Soundking DM20 Digital Mixer

Introduction

The Soundking DM20 is a full-function, compact digital mixer featuring premium hardware, touch operation, and iPad remote control. It is powered by a 4th generation SHARC floating-point processor and offers 24-bit/192kHz AD/DA conversion. The mixer includes 8 effect modules (reverb, delay, modulation, GEQ), 20 inputs (12 pro mic, 2 stereo), a professional digital signal input port, and 16 busses (8 assignable analog and digital output ports). It also features two USB interfaces for recording, playback, scene memory, and Wi-Fi connection. The intuitive operation is enhanced by a 7-inch high-definition IPS touch screen, making it suitable for various performance venues, schools, industrial buildings, and individual use.

Features

• 12 microphone inputs
• 2 stereo inputs
• 1 S/PDIF I/O and AES/EBU output
• 16 busses: 4 mono output busses, 5 stereo output busses, 1 stereo monitor bus
• 8 assignable XLR output connectors
• 1 stereo monitor output connector & 1 headphone output connector
• 7-inch 1024x600 IPS touchscreen with adjustable angle
• 8 internal effect modules
• 2 USB plugs for stereo recording, playback, system update, and cue file import/export
• Cue memory
• iPad remote control

Specifications

Signal Flow Chart Description

The signal flow chart illustrates the path of audio signals through the DM20 mixer. It begins with input channels (MIC, Stereo, S/PDIF, USB) which pass through various processing modules like Input Stage (48V Phantom Power, Phase, HPF, Delay, Insert), EQ, Dynamics (Gate, Compressor), and Bus Send. Signals are then routed to different busses (Mono Bus 1-4, Stereo Bus 5-8, Master L&R). Effects modules (Reverb, Modulation, Delay, GEQ) can be inserted at various points. The output stage handles final channel processing, including PAN, Solo, Mute, and fader level. The mixer also includes an internal signal generator (white noise, sine wave, pink noise) and supports USB playback/recording, Wi-Fi connectivity, and iPad remote control.

Controls and Connections

The DM20 features a comprehensive set of physical controls and connections:

DM20 Mixer Front Panel Description: The front panel includes numerous input channels, each with controls for gain, EQ, dynamics, bus sends, and output stage settings. It features a 7-inch high-definition IPS touchscreen display, channel select buttons, solo and mute buttons, motorized faders for each channel, and master output level meters. Physical connectors include 12 MIC inputs (4 COMBO), 2 stereo inputs, S/PDIF input, USB input, headphone volume control, and a headphone connector.

DM20 Mixer Rear Panel Description: The rear panel houses various output and input connectors. Key connections include a 12V power socket, stereo monitor output connector, and 8-channel balanced XLR output connectors. It also features S/PDIF and AES/EBU output connectors, and two USB 2.0 interfaces for playback/recording and system updates.

DB20P Front Panel Description: Similar to the DM20, it features a 7" high-definition touch screen, main output level meters, USB 2.0 interface, and page navigation buttons (INPUT1-8, INPUT9-12 ST-USB, BUS1-8). It also has SEND, MUTE, and SOLO buttons for bus sends and channel control. The power button allows for power on/off and a lock function. Other buttons include SELECT, MUTE/ON, and parametric controls. Five main function buttons are SETUP, BLACK, COPY, PASTE, and PLAY.

DB20P Rear Panel Description: Includes 2 stereo inputs, 8 XLR MIC inputs, 4 combo inputs, balanced outputs (XLR 7/8 as main L/R), S/PDIF in/out, AC input, and internal amplifier outputs (4x150W @ 4 OHMS for DB20P-600, 2x500W @ 4 OHMS for DB20P-1000).

DB20P-600/DB20P-1000 Rear Panel Description: Features include 3 MIC inputs, 2 stereo inputs, AC input (100-240V 50Hz 300W), and amplifier outputs.

iPad Remote Control

The DM20 can be controlled remotely via an iPad using the dedicated Soundking "DM20" app, available on the App Store. After downloading and installing the app, connect the iPad to the mixer's Wi-Fi network. The app provides access to mixer functions such as parameter adjustment, channel strip control (SELECT, SOLO, MUTE/ON, motorized faders), and scene management. Key buttons in the app include SETUP (to enter the system page), BLACK (to exit the system), COPY/PASTE (for parameter settings), and PLAY/PAUSE (for USB audio source).

The app allows for page flipping through input channels (INPUT1-8, INPUT9-12 ST-USB) and busses (BUS1-8). The SEND function allows physical faders to control bus send levels. The SENDS MUTE switch enables/disables send bus functions, and SOLO allows for quick zero-setting of sends. The app also provides access to channel labels and motorized faders.

Wi-Fi Mode and AP Mode

The mixer supports Wi-Fi connectivity for remote control. In Wi-Fi mode, connect to an existing wireless router. In AP mode, the mixer acts as a Wi-Fi hotspot, allowing direct connection from a device like an iPad. The setup involves selecting the Wi-Fi network (SSID) and entering the password if required. The mixer's default AP name can be changed, and password protection can be enabled.

