Dan Dugan Sound Design E-2A User Manual
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Dan Dugan Sound Design E-2A User Manual

Automatic mixing controller
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Dan Dugan Sound Design
Model E-2A Automatic Mixing Controller
User Guide
Release Date: January 2018
Version: 1.0
Author: Rob Wenig

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Summary of Contents for Dan Dugan Sound Design E-2A

  • Page 1 Dan Dugan Sound Design Model E-2A Automatic Mixing Controller User Guide Release Date: January 2018 Version: 1.0 Author: Rob Wenig...
  • Page 2 Important Safety Instructions and Warnings The Model E-2A’s circuitry is made in the USA and meets applicable national safety standards. Standards Compliance The third-party power supply provided with this product has been certified to comply with UL and CE. Safety Instructions 1.
  • Page 3 12 months from the date of invoice. During the warranty period, Dan Dugan Sound Design will cover the cost of all parts and labor to remedy the defect, or replace products which prove to be defective. Dan Dugan Sound Design is...

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Dugan Model E-2A User Guide Table of Contents Chapter 1: Introduction ...................9 Chapter 2: Theory of the Speech and Music Systems ....11 Dugan Speech System .................11 Insert Patching ..................12 Dugan Music System ................13 Insert Patching ..................14 Chapter 3: Quickstart ....................17 Front Panel ....................17...
  • Page 6 Dugan Model E-2A User Guide Chapter 5: Connecting to a Computer .............27 Connecting to a Network ..............28 Connecting to a Computer Directly ..........30 Manually Add Unit ..................32 Setting a Specific IP Address ............33 Chapter 6: Dugan Control Panel Software ..........35 Top Pane ....................36...
  • Page 7 Dugan Model E-2A User Guide Chapter 7: Pre-fader Insert .................55 Workaround to Create Post-fader Insert ........55 Pre-fader Insert ..................55 Muting Channels..................55 Pre-listening to Muted Channels ............56 Chapter 8: Dugan Music System and Gain Limiting ....57 Dugan Music System ................57 Meter......................58 NOM Gain Limit ...................58...
  • Page 8 Dugan Model E-2A User Guide Group Master Screen ................67 Top Row....................67 Group Master Controls ...............67 Menu Screen .....................67 Channels Setup Screen ...............68 Back Panel Switches................68 Automix Channels ................68 Reset to Default ...................68 Sync Source ..................69 Network Setup Screen ................69 Mix Bus Matrix ..................70...

  • Page 9: Chapter 1: Introduction

    This signal processor can be patched into the input insert points of an audio mixing console. Then each mic channel is processed in the Dugan controller and returned to the console for mixing. Alternatively, internal mix buses in the Model E-2A can be used to sum channels.
  • Page 10 Dugan Model E-2A User Guide Introduction The Model E-2A can: • process up to 28 channels (12 analog and 16 ADAT); • be remote controlled from the Dugan Control Panel for Java (included), Dugan Control Panel for iPad (sold separately), and the Dugan Model K Control Surface;...

  • Page 11: Chapter 2: Theory Of The Speech And Music Systems

    Dugan Model E-2A User Guide Chapter 2: Theory of the Speech and Music Systems Dugan Speech System The Dugan Speech System is a patented and trademarked automatic mixing function. The Speech System distributes the gain of one open microphone over the entire system, maintaining a natural ambience.

  • Page 12: Insert Patching

    Dugan Model E-2A User Guide Theory of the Speech and Music Systems Insert Patching DUGAN CONTROLLER ALGORITHM WEIGHT CONSOLE FADER MICROPHONE MIX BUS INPUT INSERT INSERT INSERT POINT POINT POINT Figure 2-2 Post-fader insert patching The Dugan Speech System is best patched post-EQ, post-fader, pre-compressor: •...

  • Page 13: Dugan Music System

    Dugan Model E-2A User Guide Theory of the Speech and Music Systems Dugan Music System Music System The Music System is a soft-gating ducking system with its threshold set by an audio signal, typically from a mic measuring the ambient sound level. Each channel has a 2:1 expansion ratio below the floating threshold.

  • Page 14: Insert Patching

    Dugan Model E-2A User Guide Theory of the Speech and Music Systems Insert Patching DUGAN CONTROLLER ALGORITHM WEIGHT CONSOLE FADER MICROPHONE MIX BUS INPUT INSERT INSERT INSERT POINT POINT POINT Figure 2-4 Pre-fader insert patching The Dugan Music System is best patched post-EQ, pre-fader, pre-compressor: •...
  • Page 15 4. Gain reduction begins when the fifth mic turns on. NOTE: Since the Model E-2A has no master audio channel, Gain Limiting reduces the gain on all channels in the group for which NOM is active.
  • Page 16 Dugan Model E-2A User Guide Theory of the Speech and Music Systems...

