DMP 128 FlexPlus - Audio processing system Extron - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Digital Audio Processor with Dante Networking
Model	DMP 128 FlexPlus
Brand	Extron
Dante Flows (Transmit)	32
Dante Flows (Receive)	32
Audio Channels	128 x 128 (Dante)
Form Factor	1U Rackmount
Dimensions (H x W x D)	1.75 x 17.0 x 10.0 in (4.4 x 43.2 x 25.4 cm)
Weight	6.5 lb (2.9 kg)
Power Supply	Internal, 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
Power Consumption	40 W
Primary Functions	Audio mixing, DSP processing, Dante routing, signal switching
Network Interface	Dante (Audio-over-IP)
Control Interface	Ethernet, RS-232, USB
Audio Inputs	Up to 128 Dante channels (configurable)
Audio Outputs	Up to 128 Dante channels (configurable)
Sample Rate	48 kHz, 96 kHz
Bit Depth	24-bit
Maintenance	Keep vents clean; avoid liquids; use dry cloth for cleaning
Safety	Follow electrical safety; use grounded outlet; disconnect power before servicing
Spare Parts Availability	Contact Extron for replacement parts
Repairability	Service by qualified personnel only

Frequently Asked Questions - DMP 128 FlexPlus Extron

What is a Dante Flow?

A Dante Flow is a group of 1 to 4 audio channels transmitted or received by a Dante device. Each device has a limit on the number of input and output Flows.

How many Dante Flows does the DMP 128 FlexPlus support?

The DMP 128 FlexPlus supports 32 Transmit Flows and 32 Receive Flows.

Can a single Flow be split across multiple devices?

No, a single Flow cannot have its channels divided or distributed among multiple devices. All channels in a Flow must go to one receiver.

What is the difference between unicast and multicast flows?

A unicast Flow routes up to 4 channels between two devices. A multicast Flow can send the same audio to multiple receivers without using additional Flows on the transmitter.

When should I use a multicast flow?

Use a multicast Flow when you need to send the same audio from one transmitter to more than two receivers. It saves Flows and reduces network bandwidth.

How do I create a multicast flow in Dante Controller?

Double-click the device in the Routing tab, then click Create a new multicast flow, select the channels, and click Create.

What happens if I exceed the number of receive flows on a device?

If you exceed the receive Flow limit (e.g., 2 on an AXI 44 AT), the routing will not work because the device cannot accept more than its maximum Flows.

Can I route audio from multiple transmitters to a single receiver?

Yes, as long as the total number of receive Flows on the receiver is not exceeded. For example, you can route 2 Flows (8 channels) from two transmitters to a receiver with 2 receive Flows.

Does unicast routing increase network traffic?

Unicast routing generally avoids extra traffic because each Flow is sent only to one receiver. However, if one transmitter must send to many receivers, unicast can use more bandwidth than multicast.

Where can I find more information about Dante flows?

Refer to the Extron Dante FAQ document or Dante Controller help. The DMP 128 FlexPlus manual also includes details on Dante configuration.

USER MANUAL DMP 128 FlexPlus Extron

INTERFACING, SWITCHING AND CONTROL

Dante FAQ

REVISION: 1.1

DATE: JULY 30, 2020

Revision Log

Date	Version	Notes
May 30, 2018	1.0	Initial Release
July 30, 2020	1.1	Updated Devices in Flows available in Extron Dante-enabled products Table

Table of Contents

1.0 Introduction 4
2.0 Dante Flows....5
3.0 Unicast and Multicast 7

1.0 Introduction

This document provides a single reference for answers to Dante questions that commonly come in to Extron support staff. Check back for updates as this document will be revised as needed.

2.0 Dante Flows

The channels of audio going into and out of a Dante device are organized into groups of one to four channels, called Flows. Dante devices have limits to the number of input Flows and output Flows, depending on the type of Dante technology (chipset) utilized in the device. A single Flow cannot have its channels divided or distributed among multiple devices. Therefore, it is advisable to plan for channel connectivity between devices while considering the number of Flows available per device and the layout of device to device connectivity.

The table below shows the number of Flows available in Extron Dante-enabled products.

Model	Transmit Flows	Receive Flows
DMP 128 Plus (AT Models)	32	32
DMP 128 (AT Models)	32	32
DMP 128 FlexPlus C (V) AT	32	32
DMP 64 Plus (AT Models)	32	32
XMP 240 C AT	32	32
AXI 02 AT	2	2
AXI 22 AT D	2	2
AXI 22 AT	2	2
AXI 44 AT	2	2
NetPA Ultra	2	2
NetPA 502 AT	0	2
NetPA 1001-70V AT	0	2
FOX3 Matrix	32	32
XTP II CP 4o HD AT 4K PLUS	32	32

Flow Examples

Four channels are routed to an AXI 44 AT via Dante from two devices. The four channels are available at the analog outputs of the AXI 44 AT. This is possible because the AXI 44 AT has two Receive Flows. [Figure 1]

graph LR
    A["Device 1"] -->|2 Channels\n1 Flow| C["Dante Network"]
    B["Device 2"] -->|2 Channels\n1 Flow| C
    C -->|4 Channels / 2 Flows| D["AXI 44 AT"]

[Figure 1] This application will work

If those channels originate from more than two transmitting devices, the number of Receive Flows available on the AXI 44 AT would be exceeded. This application will not work. [Figure 2]

graph LR
    Device1["Device 1"] --> DTE_Dante_Dante_Network["Dante Network"]
    Devices2["Device 2"] --> DTE_Dante_Dante_Network
    Devices3["Device 3"] --> DTE_Dante_Dante_Network
    Devices4["Device 4"] --> DTE_Dante_Dante_Network
    DTE_Dante_Dante_Network -->|4 Channels / 4 Flows| AXI_44_AT["AXI 44 AT"]
    DTE_Dante_Dante_Network -->|1 Channel / 1 Flow Per Device| DTE_Dante_Dante_Network

[Figure 2] This application will not work

3.0 Unicast and Multicast

By default, Dante routing is done by unicast Flow, meaning that the routing of up to four channels between two devices uses up a single unicast Flow [Figure 3]. A unicast Flow cannot be routed to multiple Receivers. With unicast routing, extraneous network traffic is typically avoided.

graph LR
    A["Device 1"] -->|1 Flow| B["Dante Network"]
    C["Device 2"] -->|1 Flow| B
    B -->|1 Flow| D["Device 3"]
    B -->|1 Flow| E["Device 4"]

[Figure 3 – Two Unicast Flows]

In cases where a single Dante Transmitter must be routed to many Dante Receivers, having a separate unicast Flow per Receiver not only uses up Flows but also increases network bandwidth use. In these cases, creating a single multicast Flow is recommended for routing to many Receivers without using up Flows [Figures 4 & 5]. Dante Controller will present a message when a Multicast Flow may be advantageous based on the routing defined.

Multicast Flows are also useful when transmitting the same audio to more than two Receiver devices

graph LR
    A["Device 0"] -->|1 Flow| B["Dante Network"]
    B --> C["Device 1"]
    B --> D["Device 2"]
    B --> E["Device 3"]
    B --> F["Device 4"]

[Figure 4 – Multicast Flow]

To create a multicast Flow:

1. Double-click the device in the Routing tab or CTRL-D
2. Click the Create a new multicast flow button
3. Check the box for each channel to be included
4. Click Create

[Figure 5] Multicast Flow window in Dante Controller