Understanding DCAs on Behringer X32 and Midas M32

Introduction

• Speaker: Drew Brashler
• Focus: Helping users feel confident with production gear.

What is a DCA?

• DCA: Digitally Controlled Amplifier
• Equivalent to VCA (Voltage Controlled Amplifier)
• Acts as a remote control for associated inputs.

Functionality of DCAs

• Allows adjustment of multiple channels together (e.g., drums)
• Key Points:
  • Does not sum channels together (unlike mix buses).
  • Cannot apply EQ or compression directly to DCA.

Summation Points

• Mix buses can sum channels:
  • Mono bus: combines multiple channels into one.
  • Stereo bus: combines channels into two.
• Allows for global processing (EQ, compression).

Benefits of Using DCAs

• Simplifies volume adjustment for multiple channels with a single fader.
• Example: Assigning all drum channels to one DCA for easy volume control.

Assigning Channels to DCA

1. Press and hold the select button on the desired channel.
2. Apply DCA to those channels.
3. Release the DCA selection.

Metering on DCA

• New feature in firmware update.
• Displays estimated total level from channels assigned to DCA, not an actual sum.

DCA Spill Feature

• Allows quick access to channels associated with a DCA.
• Can also spill associated subgroups.

Practical Usage Examples

• Example DCA setup:
  • Drums, bass, guitar, keys, tracks, effects, vocals, and all band members.
• Tip: Keep DCAs at zero for baseline mix.

Mixing Tips

• Start with all DCAs at zero during soundcheck.
• Adjust blend of instruments, then use DCAs for fine-tuning.

Conclusion

• DCAs are useful for managing large mixes efficiently.
• Encouragement to engage with audience: Subscribe, ask questions, suggest video topics.

Additional Resources

• Website: Drew Brashler's website for more content.