DAB's, DAB Transfers, and DAB Cables

All of the digital signal processing takes place within MediaMatrix on digital signal processing (DSP) cards. On each DSP card are four DSP chips. Each DSP chip is capable of a certain number of DSP operations. When the signal processing of one DSP chip is exhausted, the compiler the signal to the next DSP chip on the same board, which takes over from there. This continues on until all four DSP chips on the first DSP board are maxed out.

Each chip to chip transfer within a DSP board is called a local digital audio bus (LDAB) transfer, and it is also referred to as an Intercell Net. There can be up to 254 LDAB transfers PER BOARD.

Once the DSP capacity of a single board is maxed out, the signal has to get from the first board, to the second board, etc. This is accomplished by the ribbon cable that plugs into the top of the DSP boards in the MediaMatrix mainframe. This ribbon cable is called the DAB Cable. Every time a signal is routed from one DSP board to another DSP board, this is referred to as a DAB transfer, and in the MediaMatrix compiler as an Interboard Net. The MediaMatrix software allows you a MAXIMUM of 254 DAB transfers.

Should one of these cables not be seated properly, the DSP board will appear to the MediaMatrix system as if it has failed, because it will no longer pass DAB transfers. When this occurs, a hardware error will be reported. If you get a hardware error either during the compile or in the middle of operation, you may want to try re-seating the DAB cable, by quitting out of the MediaMatrix software (be sure to save any changes you might have made to a NEW filename), turning off the MediaMatrix mainframe, grounding yourself properly using an anti-static wrist strap, carefully unplugging the DAB cable from all DSP boards, and then replugging it. While you are at it, you also might want to try re-seating each DSP board. Then turn on the mainframe, reload the view file, and try compiling it, and then running diagnostic tests. If it passes, you have solved the problem. If it hasn't, it is time to call Peavey customer support.

In most cases, this should not ever be necessary, but it could save time and money while you wait for the Fed-X shipment from Peavey Tech Support.