Topic: DSP matrix/mixer (Read 15844 times)

Tony Grimwood · « **on:** June 06, 2004, 06:21:05 PM »

I'm looking for a DSP controller for install work. What I'm after would ideally have 8 line inputs, 8 outputs, assignable in any combination and would boast useful features like eq, dynamics and delay. Something like the dbx zonepro with more ins and outs. One-button recall of various preset configurations and remote control ability would also be highly desirable. any suggestions welcomed.

Cheers,
Tony

Karl P(eterson) · « **Reply #1 on:** June 06, 2004, 07:02:05 PM »

A few recommendations.

Allen Heath iDR
BSS Soundweb
Biamp Audia Flex
Yamaha (is supposed to have a compatible system any time now i here)
Media Matrix

BSS is probably the most popular for this type of work with Biamp/MM trailing a bit behing (in my observations) I dont see Allen Heath stuff around a lot, but I like what I see.

Karl P

Dan Timon · « **Reply #2 on:** June 07, 2004, 09:26:37 AM »

In addition to Karl's suggestions, Polycom Vortex EF2280, and ClearOne XAP800 will fit the bill. Both are addressable via RS232 for remote control applications, using Crestron, AMX or PC controllers or other simple RS232 controllers.

Dan

Too Tall (Curtis H. List) · « **Reply #3 on:** June 07, 2004, 11:37:52 AM »

TonyTech wrote on Sun, 06 June 2004 18:21

I'm looking for a DSP controller for install work. What I'm after would ideally have 8 line inputs, 8 outputs, assignable in any combination and would boast useful features like eq, dynamics and delay. Something like the dbx zonepro with more ins and outs. One-button recall of various preset configurations and remote control ability would also be highly desirable. any suggestions welcomed.

Cheers,
Tony

Try the Lectrosonics DM 16/24

Deigital automatic matrix mixer.
16 in and 24 out for under US$4k.

I know it is more then you need, but look at the price.

http://www.lectrosonics.com/lecnet/dm1624.htm

Too Tall

Tony Grimwood · « **Reply #4 on:** June 07, 2004, 08:03:00 PM »

Quote:

BSS is probably the most popular for this type of work with Biamp/MM trailing a bit behing (in my observations) I dont see Allen Heath stuff around a lot, but I like what I see.

I've used the Allen & Heath DR66 in one of my systems and liked its feature set. The only downside is that if you need delay, it's an optional plug-in that costs.

Thanks to all for the suggestions - some interesting products out there.

Tony

Mick_LoMauro · « **Reply #5 on:** June 08, 2004, 01:58:42 PM »

Take a look at the Architectural Acoustics Digitool

Digitool

Mike Pyle · « **Reply #6 on:** June 12, 2004, 07:42:25 AM »

Take a look at this and let me know what you think.

http://www.eawcommercial.com/en/products/digital/dx10.shtml

I've just picked up a nice used one but haven't rounded up all the connectors to try it out yet.

Tony Grimwood · « **Reply #7 on:** June 12, 2004, 07:32:00 PM »

The Mackie box looks good, but as always, economics are the secret police of my (and the client's) desires. I'll pick up the phone tomorrow - it's Sunday morning here right now - and get a price from the local representative.

cheers,

Tony

Carey Davies · « **Reply #8 on:** June 17, 2004, 09:18:57 AM »

[quote title=TonyTech wrote on Tue, 08 June 2004 01:03]

Quote:

I've used the Allen & Heath DR66 in one of my systems and liked its feature set. The only downside is that if you need delay, it's an optional plug-in that costs. Tony

Note that the iDR Series is our (A&H) new generation of DSP/matrix mixers. The iDR-4 is the equivalent of the DR66, as is the iDR-8 for the DR128. The new series has many improvements and advantages over the DR, including built-in rather than optional delay. Further info on our new site for the iDR www.idrseries.com.
Regards,
Carey (A&H design)

Alex-Skip-Welti · « **Reply #9 on:** June 19, 2004, 10:20:12 AM »

BSS Soundwebs? Then you could expand the mixer by plugging in more boxes...

