Extron DMP 44 xi

Introduction

This section provides an overview of the DMP 44 xi and its features.

About this Guide

This user guide contains installation, configuration, and operating information for the Extron DMP 44 xi. Throughout this guide, the general terms “DMP” and “processor” are used interchangeably to refer to the DMP 44 xi.

About the DMP 44 xi

The DMP 44 xi is a compact, standalone audio mixer with four line-level inputs and four line-level outputs. It features a digital signal processing (DSP) platform for audio signal routing and control, offering tools for mixing, routing, and room optimization. Configuration is performed using the Extron DSP Configurator Pro software from a host computer via RS-232 or USB communication ports. Two operational modes, Live and Emulate, allow for offline setup and creation of presets and group controls before loading configurations to the processor. DSP settings can be saved as a configuration file or transferred directly to the device. Up to 16 user presets and 16 group master controls can be created and stored. Control systems can interface with the DMP 44 xi via RS-232 or USB using Extron Simple Instruction Set (SIS) commands.

Features

• 4x4 line level digital audio matrix mixer with DSP.
• Inputs: Four balanced or unbalanced line level on 3.5 mm, 6-pole captive screw connectors.
• Outputs: Four balanced or unbalanced line level on 3.5 mm, 6-pole captive screw connectors.
• Digital audio signal processing on all inputs and outputs.
• Expanded dynamics and filter DSP blocks, including compression, limiting, AGC, gating, ducking, and 4th order HPF/LPF.
• Intuitive graphical user environment via PC-based DSP Configurator Pro software for setup and configuration of digital audio processing tools.
• Four digital input ports for remote triggering via external switches and sensors.
• Predictable, low latency hardware DSP, keeping audio in sync with video.
• 24-bit/48 kHz analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters with latency under 1 ms.
• Front panel USB-C configuration port for easy configuration.
• RS-232 control port for integration into control systems using SIS command protocol.
• Building Blocks processor settings for optimizing I/O configurations.
• Live and Emulate operating modes with configuration file saving.
• Sixteen DSP Configurator Pro presets for saving processing, levels, or routing.
• Group masters for consolidated gain or mute control (up to 16).
• Soft limits for optimal group master adjustment range.
• Rack-mountable 1U, quarter rack width metal enclosure.
• Includes external Extron Everlast power supply (replacement part #70-1175-01) with a 7-year warranty.

Installation and Operation

Rear Panel Features

The rear panel includes the following ports:

• A Power port: Connects to the included external 12 V power supply via a 2-pole, 3.5 mm captive screw connector.
• B Line inputs 1-4: Use 3-pole or 6-pole captive screw connectors for up to four balanced or unbalanced mono line level sources. Gain control ranges from -18 dB to +24 dB.
• C Line outputs 1-4: Use 3-pole or 6-pole, 3.5 mm captive screw connectors for up to four balanced or unbalanced mono line level devices or two stereo devices. Output level is attenuation only, with 1001 steps from -100.0 to 0.0 dB.
• D Digital inputs: Four input pins (1-4) for connecting devices like motion detectors, alarms, buttons, and sensors. Pin 5 provides a constant “HI” voltage source, and Pin 6 provides a path to ground.
• E Remote RS-232 port: For bidirectional RS-232 serial control, connect a host device via the 3-pole 3.5 mm captive screw port. Default baud rate is 38400.
• F Reset button and LED: A recessed button for initiating two levels of resets. The LED functions as a power indicator.

Textual description of Figure 3 (Rear Panel Features): A diagram illustrating the rear panel of the DMP 44 xi, clearly labeling ports A through F: Power port, Line inputs 1-4, Line outputs 1-4, Digital inputs, Remote RS-232 port, and Reset button and LED.

Front Panel Features

The front panel features:

• A Power LED: Blinks during power up and firmware uploads, and lights solid when the device is operational.
• B Configuration port: A USB-C port for connecting to a computer to control and configure the device via DSP Configurator Pro software or SIS commands, and to update firmware.

