DME64N/24N FAQ

DME64N/24N FAQ

System

1. What are the DME24N and DME64N?
   Like the DME32, the DME-N is a processor that can be assembled into a variety of audio systems including installation systems, sub-mixing, speaker system controllers, matrix/routing, or multi-effect processing (V1.1 and later), using the included DME Designer application software for Windows. The letter "-N" at the end of the model name stands for Network; these units can be controlled via a CAT5 cable.



2. What are the differences between the DME24N and DME64N?
   The greatest difference is in the number of inputs and outputs. The DME24N has eight channels of internal AD/DA and one MY slot, allowing a maximum of 24-in/24-out processing. The DME64N has no internal AD/DA but provides four MY slots, allowing a maximum of 64-in/64-out processing. The DME64N contains DSP chips that provide approximately twice as much performance as the DME24N. The GPI interface is 8-in/8-out for the DME24N, and 16-in/16-out for the DME64N. In addition, the DME64N has a dedicated cascade connector.



3. Does the maximum number of input/output channels depend on the sampling frequency (fs)?

   When operating at fs=48 kHz: DME24N: 24IN24OUT (Internal AD/DA 8ch + Slot 16ch) DME64N: 96IN96OUT (Slot 16ch x 4 + Cascade 32ch)

   When operating at fs=96 kHz: DME24N: 16IN16OUT (Internal AD/DA 8ch + Slot 8ch) DME64N: 64IN64OUT (Slot 8ch x 4 + Cascade 32ch)

   * When operating at fs=96 kHz, the slots will function as eight-channel in/out interfaces.



4. Is the DME64N always capable of 64-channel input/output? Is the DME24N always capable of 24-channel input/output.
   64-channel (24-channel for the DME24N) input/output is possible when optional Mini-YGDAI cards are inserted in the slots. The DME24 contains eight channels of built-in AD/DA, so eight channels of input/output are possible even without installing an option card. When running at fs=96 kHz, the number of input/output channels provided by a slot reduces to eight as mentioned in the preceding section.



5. Compared with the DME32, how much has the DSP processing power increased?
   Because the DSP hardware structure and the structure of the various components differs, a simple comparison (at the resource level) is not possible, but the DSP performance (excepting SPX type effects) can be compared as follows:

   DME24N : 128% of the DME32

   DME64N : 256% of the DME32




6. In what ways are these units more convenient than the DME32?
   Since Ethernet jacks are provided, you can connect the DME-N to a LAN and control it from a PC. Also, the concepts of "zones" and "areas" have been added, allowing centralized management of an entire system of multiple DME-N units constructed on the network using the "DME Designer" software.



7. How many languages can the DME-N's display show?
   The user defined button titles can be shown in five languages; English, French, German, Spanish, and Japanese. However, all of the conventional setting menus etc. are in English.



8. What is the latency when the MY16-C (CobraNet card) is used?
   When the MY16-C is used, a fixed latency is added each time the signal passes through the network. This added latency will be either 1.33ms/2.67ms/5.33ms depending on the mode, and can be specified by a DIP switch on the card.



9. Even when routed through the same inputs/outputs and components in DME Designer, the latency between inputs and outputs sometimes differs between channels. Why?
   This is because at the time of compiling, optimization is applied to each component to minimize the amount of delay.



10. How many MY16-C cards can be installed?
    One in the DME24N, and two in the DME64N.



11. Is it possible for DME-N internal settings and configurations to be uploaded to DME Designer running on a PC, and saved to external media?
    Yes. There are two ways this can be done:
    1) If you have previously downloaded the DME Designer project file to the DME file storage area (11Mb internal memory inside the DME-N), you can then upload this and any other files from the DME file storage area later.
    2) If you have the same project file on the PC with which you have sent the setting data to DME, you can then upload any changes. Choose the “Designer <- DME option” in the Synchronisation window.



12. What is the gain of the head amps for the DME24N's analog inputs?
    The gain is adjustable in 1 dB steps over a range of -60dB - +10dB.



