Includes PDF info sheets, system diagrams, and software




The GDC 6432 is a 2 part digital commentary system, consisting of a 3 commentator/producer unit (dCU3) and a 1u subrack base unit(dCCU).

dCU/3 digital Commentators' Unit



The dCU/3 has complete facilities for 3 separate commentators. Each commentator can connect dynamic, ribbon, or condenser microphones (48v switchable), and connect a pair of headphones via 6.35mm sockets.

Each commentator has 8 independently adjustable level feeds to create their own preference of headphone mix. These inputs typically include, programme, feedback, international sound, co-ordinator, and technician - for example, although they can of course be anything. Each input can be placed at the preference of the commentator, to either or both ears. There are also 4 talkback circuits selectable per commentator.

There is an additional line level input on the front panel that has its own on/off and is switchable onto the talkback circuits.

Operation of all dCU/3 switches is configurable using the Switches software.

There are 8 inputs and 8 outputs on the dCU/3. Not all of these are pre-assigned and are available as auxiillary IO. On the rear panel there are analogue and AES inputs and outputs.

The dCU/3 is powered via the link to the dCCU using coax or copper Ethernet. If the fibre link is used the dCU/3 is powered via an external DC supply.


dCCU digital Commentary Control Unit



The dCCU is the 1U subrack base station of the GDC 6432. It contains the main audio IO, processing engine, and the main operational controls.

The front panel allows gain adjustment, phantom power and talkback for all commentators. The other talkbacks are also available.

There are 5 rotary encoders to control the output mix - the 3 commentators, the line input, and the international sound input.. Selecting one of these inputs to adjust the level, brings it onto the output PPM meter so you get a visual indication of the output level setting. The monitoring is also switched to the selected mixer channel.

Both digital line idents are recordable/controlable from the from panel and allow a voice recording from the front panel mic, then line up tone before looping. Although they are preset to the programme, and co-ord output, they can be configured to play on any output.

Monitoring of all inputs is available via the front panel 6.35mm headphone socket. There are individual levels controls for the left and right ear, with the right typically containing programme audio, and the left being a separate monitored source. A rotary encoder selects the source to monitor and pressing the encoder adds it to the monitor mix. In this way any of the 1-16 inputs can be mixed for monitoring.

There is a front panel mic, and connection for an external mic.

Digital Link
The link between these two units carries 8 channels of bi-directional audio at 24bit 48 kHz. There are 3 options on the type of link; 1) Coax, giving a 400m range and carrying audio and the power for the dCU3, 2) Copper Ethernet, giving a 100m range and carrying audio and power for the dCU3, or 3) Fibre Ethernet, giving kilometre’s of range with the dCU3 being powered locally.

Ethernet Remote Control



You can remote control and monitor, levels and audio via any Ethernet connected PC. The remote control facility operates within a PC browser as a Java application and connects to the GDC 6432s internal web browser via IP. The visual mixer representation shows real time settings of the dCU3 and the dCCU, allowing engineers to see the commentators’ pot positions, monitor and adjust mic gain levels, turn on or off mic phantom power, monitor any input into the dCU3, and adjust the output mix level, for example. What’s more an engineer is an active participant in the system, as the remote link also carries uncompressed audio (2mb sec), allowing the engineer to talkback on any of the 4 circuits, talkback to any commentator, or record the line idents, for example. This is suitable for remote control inside an OB truck, or via a high capacity WAN back to an International Broadcast Centre (IBC). Using an ISDN or IP codec, this remote audio link could easily be transmitted worldwide,

Digital Router



The audio inputs and outputs on the GDC 6432 have the facility for profiling to match the required application. On the back of the dCCU there are 8 AES in (16 channels) and 8 AES out (16 channels) + front panel talkback mic and 2 channel monitoring. On the dCU3 there are 8 audio inputs and 8 audio outputs. The routing of this audio is configurable via a digital router/mixer allowing hundreds of combinations a of audio routing profiles that can be triggered by, or trigger, DC loops and can be triggered by button switches or positions. The Glensound default profile is the result of many years of experience in the commentary world and will meet the requirement of most users. However, if you want to configure the routing for your specific use, the power and flexibility is there to do it. Configurations are simply via a USB PC connection.

dCU3 Switch Profile



All switches on the dCU3 can be configured. Switches can be locked ‘on’ – the phantom power switch for example if you always use condenser microphones, thus stopping problems if the commentator inadvertently turns it off! Talkback buttons can interrupt a channel ‘on’ switch or turn it ‘off’ requiring it to be manually selected again. Talkback buttons can be on/off, push to talk, or lazy – Glensounds special mode of offering push to talk if the button is held, and on/off if it is tapped. Store multiple configuration files off line, and simply drag and drop via USB to change.


Sound Quality
Great care has been taken to maintain the best possible audio quality throughout the GDC 6432. These are some points that result in the systems excellent audio quality:-
1. A Configurable Compressor/limiter on the mic inputs (un-compressed also available). This ensures control of the audio levels entering the system.
2. Front end mic gain. When the dCCU adjusts the gain of a commentators' mic, it is at the front end, on the dCU/3s input.
3. High quality digital to analogue converters in the dCU/3.
4. Digital link. Audio is passed between the dCU/3 and the dCCU digitally at 24bit 48kHz.

These are just a few of the points that contribute to a signal to noise ratio of better than -100dBFS.