Operation Manual

Surround capabilities 45
DL371 Audio System Engine
Operator Manual
Surround capabilities
Theatres and broadcast have differing requirements for surround and both are catered
for in the PRO6.
Conventional stereo and SIS™ panning is assignable on a channel by channel basis
(channel one can be in stereo while channel two can be in SIS™), as follows:
• Stereo left–right routing to master buses.
• SIS™ left–right–centre routing to master buses.
Three additional surround modes operate as follows:
• Quad left – Right – LS – RS routing to Matrix 1, 2, 5 and 6.
• Surround Left – Right – Centre – Surround routing to Matrix 1, 2, 3, and 5 and 6.
• 5.1 Surround Left – Right – Centre – Sub – LS – RS routing to Matrix 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
and 6.
Network
The MidasNET network of the PRO6 utilises the physical connectivity of Ethernet
(EtherCon® connectors and Cat 5e/copper cable), but replaces its data protocol with
AES50 protocol (implemented as SuperMac) and the HyperMac high capacity system,
which are more suited to high quality, low latency audio distribution. The use of the
AES standard allows straightforward interfacing with any third party hardware that also
utilises this connection.
MidasNET connections carry digital audio, control data and standard Ethernet traffic
bi-directionally down a single cable. Cat 5e cable is used for the ‘local’ connections and
the single digital ‘snake’ (equivalent to a 384-channel analogue multi-core) between
control centre and DL371 Audio System Engine. The combination of audio, control,
clock and third party Ethernet data in a single network means that the hardware
interfaces on a single RJ45 connection.
All system connections are duplicated for full dual redundancy.
Reliability (redundancy)
All critical system connections and most components incorporate integral backup and
recovery strategies such as redeployment of resources, N+1 or dual redundancy etc. A
modular approach to software, hardware and physical construction also aids reliability
and simplifies servicing. The following lists some examples:
• The DL371 Audio System Engine incorporates N+1 redundant power supplies and
five modules, with the capability to fit an optional sixth spare module. The standard
failure recovery for modules will be redeployment of critical roles typically causing
loss of some less important inputs. With the optional sixth module fitted, the system
will operate as N+1 and there will be no loss of function after redeployment.
• The router is contained in the same rack and incorporates dual HyperMAC
connections in and out.
• The control centre contains dual redundant master controllers, dual GUI screens and
N+1 redundant power supplies.
• The I/O is modular in blocks of eight to limit the potential for total audio connection
failure and incorporates dual redundant power supplies.
This resilience strategy provides high reliability performance at a reasonable cost
because it is designed in from the start and not as an afterthought.