The xDR-16 is a 3U rack mountable 16 input 8 output audio expander for the iLive digital mixing system. It provides an affordable solution for adding more sources and distributing audio to different areas of the venue and stage.

The xDR-16 expander is similar to the iDR-16 MixRack but without the DSP built in. It can be added to any of the of six iLive MixRack available. For example, the compact iDR-16 MixRack has just 16 mic inputs and 8 XLR outputs but can still process a full 64 inputs able to access channels and 32 mix buses. Adding one xDR-16 expands the number of physical mic the DSP from 16 to 32 and increases the outputs from 8 to 16. Adding two provides the iDR-16 with 48 mic/line, 24 output capability and further advantage to distribute the audio to three different locations using CAT5 cables.

Up to two xDR-16 expanders may be added to a single MixRack system. Connection is via ACE which transports bi-directional audio and control over a single CAT5 cable up to 120m (400’) long. To connect to the xDR-16 the iLive MixRack must be fitted with an ACE network option card in its Port B. The xDR must connect to the iLive MixRack (DSP mix engine). It may not be connected to a Surface or used by itself.

The xDR-16 expander features its own Port B slot allowing any of the iLive option cards to be fitted for additional networking, recording and personal monitoring at the expander location.

Note – Check that your iLive system and xDR are running the same and latest version of firmware. The system must be loaded with version 1.8 or higher.

Note – The xDR-16 is a network device within the iLive system and must therefore have a unique IP address.

When connected for the first time, the xDR-16 looks for a MixRack with the default 192.168.1.1 address. It will connect automatically if it finds it. To check expander status go to the TouchScreen UTILTY / Network / Expander Setup page. If the MixRack IP address is not set to its default 192.168.1.1 then you will need to add the xDR expander manually using the same screen. If you are adding two xDR expanders then make sure you have changed the name and IP address of one or both so that they can be uniquely identified on the network: connect one, go to the Network Setup screen, select the xDR from the drop down menu, change its address, then connect the second. Alternatively, power up the xDR while it is not connected to the MixRack, connect your laptop LAN (wired) port to the xDR NETWORK port and use your browser to find it. Make sure the LAN port is set for compatible static address, for example 192.168.1.10 with subnet mask 255.255.255.0. Adjust and Update the settings.

Note – V1.9 changed the Port B ACE cards redundancy options and xDR Port B functionality. It is now possible to sync from Port B of an xDR expander, control the settings of options cards fitted in Port B on an xDR, and patch up to 48 xDR Port B inputs in the iLive. Current redundancy options are found in the MixRack Preferences on the iLive touch-screen and Editor menus:

• Redundancy On is used for two cable redundant backup with automatic switch between 1&2 on cable error. It is typically used for a 64ch digital mic split, iLive Dual-Rack setup or Surface to MixRack link (modular iLive only).
• Redundancy Off: In1-64 from Link1 – Link 1 on the card can be used for a one-cable 64ch digital mic split, iLive Dual-Rack setup or connection of an xDR-16 with 48 inputs coming from the expander’s Port B. Link 2 can be used for 64ch daisy chain to other ACE devices.
• Redundancy Off: In1-32 Lnk1, 33-64 Lnk2 – Link 1 on the card can be used for a once-cable 32ch mic split, iLive Dual-Rack setup or connection of an xDR-16 with 16 inputs coming from the expander’s Port B. Link 2 can be used for 64ch daisy chain to other ACE devices or connection of a second xDR-16 with 16 inputs coming from its Port B.