DX-10e Expansion Kit Available for Mackie's DX8Turns Mackie Industrial DX8 into Fully Programmable 8 x 10 Matrix Mixer
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DX-10e Main Screen
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DX-10e Crossover Screen
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October 31, 2001
Mackie Industrial, the contractor division of Mackie Designs Inc., announced that their DX-10e Expansion Kit for the DX8 Digital Mixer/Processor is now shipping to customers throughout the United States. The DX-10e Hardware/Software expansion kit transforms Mackie Industrial's DX8 into a sophisticated programmable 8 x 10 matrix mixer with even greater signal processing capabilities.
The new DX-10e hardware card adds 8 balanced analog line-level outputs via the DX8's expansion slot. The added outputs are terminated to detachable Phoenix-style connectors which, according to Mackie Industrial's research, are preferred by most contractors.
DX-10e software is delivered on CD-ROM and includes both a PC desktop control application as well as the DSP code required to access all processing and mixing features. This software is extremely easy to install and takes just minutes to load.
The real power of the DX-10e software is revealed through the processor functions. Calling up a signal processor replaces the crosspoint matrix with familiar controls for compressors, parametric and graphic equalizers, gates, signal delays and crossovers. In keeping with the intuitive approach of the mixing functions, each set of controls maintains the familiar analog look and feel. All processing is performed by five 32-bit DSPs inside the DX8.
Once the software is loaded, the user has access to all of the matrix mix controls from the desktop. All controls look like a familiar analog mixer and are clearly labeled. Metering is provided on each input and output, as are level control faders. Actual gain settings are displayed in numeric form at each output, as well as each of the 80 crosspoints. Copy and paste functions allow individual gain settings or entire mixes to be replicated as needed.
Also included is a two-band sweepable EQ plus a third, fully parametric band for each of the 8 inputs, as well as a 31-band graphic EQ and 5-band parametric EQ on each of the 10 outputs. Variable compressors are provided for use on each input and output, and are based on the same algorithms proven in Mackie's D8B studio recording console. Gates are provided on each input with full control over all parameters and metering. Signal delays and crossover filters round out the complement of output processing.
"Demand for the DX-10e has exceeded our expectations," stated Costa Lakoumentas, Contractor Market Develop Manager for Mackie. "Our manufacturing facility is now ramping up for expanded production and we expect to fill our domestic back-orders by November. We'll then begin shipping to international markets."
The DX-10e is the first in a family of hardware and software expansion kits for the DX8 Digital Mixer/Processor. The DX8 was introduced last year in its current 8 x 2 configuration as Mackie Industrial's entry product into the DSP-based digital mixer/processor market. In contrast to the products of several other manufacturers, the DX8 includes mic preamps, and is designed to act as a stand-alone mixer with EQ, compression and preset capabilities.
A demo version of the DX10e software is available for download from Mackie Industrial's web site at www.mackieindustrial.com. For more information, visit their web site at www.mackie.com. | 
