EMU Debuts Mantis: Modular Digital Mixing System

112 input digital mixer with 32-bit processing

Mantis Mainframe (artist's conception)
(Click for a close-up)

Mantis Annex (artist's conception)
(Click for a close-up)

September 26, 1998 -- EMU-ENSONIQ(R) has announced the MANTIS^TM modular digital mixing system. Mantis is EMU's forthcoming 112 input digital mixer with configurable I/O, Mac & PC mixing UI software with dynamic automation and advanced surround sound mixing support, internal 32 bit processing with 24 bit A to D and D to A, and a dedicated control surface as well as support for Mackie HUI. System prices range from $2500 to $10,000 depending on configuration. System components include the Mantis Mainframe (3 rack space mixing engine with 7 digital I/O expansion slots), Mantis Annex (analog expander), Mantis Console, and Mantis Mix dual platform automation/ remote control software. The Mantis modular mixing system is expected to ship in Q2 99.

U12 to 112 inputs supported and 32 output busses

The Mantis mixing engine supports up to 112 completely separate inputs and can route any of these inputs to any one of the 32 output busses. Each input has its own 4 band EQ as well as a dynamics section for compression, expansion and gating. Each input also has 12 auxiliary sends, of which 4 are sent to the internal 32-bit effects engine.

"Let's face it: the modern studio has to accommodate a ton of gear, and the need for more inputs on mixing consoles has become a critical aspect for most engineers. Mantis allows more gear to be connected and stay connected, allowing virtual patching of any signal which drastically improves the efficiency and flexibility of the mixing environment" notes Mike Barnes, Product Manager for Mantis.

Modular I/O Strategy meets the needs of the modern studio

Mantis is a scaleable mixing system, which allows the user to configure the inputs and outputs of their mixing system to address their specific needs, a first in the digital mixing market. Mantis supports analog mic inputs, analog line level inputs, TDIF, ADAT, AES/EBU, S/PDIF, and introduces a new proprietary low cost interconnect format that EMU(R) is calling EDI (for EMU digital Interface) as well as support for IEEE1394 (Firewire) in the future.

"The needs of the studio are changing as we make the transition from mostly analog gear to mostly digital. This has a downside of making many first generation digital mixers obsolete due to their limited I/O flexibility. Mantis offers the modern studio the option of being all analog, all digital, or anywhere in between, and Mantis will scale between the two domains without making the core technology obsolete" notes Bryan Lanser, Product Planning Manager.

Extensive use of EMU digital filter and processing chip technology

Mantis makes use of technology developed for EMU samplers, synthesizers, hard disk recorders, and computer based music systems. Specifically, the company claims that Mantis makes use of several new VLSI chip designs including the 32-bit RMAX DSP chip that is specifically designed to be able to cope with the demands required by 112 channels of audio with full dynamic automation.

"Over our 25 year history we've learned a lot about how to handle real time digital audio. Mantis makes use of the extensive technology we have developed to process and manipulate audio in the digital domain with outstanding sonic characteristics using a 24-bit signal path and 32-bit processing throughout" states Barnes. "Not only does this technology provide zipper noise-free sonic performance, but it allows us to do it at a price that simply can't be matched by other companies using off-the-shelf technology," he adds.

Support for all forms of Surround Sound Mixing

The Mantis digital mixing system was designed from the ground up to support surround sound mixing, including LCRS, 5.1 and 7.1 formats, and the new Environmental Audio^TM surround sound technology pioneered by Creative Labs for the multimedia market. With the upcoming need for surround sound mix capabilities for DVD and Digital Television, the company asserts that Mantis will find favor not only with the music market, but with the broadcast and production markets as well.

"Surround sound is hot and growing rapidly. The multimedia market is embracing Environmental Audio Modeling (EAM) from Creative which provides a fully immersive gaming experience. Mantis addresses the needs to mix in any multichannel format including EAM and 5.1 with full automation." comments Lanser.

Cross Platform Computer support and a choice of control surfaces

Mantis will ship with automation control software that works on either Mac or PC (Win 95, 98, and NT). The program, called MantisMix, has several innovative features including user definable control panels, Flexi-Link channel linking, multimode automation editing, plug in based FX subsystem, and the ability to download new system software off the Internet. The software works standalone or in conjunction with the EMU designed Mantis control console, or the Mackie HUI control surface. Full automation is also available using only the Mantis Console.

Visit EMU-ENSONIQ on the web at www.emu-ensoniq.com