Dan Dugan Sound Design Model M User manual

Dan Dugan Sound Design
Model M Automatic Mixing Controller
User Guide
Release Date: November 2015
Version: 1.3
Author: Rob Wenig

Important Safety Instructions and Warnings
The Model M’s circuitry is made in the USA and meets applicable national safety standards.
Standards Compliance
The third-party power supply provided with this product has been certified to comply with UL
and CE.
Safety Instructions
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. WARNING! To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus
to rain or moisture.
7. Clean only with dry cloth.
8. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions.
9. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other
apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
10. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized
plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two
blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for
your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for
replacement of the obsolete outlet.
11. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, conve-
nience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
12. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
14. WARNING! Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required
when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is
damaged,liquidhasbeenspilledorobjectshavefallenintotheapparatus,theapparatus
has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
15. WARNING! To reduce the risk of electric shock, DO NOT REMOVE COVER. No
user serviceable parts inside.

Warranty Statement
Warranty: One year parts and labor
Dan Dugan Sound Design warrants that Model M hardware will be free from defects in
components and workmanship for a period of 12 months from the date of invoice. During the
warrantyperiod,Dan Dugan Sound Design will coverthecost of all parts and labortoremedy
the defect, or replace products which prove to be defective. Dan Dugan Sound Design is
not obliged to honor this warranty if the hardware has failed to be maintained and operated
as specified by Dan Dugan Sound Design, in the accompanying documentation, or other
than in accordance with industry standards. Defects caused by unauthorized modifications,
misuse, negligence, act of God or accident are not covered by this warranty. Software is
provided as a convenience, but due to the wide variety of computer systems, cannot be
guaranteed to work. This Limited Warranty is exclusive and no other warranty is expressed
or implied. Dan Dugan Sound Design does not warrant that Dan Dugan Sound Design soft-
ware, or any third-party software, is error free. Third party branded or manufactured
goods are supplied by Dan Dugan Sound Design with care but without responsibility
and subject only to third party suppliers’ warranties. In all other respects Dan Dugan
Sound Design is not liable for consequential damages.

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Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction.......................................................................................... 9
Chapter 2: Theory of the Speech and Music Systems.............. 11
Dugan Speech System........................................................................ 11
Insert Patching.................................................................................... 12
Dugan Music System........................................................................... 13
Insert Patching.................................................................................... 14
Chapter 3: Installation........................................................................................... 17
Rack Mounting........................................................................................ 17
Connections............................................................................................. 18
Audio I/O.............................................................................................. 18
MADI............................................................................................. 18
ADAT............................................................................................ 19
Unprocessed Outputs................................................................ 19
Linking.................................................................................................. 19
Word Clock.......................................................................................... 20
Network................................................................................................ 20
Power.................................................................................................... 20
Chapter 4: Connecting to a Computer.................................................... 21
Establishing Network Connections ................................................ 22
Manually Add Unit................................................................................. 23
Setting a Specific IP Address........................................................... 24

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Chapter 5: Dugan Control Panel Software......................................... 25
Top Pane................................................................................................... 26
Adding Units Manually....................................................................... 27
Setting Controls...................................................................................... 27
Naming Units and Channels............................................................. 27
Channel Pane.......................................................................................... 28
Level Indicator..................................................................................... 28
Bypass.................................................................................................. 29
Channel Modes................................................................................... 29
Man............................................................................................... 30
Auto.............................................................................................. 30
Mute.............................................................................................. 30
Preset................................................................................................... 30
Channel Groups.................................................................................. 31
Override................................................................................................ 31
Meters................................................................................................... 32
Weight Controls .................................................................................. 32
Master Pane............................................................................................. 35
Reset .................................................................................................... 36
Meters................................................................................................... 36
Clock Source....................................................................................... 36
System.................................................................................................. 37
Separating Systems................................................................... 37
Selecting Units to Display......................................................... 37
Group Master Controls ...................................................................... 38
Override....................................................................................... 38
Preset........................................................................................... 38
Mute.............................................................................................. 38

