TMC-1-Dmon: Trinnov D-Mon Remote

I have been working on the TMC-1-DMon software for the past week - it looks like I will be able to release it next week.

The TMC-1-DMon interfaces with the D-Mon via ethernet using the same protocol as the web browser interface. This will allow us to add functionality whenever Trinnov updates their software.

The initial version is an improvement on the TMC-1-Xmon interface providing added functionality and using tallies from the D-Mon allowing changes made on the web browser interface to be reflected on the TMC-1.

For the interface to function correctly the D-Mon mut be setup with the same framework as the TMC-1, the user can assign the input and output ports as required - (not all ports have to be connected). The screen shot below shows the main web browser display with the three cue inputs hidden.

The TMC-1-DMon will be the same price as the TMC-1-Penta and existing users of the TMC-1-XMon can purchase a software upgrade,

New Film Monitor Module - a Work in progress

It is the run up to Christmas, tomorrow we should receive a DMon which I will look at over the break in order to develop the ethernet interface between DMon and the TMC-1.

Whilst waiting for the DMon to arrive I worked on our new Film Monitor Module. Below is a picture of the new unit, still waiting for the front panel overlay but with fully working software.

The film monitor module is the same size as a Avid S6 fader module and may be used stand alone or in the S6. The module includes both the PD-1 and TMC-1, although separate they work together. The Pec Direct can read and build stems from Protools track name information and pass this information to the TMC-1. I plan to add an option to implement the pec/direct monitor functions in the NTP DAD AX32/Penta 720.

The monitor controller is identical to the stand alone TMC-1, the pec-direct section is based on the PD-1. To fit the pec-direct some compromises were necessary, even after saving as much space as possible I still had to lose 3 switches on the left which will involve changes in the functions of the three master switches on the right. The other obvious change is the new OLED display, big, bright and a great viewing angle.

The new 5.5" 256x64 graphical display posed one problem - what do do with all the extra display space? I always liked the DFC stem based track arm display, this inspired me to attempt a similar function in the OLED display. By labelling the stems on alternate sides I was able to fit eight 8-track. The display below shows four 6-track stems with no tracks in record.

TMC-1-DMon Progress

On Monday I visited Trinnov in Paris to determine the current status of the TMC-1-XMon interface with the DMon and define new TMC-1-DMon interface.

TMC-1-XMon
Within the limitations of the DMon - XMon interface the system worked well but it is important to realise that not all XMon functions are available within the DMon, more will be available in the future.

Talkback
The DMon has one talkback input only and the have assigned it as the External Talkback input, by default the talkback keys on the TMC-1 are for the Internal Talkback Mic (T/B 1 and/or T/B 2), You will need to change these to T/B 1x and T/B 2x to control and enable the external talkback Mic.

Note that Talkback is not available to the Headphone output.

Meters
The DMon has not yet implemented a meter output.

TMC-1-DMon
Early next year the DMon version of the TMC-1 will be available, this will connect via Ethernet to the DMon and be able to control any setting available to the DMon s/w. As more functions are added to the DMon the TMC-1-DMon s/w will be updated to match.   

TMC-1 Cue Send Display, AMon and Trinnov

TMC-1
This week I took a break from designing the AMon and looked at the Cue sends on the TMC-1.

Cue Dim
Originally when enabling talkback to a cue output I muted all other inputs. I have now added a menu (13) that allows the user to select between Mute Cues, Dim Cues and No Change. Currently the Dim is fixed at 10dB I will wait for feedback from users on this.

Cue Send Status 
I decided to indicate the cue send status of the meter screen, colour is used to indicate status as follows:-

• Black: Cue output is enabled with No inputs selected (Cue 1 in image)
• Green: Cue output is enabled with inputs selected (SLS in image)
• Red: Cue output is Muted with inputs selected (Cue 2 in image)
• Blue: Talkback is enabled and routed to this cue send (H/P in image)

Note: There are 5 cue sends on the XMon version

AMon
I am currently designing the AMon our new analog Monitor system, the AMon  or "Analogue Monitor Controller" will interface with the TMC-1. The AMon is designed for Stereo, 5.1 room and 7.1 rooms. Similar to the Avid XMon but with a number of improvements. The AMon is a 1U rack mount unit and the modular construction of the AMon will allow different versions for Stereo, 5.1, and 7.1. Here is the initial design specification (Click on image to expand!)

The AMon is designed for smaller Stereo and 5.1/7.1 rooms where the user has D2A converters and does not want to replace them with the DAD AX32.

Trinnov
On Monday I am visiting Trinnov in Paris to discuss the details of interfacing the TMC-1 to the DMon. I will post more information on the TMC-1-DMon later.

TMC-1-X~MonCable - our solution

Using a VGA cable and an interface both ends, we will supply the interfaces in two different colour boxes - Black with transformers, White without transformers for current versions of the TMC-1-XMon. The next production run of the TMC-1 will have a VGA connector fitted as standard and only one converter is supplied. We stock 5m VGA cables as shown and can supply 10m, 15m and 20m VGA cables.

