AMS RMX16 500 Series User manual

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RMX 16: Digital Reverberation System
500 Series Module
User Manual Issue 1

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Health & Safety Notice
FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY AND FOR THE PROTECTION OF OTHERS
PLEASE OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING HEALTH AND SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
•READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS AND KEEP THEM HANDY
•HEED ALL SAFETY WARNINGS
•DO NOT USE NEAR WATER
•CLEAN ONLY WITH A DRY CLOTH
•DO NOT INSTALL NEAR HEAT SOURCES
•DO NOT BLOCK VENTILATION OPENINGS
•USE ONLY ACCESSORIES SPECIFIED BY THE MANUFACTURER
•REFER ALL SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL ONLY
•NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE
FAILURE TO OBSERVE THESE PROCEDURES AND RECOMMENDATIONS
WILL INVALIDATE THE MANUFACTURER’S WARRANTY
Head Office:
AMS Neve
Billington Road
Burnley
Lancashire
England
BB11 5UB
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
London Office:
[phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Web: www.ams-neve.com
© 1980 - 2019 AMS Neve Ltd own the copyright of all information and drawings contained in this manual which are not to be copied or reproduced by any
means or disclosed in part or whole to any third party without written permission. As part of our policy of continual product improvement, we reserve the right
to alter specifications without notice but with due regard to all current legislation.
Disclaimer: The information in this manual has been carefully checked and is believed to be accurate at the time of publication. However, no responsibility is
taken by us for inaccuracies, errors or omissions nor any liability assumed for any loss or damage resulting either directly or indirectly from use of the
information contained within it.

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Table of Contents
Health & Safety notice ...................................................................................................................................................... 2
Important Safety instructions ........................................................................................................................................... 3
Introduction ...................................................................................................................................................................... 4
System Overview .............................................................................................................................................................. 5
Installation Diagram.......................................................................................................................................................... 6
Operating Instructions ...................................................................................................................................................... 7
Adjusting Input & Output Levels ...................................................................................................................................... 7
Adjusting Unit Parameters................................................................................................................................................ 8
Program Selection............................................................................................................................................................. 9
Decay Time Entry .............................................................................................................................................................. 9
Pre-Delay Entry ................................................................................................................................................................. 9
Decay Filter Controls....................................................................................................................................................... 10
Mix Control ..................................................................................................................................................................... 10
Using the RMX 16............................................................................................................................................................ 11
Saving and Recalling Presets........................................................................................................................................... 12
Saving Presets ................................................................................................................................................................. 12
Recalling Presets ............................................................................................................................................................. 13
Setup Menu..................................................................................................................................................................... 13
Specifications .................................................................................................................................................................. 15
Appendix A...................................................................................................................................................................... 16
Appendix B...................................................................................................................................................................... 21

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Introduction .
The AMS RMX16 was the world’s first microprocessor-controlled, full-bandwidth digital reverberator and
characterized an enormous number of seminal recordings from the 1980s onwards. Its designer’s love for music
and experience in the aerospace industry meant it was way ahead of its time on release.
It has remained an essential piece of kit for any self-respecting world-class studio ever since, and the units sell today
for a substantial proportion of their original cost due to their great desirability.
Designed from the outset to be musical rather than simply implementing mathematical algorithms, each program
was tuned and re-tuned to provide as wide a “sweet-spot” of settings as possible by means of “carpet graph”
parameter tables, interactively linked control by control. It was designed by ear over an extended period of time
and from first principles and this is what has made it a classic. Despite its longevity, there is little more any present-
day design could improve upon and its sound is unique and instantly recognisable.
In addition to the 9 programs that the AMS RMX16 has as standard, there are arare series of 9 aftermarket programs
that were made available to AMS RMX16 users if they could get their hands on the unique and now elusive RMX16
remote control with bar code reader input.
Image of an original RMX16 remote control Image of an original
with bar code reader bar code chart
Now available in the 500 series Format, the sound once available only to premier studios is now on tap for a much
wider user base and the extra 9 programs are included in the AMS RMX16 500 series Digital Reverb unit as standard.

