BLUSTREAM DMP168 Digital Matrix Processor User Manual

Use a small instrument to press down the recessed button on the back labelled RESET.
Hold for at least 10 seconds before releasing.
The reset process takes approximately 30 seconds.

Operation and Connections

The DMP168 is operated using the in-built web-GUI. Connect the input and output devices, the TCP/IP port, and power to the rear of the unit.

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing this product.
For optimum performance and safety, please read these instructions carefully before connecting, operating or adjusting this product. Please keep this manual for future reference.
The Blustream DMP168 is an advanced 16×8 digital audio matrix, perfect for the distribu-tion of multiple audio sources in a multizone installation.
The DMP168 features advanced audio processing, including volume, balance, high/low shelf, high/low pass filter and 4-band parametric equaliser control per input and output, independent lip-sync delay per input, stereo to mono separation, or combining of mono audio inputs, configurable output grouping, and assignable audio ducking.
The DMP168 provides an advanced but cost-effective solution for ensuring that 2ch audio can be distributed around a multi-room system where there is a mixture of digital and analogue audio sources.

FEATURES

8 x analogue L/R inputs, 4 x digital coaxial inputs, and 4 x digital optical inputs which can be switched to 8 x analogue L/R outputs
Supports separation (mono) of all audio channels and independent control resulting in switching of up to 32×16 audio feeds
Supports: volume, balance, high/low shelf, high/low pass filter, and 4 band parametric equaliser control per input and output
Supports independent gain adjustment for all analogue and digital inputs
Features 8 x assignable bus inputs allowing mixing of source inputs
Features output grouping to combine audio outputs for a single group control. Combining the output grouping feature with high/low pass filter results in up to 4 x 2.1ch audio outputs
Features assignable audio ducking with independent level and ramp up/down rate adjustment
Features 8 x configurable presets
Supports 48kHz 24-bit sampling rate for A/D and D/A conversion
Digital audio inputs support resolutions up to 192kHz 24-bit
Supports independent lip-sync delay (0-500ms) per output
Features input audio sensing, 2 x contact closures and 2 x trigger inputs allowing programmable events based on the presence of audio, NO/NC connections, and/or voltage between 2-15V AC or DC voltage

Front Panel Description

Power LED indicator
Status LED indicator

Rear Panel Description

8 x Analogue RCA Inputs
4 x Digital RCA (S/PDIF) Inputs
4 x Optical (S/PDIF) Inputs
8 x Analogue RCA Outputs
4 x 2-pin Phoenix connectors
RS-232 3-pin Phoenix connector
Reset Switch
TCP/IP RJ45 Port
Mains C14 IEC Power Inlet

Resetting the DMP168

To reset the DMP168 back to factory default, use a small instrument to press down the recessed button on the back of the unit labelled RESET. Hold for at least 10 seconds before releasing.
The reset process takes approximately 30 seconds.

Operation and Connections

The DMP168 is operated by using the in-built web-GUI. Connect the input and output devices, the TCP/IP port, and power to the rear of the unit.

Web-GUI Log In and Initialisation

The following pages will take you through the operation of the unit’s web-GUI. You must connect the TCP/IP RJ45 socket to your local network or directly from your computer to the DMP168 to access the product’s web-GUI.
By default, the unit is set to DHCP; however, if a DHCP server (eg, network router) is not installed, the unit’s IP address will revert to the below details.
The default IP Address is 192.168.0.200
Default Admin Username is: blustream
Default Admin Password is: @Bls1234
The DMP168 can be accessed via the Domain name if the IP address is not known.
The default mDNS is dmp168. local

Login Page:

The web-GUI supports multiple users along with multiple user permissions as follows
Admin (Blustream) The Admin account allows full access to all functions and configuration of the unit.
User Accounts User accounts can be utilised, each with individual login detail and can be assigned permissions to specific areas and functions.
Guest When enabled, the Guest user can access the control page without logging in.
Please note: the first time the Administrator logs into the web-GUI of the DMP168, the default password must be changed to a unique password.
Please retain this password for future use. Forgetting the password will mean having to factory reset the unit, losing all configuration settings.
Passwords can be changed as required within the web-GUI of the unit once logged in.

