PRODIGY.MX ADVANCED

From DirectOut Technologies

The PRODIGY.MX Advanced is a powerful 2U unit that combines the functions of a format converter and router for networked audio and MADI with an extensive selection of fully assignable signal processing tools. It is ideal as the central hub for multiple audio networks in a studio or OB broadcast environment, or in long-term audio installations such as major musical productions.

It supports Dante and Ravenna/AES67 network audio formats as well as Layer 2 (L2) protocols such as AVB/Milan and Soundgrid. All MADI formats are also catered for as standard. As with all PRODIGY designs, it incorporates numerous fail-safe elements and can provide a very high degree of resilience against signal or sync loss, data errors and similar potential disasters.

Overview

  • Multi-format audio router and converter with powerful range of assignable DSP
  • Maximum channel count: 1,664 inputs and 1,668 outputs
  • Modular I/O system – user’s choice of options
  • Highest level of operational resilience, with user-definable redundant actions
  • FastSRC – low-latency SRC on MADI I/O, invaluable for rapid set-up
  • Fully assignable 64 x 64 mix matrix
  • Assignable DSP includes summing buses, EQ, IIR filters, delay and dynamics
  • Sync sources: internal or external wordclock, video, networked audio or MADI inputs
  • Two headphone outputs on front panel

I/O Capability

  • Six slots for networked audio or multi-port MADI:
  • Up to 256 channels per slot (format dependent)
  • 64ch networked audio: Dante
  • 128ch networked audio: Ravenna/AES67 (ST2110-30/31 and ST2022-7 compliant), AVB Milan or Soundgrid
  • MADI modules may be 2-port (2 x BNC/2 x SFP with HD-SRC) or 4-port SFP
  • HD-SRC available as option on networked audio and 4-port MADI modules
  • All networked audio modules have dual RJ45s plus SFP cage
  • Two further dedicated MADI slots:
  • Co-axial, SC optical, SFP options available
  • 48k/96k frame, 56/64ch, S/MUX supported
  • All common sample rates from 44.1 to 192 kHz, with ±12.5% varispeed

Read more about I/O options here

Resilience Features

  • EARS – seamless switchover of multichannel sources in the event of signal loss
  • Mirror Mode – copy a defined set of unit parameters (or even the entire configuration)to a second unit for backup or parallel operation
  • 64 Input Managers – define a hierarchy of up to five alternative inputs and precise conditions for auto-switchover
  • Auto sync source priority – auto sync source reselection in event of sync failure
  • MADI redundancy – dual I/O ports
  • Dual PSUs

Read more about DirectOut’s approach to ultra-safe operation here

Fully assignable on-board signal processing:

  • 64 summing buses
  • 64 x 64 Mix matrix
  • 64 EQ (IIR filter) blocks
  • 64 dynamics blocks
  • 64 delay blocks (max 5.944 secs per channel)
  • 64 “Flex channels” – may be configured as input channels with pre-fader processing and insert slots, or output channels with post-fader slots

Control Options

  • Front panel controls – via touchscreen
  • Web server – independent control network for control of primary unit functions from a browser
  • globcon – powerful GUI freeware for enhanced and comprehensive control
  • HCONTROL – 8 and 16 channel/12-layer mixer-style remote hardware control surfaces
  • Automator – script engine for multi-layer customised commands and events
  • LTC reader – trigger any action from timecode
  • GPIO – 2 in/2 out
  • JSON-API (default protocol)
  • Ember+, OSC and SNMP compatibilities are available via licence options

For applications only requiring SRC and/or format conversion and routing, PRODIGY.MX Essential is available: it offers the same I/O capability as PRODIGY.MX Advanced, but without the signal processing. It may be upgraded – either fully or incrementally – to the PRODIGY.MX Advanced specification at any time. Further platforms in the PRODIGY range are PRODIGY.MP and PRODIGY.MC, which offer one (MC) or two (MP) I/O slots for networked audio and two for MADI, plus numerous options for interfacing with analogue and AES3 audio. Each exists in three versions, Essential, Advanced and Unlimited: an Advanced upgrade package for the Essential versions is available in both cases.

The DirectOut PRODIGY.MX Advanced is a multi-format audio convertor combined with a routing matrix and a large assignable set of DSP resources. It is designed to be the central hub for networked audio and MADI in fixed and mobile broadcast operations, production facilities and major musical productions. Its ability to cope easily with different audio formats of different sample rates will be of particular interest to OB engineers faced with a multiplicity of otherwise incompatible feeds on location. Its fully modular I/O allows it to be reconfigured as required, making it an ideal choice for rental company inventories.
PRODIGY.MX Advanced shares many features with other DirectOut products, which is why we have written several “White Papers” on the subjects of Resilience, I/O modularity, Control options and DSP expansion. Please follow the links to learn more: these pages will give you a good idea of the many important design features that make the PRODIGY range so flexible and powerful.