  • Page 17: Chapter 3: Quickstart

    Dugan Model E-2A User Guide Quickstart Chapter 3: Quickstart This section provides step-by-step instructions to help you get started quickly using the Dugan Speech System to mix up to 16 channels of analog I/O. If you need more than 16 channels of I/O or wish to use the Dugan Music System, skip this chapter.

  • Page 18: Audio Connections

    To interface the Model E-2A using analog connections: • In the console’s internal patching system, route each Model E-2A channel as a post-fader, pre-compressor insert to each mic channel. For example, in the figure below, an insert patch for the Dugan Speech System on a Yamaha digital mixer is created by connecting the Dugan to an analog I/O card in SLOT 2.

  • Page 19: Setting Console Input Gains

    Dugan Model E-2A User Guide Quickstart Figure 3-2 insert patch for the Dugan Speech System on a Yamaha digital mixer. Setting Console Input Gains Dugan automixers require enough console preamp gain so the algorithm can measure the ambient noise level on each channel.

  • Page 20: Linking

    Dugan Model E-2A User Guide Quickstart level LED Figure 3-4 Eight Channels screen 5. When no one is talking, set each console preamp so there is enough gain in each channel so the level LED at the top of the Dugan front panel display stays on and all meters float at about the same gain.

  • Page 21: Chapter 4: Installation

    5. Attach the appropriate short rack ears to the left and right units. Back Panel Connectors and Switches Model E-2A channels are patched as inserts to your console’s input channels. Where they are inserted depends on whether you are using the Dugan Speech System (see page 12), the Dugan Music System (see page 14), or both.
  • Page 22 • Power Locking coaxial connector accepts 12–24 VDC. Figure 4-1 Model E-2A back panel I/O connectors NOTE: To wire unbalanced inputs, connect both Gnd and Lo pins to the source ground. To wire unbalanced outputs, connect both Gnd and Lo pins to the destination ground.

  • Page 23: Model E-2A Modes

    Dugan Model E-2A User Guide Installation Model E-2A Modes The Model E-2A has an mode switch that controls whether to use analog or ANA/DIGI ADAT as your primary I/O. When set to analog mode however, the analog and ADAT channels can operate simultaneously. This can yield up to 28 automix channels. In ADAT mode, analog channels will not appear in the Dugan Control Panel.
  • Page 24 Dugan Model E-2A User Guide Installation In the tables below: √: • shows active I/O routes • M: analog inputs are mirrored to the ADAT outputs, or vice versa • Blank cell: channels are inactive Table 4-1 Back panel switch set to...

  • Page 25: Linking

    SLAVE SLAVE Figure 4-2 Linking Dugan units Power A power connector accepts a locking power cable. In an emergency, the Model E-2A can accept power supplies within the range 12–24 VDC, 2 A (minimum), center pin positive. Mix Matrix Outputs An internal mix matrix can route processed or unprocessed inputs to six mix buses that can be assigned to any audio outputs.
  • Page 26 Dugan Model E-2A User Guide Installation...

  • Page 27: Chapter 5: Connecting To A Computer

    Dugan Model E-2A User Guide Chapter 5: Connecting to a Computer There are two ways to connect the Model E-2A to your computer so you can use the Dugan Control Panel: • to your computer via a local area network (LAN).

  • Page 28: Connecting To A Network

    Dugan Model E-2A User Guide Connecting to a Computer Connecting to a Network To connect directly to a computer with a single cable, proceed to page 30. Internet WiFi ( ( ( Laptop Router Dugan Dugan Control DHCP on Panel for Java Figure 5-1 Connecting to a LAN 1.
  • Page 29 Dugan Model E-2A User Guide Connecting to a Computer 4. Wait 60 seconds and if the list pane is blank, click Refresh List. If the list pane remains blank, proceed to Manually Add Unit below. If the list pane displays Dugan units, continue.

  • Page 30: Connecting To A Computer Directly

    IP address Figure 5-3 Connecting directly to a computer To connect the Model E-2A directly to a computer: 1. Connect an Ethernet cable from one of the 10-100-1000 BASE-T jacks to your computer. An older PC may require a crossover cable.
  • Page 31 Dugan Model E-2A User Guide Connecting to a Computer Figure 5-4 Dugan Utility 6. Wait 60 seconds and if the list pane is blank, click Refresh List. If the list pane remains blank, proceed to Manually Add Unit below. If the list pane displays Dugan units, continue.

