DMC Mastering Console Manual
Content DMC Version 1.
Content Control Elements 14 Inputs (1-4) 16 L Off and R Off 16 L Phase and R Phase 16 Input Trim L / Input Trim R 16 Input Trim -0+ Switch 16 Recording Gain 16 Recording Gain On 17 Mono 17 Insert 17 Insert Return Trim L / Insert Return Trim R 17 Insert Return Trim -0+ Switch 17 Sources (1-4) 17 Source 17 Interval Auto Bypass (Insert/Off/Source) 18 Speaker /Lautsprecher (Speakers A - D) 18 Sub 18 Phonitor / HP Out 18 GPI (General Purpose Interface) 19 Monitoring Level 19 Monitoring - Dim -
Version 1.1 – 03 / 2018 Developer: Bastian Neu This manual includes a description of the product but no guarantee as for specific characteristics or successful results. Unless stated otherwise, everything herein corresponds to the technical status at the time of delivery of the product and user manual by SPL electronics GmbH. The design and circuitry are under continuous development and improvement. Technical specifications are subject to change.
Introduction The centerpiece of your mastering studio The new DMC Mastering Console – modell 1690/1694 is engineered from the ground-up making it not only more flexible with better specs than SPL’s previous console, but also more ergonomic and sized to fit in all types of studio furniture. The 3RU console has 4 stereo inputs and 4 stereo sources, with 2 stereo recording outputs, as well as 3 stereo and 2 mono speaker outputs that can be expanded with the new MC16 controller.
Technical Aspects 120 Volt Technology SPL‘s goal was to push analog signal processing to the limits. That‘s why we combined the best possible components with a high-grade optimized circuit design. We have been using the in-house developed 120-volt technology - the highest-ever operating voltage used for audio applications - in all our products from the Mastering series for years.
Technical Aspects 120 Volt Technology - Diagrams These diagrams clearly show the advantages of our 120-volt technology in comparison to other circuits with a lower operating voltage. The direct relation between operating level and maximum level is fundamental for the classification: the higher the operating level, the higher the maximum level a circuit can handle.
Installation Voltage Selection Before connecting the DMC Mastering Console to the mains, make sure that the voltage selection corresponds to the values of your local power grid (230 or 115 volts). Inside the power connec- tor, to the right, next to the on/off switch, there is an opening that displays the voltage selected.
Cabling: Rear Side XLR inputs and outputs We used exclusively Switchcraft/Neutrik XLR input and output plugs to guarantee perfect connectivity in the studio. They provide an optimal connection thanks to their electromechanical design and large contact surface. The image shows the XLR connectors pinout. They are balanced and have three conductors or wires. Conductor 2 (Pin 2) corresponds to the (+) or hot Signal.
Cabling: Rear Side INSERT RETURN SUB PHONITOR/HP OUT R L Mono SUB/MONO FUSES METERING OUTPUTS R L SUB/MONO GND LIFT SUB/MONO GPI Mono 5 Insert Send 6 Insert Return 7 Recording Out 1 / Recording Out 2 SOURCE 1 L R Mono R 4 Sources (Source 1 - 4) SUB SPEAKER D Mono R R L L SPEAKERS C R 3 Inputs (Input 1 - 4) 8 Speakers (Speaker A - D) SOURCE 2 L R PHONITOR/HP OUT 2 Ground-Lift (see details on page 8) 8 L INS R SOURCE 4 L 1 Voltage (see details on page 7) 9 Sub R B L
Cabling: Rear Side SUB/MONO LFE fr. MC16 L R L INPUT 2 R SPEAKERS A SPEAKERS B S SP L R L R L L SPEAKERS A L R R RECORDING OUT 2 L R L SPEAKERS B L R L RECORDING OUT 2 INPUT 1 L R INPUT 4 L R R INPUT 2 L R RECORDING OUT 1 INPUT 3 L R L L INPUT 3 R L R L/R to MC16 INPUT 1 INSE R L L SC R L INSERT SEND L INPUT 4 R R L/R from MC16 L L L/R from MC16 E1 SUB/MONO LFE fr.
Rear Side: Connections Inputs (1-4) The DMC offers four balanced stereo input pairs of the category “Inputs”. These are female XLR plugs. All sources, which are routed through the Insert or rather should be recorded through the Recording Output, should be connected to these inputs. Sources (1-4) Furthermore the DMC offers four stereo input pairs of the category “Sources”.
Rear Side: Connections Speakers (Speaker A - D) The DMC offers four different loudspeaker outputs. Three stereo output pairs and a mono output. All four outputs are balanced and provide male XLR connection jacks. Speakers A and C are perfectly suited for connecting different stereo loudspeakers. You can (for example) connect a mono speaker to Speaker D. With the Speaker buttons on the front of the DMC you can activate an output simultaneously at a time.
Rear Side: Connections Multichannel Monitoring with the MC 16 You can pair the DMC with the SPL MC 16 (Multichannel Mastering Monitor Controller) for surround and immersive audio applications. This way, Dolby Atmos® or Auro 3D® projects can be realized. The MC 16 is world’s first analog 16 channel monitoring controller. Mastering studios often use the L/R speakers and the subwoofer for stereo and multichannel monitoring.
Rear Side: Connections Pairing DMC and MC 16 The following diagram shows an example of the pairing of DMC and MC 16 for a 16 channel surround setup.