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System Overview .
The RMX16 500 series uses premium quality, high-performance 32-bit DSP processing and 24-bit, 48KHz
sampling with premium A/D and D/A converters that achieve over 100dB dynamic range with +22dBu of
headroom. These high-performance specifications make the RMX16 500 series the best platform possible to
perfectly recreate the iconic sound of the original unit using the very same algorithms.
For ease of use a large, high contrast 2.4"
OLED display is situated in the top right-
hand corner making it easy to quickly see an
overview of all the currently selected
settings and parameters. Each parameter is
awarded its own key to avoid complicated
menu interfaces and each value can be
adjusted using the keypad, nudge keys or
the new endless rotary encoder which
replaces the rotary pot found on the original
units. This flexibility allows the precision of
entering exact values when desired settings
are known as well as the ability to easily find
the best settings by ear when using the
encoder. A setting not found on the original
unit is the addition of a Mix control that
allows the output to be comprised of any
amount of the dry component of the input
signal and the wet component of the reverb
output.
New to the RMX16 500 series unit is also a
system for saving and recalling user presets.
There is now the ability to save and name up
to 100 user presets using the encoder or
alphanumeric keypad. These are safely
stored on integrated non-volatile memory
and are not dependant on an internal
battery. Presets can be deleted or
overwritten when they are no longer
needed or more space is required.
The unit is a 500 series rack mounting
module, in a 3-slot wide format. The input
connector used in the slot one position is
the master mono input for the unit while
the output connectors in the slot one and
slot three positions are used as stereo
output from the device. The input/output
connectors in the slot two position and
input connector in the slot 3 position are
not used.
With digital reverberation, one can simulate mathematically
any real environment and also any ‘old fashioned’ artificial
reverberant character such as plates, or springs. Digital
reverberation techniques are the first to offer such
sophistication.
The RMX16 digital system employs sophisticated micro-
programmed parallel processing of 16 bit data offering an
18kHz bandwidth; 90dB dynamic range and 0.03% distortion
in delay mode; low power consumption (and therefore cool
running); independent control of each program’s fundamental
reverberant parameters; alphanumeric program descriptions
for ease of use and ‘at a glance’ understanding of how the
unit is currently programmed as all data, including the
variables (pre-delay, decay time, high-frequency decay profile
and low-frequency decay profile), are continuously displayed
on the reverb front panel.
The RMX16 500 series unit is designed to be simple to operate
with eighteen factory programs simulating different
reverberant environments with the ability to control all
parameters in three distinct ways.
The unit can also be used as a very high quality, 18kHz
bandwidth digital delay line. The delay can be varied from 0
to 1.6s in 1ms increments.
A calculator styled alpha numeric keypad is provided for entry
of user definable variables and for storing or recalling
information from the unit’s memory locations.
Both input and output levels are adjustable to accommodate
sources and destinations sending or requiring non-standard
signal levels. Overflow indication on digital processing is
provided as well as the standard 'traffic signal' LEDs enabling
fine adjustment of input level for optimum signal to noise
performance.
When changing basic reverberation programs, the output is
muted so that 'memory flush-out' is not output to the audio
chain. A useful feature incorporated into the RMX 16
reverberation system is the use of 'Nudge Buttons'. These
buttons increment or decrement data for all selectable
functions.
-Extract from Original RMX16 User Manual-

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Installation Diagram .
For full installation instruction please refer to the AMS RMX16 installation guide

