About the Klark Teknik KT-DM801 RS232 Ethernet Interface for DM8000 Control
The Klark Teknik KT-DM801 is a dedicated communication interface designed to provide comprehensive remote control and integration capabilities for the DM8000 Digital Matrix Mixer and associated system processors. This unit serves as a critical bridge, translating between the RS-232 serial control protocol used by the DM8000 and standard Ethernet (TCP/IP) connectivity. This allows system programmers and operators to control the complex signal routing, dynamics processing, and EQ settings of the DM8000 from a wide range of external devices, including third-party control systems (such as Crestron or AMX), standard PCs running custom software, or even mobile devices over a local network. The interface effectively modernizes the control layer of the system, enabling seamless integration into larger AV control ecosystems for installed sound applications in theaters, worship spaces, and broadcast facilities.
Installation and configuration of the KT-DM801 are straightforward, with the unit connecting directly to the DM8000 via an RS-232 cable and to the venue's network via an Ethernet cable. Its onboard electronics handle the protocol conversion transparently, ensuring reliable two-way communication for both sending commands and receiving status feedback from the mixer. This capability is essential for creating sophisticated user control panels that display real-time mixer status, recall presets, or automate complex scene changes as part of a larger show or room control sequence. The interface supports flexible network configuration, including static or dynamic IP address assignment, to suit various IT infrastructures.
By enabling IP-based control, the KT-DM801 significantly extends the functionality and longevity of the DM8000 system within modern networked AV environments. It provides integrators with the tools to build customized, user-friendly control interfaces that abstract the mixer's inherent complexity, allowing non-technical users to manage advanced audio functions with simple button presses. This interface exemplifies the professional audio industry's move towards open, IP-centric control, ensuring that powerful legacy hardware like the DM8000 remains a viable and fully integrated component in contemporary system designs.