Dan Dugan Sound Design Model N Automatic Mixing Controller User Guide Release Date: November 2015 Version: 1.
Important Safety Instructions and Warnings The Model N’s circuitry is made in the USA and meets applicable national safety standards. Standards Compliance The third-party power supply provided with this product has been certified to comply with UL and CE. Safety Instructions 1. Read these instructions. 2. Keep these instructions. 3. Heed all warnings. 4. Follow all instructions. 5. Do not use this apparatus near water. 6.
Warranty Statement Warranty: One year parts and labor Dan Dugan Sound Design warrants that Model N hardware will be free from defects in components and workmanship for a period of 12 months from the date of invoice. During the warranty period, Dan Dugan Sound Design will cover the cost of all parts and labor to remedy the defect, or replace products which prove to be defective.
Dugan Model N User Guide Table of Contents Chapter 1: Introduction .......................................................................................... 9 Chapter 2: Theory of the Speech and Music Systems .............. 11 Dugan Speech System........................................................................ 11 Insert Patching .................................................................................... 12 Dugan Music System ................................................................
Dugan Model N User Guide Naming Units and Channels ............................................................. 29 Channel Pane .......................................................................................... 30 Level Indicator..................................................................................... 31 Bypass.................................................................................................. 31 Channel Modes...............................................................
Dugan Model N User Guide Chapter 6: Pre-fader Insert ................................................................................ 45 Workaround to Create Post-fader Insert...................................... 45 Using a Pre-fader Insert ...................................................................... 45 Muting Channels................................................................................. 45 Pre-listening to Muted Channels ......................................................
Dugan Model N User Guide Chapter 8: Front Panel .......................................................................................... 53 All Channels Screen ............................................................................. 54 Channel Block Selection.................................................................... 54 Top Row............................................................................................... 54 Eight Channels Screen.............................................
Dugan Model N User Guide Chapter 1: Introduction The Dugan Model N Automatic Mixing Controller helps professional audio mixers handle multiple live mics without having to continually ride their individual faders. This signal processor patches into the input insert points of an audio mixing console. Each mic channel is processed in the Dugan controller and returned to the console for mixing.
Dugan Model N User Guide The Model N supports a broad spectrum of live mixing applications: • Conference reinforcement, video trucks • Houses of worship • TV news and sports panels, reality and game shows • Wireless mics for theater • Boardrooms and civic meeting rooms • Teleconferencing and distance learning 10
Dugan Model N User Guide Chapter 2: Theory of the Speech and Music Systems Dugan Speech System The Dugan Speech System is a patented and trademarked automatic mixing function. The Speech System distributes the gain of one open microphone over the entire system, maintaining a natural ambience. This is nothing like the annoying fluctuation of levels and uneven ambience in a conventional gating system. The system automatically manages any number of live mics in unpredictable dialogue situations.
Dugan Model N User Guide Insert Patching DUGAN CONTROLLER ALGORITHM WEIGHT DCA CONSOLE FADER MICROPHONE INPUT MIX BUS EQ INSERT POINT INSERT POINT INSERT POINT Figure 2-2 Post-fader insert patching The Dugan Speech System is best patched post-EQ, post-fader, pre-compressor: • Post-EQ: Equalization can be applied to different mic types so they sound more alike, which benefits both the sound quality and the automixing process.
Dugan Model N User Guide Theory of the Speech and Music Systems Dugan Music System Music System The Music System is a soft-gating or ducking system with its threshold set by an audio signal, typically from a mic measuring the ambient sound level. Each channel has a 2:1 expansion ratio below the floating threshold. The Music System can also be used to duck an audience mix when the people on stage talk, attenuating the sound of the PA in the room.