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Adjusting Unit Parameters .
The RMX16 has three controls that allow users to adjust the different
parameters on the unit either by coarse or fine increments.
The Pot Control Section
The RMX16 500 series pot works as a rotary and push encoder which can be
assigned to control all of the units’ parameters. Pressing the PROGRAM,
DECAY, PRE, LO, HI, IN, MIX & OUT buttons hands control of that parameter
over to the rotary control knob. This facility can only be used once that
parameter key function has been selected and the LED for the parameter
key is lit.
Nudge Section
The RMX16 500 series Nudge buttons DOWN and UP can be assigned to
control all of the units’ parameters. Pressing the PROGRAM, DECAY, PRE,
LO, HI, IN, MIX & OUT buttons hands control of that parameter over to the
nudge buttons. This facility can only be used once that parameter key
function has been selected and the LED for the parameter key is lit.
Keypad Entry
The RMX16 500 series Alphanumeric keypad can be used to enter exact
figures for all of the units’ parameters. Pressing the PROGRAM, DECAY,
PRE, LO, HI, IN, MIX & OUT buttons hands control of that parameter over to
the alphanumeric keypad. Once a parameter has been selected, the LED on
the parameter key and the on-screen digital number will flash until the
'enter' key (#) is pressed. To enter a number for the selected parameter,
press a single or two-digit number followed immediately by the 'enter' key
(#); the number inputted will then be selected. To enter negative numbers,
(*) represents a –sign. Entering a value followed by the (*) key will change
the parameter to a negative value. If the number selected is not available
(e.g. greater than the maximum allowed), then the error message (E) will be
displayed on the screen. No change in program will result and therefore the
selected parameter button LED will continue flashing. Re-pressing of the
selected parameter button will clear the error condition from the display.
Each parameter and preset has a fixed increment by which it can be
adjusted by the pot controller. For example, HALL A1 pre-delay will be
adjusted by +/-10 for each turn of the encoder. If a custom amount is
entered on the keypad such as ‘52’, turning the encoder will move by
increments of +/-10 from this custom number ‘62’, ‘42’ etc. Turning the
rotary encoder all the way counter-clockwise will wipe this custom
increment and reset to default.

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Operating Instructions .
This section is intended to familiarise the user with the front panel controls
of the RMX16 reverberation system.
Input/output Level and Level Monitoring Section
When the unit is switched on, all of the front panel LEDs will illuminate
during power-up.
The unit has four digital level-indication LEDs (green, yellow, red and red).
The first three (i.e. green, yellow and red) are basic 'traffic signal' level LEDs.
The red LED is illuminated at +10 dBu, the yellow LED +4 dBu and the green
LED -2dBu.
In normal operation, with a signal present, the input level should be
adjusted so that the red LED is illuminated only when the highest program
peaks occur. The remaining red LED labelled o/flo indicates processing
overflow. Should this occur, due to exceptional program material, 'backing
off' the input level slightly will prevent internal clipping of the signal.
Adjusting Input & Output levels .
Input, Output and mix will adjust overall input, output and wet/dry mix
levels for the unit. These levels remain fixed for all presets.
Input & Output signal gain can be adjusted by pressing the IN &OUT
buttons. In addition, the dry/wet blend can be adjusted by pressing MIX.
The input gain can be adjusted in three ways-
1. Turning the rotary encoder clockwise to increase the input gain. Or
turning counter-clockwise to decrease the input gain.
2. Pressing Nudge UP to increase the input gain or pressing nudge
DOWN to decrease the input gain.
3. Entering exact amounts by using the alphanumeric keypad. Once a
two-digit number has been inputted, press #to enter.
To enter a wet/dry mix of 50% press MIX then 5 then 0 then #
Once the input signal has been 'level matched' using the traffic signal LEDs,
the stereo output can be adjusted from this menu to give a good match on
the output. Dry/Wet mix levels can be adjusted depending on user
requirements. The output from the RMX 16 is true stereo and while these
outputs may be used singly, a more solid spatial sound will be obtained by
using the stereo pair.