Textual description of Figure 9 (Front Panel Features): A diagram showing the front panel of the DMP 44 xi, highlighting the Power LED (A) and the Configuration port (B).

Operation

Powering the Processor

To power on, plug the external 12 VDC power supply into the rear panel power inlet and an AC outlet. Unplug the supply to power off. On power up, the power LEDs blink twice then light steadily. Current settings are saved in nonvolatile memory.

Resetting

The rear panel RESET button initiates two levels of resets. Use a pointed stylus or similar tool to access the recessed button. Review reset modes carefully to avoid unintended loss of flash memory programming or processor reboot. The document provides a table detailing reset modes: Run Factory Boot Code (reverts to factory default firmware for one power cycle) and Full Factory Reset (performs a complete reset to factory defaults, clearing presets and group master memory).

DSP Configurator Pro Software

Extron DSP Configurator Pro is the primary user interface for controlling and managing the Extron device and its audio functions, including mixing, gain, dynamics, filtering, delay, microphone ducking, and monitoring.

Software

Download and install DSP Configurator Pro from www.extron.com. An Extron Insider account is required. The software can be downloaded from the 'Download' tab.

Connecting to a Device in DSP Configurator Pro

Discover Panel

Open the DSP Configurator Pro program. The window opens to the Discover page with a login dialog. Enter Extron Insider credentials to log in. Close the login dialog to access the Discover page. From the Discovered Devices panel, click ADD to select a device. Click Start Project to open the Device Manager panel. Double-click the device in the Device Manager to open its configuration in the workspace.

Textual description of Figure 12 (DSP Configurator Pro Login): A screenshot showing the login dialog for DSP Configurator Pro, with fields for Email and Password, and a LOG IN button.

Textual description of Figure 13 (DSP Configurator Pro Main Discover Page): A screenshot of the main Discover page, showing network interfaces, discovered devices, and added devices.

Connect Panel

The Connect panel allows manual connection to supported devices. Select the 'Connect' tab, then choose the Connection Type (TCP/IP, Dante, USB, RS-232). For USB connection, select the USB tab, choose a device from the list, click ADD, then Start Project. For RS-232 connection, select the RS-232 tab, choose the COM Port and BAUD Rate, click ADD, then Start Project.

Textual description of Figure 15 (Connection Type): A panel showing connection type options: Discover, Connect, Emulate, Import, with connection types like TCP/IP, Dante, USB, RS-232.

Textual description of Figure 16 (Connect to the Device via USB): A screenshot illustrating the USB connection process within DSP Configurator Pro.

Textual description of Figure 17 (Connect to the Device via RS-232): A screenshot illustrating the RS-232 connection process within DSP Configurator Pro, showing COM Port and BAUD Rate selection.

Emulate Panel

The Emulate panel allows adding an offline device for configuration, saving, and later pushing to a device. Select the Emulate tab, check the desired device(s), click ADD, then Start Project.

Textual description of Figure 18 (DSP Configurator Pro Emulate Page): A screenshot of the Emulate page, showing a list of Extron devices that can be emulated.

Accessing the DSP Configurator Pro Help File

Access the context-sensitive help file by clicking the help icon (?) in any dialog box, or by navigating to Help > Contents in the menu bar or pressing F1.

DSP Configurator Pro Main Workspace

The main workspace contains functions to configure the device. Double-click blocks to open controls, or right-click for a dropdown list of controls applicable to multiple blocks.

Textual description of Figure 19 (DSP Configurator Pro Main Workspace): A screenshot of the main workspace of DSP Configurator Pro, displaying input and output blocks, processing parameters, and controls.

Menu Bar

The menu bar includes File (New, Open, Save, Export, Preferences, Close), Edit (Cut, Copy, Paste), Tools (Digital Inputs, Groups, Update Firmware), and Window (Device Manager, Channel Strip, Presets, Group Controls, Close All Dialogs) menus.

