Features

Overview: The Denon DN-508MX zone mixer is a high-performance solution for controlling and routing up to 8 audio sources to multiple zones in a venue, with each outputting a line-level signal that can be passed on to amplifiers or powered speakers (sold separately). The DN-508MX is designed to for easy operation and is the ideal audio solution for restaurants, hotels, museums, sports bars, and large corporate offices.

Zones: The Denon features 6 Mic/Line inputs, 4 stereo RCA inputs, and a stereo Aux-In that can be assigned to any of the 8 Line Outputs.

Inputs: The DN-508MX features 8 configurable input sources with the following connection types:

• Mic/Line: The rear-panel contains 6 Euroblock (Phoenix) connectors that can accept either line- or mic-level signals and include individual Gain controls for each channel. All 6 inputs consist of Hot, Cold, and Ground pins, with Inputs 1 and 2 also including an extra connection pin for a Page Switch for push-to-talk capability. Each of these inputs can also provide phantom power for condenser mics.
• ST1-ST4: Four sets of stereo RCA inputs are provided for running consumer-level (-10dBV) audio signals into the mixer.
• Aux-In: The rear-panel also includes an additional set of stereo RCA inputs for the Aux-In source. The front-panel contains a 3.5mm stereo Aux input that's also tied to the Aux-In source. If a jack is plugged into the front Aux-In, the rear one becomes disabled.

Outputs: The Denon mixer's output section features 8 line outputs configured on four 5-pin Euroblock connectors, one each for Zones 1&2, 3&4, 5&6, 7&8. Each plug contains 5-pins, Hot/Cold with a shared Ground. Each output's line-level signals can be run to outboard amplifiers or powered speakers.

Additional Connections: Along with the aforementioned audio inputs and outputs, the DN-508MX also features the following rear-panel connections:

• Mute: A 2-pin Euroblock connector can be connected to a switch (sold separately) that when closed, will mute all audio sources into the mixer.
• Remote: This 9-pin D-Sub port can be used with a computer, running third-party utility (not included), to manage the mixer via serial communication.
• Remote Extend Port: A second 9-pin D-Sub port is provided for connecting another DN-508MX as a "slave" unit. Both controlled by a connected third-party utility.
• RS-422 Port: This port lets you connect a host device to the mixer using a standard RJ45 cable, allowing you to use a third-party utility to control the mixer.
• Ethernet Port: A second RJ45 socket is provided for connecting the mixer to a computer network via a network switch or router. It can also connect directly to a computer using an ethernet crossover cable (sold separately). This connection lets you configure and control the DN-508MX through the web interface.

Front Panel:

• Power: On/Off
• Aux-In: This 3.5mm stereo input jack is tied in with the rear-panel RCA Aux-In. When a jack is inserted into the front-panel Aux-In, it will override any signal coming in on the rear Aux-In.
• LCD Display: This will display the current settings and status, along with configuration menus.
• Menu: This button will switch between the Menu and the settings of the current zone in the display.
• Volume/Set: Turning this knob will scroll through the options shown in the display. Pressing the knob will select the highlighted option in the LCD display.
• Mute/Back: When viewing the settings of the current zone, pressing this button will Mute or Unmute it. When in the Menu setting, this will return to the previous screen.
• Mic/Line Indicators: Each of the 6 Mic/Line inputs has a corresponding front-panel LED indicator and scribble-strip (for naming the input). The LEDs will illuminate different colors to show the status of that input:
  • Off: The input is receiving a very low or no signal.
  • Green: Input is receiving a signal at an optimal level.
  • Amber: The input signal is very high.
  • Red: The input signal is peaking and is very close to clipping.
• Source Indicators: Each of the 4 Stereo inputs along with the Aux input has a corresponding LED indicator and scribble-strip. LED color indications are the same as for the Mic/Line Indicators.
• Source Selectors: These buttons assign or unassign that source to the currently selected zone.
• Output Selectors: Selector buttons are provided for each of the 8 output zones. Corresponding LEDs light amber when selected and will light red if the amp protection is engaged.

Configuration: Setting up the DN-508MX can all be done from either the front panel controls, serial communication through the RS-232 or RS-422 ports, or using the built-in web interface. The latter is recommended, since this will provide an easier interface for viewing and configuring. The web interface can be accessed when the mixer's ethernet port is connected to your network via a network switch or router, along with a computer. The DN-508MX can be connected directly to a computer, without a router or switch, if using an ethernet crossover cable (sold separately).

