DDA DMR12
Technical
Specifications
Inputs / Outputs
| Total inputs | 56 |
|---|---|
| Mic preamps | Mic gain (channel input to mix) 65 dB; line gain 10 dB. Input impedance: mic >2 kΩ, line >10 kΩ. Source: brochure (technical specs). |
Processing
| Mix buses | 12 |
|---|---|
| Aux sends | 8 |
| Frame | Two frame sizes: large 2.26 m (89") holding up to 56 modules (44 inputs + 12 outputs, 56/12/24 style); small 1.95 m (77") up to 44 I/O modules (20/12/24 style). Source: DDA DMR12 brochure. |
| Architecture | "Multiple Input Concept": every module is an input module. Modules carry a second line input beside the mic; via Aux 7/8 returns, capacity can reach up to 112 inputs at mixdown. Source: brochure. |
| EQ | 4-band EQ: HF shelf ±15 dB at 12 kHz; two swept mids ±15 dB (500 Hz–16 kHz and 75 Hz–2.4 kHz, Q 1.5); LF shelf ±15 dB at 70 Hz. Source: brochure. |
| Buses | 12 group buses routable to 24 multitrack tracks; 24-track monitor returns. Source: brochure. |
| Aux sends (details) | 8 aux sends; Aux 7/8 switchable (dedicated effects send or second input to the stereo bus). Source: brochure. |
| Routing and patching | Integral patchbay with Mosses & Mitchell long-frame TT bantam jacks; mics on XLR (Althiway panels), multitrack sends/returns on EDAC multiway connectors. Source: brochure. |
| Audio performance | Mic EIN (55 dB gain, 200 Ω ref) < -127 dBv; distortion < 0.05%; adjacent-channel crosstalk -90 dB at 1 kHz; electronically balanced outputs <75 Ω. Source: brochure. |
Surface
| Fader layers | 1 |
|---|---|
| Touchscreen | No |
| Automation | Two systems catered for: "DDA MIDI Muting" (128 mute patches, 9 mute groups, solo-in-place, MIDI channel selection) and VCA fader & mute automation compatible with third-party Audio Kinetics Reflex, Optifile and Steinberg Mimix systems. Source: brochure. |
| Metering | Moving-coil VU standard; BBC PPM or LED bargraph optional. Source: brochure. |
Recording
| Onboard recording | No |
|---|
Networking
| Redundant PSU | No |
|---|---|
| Redundant networking | No |
Physical
| Width | 2,260 mm |
|---|---|
| Build | Aluminium extrusions and honeycomb base panel for a rigid, light structure; optional floating cable ducts. Source: brochure. |
Strip & details
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Editorial & artists
Our take
History & design
The DMR12 is an in-line analogue recording console introduced by DDA around 1990 and designed for 24-track studios. It came in two frame sizes: a large 2.26 m frame holding up to 56 modules (44 inputs and 12 outputs) and a smaller 1.95 m frame limited to 44 I/O modules.
Its central idea is the “Multiple Input Concept”. Every module is an input module that carries a second line input alongside the mic input. Together with the Aux 7 and 8 returns, the console can bring up to 112 sources into the mix.
Each channel has a four-band EQ with ±15 dB of range: a 12 kHz high shelf, two swept mids (500 Hz to 16 kHz and 75 Hz to 2.4 kHz, Q of 1.5) and a 70 Hz low shelf. Mixing relies on 12 group buses routable to the 24 multitrack tracks, with 24-track monitor returns, and on 8 aux sends, the last two of which can act as an effects send or as a second input to the stereo bus.
For day-to-day operation the DMR12 has an integral patchbay with Mosses & Mitchell bantam jacks, mic inputs on XLR and multitrack connections on EDAC connectors. Automation is handled either by DDA MIDI Muting (128 mute patches, 9 mute groups, solo-in-place) or by VCA fader and mute automation compatible with third-party Audio Kinetics Reflex, Optifile and Steinberg Mimix systems. Moving-coil VU meters are standard, with BBC PPM or LED bargraphs as options.
The brochure quotes 65 dB of mic gain, an equivalent input noise below -127 dBv at 55 dB of gain, distortion under 0.05% and -90 dB adjacent-channel crosstalk at 1 kHz. The frame combines aluminium extrusions with a honeycomb base panel to stay rigid without being heavy.
- David Dearden, Chief designer
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