Web-GUI – Control

After logging into the DMP168, the user will be directed to the Control page. Configuration of the matrix can be done here, as well as adjusting levels for inputs, outputs, buses and groups, and recalling presets as needed.
Please note: Changes made in the Control page and in other pages will be reflected globally. They will be updated in the respective section of the Control page.
In the upper right corner, the DSP utilisation percentage is displayed. Utilising the DSP features will lead to an increase in this percentage; if it rises too high, audio distortion may occur.
It is crucial to keep an eye on the DSP utilisation to ensure it remains below 93%.

A reference chart indicating the percentage increases is provided below:

Control (Matrix):

For any audio sources connected to be able to output a signal, it must be routed in the Control page. Input channels are listed as columns along the x-axis, and output channels are listed as rows along the y-axis.
The last right-most 8 x columns in the matrix are reserved for the internal Bus channels, enabling advanced audio routing options.
To route a signal, navigate to the desired input channel. In the column under the input name, find the row that corresponds to the desired output channel and press the button that intersects the desired column and row.
When a channel has enabled individual L&R control, the matrix will spilt that column’s or row’s buttons into a 2×2 grid to allow for the additional control options.
In the following examples, the x-axis will be labelled 1-24 left to right, and the y-axis will be labelled 1-9 top to bottom.
L&R individual controls will be labelled as the overall button and the sub button for the L&R row and column, following the previous numbering conventions (e.g., 1S1,2S2).
To route Input 1 to Output 1, select the button in position (1,1)
To route Bus 6 to Output 8, select the button in position (22,8)
To route the Left Channel of Input 3 to the Right Channel of Output 5, select the button in position (3S1,5S2)
To route Input 4 to All Outputs, select the button in position (4,9)
To route an input to multiple outputs, select the desired outputs in that input’s column
To route multiple inputs to a single output, utilisation of the bus is required

Levels:

All levels and sections feature the same controls for each of their respective channels. Volume can be set by moving the slider up or down.
Pressing the lock 1 will allow for individual left & right control of the channel (i.e. sending two separate mono signals on the same channel).
The volume can be fine-tuned using the volume up 2 and volume down 4 buttons. It can also be manually set by typing directly into the volume field 3.
The input can be muted by pressing the mute button 5.

Inputs:

Allows for configuration of the 16 input channels; additional controls can be found in the Input page.
To quickly set all input channels to a desired configuration, set up input channel 1, then press ‘Apply IN1 to All Inputs’. This will apply the configuration from input channel 1 to all input channels.

Bus and Bus Master:

Allows for configuration of the 8 x Bus channels; additional controls can be found in the Bus page.
To quickly set all Bus channels to a desired configuration, set up Bus channel 1 then press ‘Apply BUS1 to All Buses’. This will apply the configuration from Bus channel 1 to all Bus channels.
Please note: ‘Apply BUS1 to All Buses’ will not affect the Bus master channel.

Output:

Allows for configuration of the 8 x output channels; additional controls can be found in the Output page.
To quickly set all output channels to a desired configuration, set up output channel 1 then press ‘Apply OUT1 to All Outputs’. This will apply the configuration from output channel 1 to all output channels.

Group and Group Master:

Allows for configuration of the 4 x group channels and the group master channel; additional controls can be found in the Output page.

Recall Preset:

Allows up to 8 x presets to be recalled, each with different configurations; these can be set up on the Preset page.

Web-GUI – Input

The Input page features a mixer-style interface for volume and stereo control, muting, and renaming input channels.
To quickly set all input channels to a desired configuration, set up input channel 1 then press ‘Apply IN1 to All Inputs’. This will apply the configuration from input channel 1 to all input channels.
Input Settings (mixer control instructions can be found):

Naming

To set a name for an input, type a new name into the desired label for the corresponding input.

Web-GUI – Bus

The DMP168 features a dedicated Bus, which comprises 8 x internal channels that enable advanced audio routing.
The Bus page features a matrix for routing and a mixer-style interface for volume and stereo control, muting, and renaming Bus channels. It also features ducking control options.
To quickly set all Bus channels to a desired configuration, set up bus channel 1, then press ‘Apply BUS1 to All Buses’. This will apply the configuration from Bus channel 1 to all Bus channels.
Please note: ‘Apply BUS1 to All Buses’ will not affect the bus master channel.

