DESCRIPTION
The Extron DMP 128 Digital Matrix Processor is a 12x8 audio mixer featuring Extron ProDSP™, automixing, available AEC plus Dante™ audio networking, FlexInputs to process Dante channels in place of local mic/line inputs, and POTS analog phone interfacing. The DMP 128 Series offers a configuration approach to DSP that simplifies mixing, routing, conferencing, and room optimization. Quick and intuitive configuration using the DSP Configurator™ Software allows the DMP 128 to be installed in very little time, with easy-to-learn adjustments that can be heard in real‑time. A digital audio expansion port allows two DMP 128 units to be linked together to expand input and output signal management and routing capabilities. The DMP 128 is ideal for presentation and conferencing applications in boardrooms, courtrooms, and conference centers.ProDSP
Extron’s exclusive ProDSP is engineered from the ground up using a powerful 64‑bit floating point DSP engine to provide very wide dynamic range and reduce the potential for clipping. ProDSP also utilizes studio grade 24‑bit audio converters with 48 kHz sampling to maintain audio signal transparency. ProDSP is loaded with powerful, easy‑to‑configure tools to control level, dynamics, filters, delay, ducking, loudness, and feedback suppression.
Easy-to-Use DSP Configurator Software
The power of ProDSP is easily harnessed with the DSP Configurator Software. The flexible on‑screen layout offers fast access to all of the digital audio signal processing tools including level control, dynamics, filters, delay, ducking, loudness, feedback suppression, and matrix mixing. Designers can quickly get a snapshot view of the entire audio system, including processing blocks and routing assignments, all at once.
Flexible Routing Within the DMP 128
The DMP 128 features 12 mono mic/line inputs, eight with phantom power. These inputs can be matrix mixed into any of the eight output buses to create finely tuned audio zones for the corresponding outputs. In addition, the 12 inputs can also be routed to any of the eight “virtual” buses to allow inputs to be processed together as a group, before routing back into the output buses. If desired, input signals can be mixed with signal processing or automixing bypassed. The flexible routing and mixing capabilities within the DMP 128 allow system designers to create simple or complex signal management schemes to accommodate a wide variety of sound system application requirements.
Expanded Routing Across Two DMP 128 Processors
An expansion port allows any two DMP 128 models to be linked together via a single shielded CAT 6 cable. This allows eight matrix mixes of the inputs, plus eight virtual paths to be sent and received between units, for a total of 16 incoming and 16 outgoing buses. Each bus carries 24‑bit/48 kHz high resolution digital audio within the DMP 128. This expanded 16x16 I/O channel transport between devices allows designers to create audio mixes with advanced I/O and signal management scenarios combining the capabilities of two DMP 128 processors. The expansion port is also available on Extron DTP CrossPoint® matrix switchers. This allows an 8x16 I/O channel transport between the matrix switcher and the DMP 128 to expand the number of available audio inputs for a DTP System, and to offer additional capabilities such as automixing, AEC - acoustic echo cancellation with DMP 128 C models, and POTS analog phone interfacing with DMP 128 C P models.
Automixer
The DMP 128 features an automixer with gated and gain sharing modes for managing up to eight groups of microphone signals. Gating threshold, signal level reduction, and timing parameters are user-adjustable per channel. This allows for fine-tuning to avoid the “chopped” sound characteristic of a traditional automixer when a mic is gated off. As the number of active microphones is doubled, system gain is automatically reduced by half, uniformly attenuating microphone signal levels to minimize audible changes in the overall sound and the possibility of feedback. For a natural sounding mic mix, the automixer also offers a gain sharing mode when the NOM - number of open microphones is bypassed, allowing all mics to gate on. When a DMP 128 is linked to another unit through the expansion port, each incoming expansion bus can be assigned to an automixer gating group.