SIS Configuration and Control

Simple Instruction Set (SIS) commands are used to configure the DMP 44 xi. This section covers Host Control Ports, Simple Instruction Set Control, and the Command and Response Table.

Host Control Ports

Rear Panel Remote RS-232 Port

Connects to a host device for serial control. The protocol is 38400 baud, 8 data bits, no parity, no flow control, 1 stop bit. The control software automatically sets the connection speed.

Simple Instruction Set Control

Host-to-Unit Instructions

SIS commands consist of characters per field. Valid commands execute and send a response ending with CR/LF. A device-initiated power-up message includes copyright, firmware version, and part number.

Using the Command and Response Table

SIS tables use symbols for variables. The ASCII to HEX conversion table is provided for reference.

Textual description of Figure 20 (ASCII to Hex Conversion Table): A table showing ASCII characters and their corresponding hexadecimal values.

Error Responses

Common error codes include E10 (Unrecognized command), E11 (Invalid preset number), E12 (Invalid port number), E13 (Invalid parameter), E14 (Not valid for this configuration), E17 (Invalid command for signal type), E18 (System timed out), E22 (Busy), and E25 (Device not present).

Symbol Definitions

Key symbols include CR/LF (carriage return with line feed), soft carriage return, space, asterisk (command character), and Escape key.

Audio Command Format Features

DSP functions are configured using SIS commands with a structure for Set and Get commands, specifying ParameterID, OID, and value.

Object ID (OID) Number Tables

Tables are provided for Input Path OIDS, Output Path OIDS, and Mix-point OIDS, listing specific OID numbers for various functions.

Command and Response Table for SIS Commands

This table details SIS commands for product information (part number, model name, firmware version), miscellaneous functions (setting unit name, verbose mode), reset commands (Full factory reset), bi-directional serial data port configuration, group masters (setup, name, master value, mute/unmute), and presets (recall).

Equipment Mounting

Mounting the DMP 44 xi

The unit can be set on a table, mounted in a rack, or mounted under a desk or table. Installation and service should be performed by authorized personnel.

Tabletop Use

Four adhesive rubber feet are included for tabletop placement.

Mounting Kits

Optional compatible mounting kits are available from the Extron website (www.extron.com).

UL Rack-Mounting Guidelines

When installing in a rack, consider elevated operating ambient temperature, reduced airflow, mechanical loading, circuit overloading, and reliable earthing (grounding).

Rack Mounting

For rack mounting, remove rubber feet and mount on a 19-inch Universal 1U or Basic rack shelf using 4-40 x 3/16 inch screws. Blank panels or other units can be installed on the shelf.

Textual description of Figure 21 (Mounting the DMP 44 xi onto a Universal Rack Shelf): A diagram illustrating how to mount the DMP 44 xi onto a 1U universal rack shelf, showing screw placement and shelf components.

Furniture Mounting

For furniture mounting, attach brackets, remove feet if present, mark screw locations on the mounting surface, drill pilot holes, and secure the unit with #8 wood screws.

Textual description of Figure 22 (MBU 123, Under-desk Mounting): A diagram showing the MBU 123 mounting bracket and the process for under-desk mounting.

Extron Warranty

Extron warrants this product against defects in materials and workmanship for three years from the date of purchase. Extron will, at its option, repair or replace faulty products. The product must be returned within the warranty period with proof of purchase and a malfunction description.

Contact information is provided for USA, Canada, South America, Central America, Europe, Asia, China, Japan, and Africa/Middle East. For repair processes, call Extron and ask for an Application Engineer to receive an RA number.

The limited warranty does not apply to misuse, improper handling, electrical/mechanical abuse, abnormal operating conditions, or unauthorized modifications. Units must be returned insured with shipping charges prepaid. Extron makes no other warranties, expressed or implied.