Bus Control:

In order for a Bus channel to output, it must be routed to an output channel via the Control page.
The input channels are listed as columns along the x-axis, and the bus channels are listed as rows along the y-axis.
To route a signal, navigate to the desired input channel. In the column under the input name, find the row that corresponds to the desired Bus channel, and press the button that intersects the desired column and row.
When a channel has enabled individual L&R control, the matrix will spilt that column’s or row’s buttons into a 2×2 grid to allow for the additional control options.
In the following examples, the x-axis will be labelled 1-16 left to right, and the y-axis will be labelled 1-8 top to bottom.
L&R individual controls will be labelled as the overall button and the sub button for the L&R row and column, following the previous numbering conventions (e.g., 1S1, 2S2):
To route Input 1 to Bus 1, select the button in position (1,1)
To route Input 6 to Bus 8, select the button in position (6,8)
To route the Left Channel of Input 3 to the right channel of Bus 5, select the button in position (3S1,5S2)
To route all Input channels to Bus 7, select each button in row 7
To route an input channel to multiple bus channels, select the desired bus channels in that channel’s column.
To route a bus channel to multiple input channels, select the desired input channels in that channel’s row.
If multiple input channels have been routed to a single bus channel, this can be routed to a single output channel in the matrix on the control page.
In this way, it is possible to have multiple inputs routed to a single output.
Bus Settings (mixer control instructions can be found):

Naming

To set a name for a bus, type a new name into the desired label for the corresponding bus.

Duck Settings

Ducking temporarily lowers, or “ducks,” the volume of bus channels anytime a specified input channel is present.
This could be used to lower background music anytime someone speaks into a microphone and then raise it again when they finish speaking.
Source ducking can be applied when multiple input channels have been routed to a bus channel.
Select the bus channel to apply the ducking feature to from the drop-down menu

Source

Select the source channel that will trigger the ducking from the drop-down menu

Duck Sensitivity

Sets the threshold the source channel’s volume must reach to trigger the ducking. Use the slider to set this value, or manually input a value using the input field

Duck Level

Sets the volume level all other channels will be set to when ducking is triggered. Use the slider to set this value, or manually input a value using the input field

Duck Time

Sets the interval that the ducking will remain active for after the source channel’s volume falls below the sensitivity threshold. Use the slider to set this value, or manually input a value using the input field

Web-GUI – Output

The Output page features a mixer-style interface for volume and stereo control, muting, and renaming channels as well options for output limiting, mono & stereo control, lip sync delay and grouping.
To quickly set all output channels to a desired configuration, set up output channel 1, then press ‘Apply OUT1 to All Outputs’. This will apply the configuration from output channel 1 to all output channels.
Output Settings (mixer control instructions can be found):

Naming:

To set a name for an output, type a new name into the desired label for the corresponding output.

Limiter:

All output and group channels feature a limiter in which a virtual maximum audio limit can be set to prevent the output from going over a certain threshold. At 0dB, the output signal level will match the input signal level
This limit is scaled to the output slider, where the limit will become 100% of the channel slider.
Please note: The values on the channel slider will remain the same when the limiter is active. Users on the control page will not see that the limiter is active.
Mono and Stereo Control:
- Each output channel can operate in either a mono or stereo mode. These can be selected from the drop-down menu
Mode 0 None
- The Left channel output plays from the Left channel input, the Right channel output plays from the Right channel input
Mode 1 Swap Left and Right audio channels
- The Left channel output plays from the Right channel input, the Right channel output plays from the Left channel input
Mode 2 Mono Left and Right
- The Left and Right channel output both play the combined signal from the Left and Right channel input
Mode 3 Mono All Left
- The Left and Right channel output both play the same signal from the Left channel input
Mode 4 Mono All Rights Reserved
- The Left and Right channel output both play the same signal from the Right channel input
Mode 5 Mono Left – Right
- The Left and Right channel output both play the same signal from the Left channel input minus the signal from the Right channel input
Mode 6 Mono Right – Left
- The Left and Right channel output both play the same signal from the Right channel input minus the signal from the Left channel input

Delay:

A delay can be set by entering a value (in milliseconds) in the Delay field. This can be used to rectify lip sync and other similar issues.