13. If the DME-N(MY16-C), ACU16-C, and NHB32-C are used together, is the sampling rate limited to 48 kHz
    Yes. Since signals of differing sampling rates cannot coexist, and since the ACU16-C and NHB32-C will operate only at 48 kHz, the system must be operated at 48 kHz.



14. What is the function of the "WAV File Player" component?
    This function plays back WAV format audio files (filename extension .wav) that can be recorded on a personal computer.



15. Does the DME-N's monitor functionality only allow me to audition the sound of an option slot or the internal AD/DA? Can I listen to the cascade output or an arbitrary point?
    You can listen to the slot input, slot output, cascade output, or cascade input. However, you'll need to select the monitoring point in the LCD menu. Also, while an arbitrary monitoring point cannot be selected from the DME-N itself, you can specify it from DME Manager.



16. Does the DME24N have a phantom master?
    No, it does not have a master setting; phantom power is specified individually for each channel.



17. Is there a PCMCIA slot?
    No.



18. Can panel operations be locked?
    Yes. With the main screen displayed, simultaneously press the [HOME] button and the [ENTER] button to activate the Panel Lock function. To defeat it, press and hold the [CANCEL] button for at least two seconds.

Network

1. What is the advantage of networking multiple DME-N units?
   This allows centralized control of multiple DME-N units, and since controllers such as the ICP1 can be used with such a system, it is possible to create systems with excellent flexibility. Since networking uses widely-available CAT-5 cables and switching hubs, installation is easy and cost-effective, and the system is easily maintainable.



2. Please explain "areas" and "zones."
   An "area" is the space corresponding to the entire system; an area consists of multiple "zones." The acoustical settings of multiple zones can be controlled independently, and you can also control the entire system (area) as a whole.



3. What devices can be connected on the network?
   In addition to the DME-N itself, an ICP1 or PC (DME Designer) can be connected. A switching hub is required in order to connect multiple devices.



4. How many DME-N units can be used in a single zone?
   A total of up to sixteen DME24N/DME64N/ICP1 units can be connected in a single zone.



5. Is it possible to connect more than one computer to a single network and control the system from multiple simultaneously-running DME Designers?
   No, this is not possible. Connect a single DME Designer to the DME-N unit that will be the master unit.
6. In a network system, can I send configuration data to all connected DME-N units via the LAN cable?
   Yes, you can.
   You will need the "DME-N Network (Ethernet-MIDI) Driver" in order to connect the DME-N to a network. This is supported in V1.01 and later.



7. When constructing a networked system, is there a problem if it coexists with an existing LAN system?
   (Is it possible for DME-N, ICP1, and DME Designer to coexist on a company LAN?)
   If the DME-N's Ethernet cabling is to share the cabling of an existing LAN, zone network addresses must be separated so that devices with the same zone number are associated with the same switching hub.



8. Please explain "zone master" and "zone slave."
   Each zone contains one DME-N unit that is the "zone master," and the zone master will control other DME-N units within that zone. A computer that manages the entire area would be connected to the zone master.



9. Do I need to set IP addresses in order to connect multiple DME-N units to the network?
   The IP address must be specified individually for each DME-N and ICP1.



10. Can I set the IP address from DME Designer?
    You cannot set the IP address from DME Designer. The IP address can be set only on the unit itself.



11. Can I use any type of switching hub without problems?
    Yes. We do not specify recommended models of switching hub as in the case when using CobraNet. You can use commercially available 10/100 Mbps switching hubs.
    However, the transmission distance or speed may be affected by the switching hub you use.



12. Will it cause problems if a network using the LAN jacks and a CobraNet audio network with the MY16-C installed is constructed using only a single switching hub?
    It is possible to do this using only a single switching hub, but since the performance may be degraded by large amounts of CobraNet audio data, we recommend that you keep the networks separate.

