Auto Mixer Combiner

Auto Mixer Combiner blocks allow multiple, separate auto mixer blocks to share data about the level and number of open microphones, in order to enhance the capabilities of auto mixers in room combining, mix-minus, and input expansion applications.  Auto Mixer Combiners combine control data only and, therefore, have no audio outputs.  Inputs to an Auto Mixer Combiner come from the Mix outputs of separate Auto Mixer blocks.

When the Auto Mixer Combiner is selected from the Object Toolbar, an initialization dialog is produced.

Channel Count specifies the number of channels in the block.  If Custom is selected, any input count from 2 to 32 channels can be specified.  

Gating Auto Mixer or Gain Sharing Auto Mixer selections specify which type of Auto Mixer can be connected to the Auto Mixer Combiner block.  Outputs of different types of Auto Mixer blocks cannot be combined.

The image above shows how the Auto Mixer Combiner block is connected to the mix output (labled 'M') of the Auto Mixers to be combined/uncombined.

Double clicking on the Auto Mixer Combiner block produces a control dialog window.

View Grid Bird’s Eye opens a separate window that shows a condensed view of the crosspoint grid.  It is useful when large mixers are required as a means of navigating around the available crosspoints.  Light blue indicates an active crosspoint and dark blue indicates a crosspoint that is off.

Combined shows an n x n grid equal to the number of input channels.  This grid allows input channels (1, 2, 3, etc.) to be assigned into specific combine groups (A, B, C, etc.).  These combine groups determine proper routing of control data for the Auto Mixer blocks.  If an input channel is the only input assigned to a particular combine group, it will act independently.  If more than one input is assigned to the same combine group, the control data of the auto mixers connected to those inputs will be combined.

Auto Mixer Combiner

For Gating Auto Mixers, control data consists of NOM (number of open mics) count, ATS (adaptive threshold sensing), and last mic hold status information.  Settings at the bottom of the control dialog window control aspects of this data.

The Groups drop down menu is used to choose a group for viewing and editing two settings: Last Mic Hold and Open Mic Limits.  Last Mic Hold determines whether the last open microphone across all Gating Auto Mixer inputs assigned to the current group is allowed to gate off when activity on that channel ceases.  Open Mic Limits enables (and designates) a maximum allowable number of active microphones across all Gating Auto Mixer inputs assigned to the current group.

Gain Sharing Auto Mixer Combiner

For Gain Sharing Auto Mixers, only the Combined grid is shown.

In either Gating or Gain Sharing mode, right clicking on a grid assignment button will display a menu of crosspoint enable options.

Auto Mixer Combiner blocks enhance the capabilities of Auto Mixers in room combining, mix-minus, and input expansion applications. Auto Mixer Combiners combine control data only and, therefore, have no audio outputs. Inputs to an Auto Mixer Combiner come from the Mix outputs of separate Auto Mixer blocks.