home ... previous article ... next article
DP548
Dynamic Audio Management
Software
Manual (19.4 meg)
Datasheet (2.9 meg)
Overview
Much more than a sum of its parts, the new DP548 dynamic management takes the features of the 4 Series products and adds the equivalent of four D2 dynamic equalisers across the inputs and four units' worth of C2 compressors across the outputs (8 individual channels), along with a new matrix mixing mode.
All the original features and sound quality of the 4 Series are preserved and expanded upon using a newer DSP platform, and with some never before seen ground breaking features in AudioCore, it all makes for a new dynamic combination...
DP548 Features
It's a long list to cover, but for those who have never used a 4 Series unit, there is a formidable array of tools availble to cater for your creative as well as your control/corrective needs.
Each input has a 28 band graphic EQ that can be configured to model either our own GQ600, or older inductor based designs such as the DN27.
There are an additional 8 bands of “traditional” parametric EQ on each input. All parametric sections can be reconfigured to many alternate filter behaviours, including the familiar high and low shelves and notch filters, but along with bandpass, elliptic and variable ‘Q’ shapes, and phase adjustment, in 2 degree steps.
On top of all this EQ that you might be used to comes the incredibly powerful dynamic EQ. Three bands of SiDD’s dynamic EQ are available on each input, with all four modes of operation supported (so, cut/boost either above or below the threshold). Each band will cover the full 20-20k range and has controls for envelope (attack/release) as well as setting the maximum allowable amount of gain adjustment and choosing the “strength” of the effect (the ratio in dynamics terms).
Dynamic EQ may be stored in its own memories, as can graphic EQ settings, all other input settings or all output settings, and every combination of these if necessary!
Considering how daunting this could be, and it is all still editable via the front panel, AudioCore opens up the dynamic EQ ediitng in an incredibly intuitive manner.
Routing inputs to outputs is as flexible as ever with any input or combination of inputs being switchable to any output, and there are various useful templates to get you started (along with default crossover points to help).
The DP548 also supports a full matrix mixing mode where inputs may be mixed in any ratio to any outputs with four “sends” being available on each output channel instead of just switching on/off.
Looking at output sections, the requisite crossover filters offer slopes from 6dB/Octave up to 48dB/Octave. Nine more bands of parametric EQ follow and then we have a a choice of dynamics useful for protection or for creative use.
Before the limiter sections there is now a fully featured compressor with variable knee to turn it from a safe corrective tool with hard knee to a gentler (but still with a high ratio if required) effect that only makes its presence felt gradually as the threshold is approached and exceeded.
Each output also features a combination of limiters - a limiter designed to protect individual drivers from over-heating, and an additional look-ahead “D-Max” limiter for added safety and to prevent driver over-excursion.
Add to this sub-millimetre accuracy when introducing time alignment with completely flexible ganging of all channels, and it can be seen that the DP548 will fit the bill in any situation.
To give you a few ideas of how you might use the unit, we have compiled some suggestions here.
DP548 Specifications
- Inputs Electronically balanced (transformers optional) AES/EBU (selectable) fitted as standard to all Series 4 units
- Impedance >10k ohms CMRR >65dB 50Hz - 10kHz
- Outputs All electronically balanced (transformers optional) AES/EBU fitted as standard to all Series 4 units
- Source Imp < 60ohms
- Minimum Load 600ohm
- Maximum Level +20dBm into 600 ohm load
- Sampling Rate DP548 – Up to 96kHz internal, up to 192kHz can be accepted and converted.
- Frequency Response ±0.5dB 10Hz - 32kHz
- Dynamic Range >116dB 20Hz -20kHz.
- Unwtd Distortion < 0.001% @ 1kHz, +10dBm
- Maximum Delay 650 mS. (increment 0.325 µs steps)
- Output gain Adjustable +15dB to -40dB in 0.1 dB steps and mute
Equalisation: - Filters Parametrics - 8 Per input / 9 per output
- Additional filters 28-band graphic on each input
- Each parametric can be switched to Bandpass, Allpass, Notch, VariQ, Shelf and Elliptical response
- Phase filtering - 2 degree steps on each input and output
Crossover Filters: - Bessel / Butterworth 6/12/18/24/48dB per octave
and Linkwitz-Riley 12/24/48dB per octave
Dynamic EQ: - 3 bands per input
- Parametric behaviour - 19.7Hz - 32kHz ‘Q’ 0.4 - 128,
- Max gain automatic gain adjustment 18dB
- Max ratio (cut above mode) 4:1
- Max ratio (all other modes) 2:1
- Attack 70uS - 2.0 Seconds
- Release 11mS - 3.4 Seconds
Compressor: - One per output
- Max ratio 16:1
- Variable knee - 12 steps + Off (Hard)
- Attack 70uS - 2.0 Seconds
- Release 11mS - 3.4 Seconds
Mix matrix mode: - Input sends to each output continuously variable from -40.0dB to _15.0dB in 0.1dB steps plus OFF,
Limiter: - Threshold +22dBu to -10dBu
- Attack time 0.3 to 90 milliseconds
- Release time 4, 8, 16 or 32 times the attack time
Clip/D-max Limiter : - Look-ahead attack time,
- Fast, Medium or Slow release times
Connectors: - Inputs 3 pin female XLR
- Outputs 3 pin male XLR
- RS485 In/Out XLRs
- RS232 9 Pin (Female) D Connector
- Power 3 pin IEC
- Power 60VAC - 240VAC
- Consumption < 40 watts
- Weight 3.5kg. Net (5kg. Shipping)
- Size 1.75"(1U) x 19" x 12" (44 x 482 x 305mm) excluding connectors
Due to continuing product improvement the above specifications are subject to change
home ... previous article ... next article