Optional Panels / Control

1. What is the ICP1?
   The "ICP1 (Intelligent Control Panel)" is a dedicated controller for the DME-N. It can be connected via a network hub (or via cross-cable) to the DME-N and LAN in order to control the DME-N.



2. What can I do using the ICP1?
   You can recall scenes, and edit component parameters using six assignable function keys x four banks (total of 24) and a rotary encoder.



3. Does the ICP1 require a power supply?
   The ICP1 must be connected to the included adaptor box. Connect a network cable (CAT5) and power supply cable to the adaptor box. Within the adaptor box, the network signal and power supply are redistributed onto the CAT5 cable, and connected to the ICP1.



4. How long can the cable be from the ICP1's power adaptor to the ICP1 itself? Can this cable pass through a switching hub on the way?
   As for a 100 Mbps (100BASE-TX) LAN, the maximum length is 100 m (theoretical value). However, the cable may not pass through a switching hub on the way.



5. How many languages can the ICP1's display show?
   As on the DME-N itself, five display languages are provided; English, French, German, Spanish, and Japanese.



6. Can multiple DME-N units be remotely controlled from a single ICP1?
   Yes, they can if the DME-N units are in the same zone.



7. Can the ICP1's F1-F6 keys be used to directly recall scene memories?
   No, they cannot.



8. Is it possible to coarsen the ICP1's knob resolution? (Can I adjust parameters such as Fader in steps of about 3 dB?)
   The minimum unit by which a parameter's value changes is fixed for each parameter. The way in which dial rotation speed affects the change is also fixed. These cannot be specified by the user.



9. How many GPI systems are provided, and what can I do via GPI?
   The DME24N provides 8IN/8OUT, and the DME64N provides 16IN/16OUT. By using GPI controllers you can control the DME-N's internal parameters or view the parameter status via external lamps.



10. Can an external CD player etc. be controlled from the DME-N?
    If the CD player has GPI functionality, it can be controlled.



11. What GPI controllers does Yamaha sell? What are their specifications and sizes?
    Yamaha sells three models; the CP4SF (4 faders, 4 switches), the CP1SF (one fader, one switch), and CP4SW (4 switches). Each switch contains an LED. The included frame plate can be used to install these in a conventional electrical outlet box.



12. Can I connect multiple GPI switches to a single GPI IN (e.g., for recalling scenes from multiple locations)?
    Yes. Connect the switches in parallel to the GPI (+) and (-) pins. When you press one of the connected switches (for example), the specified scene will be recalled.



13. Can I connect a switch to GPI IN and specify a desired value for a component parameter?
    For example if you want to set Delay to 40 msec when you turn a switch on, you would set the maximum value of GPI IN to 40 msec and set the minimum value to 0 msec. Then set Terminal to Toggle Low->H to allow this type of operation.



14. What are the specifications for cable that can be used with control panels such as the CP4SF?
    CPEV cable (city pair polyethylene insulated vinyl sheathed cable) with 0.65 mm or greater diameter copper conductor and a length up to 100 meters can be used.



15. What commands are used for remote control via MIDI?
    You can control component parameters and scenes by transmitting control change, parameter change, or program change messages.



16. You can control component parameters and scenes by transmitting control change, parameter change, or program change messages.
    The MIDI connector and the SLOT are mutually exclusive; you can use only one or the other. The COM connector may be used at the same time as the other.



17. Can an ICP1, a MIDI controller, and a GPI controller be used simultaneously?
    Yes.



18. Can I specify the maximum value and minimum value for GPI?
    In DME Designer, you can specify the values by using the mouse to graphically adjust the bar. However you cannot directly input numerical values.

DME Designer

1. Which operating systems are supported by DME Designer?
   Windows 2000 and Windows XP.



2. Must the PC (DME Designer) always remain connected to the unit?
   The unit needs to be connected only while transferring data or while editing parameters from DME Designer; it is not necessary that the unit remain connected to the PC at other times.