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Master Panels..................................................................................... 38
Music System Panel.................................................................. 38
Model K Devices Panel............................................................. 39
Scenes Panel.............................................................................. 39
Chapter 6: Pre-fader Insert................................................................................ 41
Muting Channels.................................................................................... 41
Pre-listening to Muted Channels..................................................... 42
Chapter 7: Dugan Music System and Gain Limiting................... 43
Dugan Music System........................................................................... 43
Meter..................................................................................................... 44
NOM Gain Limit .................................................................................. 44
Music System Threshold Input Channel......................................... 44
Music System Threshold Input Level .............................................. 44
Auto Mix Depth.................................................................................... 44
Setting up the Music System............................................................ 44
Controlling Ambience......................................................................... 46
Gain Limiting............................................................................................ 46
Gain Limiting and the Music System............................................... 46
Gain Limiting and the Speech System............................................ 47
Musical Theater...................................................................................... 47

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Chapter 8: Front Panel.......................................................................................... 49
All Channels Screen............................................................................. 50
Channel Block Selection.................................................................... 50
Top Row............................................................................................... 50
Eight Channels Screen........................................................................ 51
Top Row............................................................................................... 51
Channel Controls................................................................................ 52
Group Master Screen........................................................................... 53
Top Row............................................................................................... 53
Group Master Controls ...................................................................... 53
Menu Screen............................................................................................ 53
MADI Configuration Screen............................................................... 54
Network Configuration Screen......................................................... 55
Scene Memory Screen........................................................................ 56
Chapter 9: Updates.................................................................................................. 57
Appendix A:Specifications ................................................................................. 59

Dugan Model M User Guide
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Chapter 1: Introduction
The Dugan Model M Automatic Mixing Controller helps professional audio mixers
handle multiple live mics without having to continually ride their individual faders.
This signal processor patches into the input insert points of an audio mixing console.
It detects which mics are being used and makes fast, transparent cross-fades, freeing
the mixer to focus on balance and sound quality instead of being chained to the fad-
ers. The Model M tracks unscripted dialogue, eliminating cueing mistakes and late
fade-ups, while avoiding the choppy and distracting effects common to noise gates.
The Model M includes three patented automatic mixing algorithms:
•Dugan Speech System™for all dialog applications
•Dugan Music System™for mixing a musical group
•Dugan Gain Limiting™for reducing feedback when using the Music System
The Model M can:
• connect up to 64 channels (MADI), or 16 channels (ADAT);
• be remote controlled from the Dugan Control Panel for Java (included) and Dugan
Control Panel for iPad (sold separately);
• be physically controlled from its own front panel;
• be remote controlled from the Dugan Model K Tactile Control Panel;
• link with other Dugan automatic mixing controllers to create a larger system;
• partition channels into one to three groups that can span linked units;
• create separate systems that do not interact (i.e., for separate studios);
• conveniently connect multiple devices via three network ports;
• be powered by PoE.

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The Model M supports a broad spectrum of live mixing applications:
• Conference reinforcement, video trucks
• Houses of worship
• TV news and sports panels, reality and game shows
• Wireless mics for theater
• Boardrooms and civic meeting rooms
• Teleconferencing and distance learning
The Model M dramatically improves live mixing with multiple mics by:
• eliminating late upcuts;
• reducing PA feedback and studio noise;
• reducing comb filtering from adjacent mics.

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Chapter 2: Theory of the Speech and Music Systems
Dugan Speech System
The Dugan Speech System is a patented and trademarked automatic mixing function.
The Speech System distributes the gain of one open microphone over the entire system,
maintaining a natural ambience. It is essential to distinguish this behavior from the an-
noying fluctuation of levels and uneven ambience in a conventional gating system.
The system automatically manages any number of live mics in unpredictable dia-
logue situations. When one person speaks, that mic’s gain fades up instantly, and the
others down. When the speaker pauses, all mics fade to medium gains that sum to
equal one mic at full gain. The result sounds like passing one mic around among the
speakers. When several people talk at once, the gain is shared.
Figure 2-1 Four snapshots of a three-mic system
Figure 2-1 shows the Speech System in action with a three-mic system.
• The first frame shows no one speaking; the sound levels at all mics are low.
The system fades all channels to medium gains that sum to the equivalent of
one mic at full gain.
• The second frame shows one person speaking. The system automatically
fades his/her gain to full, while the other two inputs are turned down.
• The third frame shows a different person speaking. The system automatically
fades his/her gain to full, while the other two inputs are turned down.
• The fourth frame shows two people speaking simultaneously. The system
automatically shares the gain between them, while the other input is
turned down.