Brian Bolly · « **Reply #10 on:** June 25, 2004, 07:35:46 PM »

If you are a Mackie/EAW dealer, I know that the DX810 can be had for a very reasonable price.

I have used them in several high-profile installations and while the software GUI can be a little quirky, it works. There is a decent amount of DSP available, it has RS232 controlability, and can be set up with its own remote control system for much less than an AMX/Crestron control system (albeit not as cool).

If you want more info, feel free to contact me OB.

-Brian

Don DeLong · « **Reply #11 on:** July 06, 2004, 11:41:23 PM »

We just installed one of the Mackie DX810 (actually came with RCF badging ironically) in a country club that needed basically background music and paging in 9 zones, plus the ability to input mics (both wired and wireless) into the system amongst various ballrooms, etc. I was satisfied with the ease of programming it, although the "combine" feature was a bit clutsy to learn, but overall very intuitive.

One drawback is that all program changes are global, so if you want to change from all the ballrooms playing Muzak, to all the ballrooms having mics hot then all other zones default back to however you saved the preset, e.g. Muzak at a nominal level in most rooms. This typically wouldn't be a problem except that you are limited to 9 of the remote modules, which can be any combination of volume controls or 4 button programmable pads which can change programs or activate room combinations, etc.

So, for example, one of the zones in this particular install is a bar. Behind the bar are 2 of the 9 remote wallplates, a volume control for Muzak, and a volume control for a CD player. There is a line into the DX810 from a wall mounted plasma screen TV also in the bar, and it is set at a nominal level in the program and the bartender can control its volume with the TV remote control. No problems so far, but when someone across the building decides to change presets from Muzak to mics in the ballrooms, suddenly the bar goes silent until the bartender turns up the volume control again.

Other than this somewhat serious limitation, the DX810 sounds good, and has plenty of features at a good price.

Hope this helps,
Don

wesburgh · « **Reply #12 on:** August 04, 2004, 06:44:31 PM »

Here's my three cents. BSS-pricey for your application, great stuff though, networking expandability if you gonna need that in the future. Same thoughts on Peavey(Arch Acou.) Media Matrix. Digitool box is not nearly as flexible, and I've already had two on jobs with firmware failures. Polycom and Gentner(ClearOne) boxes are cumbersome unless you're doing lots of Crestron/AMX control and audio conferencing. I have no experience with the Allen & Heath or Biamp DSP's. I've heard A&H should stick to the great consoles they make. The RANE RPM series is kickin ass in my book so far. I've put ten or twelve out now and they're all smokin. Great software interface, tons of DSP power and delay time. No fromt panel control but they have great little remotes. Presets are also recallable via contact closure. They're also bout a grand less than BSS or Peavey usually. Please email me with any DSP application questions. It's become a hobby of sorts.
Wes.

Dexx · « **Reply #13 on:** September 08, 2004, 03:14:59 PM »

I'm Sort of surprised that no one has mentionned Symetrix Symnet(TM). I have found Symetrix products to be an intelligent contribution to the installed sound market at large and Symnet is no exception. It is available in the configuration you are looking for,and there are plenty of peripheral products to make the integration that much easier.The designer software (used to program Symnet is in my opinion more intuitive than Soundweb and Biamp's offering. The architechture is 100% flexible (drag and drop devices and then connect the dots to make the magic happen).

A very important point to mention is that the people at Symetrix actually are listening to the designers and contractors that use their DSP devices and adapt very quickly to the demands placed upon them.

