After using my DM3200 regularly for over two years, I think I've gotten a fairly solid handle on the console's 'logic.' There were - and still are - a few hurdles. But; if it hadn't been for the savvy DM 'power users' on this list when I was starting out, I probably would still be wondering 'what happens when I push THIS?' 
So, I like to 'pay it forward' by trying to help newcomers as well; I think the viability of these wonderful devices is dependent on broadening knowledge - and by extension - appreciation for the DM consoles.
That said, the DM routing screens can be formidable, and often - confusing. As a Sound On Sound reviewer once said: "..it's as though a committee designed the menus, and tried to cram too many things into them..." However, despite that, there's a consistency in the design, and once that's discovered, the difficulty begins to diminish. And I think it's a matter of a user's 'internal dialog.'
This is what I mean: the machine can't speak; it can't ask questions like: "Hi! What do you want to do? Where do you want to go? How do you want to get there?" So the user has to ask those questions themselves - everytime that ROUTING button is pushed. Unfortunately, the DM manuals aren't written with that concept in mind; they're of little help other than reference material. This, I think, is why so many newcomers can't get their heads around the process. But that's manageable with a different approach, in my opinion.
There's a built in 'anti-ergonomic' in those menus; I'm surprised nobody's mentioned it: they read RIGHT TO LEFT. Most people accustomed to written languages reading left - to - right (Hebrews excluded
are instantly put off by this. Maybe it's a 'left/right-brain' issue. That's where the problem begins. So, here's a simple key:
1. Right Side Asks: "What?"
2. Left Side Asks: "Where?"
3. Bottom Side Asks: "How?"
The trick is to ask the question: 'How?' - first. This is answered by the series of 'tabs' at the bottom of the menu. These are the 'Gateways. (input/output/slot-interface, etc). Then:
Use the Pod to pick your 'What?" on the Right Side (source: ADAT/SLOT/MIC/LINE, etc). And...
Find the specific 'Where?' on the left side (INPUT #/SLOT#/MIC/LINE).
It seems overly simple, I know. But I'm convinced if a newcomer sees the menus in this way, a lot of the confusion goes away.
Feel free to comment - positively, negatively - or ignore as you see fit.
CaptDan
So, I like to 'pay it forward' by trying to help newcomers as well; I think the viability of these wonderful devices is dependent on broadening knowledge - and by extension - appreciation for the DM consoles.That said, the DM routing screens can be formidable, and often - confusing. As a Sound On Sound reviewer once said: "..it's as though a committee designed the menus, and tried to cram too many things into them..." However, despite that, there's a consistency in the design, and once that's discovered, the difficulty begins to diminish. And I think it's a matter of a user's 'internal dialog.'
This is what I mean: the machine can't speak; it can't ask questions like: "Hi! What do you want to do? Where do you want to go? How do you want to get there?" So the user has to ask those questions themselves - everytime that ROUTING button is pushed. Unfortunately, the DM manuals aren't written with that concept in mind; they're of little help other than reference material. This, I think, is why so many newcomers can't get their heads around the process. But that's manageable with a different approach, in my opinion.
There's a built in 'anti-ergonomic' in those menus; I'm surprised nobody's mentioned it: they read RIGHT TO LEFT. Most people accustomed to written languages reading left - to - right (Hebrews excluded
are instantly put off by this. Maybe it's a 'left/right-brain' issue. That's where the problem begins. So, here's a simple key:1. Right Side Asks: "What?"
2. Left Side Asks: "Where?"
3. Bottom Side Asks: "How?"
The trick is to ask the question: 'How?' - first. This is answered by the series of 'tabs' at the bottom of the menu. These are the 'Gateways. (input/output/slot-interface, etc). Then:
Use the Pod to pick your 'What?" on the Right Side (source: ADAT/SLOT/MIC/LINE, etc). And...
Find the specific 'Where?' on the left side (INPUT #/SLOT#/MIC/LINE).
It seems overly simple, I know. But I'm convinced if a newcomer sees the menus in this way, a lot of the confusion goes away.
Feel free to comment - positively, negatively - or ignore as you see fit.
CaptDan
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