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Insert Patching
Figure 2-2 Post-fader insert patching
The Dugan Speech System is best patched post-EQ, post-fader, pre-compressor:
•Post-EQ: Equalization can be applied to different mic types so they sound more
alike, which benefits both the sound quality and the automixing process.
•Post-fader: This allows muting channels on the console by pulling down
the fader or activating the mute button. A pre-fader patch leaves the mic in
the automix even when the fader is down or the console channel is muted.
Most analog consoles only have pre-fader inserts. You can use Dugan auto-
mixing with these consoles but you must be careful to mute channels by
muting on the Dugan, not the console.
•Pre-compressor: The Dugan Speech System works on the level differences
between channels. Compression reduces level differences between channels,
making automixing less effective. It is OK to patch post-compressor if only
occasional peak limiting occurs. However, if compression is active during
normal speech, better results will be obtained by patching the Dugan
pre-compressor.
EQ
MICROPHONE
INPUT
INSERT
POINT
INSERT
POINT
MIX BUS
CONSOLE
INSERT
POINT
DUGAN CONTROLLER
DCA
WEIGHT
FADER
ALGORITHM

Dugan Model M User Guide Theory of the Speech and Music Systems
13
Dugan Music System
Music System
The Music System is a soft-gating or ducking system with its threshold set by an audio
signal, typically from a mic measuring the ambient sound level. Each channel has a
2:1 expansion ratio below the floating threshold.
The Music System can also be used to duck an audience mix when the people on
stage talk, attenuating the sound of the PA in the room. Use an aux send of the stage
vocal mix to supply the threshold signal instead of a mic.
The following example (Figure 2-3) shows how the Music System works with three back-
ground vocalists.
• Frame 1 shows no one singing. The system keeps all channels at a low gain.
• Frame 2 shows one person singing. The system automatically fades his/her
gain to full, while the other two inputs stay low.
Figure 2-3 Function of the Dugan Music System
• Frame 3 shows a different person singing. The system automatically fades his/
her gain to full, while the previous singer’s mic and the other input stay low.
• Frame 4 shows two people singing together. The system automatically gives
their channels full gain, while the other input stays low.
70
60
50
40
Sound
at mics
(dBSPL)
0
-10
-20
-30
Resulting
automix
gains (dB)
No one singing Mic 2 singing Mic 3 singing Mics 2 & 3 singing Music System
Threshold Input
Threshold
follows
audio level
Depth set to
-15 dB

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Insert Patching
Figure 2-4 Pre-fader insert patching
The Dugan Music System is best patched post-EQ, pre-fader, pre-compressor:
•Post-EQ: Equalization can be applied to different mic types so they sound
more alike, which benefits both the sound quality and the automixing
process.
•Pre-fader: This allows the expansion threshold for automixing to remain
stable while adjusting the mix with the faders.
•Pre-compressor: The Dugan Music System works better with consistent
ambience caused by bleed from neighboring voices and instruments. It is
OK to patch post-compressor if only occasional peak limiting occurs.
However, if compression is active during normal singing or playing, better
results will be obtained by patching the Dugan pre-compressor.
EQ
MICROPHONE
INPUT
INSERT
POINT
INSERT
POINT
MIX BUS
CONSOLE
INSERT
POINT
FADER
DUGAN CONTROLLER
DCA
WEIGHT
ALGORITHM

Dugan Model M User Guide Theory of the Speech and Music Systems
15
Gain Limiting
Gain Limiting reduces master gain as new mics become active, thus avoiding feed-
back and noise. This is commonly called NOM (number of open mics) gain adjust-
ment. Unlike NOM functions on other systems, Dugan Gain Limiting does not base
its gain limiting calculation on the number of open mics. Instead it sums the gains
of all active channels (including partially attenuated channels), compares them to a
gain threshold, and reduces the gain appropriately.
Figure 2-5 NOM and gain reduction: NOM =1 (left); NOM = 4 (right)
Conventional automatic mixing implementations always assume an NOM of 1. The
Dugan’s unique implementation allows you to set the number of mics that will op-
erate at full gain before gain limiting occurs. For example, if there is enough gain be-
fore feedback to tolerate four open mics, the gain limit can be set to 4. Gain reduction
begins when the fifth mic turns on.
NOTE: Since the Model M has no master audio channel, Gain Limiting reduces the gain on all
channels in the group for which NOM is active.
Gain
Reduction
(dB)
8
6
4
2
0
Number of Open Mikes
(NOM)
4
2
0
6
8
10
Gain
Reduction
(dB)
8
6
4
2
0
Number of Open Mikes
(NOM)
4
2
0

