iLive 101 – Audio Networking cards | Allen & Heath Digital Community

iLive 101 – Audio Networking cards

2013/09/13 in

A number of auto-detecting option cards can be fitted to iLive MixRacks, modular Surfaces and xDR expanders. These can be used for system expansion / interfacing in Port B or RAB-2, and Surface to MixRack link in modular iLive with RAB-2. Details on each card are provided in the User Guide, fitting instruction document or Understanding Guide.

M-ACE

64 I/O, fits in Port B of iLive fixed format MixRacks (iDR-16, iDR-32, iDR-48 & iDR-64) or expander (xDR-16). It can also be fitted to iLive modular MixRacks (iDR-0, iDR-10) and Port A of modular Surfaces.

The Allen & Heath proprietary ACE™ (Audio and Control over Ethernet) link offers a cost effective point-to-point connection up to 120m over a single CAT5 cable for 64 channels of very low latency bi-directional audio plus network control. ACE™ is the built-in, primary link in iLive fixed format Surfaces and MixRacks. For modular iLive systems fitted with RAB2, ACE™ is one of several choices available. It can also be fitted to Port B for digital mic splitting and system expansion.

The card provides two ACE™ ports. Port 1 is the main link. Port 2 can be configured either as a separate link or as a second connection for redundant backup. Any of the iLive Network ports can be linked to the ACE™ module using the short CAT5 cable provided to bridge control over the same cable.

System example – Here, two systems are linked using a digital mic split to share the same pre-amps. This saves you the cost and weight of an analogue splitter and means you can use the smaller iDR-16 MixRack at FOH but still mix the full 48 mics plus additional local inputs. Each is fully configurable to match its application providing dedicated FOH and monitor bus architecture and layout.

Understanding Ace – rev 18dec12

M-Dante

Dante is an Ethernet compliant, AVB-ready audio networking solution created and developed by Audinate. It provides high performance digital media networking that meets the quality requirements of professional live sound, AV installations and broadcast and recording systems. Dante is built on standard Internet Protocols over Ethernet. It distributes multiple streams of digital audio plus integrated control data and clock, with sub millisecond latency, sample-accurate playback synchronization, extreme reliability and high channel count.

Dante can be used for iLive expansion and integration with third party devices. Playback and recording without any third party audio interface are possible thanks to the Dante Virtual Soundcard.
It is also suitable for linking iLive systems together. Dante benefits for iLive include 64 channel bi-directional audio over CAT5, compatibility with standard, off-the-shelf computer networking equipment, self discovery and auto-configuration of IP addresses, wide range of Dante enabled equipment becoming available, sample accurate playback synchronisation, very low latency, and direct connection to computer for multitrack recording.

System example – The iDR-48 Monitor system is the clock master for the network. The iDR-16 is the FOH system receiving most of its inputs digitally via Dante. The main outputs from the iDR-16 are also sent to a Dante-enabled loudspeaker processor or amplifier. A desktop computer is being used to control the DANTE network and record all audio signals sent from the iDR-48.

Understanding M-DANTE – rev 18dec12

M-Waves

64 I/O, fits in Port B of iLive fixed format MixRacks (iDR-16, iDR-32, iDR-48 & iDR-64) or expander (xDR-16). It can also be fitted to iLive modular MixRacks (iDR-0, iDR-10).

Benefitting from SoundGrid networking technology, the M-Waves card is ideal for Waves high precision plug-in processing, multitrack recording and playback. The integrated Ethernet switch allows connection of multiple devices.

The SoundGrid audio-over-Ethernet networking protocol is designed for real-time professional audio applications. It provides an extremely low latency environment using standard Gigabit Ethernet networks. Audio processing is performed on dedicated, Intel-based servers running a customized version of Linux. Audio is streamed from an iLive MixRack to the Server and back to the iLive after being processed by a multitude of Waves reverbs, equalizers, compressors and more. Waves MultiRack software provides an intuitive, graphical user interface for setup and plug-in control on Windows or OS X computers. Waves SG Driver allows up to 64 channels of ASIO or Core Audio recording and playback.

System example – An M-Waves option module is fitted in the iDR-64 MixRack. Up to 64 channels are processed by the SoundGrid Server. A separate computer running MultiRack is used for configuration, routing, plug-in control and recording / playback of up to 64 channels.

Undestanding Waves SoundGrid – rev 12JUL12

M-MADI

The dual port MADI card supports two streams of 64 channel bi-directional 24-bit 48kHz serial digital audio transmission using two 75 ohm coaxial cables per port. An additional AUX connector can be configured to mirror stream 1 outputs, pass thru stream 1 inputs, or as a word clock input or output. Signals can be daisy chained or split to multiple devices. The second port can be configured as an independent stream or as a redundant backup connection using a second cable pair. Signals from either stream can be routed to the iLive channels in blocks of 8. iLive outputs can be patched to MADI and appear at both stream outputs.

Multi-channel Digital Audio Interface (MADI) is an industry standard protocol for digital audio supported by many manufacturers. Long coaxial cable runs are possible depending on the driver capability of the hardware, making it a frequent choice of equipment interconnection in gigs, studios, and broadcast applications. With M-MADI, a 150m cable run is possible using 75 ohm Belden 1505A cable.

Understanding M-MADI – rev 12dec12

M-MiniMultiOut

56 outputs, fits in Port B of iLive fixed format MixRacks (iDR-16, iDR-32, iDR-48 & iDR-64) or expander (xDR-16). It can also be fitted to Port B of iLive modular MixRacks (iDR-0, iDR-10). Limited
capability is also offered when fitted to Port B of iLive modular Surfaces.

The Mini Multi-Out card provides a variety of formats of multi-channel digital output at 48kHz sampling rate. Outputs simultaneously available include ADAT (3x optical ports for up to 24 tracks), Aviom™ (16 channel personal monitoring feed), and iDR links to the Allen & Heath iDR Series installed product range. The iDR output is also compatible with the Hearback™ personal monitoring system. Any iLive signal can be patched to any of the 56 outputs, ideal for recording, personal monitoring, direct link to speaker processing using the iDR Series, and for system expansion.

Each of the two iDR outputs provides an 8 channel digital audio link to Allen & Heath iDR Series via CAT5 cable with length up to 250m (825’). This means that iLive can transport up to 16 signals directly to the iDR-8 and iDR-4 digital mix processors, and also use the 8 channel iDR-out (analogue XLR) and iDR-Dout (AES, SPDIF, Toslink digital audio) output expanders for remote audio feeds.

M-ES-V2

64 I/O, fits in Port B of iLive fixed format MixRacks iDR-16, iDR-32, iDR-48 & iDR-64) or expander (xDR-16). It can also be fitted to iLive modular MixRacks (iDR-0, iDR-10) and Port A of modular Surfaces.

EtherSound is a popular low latency industry networking standard supporting 64 channels of bi-directional audio over CAT5 cable. A significant number of third party ES equipped devices are available for remote audio distribution, PC recording, speaker controllers, amplifiers and more. A single cable transports audio in both directions. The second socket allows further networking beyond the iLive and opens up many more networking possibilities. A control port provides access to the routing configuration within EtherSound.