Control Elements Inputs Sources R Ø DMC 2 dB Mono Auto Byp. UT T RIM INP1.5 1.75 R -9 1. + 0 0. Sound Performance Lab 6.0 • 0.25 0. 2 L Off and R Off 3 L Phase and R Phase 4 Input Trim L and Input Trim R 5 Input Trim -0+ Switch 6 Recording Gain 7 Recording Gain On 8 Mono 9 Insert 10 Insert Return Trim L and Insert Return Trim R 11 Insert Return Trim -0+ Switch 12 Sources (Sources 1 - 4) 13 Source Insert Off Source Insert 4. 4. dB 1.0 – Source 0.75 + dB 5 1.0 0.75 – 0 3.0 3.
Control Elements GPI C D -2 37 -34 -41 -32 -46 5 0 dB -5 IN -80 1. + 5 dB 4. 4. dB 1.0 – 0.75 0 + 0 0. 1. 1.0 2. 25 3.0 0.75 RE T URN RT 1.5 1.75 T RIM 2.5 3.0 0 – A Bastian Neu Design 0 2.5 5 SE Model 1690 6.0 • 0.25 IN R Ø 0 25 L Ø R 2. R Solo 5 RE T URN RT 1.5 1.75 T RIM L Solo L 6.0 • 0.25 0. Audio Rail SE Mute -1 . Insert Off Source Insert 11 -8.0 -14 -5.
Control Elements Inputs (1-4) With the four buttons of the Inputs section, you can select between the four different stereo inputs of the category inputs. This selected source can be routed with the Insert and recorded with the Recording Output. Only one button can be activated in this section. If another button is pushed, this button is activated. A multiple selection is not possible. The current selection is visualized by the button lighting up.
Control Elements Recording Gain On If the Recording Gain button is activated, the Recording Gain control is in the signal path. Mono By using the Mono button, the input signal can be switched from mono to stereo. If the button is activated, the mono signal is also at the Insert and Recording Out. Insert With the Insert button you can activate the Insert to loop external hardware. When the Insert button is activated, the signal is sent by the Insert Send and returned to the DMC by the Insert Return.
Control Elements Interval Auto Bypass (Insert/Off/Source) The DMC Mastering Console provides an Auto-Bypass switch with three possible settings. In the center position “Off” the Auto-Bypass is deactivated. In position “Insert” the Insert is activated and deactivated within a selected time frame, chosen with the Interval control.
Control Elements GPI (General Purpose Interface) The GPI button is a helpful feature. It can (for example) be used to run a red light or an electric door-opener. The GPI button is isolated and it is possible to operate with voltages up to 24V with it. GPI supports button and switch modes. To switch between these two modes, push the GPI and the Mute button at the same time until the GPI button blinks.
Control Elements Monitoring - Mono The Mono switch represents the sum of the stereo monitoring channel. The Mono signal is present on both channels. The Mono switch allows you to test the mono compatibility of a mix. This Mono switch only occurs in the monitoring section and does not affect the Recording Outs or the Insert! Monitoring - Mute With the Mute switch all monitoring outputs are turned off, without you having to change the level setting at the monitoring level control.
Control Elements Signal Path Monitoring Path Recording Output Inputs 4 x Stereo L Off R Off Direct Input Direct Input Monitor Selector Metering Outputs Phase Rev L / R 1x Stereo 1xMono Monitoring / Speakers Solo L/R Phase rev L/R Mono Mute Monitor Level Offset Input Trims L/R Monitor Level Control Mono Phonitor / HP Out External Processors Insert On Dim -20dB Insert Return Trims Rec Gain Regler Rec Gain On Speakers 3x Stereo 1x Mono 1x Sub Recoding Output 2 x Stereo 21
Specifications Measurements Inputs Max. Input Level ........................................................................................... + 32.5 dBu Input Inpedance ............................................................................................ 20 kOhms (balanced) Ausgangsdaten Max. Output Level ......................................................................................... + 32.5 dBu Output Inpedance ........................................................................
Security Advices Connections Only use the connections as described. Other connections can lead to health risks and damage the equipment. Water and humidity Do not use this device anywhere near water (for example in a bath room, a damp cellar, near swimming pools, or similar environments). Otherwise your are dealing with an extremely high risk of fatal electrical shocks! Insertion of objects or fluids Be careful to not insert any object into any of the chassis openings.
Security Advices Controls and switches Operate the controls and switches only as described in the manual. Incorrect adjustments outside safe parameters can lead to damage and unnecessary repair costs. Never use the switches or level controls to effect excessive or extreme changes.
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L Ø 1.0 2. 1.75 I 25 1.5 T T RIM L NPU – R Ø R Off 4 2 dB 0 + 3 6.7 -5.2 -4.2 -3 .2 5 -8. -2 . .5 0.5 5 -1. 1.0 1.6 Sound Performance Lab dB 0 Recording Gain 2 – dB 0 + 1.75 2. T T RIM R NPU I 1.5 25 Mono Rec Gain On 3 1 Sources Insert Source 120V DC Audio Rail Insert Off Source Auto Byp. Interval C 4 mastering console A 2 DMC Date: 3.0 1.0 R 1.5 25 SE D B Sub – Phonitor HP Out 1.75 RIM 2.