Acoustic Echo Cancellation
The DMP 128 C and DMP 128 C P models include Extron AEC for conferencing applications. AEC is essential for effective remote room-to-room conversations, ensuring clear, natural communication for all participants. These models include eight independent channels of high performance AEC, as well as selectable noise cancellation. AEC processing can be challenged by conditions such as double-talk, when talkers from both ends are speaking simultaneously, and when near end talkers use wireless microphones. Extron AEC features advanced algorithms that deliver fast echo canceler convergence for optimal intelligibility, even in challenging conditions.
The DSP Configurator Software simplifies AEC and noise cancellation setup with a user-friendly interface that provides real-time metering for ERL - echo return loss, ERLE - echo return loss enhancement, and TER - total echo reduction levels. Guided alerts appear whenever ERL is outside of the optimal range for echo cancellation. Optional settings include fine adjustments for NLP - non-linear processing to maximize AEC performance in acoustic environments with significant sonic reflections or reverberation.
FlexInput Channels on DMP 128 AT Models
Inputs 1 - 8 on Dante-equipped DMP 128 AT models offer FlexInput capability to route a Dante channel in place of a local mic/line input. The flexible input selection enables the DMP 128 AT to process audio from remote wireless microphones, wallplates, and other sources from anywhere on the Dante network. This allows incorporating the full range of DSP capabilities, including AEC, for incoming Dante channels.
Dante Audio Networking
Dante-equipped DMP 128 AT models provide scalable audio transport over a local area network using standard Internet protocols. Each DMP 128 AT sends out 24 channels of digital audio and can receive 56 channels over the network. A built-in four-port Gigabit switch also provides direct interconnection of multiple DMP 128 AT processors, plus AXP 50 C AT and AXP 64 C AT expansion processors to create larger, cost-effective audio matrixes. Additionally, the DMP 128 AT can be configured to support primary and redundant Dante audio networks.
Setting up a network of Extron digital audio processors requires Dante Controller software, in addition to the DSP Configurator Software. Dante Controller is also used to assign Dante channels from the network to the eight digital FlexInputs of the DMP 128 AT, for processing and routing Dante channels for local sound reinforcement systems via its physical outputs.
POTS Analog Telephone Capability
DMP 128 C P and DMP 128 C P AT models provide the ability to answer and initiate telephone calls to remote participants in a conferencing session. Two RJ-11 ports allow connection to a POTS line and a telephone handset. DMP 128 P models can be used over the PSTN - public switched telephone network and in a PBX - private branch exchange, and comply with all applicable US and international standards. The DSP Configurator Software facilitates quick and intuitive telephone setup, and includes a convenient phone dialer interface for setup and testing.
Extron recommends applying factory-configured Building Blocks to the telephone input and output channels. These Building Blocks allow fast and easy configuration of DSP settings for incoming and outgoing telephone signals, and help ensure optimal voice intelligibility, low noise, and protection from extremes in signal levels.
Versatile Control Options
The DMP 128 can conveniently be controlled and configured via RS-232 serial control, Ethernet control, or USB. It also includes digital I/O ports, which allow for external triggering such as mic activation and muting.
Features
* Six models with 12 mic/line inputs and 8 outputs — The DMP 128 offers signal routing and management for a wide range of sound system applications. It features 12 inputs for mic or line level signals, eight with 48 volt phantom power. The inputs can be routed and mixed to eight line level outputs.
* Inputs: 12 balanced or unbalanced mic/line level on 3.5 mm, 3‑pole and 6‑pole captive screw connectors
* Outputs: Eight balanced or unbalanced line level on 3.5 mm, 6‑pole captive screw connectors
* Models available with AEC, Dante™, and POTS
* Eight channels of AEC - acoustic echo cancellation — The DMP 128 C and DMP 128 C P models include eight independent channels of high performance AEC, as well as selectable noise cancellation. Extron AEC features advanced algorithms that deliver fast echo canceler convergence for optimal intelligibility in situations that challenge AEC performance, including double‑talk, and the use of wireless microphones at the near end.