3. How long does synchronization (transferring data from DME Designer to the DME-N itself) require?
   The time required will depend on the number of scenes and on the configuration state of the DME-N.
   Slightly less than one minute is required in order to send the DME24N a configuration containing no components and in which IN is connected directly to OUT.
   When adding components to existing data, only the data for the added components is transmitted, so the transmission time will be shorter.
   



4. When DME Designer is started up, an icon named "MIDI Setup" is created; what does this do, and can I hide it?
   This icon specifies the ports that the "YAMAHA MIDI Driver" will use. From the ports you select here, select the port that will be used for communication between DME-N and DME Designer. You cannot delete this icon. However, you can minimize it into System Tray by right-clicking the icon and selecting 'Minimize'.



5. Is there any operational difference between connecting DME Designer and the DME-N via a USB connection or via a LAN connection?
   There is no difference. You will need either the USB-MIDI driver or the Ethernet-MIDI driver, respectively.



6. Is a driver required for a LAN connection?
   You will need "DME-N Network Driver" which is supported in V1.01.



7. Can I make the User Control window the default window when starting-up DME Designer?
   Yes. In "Security" menu, turn "Startup User Control" ON.



8. Can I hide settings within components?
   This can be done by using the security functionality provided by DME Designer.



9. What is the significance of the "%" shown for each component?
   The "number %" shown for each component indicates the proportion of DSP resources used.



10. Why is it sometimes possible to place components even when the DSP Resource Meter exceeds 100%?
    This is because the DSP Resource Meter is just a general guideline; only by actually compiling the data can it be determined whether the components can be placed. Compilation uses a new algorithm that applies highly efficient optimization. This means that in some cases, it may be possible to place components even if the meter exceeds 100%.



11. Can I change the grid width?
    Yes. You can specify the width, the type of line (line/dot), and whether it is hidden or visible. You can also turn on "Snap to Grid" so that objects are placed neatly.



12. Can I use the numeric keypad to input parameter values within components such as the Matrix?
    Yes. You can also input "-∞" by typing "-I" (indicating Infinity).



13. Can I control the assignment process of Router components from an external device?
    You can control them via GPI or RS232-C.



14. Do you provide components that turn a button OFF when I turn another button ON?
    Such components are not provided.



15. Can the output from a component be output in parallel?
    Yes. You can draw a parallel connection not only from the output jacks of a component, but also directly from a connected line.



16. Can the output from multiple components be mixed without using the mixer component? (Can multiple cables in DME Designer be combined into one to mix the signals?)
    This is not possible. In order to mix signals, you must route them through a Mixer or similar component.



17. Can I change the name of a component?
    You are free to put a name to the label displayed at the top of the component.



18. Is a spectrum analyzer provided?
    The DME-N itself provides a spectrum analyzer linked with the monitoring functionality.



19. Can I link the operation of multiple parameters?
    You can use the parameter link function to link them.



20. Can I link the operation of multiple components?
    You can use the parameter link function to link parameters across multiple components.



21. Can I use DME Designer to audition the sound at a desired point?
    You can use the probe monitor function to audition the signal at a desired point.



22. Can I run DME Designer and NetworkAmp Manager simultaneously on a single PC?
    Yes.



23. Can configurations created by the DME32 "DME Manager" be loaded?
    DME Manager and DME Designer are not compatible; they cannot load each other's files.



24. When I place the "Matrix64x64" component on the DME64N, the DSP resource meter still shows available space but I can't place any other components; why is this?
    The DSP resource meter is calculated based on the number of arithmetic steps in the DSP microprogram. However, parameters that affect whether a component can or cannot be placed on the DSP are limited not only by this number of calculation steps but also by the number of inputs and outputs between the DSP chips. If you place the Matrix64x64 component, no further components can be placed due to this limitation on the internal DSP inputs and outputs.

Scene

1. How many scene memories can be stored?
   Up to 999 scenes can be stored, but since the configuration is also managed as part of the scene, the maximum number of scene memories will decrease depending on the size of the configuration data.