Dugan Model N User Guide Insert Patching DUGAN CONTROLLER ALGORITHM WEIGHT DCA CONSOLE FADER MICROPHONE INPUT MIX BUS EQ INSERT POINT INSERT POINT INSERT POINT Figure 2-4 Pre-fader insert patching The Dugan Music System is best patched post-EQ, pre-fader, pre-compressor: • Post-EQ: Equalization can be applied to different mic types so they sound more alike, which benefits both the sound quality and the automixing process.
Dugan Model N User Guide Theory of the Speech and Music Systems Gain Limiting Gain Limiting is used along with the Music System—the Speech System doesn’t need it. It reduces master gain as new mics become active, thus avoiding feedback and noise. This is commonly called NOM (number of open mics) gain adjustment. Unlike NOM functions on other systems, Dugan Gain Limiting does not base its gain limiting calculation on the number of open mics.
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Dugan Model N User Guide Installation Chapter 3: Installation Rack Mounting One or two half-rack-sized Dugan controllers can be mounted in a single rack space. Each unit ships with one long and one short rack ear and one joining plate. Two units provide the necessary parts for mounting side-by-side. The rack ears for older half-rack Dugans differ slightly from the current design, but the joining plates are the same.
Dugan Model N User Guide Figure 3-1 Model N rear panel connectors The DANTE–ADAT switch selects whether the input is derived from the DANTE (up position) or ADAT (down position) connectors. In the ADAT position, the LINK connectors are re-purposed to carry eight additional ADAT channels with a software switch (see below). Dante and Network Dante connections can carry up to 64 audio channels. You can select a block of channels for Dugan processing.
Dugan Model N User Guide Installation The LINK connectors can be repurposed to provide eight additional ADAT I/O channels, for a total of 16: 1. In the Master Pane of the Dugan Control Panel, click the ADAT button. It toggles between 8 and 16. You can also do this from the front panel’s MENU screen. 2. Connect console insert sends (outputs) to AUD IN 1–8 and, if in 16 mode, AUD IN 9–16. 3. Connect AUD OUT 1–8 and, if in 16 mode, AUD OUT 9–16 to the console insert returns (inputs).
Dugan Model N User Guide Word Clock By default, Word Clock is derived from the active Dante or ADAT input. However, if a Word Clock signal is sent to WORD CLK IN, the Model N will use that as its Word Clock source. In all cases, the Word Clock output is sent to WORD CLK OUT. Power A power connector accepts a locking power cable. In an emergency, the Model N can accept power supplies within the range 12–24 VDC, 2 A (minimum), center pin positive.
Dugan Model N User Guide Chapter 4: Connecting to a Computer Two Java applets are provided with the Model N: • The Dugan Utility helps you connect to a network. It is also used to update the firmware (see Chapter 9: Updates). • The Dugan Control Panel offers convenient monitoring and operational capabilities. Insert the USB thumb drive supplied with the Model N, or download the latest version from: http://www.dandugan.
Dugan Model N User Guide Establishing Network Connections iPad We recommend using a computer to complete your network connection before using the iPad app. 1. Launch Dugan-Utility-yyyymmdd.jar. 2. If the Dugan Utility does not launch, install the latest version of Java from: http://www.java.com/en/ This link locates you to obtain the necessary Java Runtime Environment. If you are asked to download the Java Development Kit, you are in the wrong place. Figure 4-1 Dugan Utility 3.
Dugan Model N User Guide Connecting to a Computer 4. Click on the first unit in the list so it is highlighted. The Network Parameters section displays information about that unit. If Unit Reachable is YES, you are ready to use the Dugan Control Panel with that unit. If you have additional Dugan units to connect, select the next unit in the list and repeat this step. If you are finished with installation, proceed to Chapter 4: Dugan Control Panel. If Unit Reachable is NO, proceed to the next step. 5.
Dugan Model N User Guide Manually Add Unit A router may be configured to reject broadcast packets, in which case the unit will not appear in the Dugan Utility list pane. You can manually add the unit, but you must first find its IP address. To determine the IP address: 1. On the front panel, select MENU by pressing the up and left navigation arrows. 2. Press ENTER. The MENU screen appears. 3. Select Network Configuration by pressing the up and down navigation arrows. 4. Press ENTER.