Noise - the noise performance is also related to the power supply, to use the HUI interface on the TMC-1 it may be necessary to use a powered hub to remove any power supply noise generated by the computer.  

A Tale of Four Cables (Searching for a TMC-1 to XMon Cable)

The XMon uses a single 15 pin D connector to connect with the monitor controller, the connections includes headphone, unbalanced microphone and digital control and digital metering. We like to supply a suitable cable with the TMC-1 remote so that the customer can immediately connect and use the system. In an ideal world these would all be separate cables with their own connectors but this would make it very untidy at the remote.

Cable 1 - DB15-DB15 overall screen
When we designed the TMC-1 ready made DM15-DM15 cables were available, they were not individually screened but after a resistor change the crosstalk on 5m cables was acceptable. With the 10m extension cable the cross-talk into the headphones from the meter data is annoying.

The supply of the original cable has dried up and we need a new solution. The obvious choice seemed to be to use VGA cables, although not the correct connector these have the advantage that there are 3 screened cables within the cable tha may be used for the unbalanced Headphone and Mic signals.

Cable 2 - Pro Signal VGA cable (cable marking E1199332-T AWM 2919)
Widely available in both Male-Male and Male-Female extension cable format, these cables were specified as having 14 connections + shield, unfortunately when tested there were only 10 connections. The cable still works with X-Mon by leaving out the Midi connections and communicating via RS-422.

Cable 3 - (cable marking AWM Style 2919)
Sourced from our connector supplier this cable has 14 connections - but the grounds of the 3 screened cables are connected in the cable causing a ground loop that resulted in a low frequency noise in the headphone feed.

Cable 4 - (Clever Little Box LPVGA-M/M-5.0M-FP)
The best cable that we have tried so far about 50% more expensive than Cable 2, this cable is blue, more flexible than Cable 2, has 15 connections and nice small 15 way connectors. We tried a 3m cable which it worked well with and without the transformers. The cable is available in lengths of  1,3,5,10, 15 and 20 meters. We plan to stock the 5 meter cable and supply other lengths to order.

We now have the 5m Cables and THEY DO NOT WORK!!!

Daniel had spotted a reference to Icon-Xmon noise issues
http://absolutecad.typepad.com/over_the_wires/tips-tricks/

Reading the article we decided to try using transformers in the audio path using the transformers at one end for ground isolation. For cost and size considerations we used  600ohm telephone transformers . We found a marked improvement in noise levels on all cables, the only worry is the bass performance of such small transformers on the headphone feed.

Conclusion
The next revision of the TMC-1-XMon with have a HD15 VGA connector fitted in place of the DB15 connector and be supplied with a conversion box for the X-Mon connection. The Conversion box will have transformers fitted in the audio path and optional links to swap the digital connections between Midi and RS422. We will supply Cable 4 as an optional extra.

TMC-1 and DAD DX32 Integrating Pro tools, Trinnov MC and Apogee Symphony

A interesting recent TMC-1 installation at Sound Generation mixed a number of different interfaces and demonstrates the insert capabilities of the TMC-1/DAD combination.

The DAD provides the Pro Tools interface and audio routing matrix, the Apogee Symphony provides A2D and D2A conversion. The Trinnov MC is used for room equalisation and bass extension. The Trinnov MC is connected as a speaker inserts and be enabled/disabled by the TMC-1.

Simplified System Block Diagram

The Main and Alt output can be up to 64 channels wide and the Mini output up to 12 channels wide.

Input/output Configuration

First name the input and output Modules  (Module Names) and define channel count

Once the Input and output names are defined the input and output channels are defined by selecting the appropriate module and channel, then a simple mouse click will assign this to the selected input/output

Define the Inserts

Name each insert, select the input and output modules then click on each insert input and output to assign. The channel selection auto-increments.

Define Stereo/2.2 Main Outputs and assign Inserts

Define 5.2 Alt Outputs and assign Inserts

Define Stereo Mini Outputs and Assign Inserts 

Define Main Inputs

The alt input was not defined

Define the Input Pallet

Define Cue Inputs

Define Cue Outputs

Define Talkback and Listenback

Once defined the parameters are sent to the TMC-1 which then defines the routing within the DAD DX32 directly.

Gain and Calibration

There are several points to consider in configuring, the TMC-1, the global settings are made in the TMC-1 Advanced Setup menu, the input and output trims are only available when in calibration mode

Insert and Gain Control

SPL display:

85spl represents Unity Gain when all trims are set to 0dB

Input trim: -10 to +20dB in 1dB steps

In digital systems normally there is usually no need to control the inputs but it is sometimes necessary (see a previous blog on how 10dB gain is used with the Dolby RMU to compensate for the 10dB loss.)

Output Trim: +/-4dB in 0.5dB steps

Each individual output has a gain trim

Digital Headroom: 0 to 10dB in 2dB steps

This is a global setting  on all outputs allowing equalisers to be placed in the chain.

 Insert Makeup Gain: 0 to 10dB in 2dB steps

This is a global setting for all inserts to compensate for any loss.

Where analog output cards are used in the AX 32

Analog O/P for 0dBFS: +6, +12, +18 and +24dB

This is a global setting for all Analog outputs