High-Pass Filter: A high-pass filter can be applied to each of the Mic/Line inputs. This is useful for cutting out excessive low frequencies associated with microphone use.

3-Band EQ (Inputs): Each of the 6 Mic/Line and 5 Sources (including Aux) can have a 3-band EQ applied to them. This includes Hi and Low shelving and one parametric band.

• SHH: 100Hz - 20kHz (+18dB)
• PEQ: 100Hz - 20kHz (+18dB), Q: 0.1 - 63.0
• SHL: 20Hz - 20kHz (+18dB)

5-Band EQ (Outputs): Each of the 8 output zones can have a 5-band parametric EQ applied to them. All bands can have up to +18 dB of boost with a Q adjustment of 0.1 - 63.0. The following bands are available:

• High PEQ: 100Hz - 20kHz
• Mid-High PEQ: 100Hz - 20kHz
• Mid PEQ: 100Hz - 20kHz
• Mid-Low PEQ: 100Hz - 20kHz
• Low PEQ: 20Hz - 20kHz

Delay: Output zones can have a delay applied to them, with adjustment from 0 - 1000 ms. This is useful when multiple zones are playing the same audio source, allowing them to all play "in sync".

Priority Settings: Each zone has settings for 1st and 2nd priority. When a Mic/Line input detects an incoming audio signal, any other signal sent to that zone will be attenuated or "ducked" so the incoming signal can be heard. The 1st Priority source will attenuate the 2nd Priority source. Settings include the Volume of the incoming signal, the Priority Source, Threshold, Attack Time, Hold Time, Release, and Attenuation (ducking) Level.

Dynamics: The Denon mixer includes dynamics, or compression, that can be applied to any of the zone outputs, with each output having its own individual settings. Parameters include: On/Off, Threshold, Ratio, Attack Time, Release, Gain, and Knee. This option determines how sharp or smooth the compression curve is.

Phantom Power: If connecting a condenser microphone to any of the Mic/Line inputs, phantom power can be assigned to that input.

Schedule: The DN-508MX allows you to schedule an event to happen at a certain time. Up to 30 Schedules can be assigned with the following options available: On/Off, Date (includes month, day, and year), Time (hours/minutes), and Command. Commands are the specific function to be scheduled and can only be edited via the web interface, using a connected computer.

Specifications:

• Audio:
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz (+0.5 dB)
  • Dynamic Range: >109 dB (A-weighted)
  • Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >89 dB (A-weighted)
  • Headroom: >20 dB
  • Channel Separation: < -100 db
  • THD (Mic/Line Inputs): < 0.05%
  • THD (Stereo Inputs): < 0.01%
• Inputs:
  • Mic Inputs:
    • Maximum: -40 to -20 dBu (+4 dBu)
    • Unity: -60 to -40 dBu (-16 dBu)
  • Line Inputs:
    • Maximum: -20 to 0 dBu (+24 dBu)
    • Unity: -40 to -20 dBu (-16 dBu)
  • Stereo Inputs:
    • Maximum: +18 dBV
    • Unity: 0 dBV
  • Aux Inputs:
    • Maximum: +18 dBV
    • Unity: 0 dBV
• Outputs:
  • Zone 1-8:
    • Maximum: +24 dBu
    • Unity: +4 dBu
• Communication:
  • RS-232C:
    • Connectors: 9-pin D-Sub female connector for Remote Input, 9-pin D-Sub male connector for Remote Extend Output
    • Speed: 9600 / 38400 bps
    • Power: +5V via D-Sub connection
  • RS-422:
    • Connector: RJ-45
    • Speed: 38400 bps
    • Terminal: 110O on/off
    • Power: +5V via RJ-45 connection
  • Ethernet:
    • Connector: LAN port
    • Standards: Ethernet 10 / 100 Base
• Environmental:
  • Temperature: 41°F - 95°F
  • Humidity: 25% - 85%, non-condensing
• General:
  • Power Connection: IEC 3-pin
  • Power Requirement: 100 - 240VAC, 50/60 Hz
  • Power Consumption: 30W @
  • Dimensions: Width - 19.0", Height - 1.75", Depth - 15.5" (incl. power cable)
  • Weight: 8.55 lbs.