enterprise shines. As the name suggests you can enter additional info about each item in your database to better identify it for research, in the 'Search Engine', for your listeners AND as a BONUS you can list this information dynamically for each item for view on the web with our new 'Webcasting Kit'. Below are explanations for all fields found within this incredibly useful tool. 

NOTE: Setting these options isn't necessary to use DRS 2006 Enterprise on the air effectively. These simply allow you to publish more information about an item to a web page for viewing by your listeners.

Record Label: Enter the artist's Record Label in this field or you can optionally use the drop down menu to select one from a previous entry.
NOTE: Drop down menus are enhanced by our 'Drop Down Assistant' making it possible to add a field's input to a growing list of selections available from which to choose.

Catalog Number: This information is commonly found on the spine on a compact disc or cassette case and refers to the artist's distribution label and the recordings reference number within the catalog. E.G. CK-68736, CDP-100TK7

Licensing Organization: Enter the artist's 'Licensing Organization' in this field or you can optionally use the drop down menu to select one from a previous entry.
NOTE: Drop down menus are enhanced by our 'Drop Down Assistant' making it possible to add a field's input to a growing list of selections available from which to choose.

Publisher: Enter the artist's 'Publisher' in this field or you can optionally use the drop down menu to select one from a previous entry.
NOTE: Drop down menus are enhanced by our 'Drop Down Assistant' making it possible to add a field's input to a growing list of selections available from which to choose.

Distributor: Enter the artist's 'Distributor' in this field or you can optionally use the drop down menu to select one from a previous entry.
NOTE: Drop down menus are enhanced by our 'Drop Down Assistant' making it possible to add a field's input to a growing list of selections available from which to choose.

IRPC: Enter the artist's 'IRPC' in this field. 

UPC: Enter the artist's 'UPC' in this field.

CD Number: If you have cataloged your CD collection and would like to refer to a specific CD within it using a 'CD Number', you may do so here. You can then optionally search for this 'CD Number' using the 'Search Engine' in the Audio Manager.

Track: Enter the 'Track' number of the song as it is referred to on its source media.

Cart Number: This field was one of THE most requested fields for DRS 2006 Enterprise. A 'Cart Number' is used to refer to an item located within a database of music stored on hard disk most commonly used in radio station broadcasts. As with most pre-packaged music databases available today, songs are organized numerically and not by Artist - Title. Cart is short for cartridge and these cartridges are still used today to store all types of audio used in day to day broadcasts in radio and television.

Internet Link: Enter the artists' website link or any URL in this field.
NOTE: Drop down menus are enhanced by our 'Drop Down Assistant' making it possible to add a field's input to a growing list of selections available from which to choose.

Comment: Input a custom comment regarding the item in this box.
NOTE: Drop down menus are enhanced by our 'Drop Down Assistant' making it possible to add a field's input to a growing list of selections available from which to choose.

Information: This is the date which the current item was entered/imported into the database.

Save and Exit: Save everything and exit 'More Title Information'. All information will be automatically saved.



S-Code Explained
The 'S-Code' box also shows you the total number of sound codes in the list.

S-Code: Short for Sound Code, 'S-Code' allows you to further define an items sound making it easy to quickly sort them with the 'Search Engine' for instant insertion into any playlist on the fly. Use the drop down menu to select one of many already available 'S-Codes' or click More to add your own to the list. After clicking More a box will pop up with an easily editable list of sound codes. Simply type in the desired name for your new sound code and click 'Add S-Code'. You can repeat this operation as many times as necessary before you 'Save and Exit'. You may now select your new 'S-Code' from the drop down menu. Cool!

The 'S-Code' attribute becomes very useful when using DRS 2006 Music Scheduler.



Entry Date & More

Entry Date: This information reflects the date the item in view was added to the database.
NOTE: This info is not editable.

By clicking the 'More' button seen here you will then see a new box pop up with another set of configurable data. Here you can choose when to allow an item to schedule by selecting a 'Start Date' and 'Kill Date'.

Move to Category at Date: This option allows you to prescribe a date on which to move the current item to another category. Use the drop down menu found here to easily select one of your categories to move the aforementioned item.
NOTE: 'Start Date', 'Kill Date' and 'Move to Category at Date' all feature fly out calendars which allow you to quickly skip through months of the year to find the appropriate dates and also remind you of the current date on the bottom of the calendar.



Remaining Item Information
Year: You can type the item's 'Year' directly into this field. MP3 tags allow you to insert this information directly into the file which is then imported along with the item and inserted into its proper place here in the Audio Manager.

End Style: Choose how the item ends in this drop down menu. The options here include F-Fade, C-Cold and CF-Cold Fade. These three are found to be the most common types of 'End Style'.

Full Time: This is the total length of the item in the Audio Manager window.
Recalculate: This option is useful if you replace the audio of a file but its' information remains the same. It's a good idea to recalculate the total length of an item after replacing the audio. When using 'Recalculate' all 'Cue' points remain intact. Cool!

Priority Index: This feature is THE most innovative in the DRS 2006 Enterprise Package. 'Priority Index' or 'PI' is a number ranging from 9999 to 1 given to an item when it's placed into a category in the Audio Manager. The range of the 'PI' is directly related to the allowable number of items in a category. This means there are a total of 9999 items allowed in a single category.

The 'Priority Index' number by itself means nothing but within a category it means everything. EXAMPLE: Let's say your Rock category contains 100 songs. Each song is given a number starting at 9999 and then counting down from there. Once each of those 100 songs has been numbered with a 'Priority Index', the song at the bottom of the list will be number 9899. The way 'Priority Index' works is by always scheduling or shuffling the song/item with the highest number in each category first. Immediately after a song/item has played it's given the lowest 'Priority Index' number relative to the number of items in the category. The item is then placed at the bottom of the list. All this happens at lightning speed and absolutely transparent to the DRSer.
NOTE: The 'PI' is not editable or configurable.


Clock: This is a clock. This is only a clock. :P