PRODIGY.MX Advanced shares many of its features with other DirectOut products, which is why we have written several “White Papers” on the subjects of Resilience, I/O modularity, Control options and DSP expansion. Please follow the links to learn more: these pages will give you a good idea of the many important design features that make the PRODIGY range so flexible and powerful.

Routing and I/O Options:

PRODIGY.MX Advanced can convert freely between all common multichannel networked audio formats as required: MADI, Dante, Ravenna/AES67, AVB Milan, Soundgrid. Routing may be that of an entire multichannel source, or on a per-channel basis.

Read more about I/O options here

Resilience:

Great importance is placed on the need for utterly bullet-proof operation at major live events or live broadcast: making PRODIGY the audio core will enhance the reliability of the entire system. All PRODIGY units have multiple redundancy provisions for essentials like backup input and sync sources. You can use two units in parallel with automatic duplication of settings and parameters, and also configure them to switch between units under pre-defined circumstances. The changeover will be seamless: for live productions this means that the audience will be unaware of an otherwise disastrous failure. If the event is being recorded or broadcast, a second feed to a backup multitrack recorder is simple to set up, and multiple feeds can be created for broadcasters with different native audio formats.

For situations where sample rate conversion is needed, the networked audio and 2/4 port MADI I/O modules are available with DirectOut’s reference standard HD-SRC.

Read more about DirectOut’s approach to ultra-safe operation here

Processing Options:

In addition to the primary routing matrix, which allows any input channel to be routed to any output channel, PRODIGY.MX Advanced’s extensive DSP specification includes a separate 64 x 64 mix-matrix, 64 Flex Channels and 64 Summing Buses, which together maybe freely configured to greatly expand the unit’s range of applications.

Flex Channels are freely assignable “floating” channels that allow processing to be inserted in a signal path. They have the usual channel facilities such as faders, solo, mute, insert, delay, etc. Any input signal, and also various internal signals, may be the input to a Flex Channel, and the Flex Channel’s output may similarly be routed to any output.

The Summing Buses allow the creation of additional mixes for monitor feeds, mix-minus, etc., and have the same facilities as the Flex Channels. Inputs may be any combination of individual audio inputs, mix-matrix outputs Flex Channels; similarly the mixed output may be routed to any physical output, to a Flex Channel for subgroup processing, or a mix-matrix input.

Each mix-matrix output, Flex Channel and Summing Bus fader has four processing slots, into which various DSP elements may be loaded. 64 instances – or “blocks” – of each DSP element are available for assignment. The element types are:

  • Dynamics: compressor or limiter with separate gate, plus other useful options.
  • EQ – an extensive range of IIR filters, including hi- and lo-pass shelf and peak, band-pass, peak and notch, plus special purpose options such as RIAA curves. Filter parameters may be entered numerically or drawn graphically.
  • Delay: definable in milliseconds, samples or metres: max delay 5,944 ms per channel.

Further types of DSP elements are available by licence option. These include 8 assignable channels of loudness metering and Automix control, allowing the creation of up to 16 Automix groups.

Read more about DSP options here

Controlling the PRODIGY:

PRODIGY.MX Advanced offers several options for control of its many functions, but we strongly recommend the use of globcon freeware. globcon (pronounced “globe-con”!) is a comprehensive control system designed for DirectOut products. It provides the user with a very clear graphical interface, and allows easy access to all aspects of the unit’s configuration and operation, as well as providing constant system monitoring.

A hardware remote controller, the HCONTROL, is styled as a compact mixer, available with either 8 or 16 faders, and 12 operational layers. Interfacing with globcon, it gives direct user control of individual audio channel levels, and many of globcon’s further functions (including snapshots). HCONTROL is bidirectional, and includes per-channel meters. globcon’s own display reflects the per-layer channel assignment, so the on-screen controls and information is always relevant and current when switching between layers.

Automator (enabled via licence activation) delivers more powerful control options, building complex, multi-step control sequences that may be triggered from operator input, external control commands, device events or status changes.

Additionally, most primary unit functions are available through the unit’s front panel touchscreen. PRODIGY.MX Advanced also has a built-in web server which gives access to DirectOut’s own user interface via the rear panel dedicated Management network ports. Numerous remote control options are also catered for, including Ember+, OSC, SNMP and JSON.