I have used their DSP equipment as well as tons of the contracting stuff and I have never been left holding the bag. Take the time to consider this ... visit www.symetrixaudio.com

Carey Davies · « **Reply #14 on:** September 23, 2004, 09:30:16 AM »

wesburgh wrote on Wed, 04 August 2004 23:44

Here's my three cents. (snip) I have no experience with the Allen & Heath or Biamp DSP's. I've heard A&H should stick to the great consoles they make. Wes.

mmm... who have you heard that from? We have been in the business of making digital DSP/matrix units for almost 10 years with the DR and more recently the iDR Series. These products are well established and reliable, and the software well advanced to cover the most demanding applications. We are quite excited about the capability and sound of the iDR. I am not aware of any problem with the suitability of these products for their installed sound and system management application. Please let me know if you get specific details on what has been said.
Many thanks,
Carey (A&H design)

Karl P(eterson) · « **Reply #15 on:** September 23, 2004, 12:40:25 PM »

Personaly, I think you guys make a great DSP System which (IMO) is much more suited for installed sound / system management than other fields such as concert touring or the like.
That being said, (and I have no idea if this is what Wes heard), I have heard many grumbles about your software being complex and sometimes downright difficult to navigate and work with. Its possible that could be part of what Wes is refering to have heard. Remember this was about a year and a halveish ago, so any major changes since then I am not aware of. I haven't heard question of the hardware though - solid stuff methinks.

Karl " 01000100-01101001-01100111-01101001-01110100-01100001-011011 00-00100000-01000010-01100001-01100010-01111001 " P

Bill Ford · « **Reply #16 on:** September 30, 2004, 11:48:18 AM »

Regarding DSP/Matrix controllers Wesburgh wrote:
"Here's my three cents. BSS-pricey for your application, great stuff though, networking expandability if you gonna need that in the future. Same thoughts on Peavey(Arch Acou.) Media Matrix. Digitool box is not nearly as flexible, and I've already had two on jobs with firmware failures. ............. The RANE RPM series.......They're also bout a grand less than BSS or Peavey usually."

As the National Sales Manager for Architectural Acoustics, I'd like to respond by saying that the Architecutral Acoustics Digitool and the MediaMatrix systems are two completly different things. MediaMatrix is often more expensive than the Rane or BiAmp products (depending on the system and capabilities needed), but the Digitool 8x8 DSP is ALWAYS less expensive than the Rane RPM, BiAMp Audia, BSS Soundweb Lite or the MAckie DX 810.

I'm sorry to hear that he had firmware problems with our device and would be happy to replace any unit he has installed that has a problem. We have had many software and firmware upgrades in the two years the units have been in the field, and have sold thousands. The Architecteural Acoustics Digitool is by far the most widely used 8x8 DSP unit on the market for installed systems.

Phil Ouellette · « **Reply #17 on:** October 24, 2004, 08:39:02 PM »

What do you guys think about the Ashly Protea 24.24M matrix processor? The base 4 x 4 unit lists for $1600 ($1K street price) and is expandable up to a max of 20 x 4 or 4 x 20. Expansion is via 4 channel input or output plug in cards that list for $400 each ($250 street). So an 8 x 8 version would list for $2400 and have a street price around $1500.

http://www.ashly.com/product/d_matrix.htm

Inputs are switchable between mic preamps (with phantom power) or line level. Each input has delay, 15 band parametric eq, gate, ducker and autoleveling. Each output is fed from the crosspoint matrix mixer and has HPF, LPF, 15 parametric eq, delay and limiting.

The 24.24M has 35 presets and you can select them using contact closure inputs or through the data port. Ashly has 3 different wall mount remotes: One with dual volume controls, one with 4 preset select buttons and a programmable unit that lets you control volume, scroll through the presets, control input/output gain, etc.

http://www.ashly.com/product/d_acc.htm

I've used the Protea 4.24C processor in portable systems and really like it. The 24.24M looks like a very interesting option for permanent installs. Has anybody tried this model yet?

Phil

CAD Services · « **Reply #18 on:** April 11, 2005, 06:51:38 AM »

Phil,

I noticed your location is Spartanburg, if that is Spartanburg SC, than a 24.24M install is close by.

We have a 24.24M in the new Summit Pointe, I would be happy to show it to you.

Paul Mattson (864)576-4138 Ext 211

air-geko · « **Reply #19 on:** April 11, 2005, 02:41:45 PM »

I would strongly suggest Symetrix Symnet. The software is clear and easy to both design and use, and the support is excellent. Check it out, you'll like what you see!

Keith

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Author Topic: DSP matrix/mixer (Read 15844 times)