Yamaha Introduces DME32 Digital Mixing EngineExpandable 32-in/32-out Programmable Processor
September 28, 1999
Yamaha has introduced a very powerful programmable DSP
engine that is sure to make a an impact. In an announcement at New York's fabled
Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall on September 23, the company debuted the DME32
Digital Mixing Engine, a 32-input, 32-output processor which is expandable to
128 inputs and 128 outputs with 32 cascade buses.
Utilizing the newest, most powerful Yamaha proprietary DSP technology, the
versatile DME32 is suitable for a wide variety of applications including: installed
sound systems, submixing, loudspeaker system controller, matrix/routing and multi-effects
unit. High sonic fidelity is maintained with 32-bit resolution and operation at
a 48 kHz sampling rate. Parameter adjustments, scene changes and other functions
can be accessed from the front panel of the 3U rack-space unit. With four MY card
slots, a wide assortment of digital and analog I/O is also available.
The DME32 is easily programmed in an intuitive "block diagram" style
using proprietary software and an outboard computer. The software offers a wide
palette of DSP "components" which are available from pull-down menus.
A functional system can be designed on the screen simply by drawing a line from
the output of one "component" to the input of another. Cost savings,
simplicity of operation and a high degree of reliability are the trademarks of
DME32 as it does not require a dedicated (and vulnerable) computer to run the
audio system! Once the DME32 is programmed and configured for the particular application,
the computer is no longer needed and parameters can be accessed from the front
panel, which contains assignable controls and a numeric keypad.
The assortment of DSP "components" includes: mixing consoles, parametric
and graphic EQs, dynamics processors (compressor, noise gate, expander, compander,
ducker), delays, crossovers, automatic mic mixers, matrix mixers and 10 multi-effects
processors.
"We are very excited to introduce the latest DSP technology Yamaha has
to offer here at AES '99," states Tim Takenouchi, manager of overseas sales
& marketing department, Professional Audio Systems Division, Yamaha Corporation.
"Yamaha has made a strong commitment to serving the installation contracting
market," remarks Larry Italia, national sales & marketing manager, Commercial
Audio, Yamaha Corporation of America, Pro Audio & Combo Division. "Based
on Yamaha proprietary DSP technologies, the DME32 is yet another important step
in providing powerful solutions for this marketplace. We are certain that the
versatility of the DME32 will enhance any installation and bring total system
integration to another level."
Many Input/Output Options Key to DME32's Versatility
One of the most powerful strengths of the flexible DME32 is the wide variety
of peripheral devices available to enable expansion and interface with other components.
The simplest set-up consists of a DME32 unit and one mini-YGDAI card which creates
a system with 8 digital inputs and 8 digital outputs. DME32 can be expanded to
32 inputs and 32 outputs either by adding remote I/O components-the new AD824
(input x 8) or DA824 (output x 8)-or by utilizing Yamaha's MY8/MY4 series mini-YGDAI
interface cards and plugging them into the unit's four mini-YGDAI card slots.
Up to four DME32 units can be cascaded together to provide a total of 128 inputs
and 128 outputs with 32 cascade buses for maximum capability.
Introduced as part of the DME32 system are the AD824 and DA824 A/D and D/A
converters, which can be located up to 200 meters from the DME32 via AES/EBU cards,
enabling the placement of inputs and outputs throughout a facility as needed.
Locating the converters close to their analog sources translates into better audio
quality. By "remoting" the I/O the signal can be kept in the digital
realm when long transmission lines are required.
The AD824 utilizes 8 high-quality 24-bit A/D converters and digital head amplifiers
with 48-volt phantom power in a 2U rack-space unit. The DA824 contains 8 24-bit
D/A converters and output amplifiers also in a 2U rack-space unit.
The established MY8/MY4 series mini-YGDAI cards for DME32 are the same as
those used in the Yamaha 01V digital mixer and D24 magneto-optical recorder. Up
to eight inputs and eight outputs are available in the following formats: ADAT,
T/DIF, AES/EBU and analog I/O.
- MY8-AD (Eight 20-bit Analog Inputs on Balanced ¼-in. connectors)
- MY4-AD (Four 24-bit Analog Inputs on XLR connectors)
- MY4-DA (Four 20-bit Analog Outputs on XLR connectors)
- MY8-AE (Eight AES/EBU Digital Format I/O on 25-pin D-Sub connector)
- MY8-AT (Eight ADAT Digital Format I/O)
- MY8-TD (Eight T/DIF Digital Format I/O)
Control
The DME32 provides control via RS-422 or USB (convenient front-panel port),
allowing control from a computer or touch-screen system. A PCMCIA card slot is
provided for additional memory. GPI ports are provided which can be used to trigger
parameter changes or to change Scene Memories. Word Clock I/O is also available.
For more information, visit Yamaha's web site at www.yamaha.com
or www.yamaha.co.jp/product/proaudio/homeenglish/. | 
