Review
Professional System Magazine
In-Depth Independent Review of the DMP 128 Plus by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Anselm Goertz
The DMP 128 Plus Series Digital Audio Matrix Processors feature Extron’s exclusive ProDSP™ 64‑bit floating point technology. Each DMP 128 Plus features 12 analog mono mic/line inputs, eight analog outputs, up to four channels of digital audio input and output via USB, up to eight audio file players, an ACP bus for audio control panels, and configurable macros. The C models also include twelve independent channels of world class AEC - Acoustic Echo Cancellation and noise cancellation. The V models include up to eight channels of VoIP, supporting Session Initiation Protocol - SIP 2.0. The AT models provide Dante® audio networking technology with connectivity for 48 digital audio
The DMP 128 Plus Series offers a configuration approach to DSP that simplifies mixing, routing, conferencing, and room optimization. Quick and intuitive configuration using the DSP Configurator Software allows the DMP 128 Plus to be installed in very little time, with easy‑to‑learn adjustments that can be heard in real‑time.
The DMP 128 Plus and DMP 128 Plus C models feature an extensive 52x44 mix matrix allowing all 12 analog inputs, 8 aux inputs, 16 expansion bus inputs and 16 virtual bus returns to be discretely routed to any or all of the 8 analog outputs, 4 aux outputs, 16 expansion bus outputs and the 16 virtual bus sends. The DMP 128 Plus C V model features a 52x48 mix matrix and 4 additional aux outputs to allow for routing of VoIP channels.
The DMP 128 Plus AT and DMP 128 Plus C AT models include up to eight SIP 2.0 VoIP lines, with wideband codec support, that can be configured as individual extensions or with multiple call appearance channels to support local conferencing applications. Compatible with a majority of existing VoIP systems, any single V model of the DMP 128 Plus Series can be used for a single VoIP line or as a VoIP farm for up to eight rooms.
A DMP EXP expansion port, allows two DMP 128 Plus units to be linked together via a single shielded CAT 6 cable. This creates a 16 channel bi‑directional 24‑bit/48 kHz high‑resolution digital audio expansion bus between the two units, allowing expanded input and output signal management and routing capabilities. This same expansion port can be found on Extron’s DTP CrossPoint 4K series, allowing them to be linked to the DMP 128 Plus.
The DMP 128 Plus AT models provide scalable Dante digital audio transport, with Dante Domain Manager support, over a local area network using standard network protocols. A DMP 128 Plus can be configured to support primary and redundant Dante audio networks, as well as AES67 interoperability.
All twelve main DSP channels of the DMP 128 Plus offer FlexInput source selection to route any Dante input, expansion input, or one of the mic/line inputs, to a main DSP channel. This enables the DMP 128 Plus to process audio from any source with the full range of DSP capabilities.
The DMP 128 Plus C models includes Extron AEC for conferencing applications. AEC is essential for effective remote room‑to‑room conversations, ensuring clear, natural communication for all participants. These models include twelve independent channels of high performance AEC, as well as selectable noise cancellation. AEC processing can be challenged by conditions such as double‑talk, when talkers from both ends are speaking simultaneously, and when near end talkers use wireless microphones. Extron AEC features advanced algorithms that deliver fast echo canceler convergence for optimal intelligibility, even in challenging conditions.
The DMP 128 Plus features an automixer with gated and gain sharing modes for managing up to eight groups of microphone signals. Gating threshold, signal level reduction, and timing parameters are user-adjustable per channel. This allows for fine‑tuning to avoid the “chopped” sound characteristic of a traditional automixer when a mic is gated off.
The DSP Configurator Software simplifies AEC and noise cancellation setup with a user‑friendly interface that provides real‑time metering for ERL - Echo Return Loss, ERLE - Echo Return Loss Enhancement, and TER - Total Echo Reduction levels. Guided alerts appear whenever ERL is outside of the optimal range for echo cancellation and DSP templates serve as starting points with routing optimized for AEC workflows. Optional settings include fine adjustments for NLP - Non-Linear Processing to maximize AEC performance in acoustic environments with significant sonic reflections or reverberation.
The DMP 128 Plus V models include up to eight SIP 2.0 VoIP lines, with wideband codec support, that can be configured as individual extensions or with multiple call appearance channels to support local conferencing applications. Compatible with select VoIP systems, any single V model of the DMP 128 Plus series can be used for a single VoIP line or as a VoIP farm for up to eight rooms.
The included USB audio interface provides connectivity to a computer for use with soft CODEC applications and computer sourced audio.
Connects to Extron DSP Configurator Software
Provide connection status of Expansion Port, LAN, and USB
Signal presence indication and clip warning
64-bit floating point DSP processing in a 1U rack mountable enclosure
Provides for external triggering such as microphone activation and muting
Four inputs and eight outputs for connection to legacy analog devices
Provides a bidirectional digital audio connection with another DMP or a DTP CrossPoint
Connects to the ACP Series of audio control panels to provide control of volume and preset/macro recall
Externally control DSP functions via RS‑232 or network connection
Up to eight VoIP lines that support generic Session Initiation Protocol SIP 2.0
Includes Dante Domain Manager and AES67 support
Provides digital connection to computer based conferencing codecs or audio recording/playback
In this fully loaded flexible conference room, audio processing is handled by the DMP 128 Plus C V AT while AV matrix switching is performed by a DTP CrossPoint. Twelve microphone channels from an eight‑channel ceiling mic array and four desktop mics are connected via Dante to the DMP 128 Plus C V AT, where they receive all processing necessary for conferencing, including AEC on all twelve channels. Depending on need, the user can switch between a soft conferencing codec and a dedicated VoIP server. The entire system is network controlled from an Extron TLP Pro 1025T Touchpanel. High performance mix minus audio playback is provided by the eight‑channel, half rack XPA U 358 power amplifier directly feeding SF 26CT two‑way ceiling speakers.
In-Depth Independent Review of the DMP 128 Plus by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Anselm Goertz