Dugan Model N User Guide Connecting to a Computer Setting a Specific IP Address Users with network expertise can set a specific IP address for any Dugan unit on the network. Operating the real-time Dugan Control Panel requires that the Dugan unit and computer be on the same subnet. 1. Launch Dugan-Utility-vxx.jar. Figure 4-2 Dugan Utility 2. Wait a minute and if the list pane is blank, click Refresh List. If the list pane remains blank, skip back to Manually Add Unit above.
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Dugan Model N User Guide Chapter 5: Dugan Control Panel Software The Dugan Control Panel software has both Java and iPad versions. This chapter discusses the Java version. The few differences in the iPad app are noted. NOTE: After configuring settings with the Dugan Control Panel, it can be disconnected. All settings are retained and the unit continues to function on its own. Figure 5-1 Dugan Control Panel Launch the Dugan-Control-Panel-vxxx.jar.
Dugan Model N User Guide The Dugan Control Panel has three panes. The controls displayed in these panes depend on which Dugan device is selected in the Top Pane. Top Pane Icons for all connected Dugan units Channel Pane Controls for individual channels Master Pane Controls for groups a, b, and c Top Pane The Top Pane displays all connected Dugan units. The selected block is enclosed by a yellow rectangle. These channels are shown in the Channel Pane.
Dugan Model N User Guide Dugan Control Panel Software Adding Units Manually To add a unit with a known IP address manually, click the + sign at the right of the Top Pane and enter the IP address in the dialog that appears. To display a unit’s IP address, hover the mouse over the unit’s name. Setting Controls Controls can be adjusted five ways: • Enter a dB value in the numeric field. • Drag in the numeric field (not on iPad). When a slider is present: • Drag the slider up or down.
Dugan Model N User Guide Channel Pane The Channel Pane contains all channels in the selected block of the Top Pane (highlighted with the yellow rectangle). If your screen is wider, you can display more channels by stretching from the right margin. Otherwise, you can use the scroll bar at the bottom to see additional channels, or select a different block in the Top Pane. Channels are either in bypass or one of three operating modes: man, auto, or mute. The active channel mode illuminates.
Dugan Model N User Guide Dugan Control Panel Software Level Indicator Each channel has a level LED that lights green when the audio level is adequate for automatic mixing. It should remain green when no one is talking. • If the level indicator blinks, raise the console’s channel input gain. If the channel input gain is already set to its maximum, raise all the weight controls an equal amount (e.g., from 0 to +5). • If the level LED lights red, lower the console’s channel input gain.
Dugan Model N User Guide Channel Modes There are three channel modes: man, auto, and mute. Changing modes initiates a half-second fade to the new mode. Like radio buttons, you can only choose one mode at a time. Figure 5-5 Channel modes Man In man mode there is no automixing, and the signal passes through at unity gain. Even though man and bypass modes perform similar functions, we recommend using man during live mixing to prevent clicks. Auto This is the normal Dugan automixing mode.
Dugan Model N User Guide Dugan Control Panel Software Preset Use the Preset function to store your favorite channel mode settings, which may be restored by pressing the Master PRESET button. When the unit powers up, the channels default to their preset modes. To set channel presets: 1. Click the channel preset button next to the desired channel mode button. 2. For all unused channels, click the preset button next to the mute button.
Dugan Model N User Guide Channel Groups Each channel can be assigned to one group: a, b, or c. Each group functions as a separate, independent automatic mixer that can span multiple linked Dugans. Channels assigned to groups need not be contiguous. Applications where groups are helpful include: • Separate Rooms: Assign the mics in each room to different groups so they function as separate automatic mixers.
