FrameWork - A modular matrix mixer with up to 4 stereo outputs, fully controllable by RS-232. It can operate stand-alone or fully controlled by e.g. Dalet broadcast automation software. Many configurable I/O modules for several functions.

FrameWork - Modular Microprocessor Controlled Audio Matrix Mixer

 NO LONGER AVAILABLE - REPLACED BY I-TAL

(click on a picture for a full-blown version)

Power Supply

All circuits are supplied by a discrete stabilized power supply, based on separate toroidal transformers for both analog and digital circuitry. On top of that, all input- and output circuits have their own supply. Forced cooling is not necessary, therefore FrameWork has no moving parts. The power supply is heavily over-dimensioned hence very reliable.

• Euro-style power entry with built-in mains filter and dual fuses.
• Leds for checking all supply voltages (+VIn, -Vin, +Vout, -Vout and +12V).

System Controller

This module controls all parts of the system. All possible functionality is embedded in the control software of a microprocessor. Therefore the system is very flexible and can be tailored to your specific needs.

• Optical isolated RS-232 connection (COM) on a 9-pin D-Sub female connector for configuration and -optional- remote control by any kind of management software (e.g. Dalet).
• Check of processor status on RUN-led.
• Check of the RS-232 connection on DTR-led.
• It is possible to interlink several FrameWork controllers to build up larger systems (LINK).

Stereo Audio Input

A stereo audio signal is supplied to each audio input module. This signal can be adjusted to the desired operating level. The system controller can then modify the volume and rout it to the desired outputs (up to 4 per system). The total number of inputs is virtually unlimited.

• Audio electronically balanced on Neutrik XLR-3 female connectors.
• Input level nominal +6dB, trimmable (± 12 dB).
• Input impedance 18 kohms, CMRR typical 85dB.
• Digital controlled analog fader (volume control in 0,5dB steps) for automatic- of manual fading. Configurable fader curve.
• Routing to a maximum of 4 stereo outputs.

Stereo Audio Output

An output module supplies the balanced stereo audio signal for e.g. a transmitter or STL. The optional balanced insert can be used for processing or monitoring purposes.

• Audio electronically (standard) or transformer balanced (optional) on Neutrik XLR-3 male connectors.
• Output level nominal +6dB, fixed (not trimmable) level.
• Output impedance 50 ohms, auto sensing.
• D-Sub 9-pin female for inserts or monitoring (optional).
• Maximum of 4 output modules per system.

8 Opto coupler / TTL Inputs

These inputs can be used to control special software functions in the system controller. Think of remote routing or generating automatic fades and mutes.

• 8 opto-coupler isolated inputs (5..24VDC).
• Input functions fully configurable.
• +5VDC supply available on the D-Sub 25-pin female connector.
• Multiple input modules per system possible.

8 Opto coupler / TTL Outputs

These outputs can be used for e.g. generating fader starts (pulse or continuous contacts) or on-air signalling functions. Control of these outputs can be done by software functions in the system controller of via RS-232 remote control commands.

• 8 opto-coupler isolated outputs (5..24VDC).
• Output functions fully configurable.
• +5VDC power supply on the D-Sub 25-pin male connector.
• Multiple output modules per system possible.

Virtual fader I/O-module

This module is the interface for external faders and start buttons in your studio. A virtual fader consists of a linear fader which supplies a voltage of 0..10V, a switch and a lamp. The switch or fader can be used to start e.g. a commercial block. The lamp signals a tally of a device (e.g. it shows that a manual commercial block is ready for playout). Different tallies are possible.

• Reads 4 input voltages of 0..15V (trimmable, default: 0V = fader closed, 10V = fader fully open) from linear faders. The fader curve can be configured by remote control software.
• Reads 4 contact closures from external switches.
• Switches 4 opto-coupler isolated outputs for external tallies.

Contec PIO-16 I/O-module

Interfacing with e.g. the Dalet broadcast automation system is done by means of reading and writing TTL-signals which can be processed by a PC with a Contec I/O-board installed. Functions of all inputs and outputs can be configured by software.

• 16 TTL inputs / 16 TTL outputs on a D-Sub 37-pin male connector.
• Functions of all in- and outputs fully configureable.
• Pinout of this connector is 1-to-1 compatible with a Contec PIO-16 interface board.
• Reads 16 signals from a Contec I/O board in a PC.
• Writes 16 signalen to a Contec I/O-board in a PC.

Audio link-modules IN and OUT

With these modules, audio can be transferred from the output mixrails from an expansion frame to the master frame to be able to use more audio inputs. All signals are transported electronically balanced.

• Link output module has 4 electronically balanced stereo audio outputs.
• Link input module has 4 electronically balanced stereo audio inputs.

Manual and external control

FrameWork can be expanded with a keyboard used for indicating the status of e.g. the audio inputs (on-air / fade-in / fade-out / off-air) and controlling e.g. automatic fades and mutes.

• A keyboard can be built in the front panel of a FrameWork or can be used as an external control panel.
• 8 or 16 buttons with bi-color leds for status indication.
• The functionality of all buttons can be configured by remote control software.