User`s guide

User’s Guide DMC-842 © RME

8. Front Panel Controls

8.1 Select Key and Rotary Encoder (SET)

The rotary encoder SET is a highly intuitive multifunctional device. It is used to set the gain, to

select the desired function, to deactivate the function of one or all channels, to select various

options in the Setup menu and to perform the setting of the parameters.

To activate a function, press the SET knob repeatedly until the corresponding LEDs are flash-

ing. Pressing once all GAIN displays start flashing (gain setting), pressing twice selects all DPP,

then STEREO and so on.

To activate or deactivate a specific function per channel, the corresponding SELECT button is

used. They are therefore also labeled ON/OFF.

Each channel offers the following functions:

GAIN Amount of amplification

DPP Digital Phantom Power

MODE 2 Status display, not selectable

STEREO Only odd channels: Stereo mode

INACTIVE Only even channels: when Stereo mode had been activated

M/S Mid/Side encoding

SRC Sample Rate Converter

PAR Parameter configuration, not selectable

SYNC Sync state display, not selectable

The LEDs MODE 2 and SYNC are skipped, as these are status displays only. The also

skipped LED PAR stands for the Parameter settings mode (see chapter 11).

Setting the GAIN can be done in two ways:

• Individually: Hit the SELECT button of one or several channels. The corresponding GAIN

displays start flashing. Select the desired value with the rotary encoder. Or:

• Globally: Push the encoder knob once. All GAIN displays start flashing. Select the desired

value with the rotary encoder.

When adjusting several channels at the same time, the relation between individual channels will

be retained. So the gain of multiple channels can be increased or decreased without them loos-

ing their level relations. In case one of the linked channels reaches the highest or lowest gain

value (0 or +63 dB), the gain relationship gets lost.

Turning the encoder knob to the left initiates a global OFF command for all selected (flashing)

channels. For example, DPP can be switched off for all channels by pressing the encoder knob

twice and then turning it to the left by four ticks. The corresponding global ON command (a turn

to the right by at least four ticks) is also implemented.

For safety reasons, the DMC-842 will leave the selected function after 6 seconds. This may

seem cumbersome when changing the gain frequently, because the gain function will have to

be selected every time via the Select button or the encoder first. On the other hand, the DMC-

842 is absolutely safe from accidental changes.