Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Datasat AP25 (AP20) audio monitor out

This is topic Datasat AP25 (AP20) audio monitor out in forum Digital Cinema Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Karim Benmachiche (Member # 10647) on 08-22-2019, 06:25 PM:

Anyone here using the monitor output on the AP25/20 could confirm this?

There is a monitor output on our AP25, which is a single RCA output. Does this mean, if the source is 5.1 for example, that all channels are mixed into a single channel? Or is it possible to select 1 of the source channels and route it to the monitor?

Manual says the monitor output must be connected a to a powered amplifier. If I want to use a basic set of computer speakers, can I simply get a Y cable to split the RCA output and then concert both to jack?

Thanks!

Posted by Sascha F. Roll (Member # 9043) on 08-22-2019, 06:38 PM:

One neat feature of the Ap20/25 is that you can fully configure your monitor output, there is a basic matrix that allows you to select which channels you want to mix together and also how loud (relative) every channel should be.
You can also choose if you want the monitor fader to be completely seperate from the main fader or if it should follow the latter.

Note: From my experience the monitor output will not deliver enough level to properly drive your pc speakers.

Posted by Carsten Kurz (Member # 5396) on 08-23-2019, 04:31 AM:

I have a set of active speakers connected to the monitor and HI-out for checks. As most cinema audio gear, the AP20 outputs 300mV (Dolby level), which is below the common consumer level expectation, however, with the set of speakers we use, it's okay for monitoring in a typical booth situation. Our speaker set also has an additional adjustable Mono-Mic Input, it can add a good amount of gain if necessary. The type is Behringer MS-16.

- Carsten

Posted by Sascha F. Roll (Member # 9043) on 08-23-2019, 06:44 AM:

In our setup I put a cheap Behringer Mixer/Splitter between the monitor out and the different monitor speakers / amps. This way I could also easily distribute the signal to the booth monitor(s) and if needed also via a Multicore to the lobby PA system.

Posted by Marco Giustini (Member # 4544) on 08-23-2019, 04:59 PM:

Never had issues with the active speakers I was using either.

Posted by Marcel Birgelen (Member # 6801) on 08-24-2019, 01:51 AM:

Active speakers should work fine, you can always crank up the volume/gain a little more. Passive speakers or headsets without pre-amp will probably not work satisfactory.

Posted by Sascha F. Roll (Member # 9043) on 08-24-2019, 02:13 AM:

Maybe I was specially unlucky then, Years ago I had a customer who bought a cheap set of active PC speakers that we should connect to the Ap20 monitor out. Volume was so low that one could barely understand Dialogue with all the booth ambient noise...

Posted by Marcel Birgelen (Member # 6801) on 08-24-2019, 02:18 AM:

Maybe a case of bad noise filtering combined with a pretty crappy amp...

Posted by Carsten Kurz (Member # 5396) on 08-24-2019, 11:16 AM:

Depends heavily on the type of active speakers/gain options I guess. For the 'line' input of our Behringer speakers, I had to max out the monitor level of the AP20. No issue if I use the 'Mic' input on these speakers. That Dolby 300mV standard is a bit unlucky nowadays, with more need and options to use non-cinema gear in the booth.

- Carsten

Posted by Karim Benmachiche (Member # 10647) on 08-26-2019, 06:20 AM:

Thanks everyone. Just need to get some adapter for the AP25 output and I'll test with the speakers we already have - and I'll have a look at those you linked to Carsten otherwise.

Cheers!
Karim