Dan Dugan Sound Design Model M Automatic Mixing Controller User Guide Release Date: November 2015 Version: 1.
Important Safety Instructions and Warnings The Model M’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 M 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 M 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 M User Guide Chapter 5: Dugan Control Panel Software ......................................... 25 Top Pane ................................................................................................... 26 Adding Units Manually ....................................................................... 27 Setting Controls ...................................................................................... 27 Naming Units and Channels .........................................................
Dugan Model M User Guide Master Panels ..................................................................................... 38 Music System Panel .................................................................. 38 Model K Devices Panel ............................................................. 39 Scenes Panel.............................................................................. 39 Chapter 6: Pre-fader Insert ................................................................................
Dugan Model M User Guide Chapter 8: Front Panel .......................................................................................... 49 All Channels Screen ............................................................................. 50 Channel Block Selection.................................................................... 50 Top Row............................................................................................... 50 Eight Channels Screen.............................................
Dugan Model M User Guide Chapter 1: Introduction The Dugan Model M 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. It detects which mics are being used and makes fast, transparent cross-fades, freeing the mixer to focus on balance and sound quality instead of being chained to the faders.
Dugan Model M User Guide The Model M 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 The Model M dramatically improves live mixing with multiple mics by: • eliminating late upcuts; • reducing PA feedback and studio noise; • reducing comb filtering from adjacent mics.
Dugan Model M 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. It is essential to distinguish this behavior from the annoying fluctuation of levels and uneven ambience in a conventional gating system.
Dugan Model M 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 M 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 M 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 M User Guide Theory of the Speech and Music Systems Gain Limiting Gain Limiting 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 M 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 M User Guide Connections Model M channels are patched as inserts to your console’s input channels. Where they are inserted depends on whether you are using the Dugan Speech System (see page 12), the Dugan Music System (see page 14), or both. NOTE: When an actor both sings and speaks, it is best to route the same mic through two Dugan channels (one for the Music and one for the Speech System) and switch between them. See Musical Theater on page 47 for more information.
Dugan Model M User Guide Installation ADAT Each of four ADAT connectors carries eight channels, two for input, two for output. 1. Connect console insert outputs to AUD IN 1–8 and AUD IN 9–16. 2. Connect AUD OUT 1–8 and AUD OUT 9–16 to the console insert inputs. Unprocessed Outputs Unprocessed splits of the input signals are always present on the outputs of the unused I/O connectors. These are typically sent to a multitrack recorder.
Dugan Model M User Guide Word Clock By default, Word Clock is derived from the active MADI or ADAT input. However, if a Word Clock signal is sent to WORD CLK IN, the Model M will use that as its Word Clock source. In all cases, the Word Clock output is sent to WORD CLK OUT. Network A network switch with three Ethernet connectors is provided as a convenience when connecting a computer and other devices into a network. One connector accepts Power over Ethernet (PoE).
Dugan Model M User Guide Chapter 4: Connecting to a Computer Two Java applets are provided with the Model M: • 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 M, or download the latest version from: http://www.dandugan.
Dugan Model M 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/ Figure 4-1 Dugan Utility 3. Wait a minute and if the list pane is blank, click Refresh List. If the list pane remains blank, proceed to Manually Add Unit below.
Dugan Model M User Guide Connecting to a Computer 6. Click Send New Params to Unit. 7. Click Refresh List. 8. Highlight the unit in the list pane again. If Unit Reachable is YES, this unit is ready to use with the Dugan Control Panel. If you have additional Dugan units to connect, select the next unit in the list and repeat Step 4. If you are finished with installation, proceed to Chapter 5: Dugan Control Panel Software. If Unit Reachable is NO, proceed to the next step. 9.
Dugan Model M User Guide Setting a Specific IP Address Users with IT 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. If the list pane displays Dugan units, continue. 3.
Dugan Model M 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 M 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 man, auto, mute, preset, music, NOM, override, group, weight, bypass, and channel name controls Master Pane OVERRIDE, PRESET, MUTE, meters, system, and reset controls Top Pane The Top Pane displays all connected Dugan units. The selected block is enclosed by a yellow rectangle.
Dugan Model M 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 M User Guide Channel Pane The Channel Pane contains the controls and indicators for each channel. Channels are either in bypass or one of three operating modes: man, auto, or mute. The active channel mode illuminates. All transitions are made with a smooth, rapid fade. Select a channel mode by pressing the individual mode buttons or the Master PRESET button. Figure 5-3 shows a typical system: channels 1–4 in auto with ambient noise, and channels 5–8 in mute.
Dugan Model M User Guide Dugan Control Panel Software Bypass When bypass is active, the signal passes through without automixing. A bypassed channel appears inactive, with all lights extinguished. Figure 5-4 bypass button lit Man and bypass modes are similar: • bypass makes an instantaneous transition, which can cause an audible click. • man performs a quick fade without sonic artifacts. To deactivate bypass, you can: • Click bypass again; - OR - • Click any of the three channel mode buttons.
Dugan Model M User Guide 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. Mute The channel is muted when mute is active. Preset Use the Preset function to store your favorite channel mode settings, which may be restored by pressing the Master PRESET button.
