Q. How do the four
D/ESAM mixer models differ from one another?
A. Here are a few important differences:
- The D/ESAM 230 is a one-piece design;
the D/ESAM 820 and 8000 are comprised of a control panel and
separate rack mounting electronics frame.
- The D/ESAM 230 accepts a maximum of
24 inputs; the 820, 56; and the 8000, 96. The
D/ESAM 230 and 820 are four bus mixers; the D/ESAM 8000 is an
eight bus mixer.
- All models except the D/ESAM 230 have
a floppy disk drive for offline register storage and software updates.
Q. What features of the D/ESAM mixers
make them especially suitable for audio-for-video editing?
A. All D/ESAM mixers utilize a program/preset architecture, just like
a video production switcher. So editors can manage audio transitions
the same way they manage video transitions, greatly enhancing productivity
in the edit suite. Also, all mixer functions may be controlled via a
serial data port using the industry standard ESAM II or advanced D/ESAM
IV protocols.
Q. Can the D/ESAM mixers be used for applications other than video
editing?
A. Yes. They can and have been used in program presentation (master
control) applications where the program/preset architecture and serial
control are extremely useful. They can also be used for general purpose
audio mixing, although they lack some features -- such as microphone
preamps --that are often required in such applications.
Q. Which edit controller
manufacturers support the ESAM II and D/ESAM IV protocols?
A. The ESAM II protocol is supported by virtually all edit controller
manufacturers including:
Abekas, Accom/Axial, Ampex ACE, CMX, Calaway, Editware, ETC, Grass Valley,
Paltex, Panasonic and Sony. The D/ESAM IV protocol is supported by Accom/Axial
and Editware.
Q. What advanced capabilities does the D/ESAM IV protocol provide?
A. In addition to all of the capabilities of the ESAM II protocol, D/ESAM
IV provides the following:
- Logical machine assignments can be changed
by the edit controller.
- Monitor settings, including monitor
levels, can be changed by the edit controller.
- A Buttons command which makes it possible
for the edit controller to "press" any sequence of mixer
control panel buttons during an edit interval.
- More flexible register transfers between
the mixer and edit controller.
- Fader ramping allows smooth dissolves
to be made from one fader setting to another.
top
SoundPals FAQs
Q. What are SoundPals?
A. SoundPals is a family of self contained modules for digital audio
conversion, signal processing, distribution and test.
Q. How are SoundPals modules packaged?
A. All SoundPals modules are housed in a rugged, compact (5.2"W
x 1.62"H x 6.625"D) aluminum alloy enclosure. They are finished
in a durable powder coat paint.
Q. How are SoundPals modules powered?
A. All SoundPals modules require a 6 volt DC power source. Current draw
varies from module to module over a range of 150 -- 750 mA. A mating
power connector with locking ring is supplied with every SoundPals module.
Optional wall mount and pre-regulated power supplies are available from
Graham-Patten.
Q. Can SoundPals modules be battery powered?
A. Yes. Any 6 volt battery capable of delivering sufficient current
may be used. Battery power systems suitable for use with SoundPals are
available from Eco-Charge
(www.eco-charge.com).
Q. Can SoundPals modules
be rack mounted?
A. Yes. The model RT-2 rack tray can be used to mount up to three SoundPals
modules in only 1RU. The RT-2 includes a single power supply with provisions
for a second (backup) supply. The RT-2 is mounted on rack slides to
facilitate access to module wiring after the tray has been installed.
Q. How many different modules are there in the SoundPals series?
A. Currently, there are 18 basic SoundPals modules:
Many of these modules are
available in multiple configurations. Consult the SoundPals section
of this web site for details.
Q. What format is used for the digital I/O on SoundPals modules?
A. Both the AES3 balanced and AES3id unbalanced I/O formats are supported
across the SoundPals product line. Most modules support both types in
a single version. The more I/O intensive modules (DA-14, ADAT-3, ADAT-4,
and DMIX-41) are available with either AES3 or AES3id I/O.
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