Input Channels

The DM20 offers 20 input channels: 12 mono microphone inputs (some with COMBO connectors), 2 stereo analog inputs, 1 stereo S/PDIF input, and 1 stereo USB input. Input pages can be navigated using dedicated buttons or by sliding left/right on the touchscreen. Each MIC input channel is processed through five individual modules: Input Stage, EQ, Dynamics, Bus Send, and Output Stage. These modules can be accessed by single-pressing their respective icons on the touchscreen.

Channel Modules and Subpages

Input Stage

This module handles initial channel processing, including 48V phantom power (switchable per channel), phase inversion, High Pass Filter (HPF), delay, and effects inserts. Parameters like gain, HPF frequency, and delay time can be adjusted.

EQ

Provides access to the channel's Equalizer settings. The EQ subpage typically features a 4-band parametric EQ with adjustable frequency, gain, and Q (bandwidth) for each band. Users can select frequency points, adjust parameters via touch or physical encoders, and use presets or save custom EQ settings.

Dynamics

This module offers dynamic processing, including a noise gate and compressor. Parameters for the gate include Threshold, Hold, Attack, Release, and Depth. Compressor parameters include Threshold, Ratio, Attack, Release, and Gain. Users can also bypass these functions or load/save dynamics presets from a library.

Bus Send

Allows users to route the channel's signal to various busses (Mono Bus 1-4, Stereo Bus 5-8, Master L&R). For each bus, users can enable/disable the send, select Pre-Fader or Post-Fader send, adjust the PAN (balance) for stereo busses, and control the send level. The bus routing can be configured via the Patch page.

Output Stage

This module displays the channel's name, PAN value, SOLO status, MUTE status, fader level, and meter information. The channel name and color can be edited using the on-screen keyboard.

Stereo Channels

Stereo channels share similar module structures (Input Stage, EQ, Dynamics, Bus Send, Output Stage) as mono channels. They also feature PAN controls for stereo balance and can be routed to stereo busses.

Monitor Page

The Monitor page is dedicated to settings for the oscillator, monitor outputs, and solo functions. The oscillator can generate white noise, sine wave, or pink noise for system testing and calibration, with adjustable level and frequency. The monitor section controls the volume for headphones and stereo monitor outputs. The SOLO function allows users to isolate specific channels for monitoring, with options for Pre-Fader Listen (PFL) or Post-Fader Listen (AFL).

Recorder Page

The Recorder page provides functionality for USB playback and recording. It displays the selected soundtrack name and playback progress, with standard playback controls (play/pause, stop, previous, next, rewind, forward). A playback list shows available tracks on the USB disk. The record function allows recording the Master L/R bus audio to the USB disk in WAV format.

Scenes Page

This page manages mixer scenes (snapshots of all settings). Users can create new scenes, save current settings to a scene, load existing scenes, rename, copy, delete, import from USB, and export to USB. The Scene List displays scene names and creation times, allowing for easy selection and management.

FX Page

The FX page provides access to the mixer's 8 internal effect modules: 2 Reverb, 2 Modulation, 2 Delay, and 2 15-band Graphic EQs (GEQ). Users can select an effect module, choose its type (e.g., Hall, Room, Plate for Reverb; Chorus, Flanger for Modulation; various delay types), adjust parameters like Dry/Wet mix, EQ settings, delay time, feedback, and tempo. Effects can be inserted into input processing channels or bus processing channels.

Modulation Subpage

Allows detailed adjustment of modulation effects like Chorus, Flanger, Celeste, and Rotor, including parameters for type, Dry/Wet mix, speed, and intensity.

Delay Subpage

Provides control over delay effects, including delay time (adjustable in ms, ft, or m), feedback, and tap tempo functionality. Delay time can also be configured using a factor and BPM setting.

Reverb Subpage

Offers various reverb types (Hall, Room, Plate) with parameters for time, decay, and pre-delay, allowing users to simulate different acoustic spaces.

GEQ Subpage

The Graphic Equalizer (GEQ) page allows for detailed frequency response adjustment. It features a 15-band EQ with graphical representation of frequency points and gain levels. Users can adjust gain for each band, bypass the EQ, reset to flat, and load/save EQ presets from a library. The mixer also includes an RTA (Real-Time Analyzer) function that can work with the GEQ for room correction.

Setup Page

The Setup page provides access to system information, including Software Version (APK, DSP), IP Address, and Serial Number. It also allows configuration of Sample Rate (48.0 KHz or 44.1 KHz for digital outputs), Delay Unit (ms, ft, m), System settings (Maintenance, Home Screen), Wi-Fi settings, Brightness adjustment for the touchscreen, and Time & Date settings. Crossover settings for specific outputs are also managed here.

Meter Page

The Meter page displays signal levels for both input processing channels and outputs. Input channels show signal levels in three modes: IN, Pre Fader, and Post Fader. Output signals are displayed in Pre Fader and Post Fader modes. Bus names assigned to physical output ports are also shown.

Patch Page

The Patch page is used for routing busses to the mixer's physical outputs. It allows users to assign Mono busses (Bus 1-4), Stereo busses (Bus 5L-8R), and Master L/R busses to the 8 analog outputs, S/PDIF output, and USB output. Users can select between default routing or custom assignments for each output port.

Maintenance Page

This page provides essential maintenance functions. Users can update the system software via USB, perform a factory reset to restore default settings, toggle developer mode (debugging), manage Android home screen settings, import/export settings, set the system time, and save logs. It is recommended to back up important data before performing a factory reset.