2. Can the scene memories of all DME-N units on the network be recalled simultaneously? Can they be recalled individually for each unit?
   Scene memories are recalled simultaneously for all DME-N units in the same zone. They cannot be recalled individually for each unit.



3. Can the configuration be changed by recalling a scene memory? If so, will the sound be interrupted when a scene is recalled?
   The DME-N can hold multiple configurations, and these can be changed for each scene memory. In this case, the sound will be interrupted.



4. How many seconds does it take to recall a scene?
   The time it takes for a recall will depend on the number of parameters and on the state of the configuration.
   If the scene change involves only simple parameter changes and does not change the configuration, the change will occur in less than a second. If the change involves a configuration change, it may take several seconds for the recall to occur, depending on the configuration.



5. Is there a "recall safe" function for parameters?
   Yes.

Cascade

1. How many DME64N units can be cascaded? Can the DME24N be cascaded?
   Up to eight DME64N units can be cascaded. Since the DME24N does not have a cascade connector, it cannot be cascaded.



2. What is the advantage of cascading DME64N units together?
   Cascading allows expansion up to a total of 512 inputs and outputs, letting you construct very large systems.



3. When DME64N units are cascaded together, how many buses travel on the cascade cable?
   There are 32 cascade buses.
   When DME64N units are cascaded together, I/O signals for 32 buses travel on one cable, for a total of 64 buses. When connected to a mixer such as the PM5D, signals for 32 uni-directional buses travel on one cable.



4. In the event that a cascade cable is broken, what will happen to the connected DME64 unit? Will all cascaded units be affected?
   Viewed from the zone master DME64N which is at the highest point in the cascade, transmission will be interrupted for audio signals from the DME64N unit whose cable was broken and from units that precede it; however DME64N units from the zone master until the DME64N that follows the broken cable will continue functioning normally.



5. What can I do by cascading the DME-N with the PM5D(-RH)?
   You can transfer up to 32 channels of audio signals, and control DME-N component parameters that are supported by the PM5D's DME Control function.



6. Can component library Recall or Store be controlled from the PM5D?
   No. Component library functionality belongs to DME Designer.



7. Can PM5D(-RH) cascades and DME64N cascades coexist?
   A cascade connection of "PM5D -> DME64N -> DME64N" is possible. However, only the first DME64N can be remotely controlled from the PM5D.

   1) PM5D -> DME64N <-> DME64N -> Select whether the buses to be cascaded will be used for the PM5D or for the DME-N. DME-N control will be possible for the components of all DME-N units in the same zone.

   2) PM5D -> PM5D -> DME64N -> DME-N control will be possible for the components of all DME-N units in the same zone. However, DME-control is not possible from the first PM5D which is not directly connected to the DME-N.




8. Are cascade cables available from Yamaha?
   You can use CAxxx cascade cables for the DM2000 or 02R96; available in five lengths as the CA003, CA010, CA050, CA100, and CA200.



9. How far can cascade cables be extended?
   

   When cascading DME64N units together:

   At a sampling rate of 44.1kHz/48kHz: 100m At a sampling rate of 88.2kHz/96kHz: 30m

   When cascading with the PM5D:

   At a sampling rate of 44.1kHz/48kHz: 200m At a sampling rate of 88.2kHz/96kHz: 100m




10. When DME64 units are cascade-connected, is it a problem if I connect the LAN cable only to the first DME64N that is cascaded? Or must I connect all units?
    Since control between DME-N units occurs only via Ethernet, all DME-N units must be Ethernet-connected.

Others

1. How much time does it take to update the firmware of the DME24N/DME64N?
   It takes approximately 1 minute 30 seconds to update the program area, and approximately three minutes to update all components.



2. Is it easy to update after delivery and setup? Is initialization required after updating?
   The DME-N/ICP1 can be updated from a PC via USB or Ethernet (supported in V1.01 or later). Start up DME Designer, specify the menu that you want to update, and select the target DME-N. It is not necessary to initialize the memory, and the internal scene memories are not deleted by the update procedure.