* Analog phone interfacing with POTS line and handset connections — The DMP 128 C P and DMP 128 C P AT models provide POTS - analog telephone interface capability for answering and initiating calls to remote attendees participating in a conferencing session. Two RJ‑11 ports allow connection to a POTS line and telephone handset. DMP 128 C P and DMP 128 C P AT models can be used over the PSTN - public switched telephone network and in a PBX - private branch exchange.
* Built-in four-port Gigabit switch on DMP 128 AT models — Provides direct interconnection to additional DMP 128 AT and AXP Series units.
* Eight inputs with FlexInput capability to select between analog or Dante inputs on DMP 128 AT models — Offers the option to route either a local mic/line input or a Dante input through the processor on inputs 1 - 8 to allow remote wireless mics, wallplates, and sources from anywhere on the Dante network to be brought into the DMP 128 AT.
* Dante audio networking provides a wide range of expansion capabilities — Dante equipped DMP 128 AT models, in conjunction with the AXP 50 C AT or AXP 64 C AT, provide scalability for creating larger audio matrixes over a local area network using standard Internet protocols. Dante technology distributes up to 512x512 audio channels at 24‑bit/48 kHz over a single Gigabit Ethernet link. Each DMP 128 AT sends out 24 channels of 24‑bit/48 kHz digital audio and can receive 56 channels over the network. A built‑in four‑port Gigabit switch also provides direct interconnection of multiple DMP 128 AT and AXP Series units.
* Digital audio expansion port for linking two DMP 128 units — An expansion port allows any two DMP 128 models to be linked together via a single shielded CAT 6 cable. This allows eight matrix mixes of the inputs, plus eight virtual paths to be sent and received between units, for a total of 16 incoming and 16 outgoing buses. The expansion port is also compatible with Extron DTP CrossPoint® matrix switchers for an 8x16 I/O channel transport between devices. A 1 foot (0.3 m) shielded CAT 6 cable is included.
* Automixer with eight groups — The DMP 128 features an automixer with gated and gain sharing modes for managing up to eight groups of microphone signals. Gating threshold, signal level reduction, and timing parameters are user‑adjustable per channel, allowing for fine‑tuning to avoid the “chopped” sound characteristic of a traditional automixer when a mic is gated off.
* ProDSP™ 32/64‑bit floating point signal processing — The DMP 128 features 32/64‑bit floating point audio DSP processing, which maintains very wide dynamic range and audio signal transparency, to simplify management of gain staging while reducing the possibility of DSP signal clipping.
— The DMP 128 is equipped with selectable 48 volt phantom power for the first eight inputs, allowing the use of condenser microphones.
* Studio grade 24‑bit/48 kHz analog‑to‑digital and digital‑to‑analog converters — Professional converters fully preserve the integrity of the original audio signal.
* Low latency DSP processing — The DMP 128 features very low, deterministic latency from input to output, regardless of the number of active channels or processes. While latency increases in channels with AEC enabled, and marginally with the automixer, overall latency remains low. This keeps audio in sync with video, and prevents distractions to presenters or performers resulting from delayed live audio.
* DSP Configurator™ Software — A powerful yet user‑friendly PC‑based software tool for managing all audio operations of the DMP 128. It enables complete setup and configuration of digital audio processing tools on the ProDSP platform, as well as routing and mixing.
* Intuitive Graphical User Environment — The DSP Configurator Software features a Graphical User Environment that offers a clear view of all inputs and outputs, audio processing blocks, routing, mix points, and virtual routing in a single window. This allows a designer or installer to quickly view an audio configuration without having to access multiple windows or menus.
* Device Manager enables configuration of multiple Extron DSP products — Device Manager in the DSP Configurator Software enables easy configuration of multiple Extron DSP products, including linked or networked DMP 128 processors, by toggling between Graphical User Environments for each unit. Processors can be grouped into folders for organizing as separate rooms or buildings. Settings for multiple Extron DSP products in Device Manager can be saved to a single file.