  • Page 32: Manually Add Unit

    Dugan Model E-2A User Guide Connecting to a Computer Manually Add Unit A router may be configured to reject broadcast packets, in which case the unit will not appear in the Dugan Utility list pane. You can manually add the unit, but you must first find its IP address.

  • Page 33: Setting A Specific Ip Address

    Dugan Model E-2A User Guide Connecting to a Computer Setting a Specific IP Address Users with network expertise can set a specific IP address for any Dugan unit on the network. Operating the real-time Dugan Control Panel requires that the Dugan unit and computer be on the same subnet.
  • Page 34 Dugan Model E-2A User Guide Connecting to a Computer...

  • Page 35: Chapter 6: Dugan Control Panel Software

    Dugan Model E-2A User Guide Chapter 6: Dugan Control Panel Software The Dugan Control Panel software has both Java and iPad versions. This chapter discusses the Java version. The few differences in the iPad app are noted. NOTE: After configuring the unit with the Dugan Control Panel, it can be disconnected if you do not wish to use it.

  • Page 36: Top Pane

    Dugan Model E-2A User Guide Dugan Control Panel Software The Dugan Control Panel has three panes. The controls displayed in these panes depend on which Dugan device is selected in the Top Pane. Top Pane Icons for all connected Dugan units...

  • Page 37: Adding Units Manually

    Dugan Model E-2A User Guide Dugan Control Panel Software Adding Units Manually To add a unit with a known IP address manually, click the sign at the right of the Top Pane and enter the IP address in the dialog that appears.

  • Page 38: Channel Pane

    Dugan Model E-2A User Guide Dugan Control Panel Software Channel Pane The Channel Pane contains all channels in the selected block of the Top Pane (high- lighted with the yellow rectangle). If your screen is wider, you can display more channels by stretching from the right margin.

  • Page 39: Level Indicator

    It has the same signal latency auto mode. Since analog channels 1–12 are bypassed when powered off, it not necessary to un- patch the Model E-2A when not in use. To deactivate bypass, you can: • Click bypass again;...

  • Page 40: Channel Modes

    Dugan Model E-2A User Guide Dugan Control Panel Software Channel Modes There are three channel modes: man, auto, and mute. Changing modes initiates a half-second fade to the new mode. Like radio buttons, you can only choose one mode at a time.

  • Page 41: Preset

    Dugan Model E-2A User Guide Dugan Control Panel Software Preset Use the Preset function to store your favorite channel mode settings, which may be restored by pressing the Master PRESET button. When the unit powers up, the channels default to their preset modes.

  • Page 42: Channel Groups

    Dugan Model E-2A User Guide Dugan Control Panel Software Channel Groups Each channel can be assigned to one group: a, b, or c. Each group functions as a separate, independent automatic mixer that can span multiple linked Dugans. Channels assigned to groups need not be contiguous.

  • Page 43: Meters

    Dugan Model E-2A User Guide Dugan Control Panel Software Meters The meters have three display modes. The default mode is auto mix gain, which is the most useful display during normal operation. The input and output meters are only used when setting or checking levels.
  • Page 44 Dugan Model E-2A User Guide Dugan Control Panel Software It is important to understand that weight does not set that mic’s level in the mix when that person speaks, but only its sensitivity in activating automatic mixing. The Speech System detects the ratios of the levels between channels, not their absolute levels.
  • Page 45 Dugan Model E-2A User Guide Dugan Control Panel Software Figure 6-10 shows eight- and four-mic systems with appropriate auto mix gain displays when no one is talking. auto mix gain Figure 6-10 Multiple mic ambience: hovers around -9 dB for eight mics, -6 dB for four mics You can perform the following functions using the weight controls: •...

  • Page 46: Master Pane

    Dugan Control Panel Software Master Pane The content of the Master Pane changes to reflect the Dugan device selected. In the figure below, the selected device is a Model E-2A. The following information is displayed below the Dugan logo: •...

  • Page 47: Reset

    It is not desirable for these systems to interact or be viewed when using a different studio. The Model E-2A allows you to create up to 16 separate systems on one network.
  • Page 48 Dugan Model E-2A User Guide Dugan Control Panel Software Selecting Units to Display After dividing units into separate systems, you may want to restrict the units shown in the Top Pane to those in your studio. To do this: 1. Hover the mouse cursor over the names of the units that you want to display, and note their IP addresses.

