ATI DM200 Nanoamp Series Digital Monitor

by Stephen Murphy

The DM200 is the newest in the line of useful devices in the Audio Technologies Inc. (ATI) Nanoamp Series. This series of identically housed problem-solving boxes includes digital format changers, headphone amplifiers, mixers, meters and amplifiers.

Features

While the DM200 ($599)has many uses, its primary application is to provide visual and auditory confidence monitoring of an AES/EBU signal. The most obvious use for the DM200 is in audio and video post production machine rooms, as well as in broadcast headends, transmitters or master controls.

The DM200 easily slips into an AES/EBU signal chain, passing the digital audio through the unit unchanged. Transformer isolated I/O connections are provided on balanced XLR (110 ohms) and coaxial RCA and BNC connectors (75 ohms). The unit accepts sample rates from 27 kHz to 96 kHz, at up to 24-bit resolution.

A 24-bit digital to analog converter feeds balanced or unbalanced line level outputs on a back panel Phoenix connector. A 1/4-inch TRS headphone output is provided on the front panel.

In use

During extensive use in a variety of settings, I found the headphone signal to be of high quality, with plenty of power. I never even got close to cranking the volume knob all the way, so user beware!

Dedicated front panel LEDs indicate power status, valid data reception and incoming sample rate (32, 44.1, 48, 88.2 and 96 kHz). Dual 10 segment PPM meters can display the level at the 24-bit D/A output or at the balanced analog line output (front panel selectable). In D/A mode, the meters display from -27 dB to 0 dB FS, in 3 dB steps. A 0 dB FS reading corresponds to +22 dBu at the line level outputs.

In line mode, the meters display from -15 dB to +12 dB, with 0 dB calibrated to +4 dBu. I found the front panel-recessed trim screws made calibration of the line outputs convenient and easy.

Summary

Like other ATI products I have used, I had no trouble finding uses for the DM200 Digital Monitor. Some of my favorites included remote (away from the recording deck) monitoring, preprocessing comparisons and even the simple addition of a high quality headphone output in the loop. Overall, I found the DM200 to be another well-thought out and versatile device in the ATI Nanoamp series.

Contact: Audio Technologies Inc. (ATI) at 800-959-0307; 215-443-0330; www.atiguys.com;

Stephen Murphy is the editor of Pro Audio Review. As a recording engineer/producer, Murphy has worked on many successful audio and video productions, including platinum-selling and Grammy-award winning recordings.