* Flexible control options — The DMP 128 can be controlled using the DSP Configurator Software and a PC connection to the Ethernet port, the RS‑232 serial port, or the USB 2.0 port on the front panel. The DMP 128 can also be controlled through a control system with Extron SIS™ - Simple Instruction Set commands, and by accessing the internal Web pages.
* Copy and paste for processing blocks — To help speed audio system design and setup, parameter settings can be quickly copied between individual processing blocks or identical groups of blocks within the Graphical User Environment, using conventional cut‑and‑paste commands.
* Building Blocks processor settings — A collection of pre‑designed processor settings optimized for a specific type of input or output device, such as microphones and Extron speakers, with preset levels, filters, dynamics, and more. Flexible Building Blocks are available on each I/O strip and allow system designers to fully customize and save their own Building Blocks, further streamlining audio system design and integration.
* Live and Emulate operation modes with configuration file saving — Live mode allows integrators to connect to the DMP 128 and make live parameter adjustments while hearing or metering them in real‑time. This avoids the need to compile and upload a configuration file to the DSP. Emulate mode allows settings to be configured offline, then uploaded to the DMP 128. Additionally, current settings on a DMP 128 can be backed up to a configuration file for archiving.
* 32 DSP Configurator presets — Using the DSP Configurator Software, any parameters for DSP processing, levels, or audio routing can be saved as presets. These settings can be saved for the entire system, or any selected group of inputs, outputs, mix points, and DSP blocks.
* 20 digital I/O ports for remote control or feedback — Twenty configurable digital I/O ports are provided, so that the DMP 128 can be programmed to sense and then respond to external triggers such as mic activation, muting, and recall of presets.
* Triple matrix design provides output, virtual, and expansion routing options — The DMP 128 employs a triple matrix design that offers substantial flexibility in routing, mixing, and processing audio input sources. The primary output matrix allows any of the 12 inputs to be matrix mixed to any or all eight outputs. If desired, any of the inputs can first be directed into the virtual matrix, which routes the inputs to eight virtual buses, before being mixed back into the output matrix. Virtual buses allow inputs to be processed together as a group. The expansion matrix provides signal routing between a DMP 128 and another DMP 128 or an Extron DTP CrossPoint matrix switcher. The expansion matrix is also used on DMP 128 AT models to distribute and receive audio from the Dante network.
* Group masters — The DMP 128 provides the capability to consolidate gain or mute control throughout the system. Gain or mute controls can be selected and added to a group master, which can then be controlled by a single master fader or mute control. Each group master can have up to 16 members, and up to 32 group masters can be created.
* Soft limits provide optimal group master adjustment range — The group master volume range can be limited using soft limits to maintain optimal minimum and maximum levels when using external volume control. This prevents operators from over or under-adjusting levels when using digital I/O or RS‑232 control. The DSP Configurator Software provides quick drag‑and‑drop adjustment of soft limits from the Group Controls screen.
* SpeedNav™ keyboard navigation — SpeedNav enables user‑friendly, keyboard‑based navigation of the DSP Configurator Software without the need for a mouse or touchpad. Using keyboard navigation keys and shortcuts, the user can access any input or output, mix point, and all audio DSP tools. Using only the keyboard for software access can help expedite audio system setup and optimization while on‑site using laptop PCs.
* Front panel input and output signal presence and clipping LEDs — The DMP 128 provides LEDs on the front panel for each input and output, for real‑time monitoring of signal presence. A separate LED illuminates as a warning whenever analog signal clipping is detected.
* Front panel USB configuration port — Enables easy configuration without having to access the processor's rear panel.
* Ethernet monitoring and control — Engineered to meet the needs of professional AV environments, Ethernet control enables the DMP 128 to be proactively monitored and managed over a LAN, WAN, or the Internet, using standard TCP/IP protocols.
* Rack‑mountable 1U, full rack width metal enclosure
* Highly reliable, energy‑efficient internal universal power supply — The 100‑240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, international power supply provides worldwide power compatibility with high demonstrated reliability.
Note: Dante™ is a trademark of Audinate® Pty Ltd.