Grouping:

The grouping feature allows you to combine audio output channels resulting in a single volume and source control to multiple outputs. Up to four groups can be used simultaneously. Press the A, B, C or D button to assign an output channel to a group.
Control for the limiter, volume and stereo control, muting, and renaming of the group can be configured in the group section.

Web-GUI – DSP

The DMP168 features an in-built DSP with a parametric EQ. All input channels and output channels can access the DSP. Individual L&R control can be enabled by pressing the corresponding lock/unlock button.

DSP Input/Output Settings:

To modify a channel’s DSP settings, select the desired channel from the list. The following controls can then be modified:

High Pass Filter:

A High high-pass filter removes low frequencies while allowing high frequencies to pass through.
Setting the ‘Freq’ will attenuate all frequencies below the set frequency.
The slope determines the rate of attenuation, measured in decibels (dB) per octave. Setting this to zero will disable the High Pass Filter.
Drastic attenuation over a small range of frequencies or gradual attenuation over a larger range of frequencies can be achieved by adjusting the slope.

Low Shelf:

A Low Shelf represents a flat raise or drop of all frequencies below the ‘Freq’ value. This leaves the frequencies above this spot untouched by the Low Shelf.

PEQ Band 1-4:

Each parametric EQ (PEQ) allows you to make a cut or a boost to a band on the frequency spectrum. ‘Freq’ will set the centre frequency on the band, which will be the centre of the bell-shaped boost or cut.
Gain will set the amount of boost or cut being applied.
Q refers to how narrow or wide the boost or cut is. The higher the Q value, the narrower the bandwidth will be. Similarly, the lower the Q value, the wider the bandwidth will be.
A visual example showing the effect the Q value has on the shape of the curve is shown below.

High Shelf:

A High Shelf represents a flat raise or drop of all frequencies above the ‘Freq’ value. This leaves the frequencies below this spot untouched by the High Shelf.

Low Pass Filter:

A Low low-pass filter removes high frequencies while allowing low frequencies to pass through.
Setting the ‘Freq’ will attenuate all frequencies above the set frequency.
The slope determines the rate of attenuation, measured in decibels (dB) per octave. Setting this to zero will disable the Low low-pass filter.
Drastic attenuation over a small range of frequencies or gradual attenuation over a larger range of frequencies can be achieved by adjusting the slope.
To quickly apply a DSP configuration to all input/output channels, set up the desired DSP configuration, then press the corresponding ‘Apply to All Inputs/Outputs’ button.
This will apply the currently selected DSP configuration to all input/output channels.
To reset the currently selected DSP configuration, press the ‘Reset Selected Input/Output’ button.
To reset all DSP configurations, press the ‘Reset All Inputs/Outputs’ button.

Usage:

Using the DSP, it’s possible to configure many different setups, e.g., a subwoofer change, by changing the Audio Mode from the Output page and using the Low Shelf to EQ the signal.

Web-GUI – Trigger

The DMP168 includes a 4 x 2 pin Phoenix connector relays, which can be used to trigger functions such as recalling presets, ducking and muting.
The relays can be controlled by connecting them to an external control device and setting up the control logic in the web-GUI

There are 2 x Switch Mode relays and 2 x Voltage mode relays:

Switch Mode relays
- Short the pins and the set function will trigger the Voltage Mode relays
- When a high signal (2-15V AC/DC) is detected, the set function will be triggered.

The following functions can be set to trigger:

Recall Preset
- When triggered, the selected preset will be loaded. Recall Ducker
- When triggered, the selected bus channel will be loaded into the ducker
System Mute
- When triggered, the system will be muted. Channel Mute
- When triggered, the selected output channel will be muted
Time
- Set the time it will take for the function to activate after the relay has been triggered.

Web-GUI Preset

Once the DMP168 has been set up, the current configuration can be saved to a preset. If multiple presets are saved, they can be quickly switched between.

