diff --git a/csdr/csdr.py b/csdr/csdr.py
index 4ef95f6..2795002 100644
--- a/csdr/csdr.py
+++ b/csdr/csdr.py
@@ -776,14 +776,15 @@ class dsp(object):
             self.start_secondary_demodulator()
 
         # send initial config through the pipes
-        # the sequencing here is essential; the pipes must be opened in the order that they appear in the command,
-        # otherwise deadlocks will occur.
         if self.has_pipe("bpf_pipe"):
             self.set_bpf(self.low_cut, self.high_cut)
         if self.has_pipe("shift_pipe"):
             self.set_offset_freq(self.offset_freq)
         if self.has_pipe("squelch_pipe"):
             self.set_squelch_level(self.squelch_level)
+        if self.has_pipe("dmr_control_pipe"):
+            self.set_dmr_filter(3)
+
         if self.has_pipe("smeter_pipe"):
             def read_smeter():
                 raw = self.pipes["smeter_pipe"].readline()
@@ -802,8 +803,6 @@ class dsp(object):
                     return raw.rstrip("\n")
 
             self.output.send_output("meta", read_meta)
-        if self.has_pipe("dmr_control_pipe"):
-            self.set_dmr_filter(3)
 
         if self.csdr_dynamic_bufsize:
             self.process.stdout.read(8)  # dummy read to skip bufsize & preamble