Merlin

Merlin is a digital matrix processor configured as a 4-input/10-output, 1U device with accompanying VU-NET™ software. Any input or group of inputs can be routed to any output and VU-NET provides full control of Merlin via an intuitive graphical user interface running on a wired PC or wireless tablet.

Merlin can form the heart of a networked sound system with control of up to 254 U-NET™ equipped devices using VU-NET control software via a wired or wireless Ethernet connection. For simplicity and flexibility, Merlin can also be controlled directly from the front panel.

Merlin is the perfect front-end for line array systems, providing the full complement of loudspeaker management tools, such as crossover filters, parametric EQ, delay, gain and limiting.

Merlin features 4 analogue balanced XLR inputs with A/D conversion performed by ultra-high quality 24-bit converters running at 96kHz with 64-bit processing. The 10 analogue outputs similarly feature 24-bit D/A converters running at96kHz and are capable of driving lines in excess of 150 metres between control and amplifier locations.

To ensure the highest audio quality throughout, input and output converters with the same apparent technical specification were auditioned early in the design stage to select the ones which gave the most highly detailed, wide dynamic audio path. As an alternative to analogue, the inputs and/or outputs can be switched to operate in AES/EBU mode. In this mode, the outputs have a line drive capability of 100 metres, when driven in accordance with AES/EBU 110Ω source/receiver impedance and AES/EBU 110Ω cable.

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