Dugan Model M User Guide Dugan Control Panel Software 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 M User Guide 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 M User Guide Dugan Control Panel Software 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 M User Guide Lowering the weight control for one channel: • decreases the auto mix gain display during ambience for that channel and increases it slightly for the others; • makes it more difficult for that channel’s talker to be heard over the others. For optimal performance, balance the weight controls so the channel gains display approximately equally when no one is talking. Figure 5-10 shows eight- and four-mic systems with appropriate auto mix gain displays when no one is talking.
Dugan Model M User Guide Dugan Control Panel Software 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 M. 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 M User Guide The Master indicators are: • online: lights when a unit is connected to the Dugan Control Panel • MADI-ADAT, norm-slave: show their rear panel switch settings • MADI: indicates a valid MADI source • clock lock: indicates a valid Word Clock source The Master controls, located on the far right, include reset, meters, system, OVERRIDE, PRESET, and MUTE. A set of OVERRIDE, PRESET, and MUTE buttons appears for each active group. Each control is discussed below.
Dugan Model M User Guide Dugan Control Panel Software System It is possible to have multiple systems on your network. For example, some facilities may wish to have one network serve separate studios. It is not desirable for these systems to interact or be viewed when using a different studio. The Model M allows you to create up to 16 separate systems on one network. Separating Systems To separate multiple systems: 1. Select the first unit to include in the system by clicking it in the Top Pane. 2.
Dugan Model M User Guide Group Master Controls The Master Pane displays a set of group master control buttons for each group in use. Override Activating the Master OVERRIDE button has the following effect on individual channels: • Channel override button active: puts the channel in man mode with full gain (no automixing); - OR - • Channel override button inactive: mutes the channel. De-activating the Master OVERRIDE button returns the channels to normal operation.
Dugan Model M User Guide Dugan Control Panel Software 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 M parameters except the MADI and network configurations, and the name of the unit.
Dugan Model M User Guide 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.
Dugan Model M User Guide Chapter 6: Pre-fader Insert The Dugan Speech System is more convenient to operate if patched post-fader. If your console allows a post-fader insert, skip this section. If you must use a pre-fader insert, this section describes how to properly mute and pre-listen to muted channels. Muting Channels Mics must be muted by using the mute buttons on the Dugan Control Panel. Pulling a fader down on the console will not properly mute a channel.
Dugan Model M 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 M User Guide Chapter 7: Dugan Music System and Gain Limiting Dugan Gain Limiting is typically used with the Dugan Music System. Dugan Music System The Dugan Music System is a soft-gating or ducking system with its threshold set by an audio side-chain, typically from a sensing mic that measures the ambient sound level. Each channel has a 2:1 expansion ratio below the floating threshold.
Dugan Model M User Guide Meter The meter can show the Music System Threshold Input level or NOM Gain Limiting. Clicking the title 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 M User Guide Dugan Music System and Gain Limiting To set up the Music System, you must send a music system threshold signal from the console to the Music System Threshold Input of a Dugan group: 1. Connect the sensing mic to an available console input. 2. Deselect all mix buses from that input strip. 3. Route that input’s direct out to an available MADI channel output. 4. Set the console input gain for the sensing mic 10–15 dB higher than the program mics.
Dugan Model M User Guide 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 on that stays above -3 dB gain for 0.5 seconds. When another mic passes the same criteria, it becomes the last hold mic. To activate the last hold function for a group, click that group’s last hold button.
Dugan Model M User Guide Dugan Music System and Gain Limiting 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.
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Dugan Model M 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 M 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 M 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 M 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 M 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 M 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 The two items in the top row, MENU and CHANS, jump to different screens. 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 35.
Dugan Model M User Guide MADI Configuration Screen This screen lets you choose which MADI channels to use with this device. All channels not used by this device are passed through. Figure 8-6 MADI Configuration screen Highlight either Start Channel No. or No. of Channels and turn the knob to set that parameter. The No. of Channels automatically shows the number of available channels based on the current Start Channel No. The No. of Channels can be adjusted independently.
Dugan Model M User Guide Front Panel Network Configuration Screen This screen lets you configure the network parameters for this device. Figure 8-7 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. Click SET to activate your edited settings or CANCEL to discard changes.
Dugan Model M User Guide Scene Memory Screen This screen lets you recall, save, and create a new scene. Scenes include all Model M parameters except the MADI and network configurations, and the name of the unit. The last Scene recalled shows in the Recall field. A * at the end of the Scene name indicates the Scene has been edited. Figure 8-8 Scene Memory screen To recall a Scene: 1. Turn the knob to scroll through Scenes, which display in alphanumeric order.
Dugan Model M User Guide Chapter 9: Updates Updates for the Model M 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 M 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. Click on Send New Params To Unit. 8. Click Update Firmware. The unit reboots after the update completes. 9.
Dugan Model M User Guide Appendix A: Specifications Audio MADI I/O ADAT I/O Gain Sample Rate 64 channels maximum, AES10 Optical or 75-ohm coaxial 16 channels Unity 96 kHz maximum Bit Depth 24 bit Audio Latency 2 ms Frequency Response Output Noise Distortion Linking 10 Hz – 48 kHz, 0.