Dugan Model N User Guide Dugan Control Panel Software Meters The meters have three display modes. The default mode is auto mix gain, which is the most useful display during normal operation. The input and output meters are only used when setting or checking levels. Table 5-1 Meter modes auto mix gain input output Meter Displays Meter Color action of the Dugan Speech System green input level yellow output level blue Click on the Master meters button to cycle through the three meter display modes.
Dugan Model N User Guide It is important to understand that weight does not set that mic’s level in the mix when that person speaks, but only its sensitivity in activating automatic mixing. The Speech System detects the ratios of the levels between channels, not their absolute levels. The weight control is not a gate threshold! The following example illustrates how weight affects auto mix gain (see Figure 5-9).
Dugan Model N User Guide Dugan Control Panel Software Figure 5-10 shows eight- and four-mic systems with appropriate auto mix gain displays when no one is talking. Figure 5-10 Multiple mic ambience: auto mix gain hovers around -9 dB for eight mics, -6 dB for four mics You can perform the following functions using the weight controls: • If there is ongoing noise near one mic (e.g., computer fan or air vent), suppress it by reducing that channel’s weight.
Dugan Model N User Guide Master Pane The content of the Master Pane changes to reflect the Dugan device selected. In the figure below, the selected device is a Model N. The following version numbers are displayed below the Dugan logo. • the selected unit’s firmware • the currently running Control Panel (CP-J) software This section documents the Master Pane’s controls and indicators.
Dugan Model N User Guide Dugan Control Panel Software The Master indicators are shown in Figure 5-11: • online: Lights when a unit is connected to the Dugan Control Panel • Dante-ADAT, NORM-SLAVE: Show their rear panel switch settings • Dante: Indicates a valid Dante source • 48k lock/96k lock: Indicates a valid Word Clock source The Master controls are also shown in Figure 5-11 and are discussed below. A set of OVERRIDE, PRESET, and MUTE buttons appears for each active group.
Dugan Model N User Guide Click on clock source to override the automatically assigned clock source to select your own. Clock sources can be DANTE IN, WDCLK, INTERNAL, and ADAT. See Menu Screen on page 57 for more information. All mute LEDs flash together if there is no valid clock source. This typically means the unit has no digital signal at the inputs. NOTE: The Dante network sample rate can be set in the Dante Controller software. System It is possible to have multiple systems on your network.
Dugan Model N User Guide Dugan Control Panel Software Manually added units must also be removed manually. To remove manually added units from the Top Pane, shift-click on the + sign. A dialog appears to confirm that they have been removed. To restore automatic detection, Ctrl-click on the + sign, which turns white. Group Master Controls The Master Pane displays a set of group master control buttons for each group in use.
Dugan Model N User Guide Model K Devices Panel This panel lets you pair this instance of the Dugan Control Panel with a Model K Tactile Control Panel. When they are paired, selecting a block of eight channels on one also selects it on the other. Figure 5-12 Model K panel Scenes Panel This panel lets you create, recall, save, rename, and delete scenes. Scenes include all Model N parameters except the Dante and network configurations, and the name of the unit.
Dugan Model N User Guide Dugan Control Panel Software The current Scene name appears at the top of the Scene panel. A * at the end of the name indicates the Scene has been edited. Select Global to record Scenes for all connected units. Deselect Global to restrict Scene save and recall to the current unit. NOTE: You cannot Save or Delete the Factory Defaults Scene. To create a new Scene: 1. Click the New button. The Scene name dialog appears with an automatically generated name highlighted. 2.
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Dugan Model N User Guide Chapter 6: Pre-fader Insert The Dugan Speech System will work patched either pre- or post-fader, but it is more convenient to operate post-fader. If your console allows a post-fader insert, skip this chapter. Workaround to Create Post-fader Insert If your console has direct outputs and enough extra inputs, you can create post-fader inserts (see figure below).
Dugan Model N User Guide To properly mute a channel: • With the console faders up, adjust levels while people are talking, and mute a mic by clicking the channel mute button on the Dugan Control Panel. Enable the mic by activating the auto button. Muting mics does not alter the overall ambient sound mix: the Speech System raises the ambient gains of the other mics to compensate for the gain subtracted by muting a mic. This occurs during ambience without input to any mic.
