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systems and outdoor installations, a utility model will serve the client’s needs just as well, and
decrease the equipment costs.
Approached methodically and logically, the choosing of a mixer/ amplifier for a distributed sound
system can be a painless and efficient process. Don’t select a “pro spec” unit when all you need
is a utility amp; you’ll be wasting money and it won’t do the job any better. As we have shown, by
applying a little analytical thought and care, you can satisfy clients’ needs while keeping costs in
line. And that’s what the sound contracting business is all about.
When the Job Calls For ProAnnounce!
When the system specification calls out for a routed zoned system then ProAnnounce is the best
avenue. There are a few key decisions to make to determine the basic equipment makeup of the
installation.
First, the design process and site survey should have established the basic signal structure of the
installation. This will define if a DRM4000 8x2 unit is sufficient or if one or more of the powerful
DPM4000 4x4 routers are called for. If the installation calls for a DPM4000 unit you must
determine if more than a single DPM4000 is needed and what input cards are required. Second,
if additional zones beyond the basic 4 are being used then the DCS 400 system is required. This
allows for a large, extended, relay controlled routing network for paging. Third, if automatic
messaging is desired then a DMM4650 may need to be added. This will provide additional
flexibility for prerecorded announcements and signals. Finally, if any additional external controls
are being added (remote audio volume or source switching for example) then the appropriate
DCS control module will be needed.
The DRM4000 vs. the DPM4000
In order to determine which cpu is best for an installation the designer needs a good working
understanding or each of the units capabilities. To better understand the difference between the
DRM4000 and the DPM4000 an overview of each is provided below.
DPM4000 4x4 Matrix Router
The DPM4000 is essentially a 4 x 4 digital matrix with added DSP capabilities. Actually, when you
factor in the internal alarm/chime functions, message stacking, and pre-recorded message
functions it is more like a 7 x 4 matrix. Processing in the form of level and EQ is provided on each
of the four external inputs to the system. In addition, level and optional delay is provided on each
of the four outputs in the system. Analog compression is also available on certain input cards, as
well as, the paging stations. The DPM 4000 can be configured to perform tasks based on a
variety of control inputs. Likewise the DPM 4000 can provide a variety of control outputs.
Examples of these inputs and outputs might be: a contact closure from a fire alarm results in an
alarm and voice message automatically sent to the loudspeaker system, pressing a button on a
paging station or wall control raises or lowers a video screen and turns on or off the video
projector, a maintenance worker uses his cell phone to turn the lights on or off in a given area of a
building, an amplifier failure is detected, a backup amplifier is switched into operation and
maintenance personnel are notified of the failure. The possibilities are only limited by one’s
imagination and ingenuity. The DPM 4000 can be configured for a variety of audio routing tasks in
addition to the normal paging applications. The unit is especially suited for background music
applications in such venues as restaurants, shopping centers, and specialty stores. The DPM
4000 can even be used for very small room combining applications (up to four rooms).
DRM 4000 Mixer
Unlike the DPM4000, the DRM4000 can be used with very little preprogramming. Many of the
functions are externally selectable or adjustable. The DRM4000 can be used either in a stand-
alone mode or in conjunction with the DPM 4000. The DRM 4000 can be used to enhance the
DPM 4000’s input and output capabilities. The DRM 4000 features eight stereo RCA inputs, four
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