The automatic gain control (AGC) keeps the output level constant and compensates changing input levels. This helps to prevent overload on strong signals.

With the Automixer, it is possible to mix a certain number of microphones to one output signal. The number of microphone inputs can be configured as you wish.

The Cockpit is opened automatically when the program is started. The Cockpit can be accessed at all times with only one a click of the mouse, allowing you to administer projects and communicate with an mx.16 audiomatrix and the network. It is divided into two functional sections for “project administration” and “system communication”.
The Cockpit’s project administration allows you to create, open and save projects. What is more, it also provides a list of the projects last opened.
In the “system communication” section, you can enter network settings and administer systems that are available in the network.

The settings for the individual signal processing functions are done in the parameter dialogue, and can be accessed by double-clicking the respective parameter. Here, you can enter and adjust the different numerical values depending on the function. There are further setting options in the context menu of the blocks.

The blocks are wired very simply with a mouse-click, while the automatic function determines the number of lines, combines these into bundles and arranges them in a rectangular structure. If blocks are moved or new functions added, the audio lines are realigned automatically. The automatic function creates the direct and shortest connection and checks whether a block can be stored at a certain location.

At the control level, the incoming control signals are evaluated, linked logically and brought to the control inputs of the audio blocks. You can also generate new control sequences, which can be output via the control outputs to control other devices.

The crossover is a frequency-separating filter, which splits the input signal into several frequency ranges and routs these to dedicated output channels.

The delay function can be used to insert signal delays, in order to equalize different signal runtime. These can be entered either as a time or as distance.

The Ducker reduces selected audio channels via an audio input to such an extent that only the controlling signal can be heard. This effect is used in radio and helps with every type of announcement that, for example, should be heard over the music being transmitted.

The noise gate, expander, compressor and limiter functions are combined in one dynamic block. This is a highly professional tool that allows for the detailed and precise setting of attack/release to lookahead times right up to setting dynamic curves.

Equalizer blocks allow you to adapt the parameters and graphics of the frequency response characteristic by using up to eight bands. You have seven filter types per band, each with a quality factor of up to 64. Both the total gain response and the total phase response are displayed graphically.

The limit frequency and transconductance can be set using the filter and high and low passes can be realized. In addition, several filters can be combined to complex filter types.

The sinus and noise generators can act as a valuable aid for determining room acoustics. Critical resonance frequencies can be identified and suppressed by applying the appropriate filters.

Level controls adjust the signal level from -00 to +10 dB, enable a 180° phase shift as well as allowing you to parametrize timing parameters for fade in and fade out when calling up preset level values.

Level meters are extremely important for controlling the signal level in online mode while starting up the sound equipment.
Limit switches (level-to-logic) are the connecting elements between audio signal levels and the control level.

All available audio functions are displayed clearly in the Library. Inputs and outputs can be moved into the project easily using drag & drop. Levels, mixers and matrixes can be integrated in the same way as filters and EQs or dynamic functions. Delay, stereo differential inputs and generators for sinus and noise are available under “function blocks”.

All display functions and processing tools are integrated into one clearly structured main window in the HARVEY-Composer (see above). Libraries, toolbars and context menus are always right in front of you and not distributed among a number of different windows.
The main window consists of four sections:

• Menu bar
• Sidebar with panorama view
• Working sheet
• Status bar

On the menu bar, you can activate the Cockpit, display/print the project protocol, export a project and set several of the HARVEY-Composer properties (incl. graphic transparency, reference gauge, languages German or English).
The sidebar contains library elements of the working sheet for the project. There is also a minimized panorama view of the project working sheet at the bottom of the sidebar.

The mixing and switching matrices can be parametrized as desired with up to a max. of 16x16 input/output channels. You have simple switching matrices, matrices where the crosspoint level can be parametrized as well as matrices with crosspoint delays.

Presets allow you to change between the different utilization options of an installation. The mx.16 also has “soft” cross-fading between the presets with a time setting. Presets can be created interactively on the working sheet and selected as parameters to be saved. This further simplifies handling as you can preset certain parameter groups.

The last 32 work steps are saved in a protocol. Steps can be reversed or recovered in this protocol or you can jump back to a certain point in the processing history.

Your PC can be connected to the mx.16 in the system administration of the Cockpit. You also have the option in this online mode of transferring the project you have created into the system. All settings of the audio and control parameters done in online mode are done live and implemented immediately by the device.

To create a project, you first of all have to design the structure of the hardware. The inputs and outputs, mixers and editing functions are moved very simply from the library on to the working sheet per drag & drop. All elements are displayed in the form of blocks and can be connected to audio lines at the click of a mouse.