Dugan Model M User Guide
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Dugan Model M User Guide Installation
17
Chapter 3: Installation
Rack Mounting
One or two half-rack-sized Dugan controllers can be mounted in a single rack space.
Each unit ships with one long and one short rack ear and one joining plate. Two
units provide the necessary parts for mounting side-by-side.
The rack ears for older half-rack Dugans differ slightly from the current design, but
the joining plates are the same. All half-rack-sized Dugans can be mounted side-by-
side using the appropriate rack ear for each unit.
To rack-mount a single unit, attach one long and one short rack ear, then mount in
the rack.
To mount two units side-by-side:
1. For the left unit, remove the four screws from the right side of the top and
bottom lids.
2. Attach the top and bottom joining plates to the left unit.
3. For the right unit, remove the four screws from the left side of the top and
bottom lids.
4. Attach the top and bottom joining plates to the right unit.
5. Attach the appropriate short rack ears to the left and right units.

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Connections
Model M channels are patched as inserts to your console’s input channels. Where
they are inserted depends on whether you are using the Dugan Speech System (see
page 12), the Dugan Music System (see page 14), or both.
NOTE: When an actor both sings and speaks, it is best to route the same mic through two
Dugan channels (one for the Music and one for the Speech System) and switch be-
tween them. See Musical Theater on page 47 for more information.
Audio I/O
The rear panel has the following connectors: MADI, Word Clock, ADAT, network
connectors, and power. It also has two switches: MADI–ADAT and NORM–SLAVE.
Figure 3-1 Model M rear panel connectors
The MADI–ADAT switch selects whether the input is derived from the MADI (up posi-
tion) or ADAT (down position) connectors. In the ADAT position, the LINK connectors are
re-purposed to carry eight additional ADAT channels, so linking multiple units is not
possible (see Linking on page 19).
MADI
MADI I/O can use a dual SC optical cable for input and output or two BNC coaxial
connectors for input and output. The Model M automatically selects the active input.
If signal is present at both inputs, optical is selected.
Select the desired cable and connect the appropriate MADI ports on your console and
the Dugan.
MADI connections can carry up to 64 audio channels. You can select a block of chan-
nels for Dugan processing. MADI channels not assigned to the Dugan are passed
through unprocessed. MADI channels are assigned from the unit’s front panel (see
page 54).

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ADAT
Each of four ADAT connectors carries eight channels, two for input, two for output.
1. Connect console insert outputs to AUD IN 1–8 and AUD IN 9–16.
2. Connect AUD OUT 1–8 and AUD OUT 9–16 to the console insert inputs.
Unprocessed Outputs
Unprocessed splits of the input signals are always present on the outputs of the un-
used I/O connectors. These are typically sent to a multitrack recorder. The position
of the MADI-ADAT switch determines the I/O:
•MADI: MADI inputs 1–16 are mirrored to ADAT outputs 1–16.
•ADAT: ADAT inputs 1–16 are mirrored to MADI outputs 1–16.
Linking
Up to eight Dugan units can be linked into a single automatic mixing system. All dig-
ital Dugan models can be linked in any combination. The audio I/O for each must
be configured and connected individually. Linking passes only control information
between Dugans, not audio.
One unit must be set to be the master and the others slaves.
1. Designate one unit as the master by setting the NORM–SLAVE switch on the
rear panel to NORM (up).
2. Designate any other units as slaves by setting their NORM–SLAVE switches
on the rear panel to SLAVE (down).
3. Use ADAT (TOSLINK) cables to link units in a ring network.
Note that all LINK IN and LINK OUT connectors are used to create the ring.
Figure 3-2 Linking Dugan units

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Word Clock
By default, Word Clock is derived from the active MADI or ADAT input. However, if
a Word Clock signal is sent to WORD CLK IN, the Model M will use that as its Word
Clock source. In all cases, the Word Clock output is sent to WORD CLK OUT.
Network
A network switch with three Ethernet connectors is provided as a convenience when
connecting a computer and other devices into a network. One connector accepts
Power over Ethernet (PoE).
Power
A power connector accepts a locking power cable. In an emergency, the Model M
can accept power supplies within the range 12–24 VDC, 2 A (minimum), center pin
positive.