Dugan Model N User Guide Chapter 7: Dugan Music System and Gain Limiting Dugan Gain Limiting is typically used with the Dugan Music System. To learn more about these concepts, see Chapter 2: Theory of the Speech and Music Systems. Dugan Music System The Dugan Music System is a soft-gating or ducking system with its threshold set by an audio side-chain input, the Music System Threshold Input. Each channel has a 2:1 expansion ratio below the floating threshold.
Dugan Model N User Guide Meter The meter can show the Music System Threshold Input level or NOM Gain Limiting. Clicking the title button toggles between them. NOM Gain Limit This field controls the NOM (Number-of-Open-Mics) Gain Limit. Enter a new value from 1 to 10. Music System Threshold Input Channel This sets the channel from which the Music System in this group derives its threshold. Music System Threshold Input Level This control sets the input level for this group’s Music System Threshold.
Dugan Model N User Guide Dugan Music System and Gain Limiting Using a Sensing Mic Consider the following before placing a sensing mic: • Use the same type of mic for program and sensing applications. • Place the sensing mic in the same area, and pointing in the same direction as the program mics. This samples, as closely as possible, the ambient sound picked up by the program mics. • Do not place the sensing mic close to an individual voice or instrument.
Dugan Model N User Guide Completing Setup of the Music System To continue setting up the Music System (sensing mic or submix): 1. On the Dugan’s Channel Pane, activate the music button on the desired channels. The music tab will appear on the Master Pane when at least one channel is assigned to the Music System. 2. Click the music tab on the right margin of the Master Pane to open the Music System panel. A column of controls appears for each group with at least one active music channel. 3.
Dugan Model N User Guide Dugan Music System and Gain Limiting Controlling Ambience Unlike the Speech System, the Music System does not maintain constant ambience. To smooth out the ambience, two methods can be used separately or together: • The last hold function keeps the last mic used at full gain. The last hold is activated when a channel’s gain stays above -3 dB gain for 0.5 seconds. When another mic passes the same criteria, it becomes the last hold mic.
Dugan Model N User Guide Gain Limiting and the Speech System The Speech System always maintains NOM = 1, which makes Gain Limiting unnecessary. Typically, the NOM controls have no effect when using the Speech System. However, the NOM function can help avoid feedback when: • mics are switched to manual; - OR - • the Master OVERRIDE button is pressed with multiple mics selected. If either case applies, 1. Turn on NOM for all channels. 2. Set the NOM gain limit field to 1.
Dugan Model N User Guide Chapter 8: Front Panel Since the front panel is so small, use the Dugan Control Panel on a computer or iPad if available. If necessary, the Model N front panel can perform all operations of the Dugan Control Panel except editing names. It has a display, navigation arrow buttons, and a dual-function encoder knob that can be pushed or turned. The cursor is a box around a selected item that is moved using the navigation arrow buttons.
Dugan Model N User Guide All Channels Screen This displays the status of all channels, and like the Top Pane in the Dugan Control Panel, allows you to select a block of eight channels to view in detail. Channel Block Selection To view a block of eight channels in detail: 1. Use the navigation arrows or turn the knob to select the desired block. 2. Press the ENTER button or the knob to switch the display to that eightchannel block.
Dugan Model N User Guide Front Panel Eight Channels Screen This miniature version of the Dugan Control Panel displays real-time channel activity, and can be used to operate the unit if necessary. The screen has three navigable sections: The top row, the miniature control panel, and the double arrows in the bottom row. NOTE: The miniature control panel uses the full screen height. For navigation purposes, the top row items are above the controls, and the double arrows are below them.
Dugan Model N User Guide Channel Controls The Dugan Control Panel’s controls are all available. Each control’s label and value appear on the right side of the screen when that control is selected.
