7
Gain Compensated Split Outputs
The RedNet MP8R is able to provide two outputs from each mic channel: one direct and a second
automatically gain-compensated to deliver a constant level. This arrangement allows one engineer
(FOH, say) to control the analogue mic gain without affecting the signal level being received by a
second engineer on the network.
The output of the mic amp module feeds the A-D converter. Once in the digital domain, the signal
is split into two streams. The first stream passes through unaffected to the corresponding Dante
transmitter. The second stream passes through a DSP amplifier which automatically compensates
for any changes made to the analogue audio level – either by the front panel controls or over the
network. The unit will therefore appear as a 16-channel device on the Dante network, with channels
1-8 being the direct outputs from the preamps and channels 9-16 the compensated outputs.
Gain compensation can be enabled individually for each mic channel.
Headroom Allowance
If during a performance an analogue mic level was reduced by 3dB, the DSP gain for the corresponding
‘split’ channel would be increased by 3dB to maintain its overall signal level
†
. Note however, that this
action would push the DSP section 3dB closer to its clipping point. To minimise the likelihood of the
DSP ever reaching its clipping point an offset can be applied to allow for some reserve headroom.
The default headroom offset setting will be -6dB, but the user can select 0dB or -3dB from the tools
menu under RedNet Control. The setting is applied to all channels 9–16.
†
The global range of the gain compensation available is currently limited to tracking ±12dB from the point at
which it was enabled.
Mic Inputs
1 – 8
Network
Interface
DSP
+48V
-20dB
Gain
2.4kΩ
Ø
Ch 1–8
Ch 9–16
Analogue Mic Amp
Remote Control
Gain Control
Audio
Network
A-D
Individual
Enables ch. 1–8
Global Offset
0/-3/-6dB
Gain Compensation
Block Diagram
