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1.Introduction

This manual contains essential information for the operation and care of the product you have pur- chased. Please read the instructions carefully and completely before using the equipment. Please keep this manual where it will be accessible at all times to all current and future users.

Additional information, in particular concerning available accessories and Neumann service partners, can be found on our website: www.neu- mann.com. Information about service partners can also be obtained by telephone: +49 (0) 30 / 41 77 24 - 0.

The following related files are available in PDF format in the Downloads section of our website www.neumann.com:

•KM D Operating Manual – Digital Miniature Mi- crophones

•D-01 Operating Manual – Digital Large-Dia- phragm Microphone

•Brief Description of the AES 42 Standard Additional information concerning the digital mi- crophone interface can be found at http://www. aes.org/publications/standards/ under the title “AES standard for acoustics – Digital interface for microphones”.

The Neumann online forum enables Neumann users worldwide to share their experiences. Through its integrated archive function, the forum has developed into an extensive knowledge pool.

2.Safety instructions

The DMI-2 Digital Microphone Interface has the intended purpose of providing power and remote control for digital microphones in accordance with the international standard AES 42, and of making the audio data stream from the microphone available in AES/EBU format for recording or further processing.

•Connect to the inputs only microphones that comply with the AES 42 standard.

•Connect the outputs only to AES/EBU inputs.

The RJ-45 ports of the DMI-2 have a DC voltage, and must not be connected to an Ethernet.

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Repairs and servicing are to be carried out only by experienced, authorized service personnel. Unauthorized opening or modification of the equipment shall void the warranty.

•Allow the equipment to adjust to the ambient temperature before switching it on.

•Do not operate the equipment in a damaged condition.

•Always run cables in such a way that there is no risk of tripping over them.

•Ensure that liquids and electrically conductive objects unless required for operation are kept at a safe distance from the equipment and its connections.

•Do not use solvents or aggressive cleansers for cleaning purposes.

•Dispose of the equipment in accordance with the regulations applicable to the respective country.

Please note: All information relating to the microphones refers to digital microphones of the Neu- mann Solution-D series.

Disclaimer:

The product is sold “as-is” and the customer is assuming the entire risk as to the product’s suitability for his needs, its quality and its performance. In no event will Neumann be liable for direct, indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages resulting from any defect in the product or from its use in conjunction with any microphones/ products from other manufacturers, even if advised of the possibility of such damages.

3.Description

The DMI-2 provides power and remote control for digital microphones that operate in accordance with the AES 42 standard (see www.aes.org).

Connected microphones are supplied with power, and the audio signals received are output in the AES/EBU data format (AES 3).

The DMI-2 provides for communication between digital microphones and a PC/Mac with the Neu- mann RCS remote control software, and generates the required control data. In addition, synchronization of the microphones is carried out via an external or internally generated word clock.

The most important functional features of the DMI-2 are as follows.

•Power is supplied to two digital microphones (in accordance with the AES 42 standard).

•The audio data stream is received from the mi- crophone and is output as an AES/EBU signal.

•The microphone is synchronized with an exter- nal or internally generated word clock (using automatic detection).

•All standard sampling rates are supported: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, and 192 kHz.

•Asynchronous operation is supported. In this case the audio data stream is made available at the AES/EBU output with the sampling rate recovered from the microphone signal.

•A computer interface is provided for transmit- ting and processing bidirectional control data. For this purpose, Neumann supplies control software that can be operated on a PC or Mac (the RCS Remote Control Software).

•The user port provides for direct control (via a switch contact or low-active signal) of selected functions (Mute, LED 1 and LED 2).

•Multiple devices can be cascaded.

•Internal memory: All settings are retained af- ter the DMI-2 has been switched off. After it is switched on again, these settings remain in ef- fect even in the absence of a connection to the computer [stand-alone operation].

Indicators (Fig. 1)

Power

Indicates that the equipment is ready for opera- tion. During the startup process, the indicator shines less brightly.

Data Valid

Indicates a valid AES 42 data stream from the microphone to the DMI-2.

Sync Locked

Indicates synchronization of the microphone with a master word clock. The indicator blinks while the microphone is being synchronized. It shines continuously when the microphone has been successfully synchronized.

Ext Word Clk

Indicates an external word clock. The indicator does not light up if no external word clock signal is detected. The indicator blinks if a signal is present at the external work clock input but synchronization has not (yet) been achieved. The indicator shines continuously when the DMI-2 has been successfully synchronized with the external word clock. Prolonged blinking of the indicator means that although a signal is present at the word clock input, it has not been interpreted as a valid signal; the cause may be an invalid word clock frequency (+/-50 ppm) or very high jitter values.

Ports (Fig. 2)

Master Clock In/Out

In digital studio setups, a central master word clock is usually used for synchronizing the connected equipment. The DMI-2 automatically synchronizes itself with this external word clock as soon as such a signal is detected at the word clock input (BNC, 75 ohms).

If there is no valid word clock signal at the input, the DMI-2 automatically activates an internal word clock generator. The word clock frequency corresponds to the sampling rate of the synchronously operated microphones (see “Synchroni- zation” section). The signal provided for other equipment at the Master Clock Out word clock port is therefore the external word clock signal that has been received or the internally generated word clock signal.

Even in the absence of power, an external word clock signal will be transferred by the DMI-2 directly to the Master Clock Out port. If no cable has been attached to the output of the external word clock, an automatic termination (75 ohms) is effective at the word clock input.

For hardware version 03 or above:

•An AES 11 signal can also be used as an exter- nal word clock signal.

•Even in the case of external synchronization, the internal (VCXO) clock generator remains active and is synchronized with the external word clock by means of a phase-locked loop (PLL). This provides very effective jitter sup- pression.

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