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Program Selection .
To select one of the 18 different reverberation programs; first push the
'program' key, the LED on this key will now illuminate.
Program selection can be accomplished in two distinct ways:
Pot Control Entry –scroll through the 18 programs by turning
clockwise/counter-clockwise.
Using the Nudge Keys –scroll through the 18 programs by pressing
the UP or DOWN buttons.
Note: Any custom settings made to a program are lost when changing
between programs. Custom settings can be saved and recalled by
following the steps found on page 12 of this manual.
Decay Time Entry .
To vary the decay time first push the DECAY key, the LED on this key will
now illuminate.
Decay time can be adjusted in three distinct ways:
Pot Control Entry –turn clockwise/counter-clockwise to adjust
decay time for the set program. The decay time will increase or
decrease in 0.1-second steps.
Using the Nudge Keys -press UP or DOWN to adjust the decay time
for the selected program. The decay time will increase or decrease
in 0.1-second steps.
Keypad Entry - Decay time may be selected using the keypad, 2.8
Seconds would be entered by first pressing the 'decay time' key
followed by the '2' key, the '8' key and finally the enter key (#).
Note: Both the minimum and the maximum decay times are dependent
upon the program selected.
Pre-Delay Entry .
Pre-delay delays the onset of reverberation giving the impression of distance
from the sound source. To introduce a pre-delay before reverberation
occurs, first push the PRE key.
The LED on this key will now illuminate.
The pre-delay amount can be adjusted in three distinct ways:
Pot Control Entry –turn clockwise/counter-clockwise to adjust the
pre-delay time for the set program.
Using the Nudge Keys - press UP or DOWN to adjust the pre-delay
time for the selected program.
Keypad Entry - enter the amount of pre-delay required followed by
the enter key (#). The amount (ms) of pre-delay will be displayed in
the unit’s display under ‘predelay’.
NOTE: The step size of the pre-delay is program dependent. It is important
to remember that the maximum available pre-delay time depends on the
basic reverberation program in use. The maximum pre-delay time for each
reverberation program is given in the program notes at the back of this
manual (see APPENDIX A).

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Decay Filter Controls .
The availability and use of these controls are dependent upon the basic
reverberation program in use (See APPENDIX A).
For example, PROGRAM 1-AMBIENCE allows the use of both the high and
low filter controls while PROGRAM 2-ROOM A1 allows for use of the high
filter control only.
A positive filter setting will produce an increase in reverberation time in the
selected frequency band while a negative value will give a decrease. A low-
frequency filter setting of, say +9, will give a large increase in reverberation
time in the low-frequency band.
To vary the decay filter controls first push the LO or HI key. The LED on that
key will now illuminate.
There are three ways of adjusting decay time:
Pot Control Entry –turn clockwise/counter-clockwise to adjust LO
or HI decay filter for the set program.
Using the Nudge Keys -press UP or DOWN to adjust the LO or HI
decay filter for the selected program.
Keypad Entry - decay filter figures may be selected using the keypad
by first pressing the 'HI' or 'LO' key followed by the number key(s)
and finally the enter key (#). To select negative values the '*' key
must be pressed after entering the numeral. If the '*' key is not
pressed a positive value is assumed.
Mix Control .
This button controls the balance between the reverb processor and the
source signal. The Dry/Wet mix is indicated in the Numerical Display as a
percentage. A value of 50% produces an equal blend of wet and dry signals.
Values greater than 50 emphasize the wet signal, and values less than 50%
emphasize the dry signal. A 0% value puts the unit into bypass mode with
audio running through the unit unaffected.
The MIX level can be adjusted in three ways:
Pot Control Entry - You can vary the Dry/Wet mix using the pot
control. Once the Dry/Wet function has been selected, control of
the Dry/Wet is immediately available to the rotary pot.
Using the Nudge Keys - Clicking the nudge DOWN button once will
decrement the value by one percent; clicking nudge UP once will
increment the value by one percent.
Keypad Entry- Dry/Wet mix may be selected using the keypad.
Hence 50% would be entered by first pressing the 'MIX' key
followed by the '5' key, the '0' key and finally the enter key (#).