Save

To save the current configuration to a preset, enter a name into the Preset Name field and press the Save button.
The preset can now be recalled from the Control page by triggering a relay through the API or via the Preset web-GUI page.

Delete

To delete a preset, press the Delete button and press Confirm in the dialog box.

Permission

The preset can be configured to recall only settings that have been given permission. Press the Permissions button to modify the permissions for that preset in a sub menu.
Select which items the preset will be able to modify.
For example, by unchecking Input and Output, these can be set independently of the preset. When the preset is recalled, the Input and Output settings will not be overridden.

Recall

The Recall button will recall the corresponding preset.

Web-GUI – Users

The DMP168 can be set up with different levels of access to the web-GUI per user. Access can be restricted based on which pages users will have access to, what channels the users can see/configure, and what presets the user can select.
Please note: A separate user should be set up and used after installation of the unit to prevent non-administrator users from changing settings and potentially damaging connected equipment.
To create a new user, press the New User button. Set a username and password and press Create.
The new user will appear in the list.
Press the Permissions button to modify the permissions for that user in a sub menu.
To enable/disable a user, press the respective toggle.
To delete a user, press the respective Delete button.
To change the password for a user, press the respective Update Password button
Please note: Admin (blustream) and Guest users cannot be deleted. The guest user should either have permissions set or be disabled to prevent unwanted access, as they do not require credentials for control of the unit.

Web-GUI Settings

Network settings for the DMP168 can be configured from this page, such as: IP settings, Telnet and mDNS.
The default network settings can be restored by pressing the Set Network Defaults button.
To save the current network configuration, press the Save button.

IP Settings:

IP Mode
- Static / DHCP
IP Address
- Disabled when in DHCP mode
IP Subnet
- Disabled when in DHCP mode
TCP Port
- Enable / Disable (default: 8000)
Gateway
- Disabled when in DHCP mode
Telnet Port
- Enable / Disable (default: 23)
Domain name (mDNS)
- mDNS is a protocol used in network environments to resolve hostnames to IP addresses within local networks without the need for a dedicated DNS server.
- The DMP168 can be accessed via the hostname if the IP address is not known. By default, this is set to dmp168. local

Web-GUI – System

The System page allows for configuration of the DMP168, enabling and disabling features, as well as firmware upgrading and factory resetting.
Standby Mode:
- The unit will enter standby mode once the Auto Standby Time has elapsed. Two standby modes can be selected.
- Sleep the unit will power off, but the API and web-GUI remain active
- Standby the DSP board remains powered, allowing the signal sensing feature to power on the unit
Audio Level Unit:
- dB the audio level on the web-GUI will be measured in decibels % the audio level on the web-GUI will be measured in a percentage
DSP Usage Help:
- The DSP usage help pop-up can be displayed only at first login or at each login; the pop-up shows the usage percentage of the internal processor based on each feature activated.
- First Login Only the pop-up will be shown upon a user logging in for the first time. Every Login The pop-up will be shown every time a user logs in
Volume Change Fade On/Off:
- ON/OFF volume changes will transition smoothly between levels when enabled
Serial Baud Rate:
- Select the Baud Rate for the RS-232 Serial port (9600/19200/38400/57600/115200)
Auto Standby Time (mins):
- Use the slider to set the interval of inactivity until the unit enters standby mode
Import/Exporting Data:
- Allows for the configuration settings to be imported into the system or exported to a file. This can be used when backing up a unit that has been configured or when setting up a new unit that needs to be configured.
Firmware Update:
- Browse your device for a firmware file to upload to the unit.
Factory Reset (Excluding Network Settings):
- Erases all settings except for network settings and reboots the unit.
Factory Reset All (Includes Network Settings):
- Erases all settings and reboots the unit.
Reboot:
- Reboots the unit.

Web-GUI – Information

The Information page displays the model name, serial number, web-GUI firmware version and MCU firmware version of the DMP168. It also displays network configuration, temperature and uptime data.