Dugan Model N User Guide Front Panel Group Master Screen Each group with channels assigned to it has a Group Master screen. Figure 8-4 Group Master screen Top Row Clicking the BACK item returns you to the previous screen. Group Master Controls Nine items can be highlighted. The double arrow jumps to other groups if present (the arrows will be inactive if no other groups exist). To learn about these group controls, see Master Pane on page 38.
Dugan Model N User Guide Although you probably will not need to set a Sync source manually, you can do this by selecting the desired source and pressing ENTER. NOTE: The INTERNAL Sync source setting (48k only) is provided for test purposes. The Dugan is not normally used as the sync master. Select 8 or 16 for the # ADAT CHANNELS. Linking is not available in 16 mode. Note that when Dante is selected, the ADAT output channels mirror the first 8 or 16 Dante inputs.
Dugan Model N User Guide Front Panel Three Networks: Redundant Dante and Control (with Daisy Chain) This is the default network setting and is optimal because: • A redundant Dante network provides automatic backup if the primary network fails. • A separate control network allows Dugan Control Panel software to run on a LAN, which can include the Internet. This keeps the critical Dante audio network safe from intrusion. • A switch is provided to daisy chain the control network to other Dugan units.
Dugan Model N User Guide Two Networks: Dante and Control (both with Daisy Chain) This is the same as the configuration above but without a redundant Dante network. Dante Controller software refers to this as switched mode. • The Dante network has a daisy chain connection for other Dante devices. • A separate control network allows Dugan Control Panel software to run on a LAN, which can include the Internet. This keeps the critical Dante audio network safe from intrusion.
Dugan Model N User Guide Front Panel Two Networks: Redundant Dante (Control on Primary) This provides a redundant Dante network but includes the Dugan Control Panels only on the Primary network. If the Primary network fails, the Secondary network continues to function but without the Dugan Control Panels. The Dugan continues to operate normally without the Control Panels, and settings can be made on the Dugan front panel.
Dugan Model N User Guide Control Network Configuration Screen This screen lets you configure the control network parameters for this device. Connect your Dugan Control Panels to this port. Figure 8-11 Control Network Configuration screen We recommend selecting DHCP which will supply valid IP Address, Netmask, and Gateway values automatically. Those users familiar with network settings can enter them manually. Navigate to the desired group field and turn the knob to change the value.
Dugan Model N User Guide Front Panel Scene Memory Screen This screen lets you recall, save, and create a new scene. Scenes include all Model N parameters except the Dante and network configurations, and the name of the unit. The last Scene recalled shows at the top of the screen. A * at the end of the Active Scene name indicates it has been edited and does not match the stored Scene. Figure 8-12 Scene Memory screen To recall a Scene: 1.
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Dugan Model N User Guide Chapter 9: Updates Updates for the Model N can be downloaded. iPad To update your Dugan unit firmware, iPad users must connect their Dugan to a computer and run the Dugan Utility. To update the Dugan Control Panel for iPad, connect to the Apple App Store. To update your device’s software and firmware: 1. Connect to the Internet and download Dugan-Software-yyyymmdd.zip from: http://www.dandugan.
Dugan Model N User Guide Figure 9-1 Dugan Utility If you do not see the Dugan unit(s) on your network in the list, see Establishing Network Connections on page 22. 5. Select the unit to update from the list. 6. Make sure Use DHCP is NOT selected for that unit. Under certain network conditions, DHCP is not compatible with the firmware update process. 7. If you have deselected Use DHCP, click on Send New Params To Unit. 8. Click Update Firmware. The unit reboots after the update completes. 9.
Dugan Model N User Guide Appendix A: Specifications Audio Dante I/O 64 channels maximum, primary and secondary ADAT I/O 16 channels Gain Sample Rate Unity 96 kHz maximum Bit Depth 24 bit Audio Latency 2 ms Frequency Response Output Noise Distortion Linking 10 Hz – 48 kHz, 0.
