Is there a way to expand HD Omni to have 13 channels (7.2.4) for Dolby Atmos mixing?

[Focuret]

Hey guys,

I have recently completed a 7.2.4 theater install in the room next to the stereo (2.1) studio. In the studio I'm running PT Ultimate with an HD Native Thunderbolt box and an HD Omni interface. The max inputs I need is one mic and one (maybe two?) guitars.

In the theater there's 13 total speakers for a 7.2.4 system powered by a Marantz amp and an Emotiva processor/receiver.

What would be the best cost effective way to leverage the HD Omni to have 13 channels for Atmos surround mixing? First time moving from stereo so I'm looking for advice and tips.

Thanks all

[nst7]

Unfortunately the Omni is maxed out at 8 inputs, 8 outputs. You could jerry rig the headphone cue output (9-10) for an additional 2, but that won't really help much.

The MTRX Studio would be a better choice for this type of thing.

[Focuret]

Originally Posted by nst7

Unfortunately the Omni is maxed out at 8 inputs, 8 outputs. You could jerry rig the headphone cue output (9-10) for an additional 2, but that won't really help much.

The MTRX Studio would be a better choice for this type of thing.

I was going to go the Mtrx Studio route but wanted to know if there was a cheaper solution. Like maybe adding an old 192?


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[Cheesehead]

You can do it with an HD 8x8x8.
I was using it for 7.1.4 before I swapped it out for an MTRX Studio.
I suppose that means you could also use an old 192 the same way.
I used 8 AES and 4 analog outputs to get 7.1.4.

As long as your monitor controller allows you to split between digital and analogue inputs it will work.

[Focuret]

Originally Posted by Cheesehead

You can do it with an HD 8x8x8.
I was using it for 7.1.4 before I swapped it out for an MTRX Studio.
I suppose that means you could also use an old 192 the same way.
I used 8 AES and 4 analog outputs to get 7.1.4.

As long as your monitor controller allows you to split between digital and analogue inputs it will work.

Ok, it's probably a good time for me to stop being stupid and finally ask: what exactly is a monitor controller and why do I need it? I keep hearing about them and have seen the costs but I keep putting off understanding its exact use for what I'm trying to do. Time I asked. lol

Can you explain like I'm 5 what they are, what Dadmon is and what not?


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[JCBigler]

Originally Posted by Focuret

I was going to go the Mtrx Studio route but wanted to know if there was a cheaper solution. Like maybe adding an old 192?

The Focusrite Red 8 Pre and Red 16 Line interfaces all both 16 line level outputs and have been widely used for Atmos set ups for the last couple of years. They are also quite a bit less expensive than the MRTX Studio. The Red 8 Pre is almost identical to the MRTX Studio in terms of I/O, and even new is much less expensive than the MRTX Studio. If you can find one on Focusrite's refurbished site, you'll save even more.

[Focuret]

Originally Posted by JCBigler

The Focusrite Red 8 Pre and Red 16 Line interfaces all both 16 line level outputs and have been widely used for Atmos set ups for the last couple of years. They are also quite a bit less expensive than the MRTX Studio. The Red 8 Pre is almost identical to the MRTX Studio in terms of I/O, and even new is much less expensive than the MRTX Studio. If you can find one on Focusrite's refurbished site, you'll save even more.

What's the actual difference between the 8 Pre and 16 Line? Does the 8 have 8 inputs for mics while the 16 doesn't or? The only inputs I need is a single microphone and a guitar.

Quick edit: I just recently heard Rob Burrell saying he connects his Marantz receiver to his Red 16. Do you know how I would go about doing this so that I can essentially easily "switch" from studio mode to home theater mode with the Apple TV, Playstation, Shield TV, etc.??

I feel like I'm very close to knowing how to accomplish what I'm trying to do but keep taking 2 steps back for every one step forward. Argh.

[Mark Ziebarth]

A monitor controller controls the volume of your speakers aka monitors. If you’re monitoring stereo that’s easy and each and every monitor controller is capable of that. If you’re monitor path is wider like 5.1 or 7.2.4 the controller has to be able to control the complete path. DADman can do this if you’re using an MTRX interface. It can even be EuCon controlled via a hardware encoder provided on the Dock and other EuCon devices.
The Omni is the most limited interface of the professional Avid interfaces of the last twenty years. They allowed only eight in- and outputs simultaneously although the interface has more. A 192 has 16 in- and outputs simultaneously even though you have a lot more physical connections available. It was a philosophy of shortage like with the limited track count.
I hope this helps.

Best

Mark

[Focuret]

Originally Posted by Mark Ziebarth

A monitor controller controls the volume of your speakers aka monitors. If you’re monitoring stereo that’s easy and each and every monitor controller is capable of that. If you’re monitor path is wider like 5.1 or 7.2.4 the controller has to be able to control the complete path. DADman can do this if you’re using an MTRX interface. It can even be EuCon controlled via a hardware encoder provided on the Dock and other EuCon devices.
The Omni is the most limited interface of the professional Avid interfaces of the last twenty years. They allowed only eight in- and outputs simultaneously although the interface has more. A 192 has 16 in- and outputs simultaneously even though you have a lot more physical connections available. It was a philosophy of shortage like with the limited track count.
I hope this helps.

Best

Mark

This does indeed help and finally makes sense. Thank you! So it is looking like one way or the other the Mtrx Studio with a monitor controller is what I'll need. I have an Avid Artist Control and Mix plus the iPad app. Could one of those be used as a controller or would I need this: https://vintageking.com/digital-audi...erating-module

[Mark Ziebarth]

Originally Posted by Focuret

This does indeed help and finally makes sense. Thank you! So it is looking like one way or the other the Mtrx Studio with a monitor controller is what I'll need. I have an Avid Artist Control and Mix plus the iPad app. Could one of those be used as a controller or would I need this: https://vintageking.com/digital-audi...erating-module

Artist Control and Artist Mix work. You don’t need an extra monitor controller.
If a 192 helps to create a controllable 7.2.4 monitor path I don’t know.