The Model E-1 Automatic Mixing Controller helps professional audio mixers handle multiple live mic without having to continually ride their individual faders. This eight-channel 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. The Model E-1's voice-controlled crossfades track unscripted dialogue perfectly, eliminating cueing mistakes and late fade-ups while avoiding the choppy and distracting effects common to noise gates. Without the need for gating, a natural low-level room ambience is maintained.
The Model E-1 dramatically improves the performance of live mixing with multiple mikes:
The Model E-1 supports a broad spectrum of live mixing applications, including:
The Dugan Speech System automatically manages any number of live mikes in an unpredictable dialogue situation. The above illustration shows the Speech System in action, with four snapshots of a three mike system under different conditions of stimulation. The top row represents the sound levels at the mics. The bottom row shows the gains the Speech System will apply. For instance, in the first frame no one is speaking, so the inputs are riding at a medium gain, adding up to the gain of one mike. In the second frame, one person is speaking. You'll notice that the talker's gain automatically turns up full, while the other inputs are turned down. In the third frame, another person speaks and the gain automatically shifts to that input, while the other inputs are turned down. And in the fourth frame, when two people speak simultaneously, the gain is automatically shared between them, while the third is turned down.
The level LED indicates when the audio level is within the range for correct processing. It should stay illuminated when the room is quiet. If it goes out, the input gain on the mixing board should be increased until the level is sufficient. A five-LED ladder, the same as on the original Model D, indicates the gain that the automatic mixing function is applying to the channel. The bypass button disables automixing and passes the channel through unchanged. The mute button mutes the channel. When the controller is patched pre-fader (true for most mixing boards), mics should be muted here, not on the mixer.
An internal Web server downloads a Java applet that provides a real-time remote control panel in any Web Browser.
The Model E's eight analog inputs and outputs are on TRS connectors. Digital I/O is via ADAT Lightpipes. Multiple units can be linked in a ring using the ADAT optical LINK connectors. The ANALOG/DIG switch selects the input--both outputs are always active. The NORM/SLAVE switch sets the mode for linking--one unit must be the master. The +4/-10 switch adjusts the side-chain sensitivity for professional or consumer levels. The 10/100BASE-T jack accesses an internal web server for remote control and firmware updates.
The Model E-1 is made in the U.S.A. The unit is designed to meet applicable national safety standards. A hard-wire bypass relay in each channel patches all channels through when power is off. For more information about the Model E-1, or to place an order, contact Dan Dugan Sound Design at (415) 821-9776 voice; (415) 826-7699 fax.
Audio Inputs: unbalanced, 6K ohm, -22 to +4 dBu nominal level, +21 dBu maximum
Audio Outputs: unbalanced, 100 ohm source, will drive a 600 ohm load
Maximum Output: +21 dBu
Output Noise: less than -91 dBu (A-wtd); 112 dBA dynamic range
Digital I/O: ADAT optical, 48 KHz or 44.1 KHz 24-bit
Frequency Response: 10 Hz to 22 KHz, +0/-1 dB
Crosstalk: -81 dB at 20 KHz
Distortion: less than .003% THD+N at +21 dBu
Gain: unity
A/D-D/A: 48 KHz, 24-bit (will operate with 44.1 kHz digital I/O)
Audio Latency: 0.6 ms
Linking: optical, up to 8 units (64 channels) may be linked in a ring
Links with models D-2, D-3, and E
Connectors:
Audio: .25" tip-ring-sleeve; tip input, ring output
10/100 BASE T: RJ-45
Linking and Digital I/O: ADAT optical
Power: coaxial 5.5 mm o.d., 2 mm i.d.
Power:
Nominal 12 VDC, 1.3A maximum
Accepts 9-24 VDC, either polarity, or 9-18 VAC
Separate power supply unit:
Input 120VAC, 60 Hz, 27W, output 12 VDC, 1500 mA
Approved UL, CUL
Dimensions: 8.75" x 1.75" x 8.3" depth behind panel (22.2 cm x 4.5 cm x 21 cm)
Adaptors supplied for mounting one or two units in 1 RU of 19" rack
Weight: 3.3 lb (1.5 Kg)
in shipping box with power supply, 5.0 lb (2.3 Kg)
Warranty: one year, parts and labor