  • Page 49: Mix Buses

    Dugan Model E-2A User Guide Dugan Control Panel Software Mix Buses Click the mix bus button to open the mix bus matrix screen. Figure 6-12 shows the mix bus masters in the upper pane, and the mix bus matrix in the lower pane.
  • Page 50 Dugan Model E-2A User Guide Dugan Control Panel Software The six mix bus masters adjust the gains of the mixes, and the level meters show the output levels. You can mute outputs and reverse their polarity. NOTE: Ctrl-click the mix bus masters fader to reset it to 0.

  • Page 51: Group Master Controls

    Dugan Model E-2A User Guide Dugan Control Panel Software Group Master Controls The Master Pane displays a set of group master control buttons for each group in use. Override Activating the Master OVERRIDE button has the following effect on individual channels: •...
  • Page 52 Scenes Panel The Scenes panel (Figure 6-13 right) lets you create, recall, save, rename, and delete scenes. Scenes include all Model E-2A parameters except the network setups and the name of the unit. The current scene name appears at the top of the Scenes panel. A * at the end of the name indicates the scene has been edited.
  • Page 53 Dugan Model E-2A User Guide Dugan Control Panel Software To create a new scene: 1. Click the New button. The scene name dialog appears with an automatically generated name highlighted. 2. If desired, type a new name then press Enter.
  • Page 54 Dugan Model E-2A User Guide Dugan Control Panel Software...

  • Page 55: Chapter 7: Pre-Fader Insert

    Dugan Model E-2A User Guide Chapter 7: Pre-fader Insert The Dugan Speech System works either pre- or post-fader, but it is more convenient to operate post-fader. If your console allows a post-fader insert, skip this chapter. Workaround to Create Post-fader Insert If your console has post-fader direct outputs and enough extra inputs, you can create post-fader inserts (see figure below).

  • Page 56: Pre-Listening To Muted Channels

    Dugan Model E-2A User Guide Pre-fader Insert To properly mute a channel with the console faders up, adjust levels while people are talking. Mute a mic by clicking the channel mute button on the Dugan Control Panel. Enable the mic by activating the auto button.

  • Page 57: Chapter 8: Dugan Music System And Gain Limiting

    Dugan Model E-2A User Guide Chapter 8: Dugan Music System and Gain Limiting Dugan Gain Limiting is typically used with the Dugan Music System. To learn more about these concepts, see Chapter 2: Theory of the Speech and Music Systems.

  • Page 58: Meter

    PA bleed into the mix. Use a submix of the stage vocal channels (post-Dugan) to supply this threshold signal instead of a sensing mic. A Model E-2A mix bus could be used to create this threshold signal.
  • Page 59 4. Route that input’s direct out to an available analog or ADAT output. 5. Patch that console output to an unused analog or ADAT input on the Model E-2A. Using a Submix from the Console To use a submix from the console: 1.

  • Page 60: Completing Setup Of The Music System

    Dugan Model E-2A User Guide Dugan Music System and Gain Limiting Completing Setup of the Music System To continue setting up the Music System (sensing mic or submix): music 1. On the Dugan’s Channel Pane, activate the button on the desired channels.

  • Page 61: Controlling Ambience

    Dugan Model E-2A User Guide Dugan Music System and Gain Limiting Controlling Ambience Unlike the Speech System, the Music System does not maintain constant ambience. If you need to smooth out the ambience, two methods can be used separately or together:...

  • Page 62: Gain Limiting And The Speech System

    Dugan Model E-2A User Guide Dugan Music System and Gain Limiting Gain Limiting and the Speech System The Speech System always maintains NOM = 1, which makes Gain Limiting unnec- essary. Typically, the NOM controls have no effect when using the Speech System.

  • Page 63: Chapter 9: Front Panel

    Since the front panel is so small, use the Dugan Control Panel on a computer or iPad if available. If necessary, the Model E-2A front panel can perform all operations of the Dugan Control Panel except editing names. It has a display, navigation arrow buttons, and a dual-function encoder knob that can be pushed or turned.

  • Page 64: All Channels Screen

    Dugan Model E-2A User Guide Front Panel All Channels Screen This displays the modes and automix gains of all channels, and like the Top Pane in the Dugan Control Panel, lets you to select a block of channels to view in detail.

  • Page 65: Eight Channels Screen

    Dugan Model E-2A User Guide Front Panel Eight Channels Screen The screen has three navigable sections, each discussed below. weight Figure 9-3 Eight Channels screen with channel 1’s control highlighted The top row items are functionally above the channel controls, and the double arrows are below them.

  • Page 66: Miniature Control Panel

    Dugan Model E-2A User Guide Front Panel Miniature Control Panel This miniature Dugan Control Panel displays real-time channel activity, and can be used to operate the unit if necessary. The Dugan Control Panel’s controls are all avail- able. Each control’s label and value appear on the right side of the screen when that control is selected.

