DFC3D

At the heart of the DFC console is the USP, the world’s most powerful digital mixing and processing engine. The USP can deliver 1000 audio signal paths at up to 96kHz, 24 bit in a single, high-resolution DFC signal-processing tower. No other digital post-production console can offer the sheer power required to handle the demands of tomorrow’s content. 

The console surface is fully assignable to accommodate many inputs within a realistic working footprint, with signal paths and EQ and dynamics mapped functions to provide fast and intuitive operation. Each channel has access to six banks of four path layers each, a total of 24 pages of assignability. Using the pre dub groupings, any channel strip can control all the resources for mono, stereo or up to 16 channel inputs.

The DFC3D system integration is achieved via Ethernet architecture. As a result, console sections can be flexibly positioned depending on the mix requirements. Each surface section, SPS rack and Encore3 PC can link using existing facility infrastructure, allowing technicians to create custom console layouts tailored to each mix.

The channel strip provides total control with the patented, tactile touch-sensitive Logicator rotary controls, giving an instant visual reference to each knob setting and control over every element in the signal path – no matter how complex the mix. Through intuitive assignment, the Logicators are process-grouped to allow immediate access to parameter controls without interrupting the creative workflow.

Neve DAWSync is the modern method of providing synchronisation between the DFC3D and multiple DAWs. DAWSync delivers an elegant and straightforward solution for machine control synchronisation with DAWs using a plug-in interface method. The plug-in provides instant lock from the DAW timeline to the DFC automation so that audio, video, and console automation instantly roll together without any delay or complicated synchronisation setups. DAWSync reads transport and timeline information from the DAW and transfers that data to encore over the network, and also provides extended 9-pin track arming and input switch functionality using the DAWSync USB control.

The DFC3D automation system uses AMS Neve’s proprietary Encore 3 system, the latest generation of the acclaimed Encore automation. Encore 3 is a total automation system that allows for automation of all controls on the console, including aux and stem routing. The DFC3D also provides effortless control of DAWs using the HUI protocol with up to 5 DAW’s connected simultaneously. Encore:3 Automation Reconform delivers efficient workflow as picture re-cuts go up to the last possible moment. In addition, the DFC can import the change-list, significantly reducing the workload on the Mixer and allowing the Director freedom to make creative changes right up to the dub.

AMS Neve worked in consultation with Dolby before the release of Dolby Atmos^®, allowing both teams to look collaboratively at how content in this object-based format could be efficiently created. As a result, the first film natively mixed in the Dolby Atmos format was ‘Oblivion’. This feat was achieved using an AMS Neve DFC console with both Dolby and AMS Neve engineers present at the studios of Skywalker Sound to offer advice and support to the mixing crew.

Dolby Atmos^® is the latest immersive 3D surround sound, initially geared towards commercial cinema but now adapted for the music industry and beyond. DFC3D achieves the most flexible workflow for Dolby Atmos by assigning its 192 busses and 12 stems, giving super-fast access to traditional bed stems and discrete objects from the console surface. This allows the mix engineer to dynamically choose whether a sound should be assigned to an object or the bed.

The DFC3D mix engine can mix natively in three-dimensional sound-space with its 16-wide stems and predubs. This allows for effortless creation of content of all Auro3D^® formats including popular Auro-3D®11.1 and Auro-3D 15.1 formats and IMAX 12.0.

DFC3D is tightly integrated with the Dolby Rendering & Mastering Unit (RMU), including level control, dim & cut functions. This allows for non-destructive post-rendering 3D monitoring control from the console surface.