The console's DSP resources are defined in two parts: by the A__UHD Core license (installed when the system is configured) and the DSP Configuration (loaded by the operator).

A__UHD Core Licensing

The total amount of DSP resource depends on the active license in the A__UHD Core. This is defined when the system is configured and cannot be changed by an operator. The licensing options are described in more detail in the "mc2 Systems Manual".

For now it is useful to know that:

  • A single A__UHD Core supports up to 1024 signal processing channels.
  • There are four types of license available: fixed, temporary, pooling and redundancy.
  • By adding a temporary license, the DSP resources can be scaled up for a time-limited period. This provides a more cost-effective way to meet the needs of a specific production.
  • The pooling license can be used to share DSP resources between consoles.
  • DSP redundancy can be specified by installing a second A__UHD Core with a redundancy license.
  • The DSP resources can be upgraded by purchasing and activating a new license.

Operator Configuration

Once the A__UHD Core license is in place, the following options can be changed by an operator from the console GUI.

The DSP Configuration defines the number of input channels, auxiliary sends, groups and main outputs (sums). The configuration can be changed at any time, and is saved and loaded with the production. This makes it easy to change the mix structure and enables the console to handle productions of different types.

All channel types include a full set of signal processing modules: EQ, Dynamics, Delay, etc. This allows you to apply processing to both input channels and audio masters.

The Channel Config display can be used to change the order of the signal processing modules, including the pickup points for the insert send and direct out. You can use this to customize the signal flow on a channel-by-channel basis. All changes are saved and loaded with both snapshots and productions.

DSP Channel Types

The DSP Configuration defines four types of DSP channel: Input channels, Groups, Auxes and Sums. The differences between the channel types are:

  • Each Input channel comes with a full complement of DSP.
  • A Group is identical to an Input channel, except that it has no InMix section. This means that:
    • A Group can be assigned to another Group or Sum.
    • A Group can feed Aux sends.
    • A Group has an insert point and direct out.
  • An Aux or Sum channel is designed to be the final point in the signal chain.
    • By default, an Aux or Sum cannot be assigned to another bus (Aux, Group or Sum)*.
    • An Aux or Sum has no independent direct output.
    • In all other respects it is identical to an input channel and comes with all DSP modules (except InMix).

*Optionally, you can turn on the Advanced Bus Routing option (under "Global → Status" in the System Settings display) to allow Aux and Sum channels to be assigned to Groups, Auxes and Sums. This can be used to make the bus routing more flexible. This option is disabled, by default, to prevent accidental feedback loops. 

Channel Signal Flow

The images below show the signal flow for each channel type.

Apart from InMix and Bus, the modules can be positioned in any order (via the Channel Config display). The Image module is available for stereo channels only. The Ambit (upmix) module is available for 5.1 surround channels only (via the surround VCA).

Input Channels

Groups

Auxes and Sums

DSP Modules

Unless otherwise stated, every DSP channel comes with the following audio modules.

  • InMix (input channels only) – channel input gain, phase and stereo input control.
  • Peak – peak metering point.
  • DigAmp – digital amplifier; can be used as a secondary gain trim.
  • Image (stereo channels only) – image control for stereo channels.
  • Ambit (5.1 surround channels only) – upmix and spatialise processing.
  • Delay – delay, adjusted in frames, ms or m.
  • Filter – 2-band equaliser section.
  • EQ – 4-band equaliser section.
  • Insert – insert send and return for external processing. The insert send is always active.
  • Gate, Exp, Comp, De-Ess, Limit – five independent dynamics processors. An external key input and sidechain filtering can be applied to the gate or compressor.
  • Fader & AMix – channel level/mute. If Automix is active, then level changes are applied here. 
  • Loud – loudness metering point.
  • Bus+Dmix – group and sum bus assignments are made here.

Aux PEQ, Aux PF and Aux AF indicate the pick-up points for aux send assignments.

The Dir Out path is the channel's direct output.

SCF (sidechain filter) is the 2-band equaliser for the gate or compressor sidechain. It cannot be moved and is included for completeness.