  • Page 67: Bottom Row

    Dugan Model E-2A User Guide Front Panel Bottom Row When the double arrows are highlighted, rotating the knob selects the next or previous group of eight channels to display. Group Master Screen Each group with channels assigned to it has a Group Master screen.

  • Page 68: Channels Setup Screen

    ↔ ↔ DIGI, NORM ↔ SLAVE, respective back panel switches (see Model E-2A Modes on page 23) and cannot be changed from this screen. Automix Channels In ANA mode: 1. Navigate to Analog Channels.

  • Page 69: Sync Source

    Dugan Model E-2A User Guide Front Panel Sync Source The Sync source is automatically set to ADAT if the channel selection includes ADAT channels, otherwise it will be set to 48k (internal clock). Network Setup Screen This screen lets you configure the port used to connect Dugan Control Panel(s) to this device.

  • Page 70: Mix Bus Matrix

    Dugan Model E-2A User Guide Front Panel Mix Bus Matrix The matrix lets you route signals to up to six mix buses, with gain control at each crosspoint. In addition to automixed channels, you may patch any input channel directly to buses.

  • Page 71: Mix Bus Matrix Screen

    Dugan Model E-2A User Guide Front Panel Mix Bus Matrix Screen This screen provides an overview of the mix bus matrix. Figure 9-11 MIX BUS MATRIX screen To set crosspoint gains, navigate to the desired eight-channel block, and press the knob to select it.

  • Page 72: Scene Memory Screen

    Front Panel Scene Memory Screen This screen lets you recall, save, and create a new scene. Scenes include all Model E-2A parameters except the network setup and the name of the unit. The last scene recalled shows at the top of the screen. A * at the end of the Active Scene name indicates it has been edited and does not match the stored scene.
  • Page 73 Dugan Model E-2A User Guide Front Panel To reset all parameters in the unit except the network setups and the unit name, re- call the Factory Defaults scene. The Factory Defaults scene cannot be modified. If you make changes with Factory Defaults as the active scene, click New to save the current state of the unit under a dif- ferent name.
  • Page 74 Dugan Model E-2A User Guide Front Panel...

  • Page 75: Chapter 10: Updates

    Dugan Model E-2A User Guide Chapter 10: Updates Updates for the Model E-2A can be downloaded. To update your Dugan unit firmware, iPad users must connect their Dugan to a computer iPad and run the Dugan Utility. To update the Dugan Control Panel for iPad, connect the iPad to the Apple App Store.
  • Page 76 Dugan Model E-2A User Guide Updates Figure 10-1 Dugan Utility If you do not see the Dugan unit(s) on your network in the list, see Connecting to a Computer on page 27. 5. Select the unit to update from the list.

  • Page 77: Appendix A: Connector Pinouts

    Dugan Model E-2A User Guide Appendix A: Connector Pinouts The DB-25 connectors are wired with the TASCAM AES/EBU digital standard but it is used in this application for analog signals. INPUTS OUTPUTS AES I/O pinout diagram Figure A-1...
  • Page 78 Dugan Model E-2A User Guide Table A-1 Audio 1–4 Signal Ch 4 Out Hi Ch 4 Out Gnd Ch 3 Out Lo Ch 2 Out Hi Ch 2 Out Gnd Ch 1 Out Lo Ch 4 In Hi Ch 4 In Gnd...
  • Page 79 Dugan Model E-2A User Guide Table A-2 Audio 5–8 Signal Ch 8 Out Hi Ch 8 Out Gnd Ch 7 Out Lo Ch 6 Out Hi Ch 6 Out Gnd Ch 4 Out Lo Ch 8 In Hi Ch 8 In Gnd...
  • Page 80 Dugan Model E-2A User Guide Table A-3 Audio 9–12 Signal Ch 12 Out Hi Ch 12 Out Gnd Ch 11 Out Lo Ch 10 Out Hi Ch 10 Out Gnd Ch 9 Out Lo Ch 12 In Hi Ch 12 In Gnd...
  • Page 81 Dugan Model E-2A User Guide Table A-4 10 BASE T (Ethernet, TCP/IP) Signal...
  • Page 82 Dugan Model E-2A User Guide...

  • Page 83: Appendix B: Specifications

    Dugan Model E-2A User Guide Appendix B: Specifications Audio 12 Inputs (active and balanced) Analog 12 Outputs (balanced and cross-coupled) 8 channels in, 8 channels out ADAT 16-Channel mode: LINK connectors reassigned as ADAT channels 9–16 Gain Unity Analog: 48 kHz (internal) Sample Rate Digital: 48 or 44.1 kHz (synchronizes to input)

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