Specifications

Audio Input Connectors: 8 x Analogue RCA (Left / Right), 4 x Optical (S/PDIF), 4 x Digital RCA (S/PDIF)
Audio Output Connectors: 8 x Analogue RCA (Left / Right)
RS-232 serial port: 1 x 3-Pin Phoenix connector
TCP/IP Control: 1 x RJ45, female
Control port: 4 x 2-Pin Phoenix connector
Rack-Mountable: 1U rack height, rack ears included
Casing Dimensions (W x D x H): 440mm x 226mm x 44mm
Dimensions Including Connections & Feet (W x D x H): 440mm x 235mm x 51mm
Unit Weight: 3.3kg
Shipping Weight: 4.6kg
Operating Temperature: 32°F to 104°F (0°C to 40°C)
Storage Temperature: -4°F to 140°F (-20°C to 60°C)
Power Supply: Internal 100-240V AC
NOTE: Specifications are subject to change without notice. Weights and dimensions are approximate.

Package Contents

1 x DMP168
1 x IR receiver
1 x 19” Rack Mounting Kit
4 x Mounting feet
1 x Quick Reference Card
1 x IEC Power Cable

Maintenance

Clean this unit with a soft, dry cloth. Never use alcohol, paint thinner or benzene to clean this unit.

RS-232 Configuration and Telnet Commands

The DMP168 can be controlled via serial and TCP/IP.

The default RS-232 communication settings are:

Baud rate: 57600
Data bits: 8
Stop bits: 1
Parity bit: none
The following pages list all available serial / IP commands.

Commonly Used Serial Commands

There are several commands that are commonly used for control and testing
STATUS Status will give feedback on the switcher, such as outputs on, type of connection, etc.
PON Power on
POFF Power off
OUTON/OFF Toggling the main output ON or OFF as required
Example: OUTON (This would turn the main output on.)
OUT FRyy (yy is the input)
Example: OUT FR04 (This would switch the main output to source input 4)

Common Mistakes

Carriage return: Some programs do not require the carriage return, as other will not work unless sent directly after the string. In the case of some Terminal software, the token <CR> is used to execute a carriage return.
Depending on the program you are using, this token may be different. Some other examples that other control systems deploy include \r or 0D (in hex)
Spaces: Blustream commands do not require space between commands unless specified. There may be some programs that require spacing in order to work.
How the string should look is as follows: OUTON
How the string may look if spaces are required: OUT{Space}ON
The baud rate or other serial protocol settings are not correct

Certifications

FCC Notice

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, under part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used per the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

CAUTION – changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

CANADA, INDUSTRY CANADA (IC) NOTICES

This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

this device may not cause interference,
This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

CORRECT DISPOSAL OF THIS PRODUCT

This marking indicates that this product should not be disposed of with other household wastes. To prevent possible harm to the environment or human health from uncontrolled waste disposal, recycle it responsibly to promote the sustainable reuse of material resources. To return your used device, please use the return and collection systems or contact the retailer where the product was purchased. They can take this product for environmentally safe recycling.

Surge Protection Device Recommended

This product contains sensitive electrical components that may be damaged by electrical spikes, surges, electric shocks, lightning strikes, etc.
The use of surge protection systems is highly recommended to protect and extend the life of your equipment.

Eco-Friendly Packaging

This product has been packaged with fully recyclable materials, including compostable bags. Please help us help the environment.

Contact

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is surge protection necessary for this product?
- A: Yes, surge protection is highly recommended to protect the sensitive electrical components and extend the life of the equipment.
- Q: How can I reset the DMP168 to the factory default?
- A: Press down the reset button on the back of the unit labeled RESET using a small instrument, hold for at least 10 seconds, and release.
Q: What are the main features of the DMP168?
- A: The DMP168 features advanced audio processing, volume control, balance, high/low pass filter, equalizer control, independent lip-sync delay, stereo to mono separation, output grouping, and assignable audio ducking.

Documents / Resources

BLUSTREAM DMP168 Digital Matrix Processor [pdf] User Manual
DMP168 Digital Matrix Processor, DMP168, Digital Matrix Processor, Matrix Processor

References

User Manual

BLUSTREAM DMP168 Digital Matrix Processor

Product Information

Product Usage Instructions