AEQ FORUM LITE User manual

AEQ FORUM LITE
ULTRA-COMPACT DIGITAL AUDIO MIXER
FOR BROADCAST APPLICATIONS
USER’S MANUAL
ED. 06/21
V. 1.5 - 10/05/2022
Software version 4.32, March 2022

AEQ FORUM LITE
Ultra-compact digital audio mixer
2
CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................................... 5
1.1. General description............................................................................................................ 5
1.2. Specifications. .................................................................................................................... 7
1.2.1. General morphology. .............................................................................................. 7
1.2.2. Functionality. ........................................................................................................... 7
1.2.3. General features. .................................................................................................... 7
1.2.4. Standard Inputs and Outputs. ................................................................................. 7
1.2.5. Optional Inputs and Outputs. .................................................................................. 8
1.2.6. System processing capacity. .................................................................................. 8
2. PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE UNIT............................................................................... 9
2.1. Description of the control surface. ..................................................................................... 9
2.1.1. Channels. ................................................................................................................ 9
2.1.1.1. Routing keys. .......................................................................................... 11
2.1.1.2. SELECT. ................................................................................................. 11
2.1.1.3. Channel display....................................................................................... 11
2.1.1.4. CUE......................................................................................................... 11
2.1.1.5. Active processes indicator. ..................................................................... 12
2.1.1.6. ON AIR LED............................................................................................ 12
2.1.1.7. Fader. ...................................................................................................... 13
2.1.1.8. Channel activation keys. ......................................................................... 13
2.1.2. Control and monitoring section. ............................................................................ 14
2.1.2.1. Control VU meters................................................................................... 15
2.1.2.2. Programmable keys. ............................................................................... 16
2.1.2.3. Main display. ........................................................................................... 17
2.1.2.4. Control room monitoring section. ............................................................ 17
2.1.2.5. Studio room monitoring and Talkback sections. ..................................... 18
2.2. Audio engine description.................................................................................................. 21
2.2.1. Power supply......................................................................................................... 22
2.2.2. Auxiliary connections. ........................................................................................... 23
2.2.2.1. GPIO. ...................................................................................................... 23
2.2.2.1.1. Opto-coupled GPI. .................................................................. 23
2.2.2.1.2. Opto-coupled GPO. ................................................................ 24
2.2.2.1.3. Physical contact GPO. ............................................................ 25
2.2.2.2. Ethernet Port. .......................................................................................... 26
2.2.2.3. Control and studio monitors. ................................................................... 26
2.2.2.4. CUE......................................................................................................... 27
2.2.2.5. Control headphones................................................................................ 27
2.2.2.6. Studio headphones. ................................................................................ 27
2.2.3. Generic audio inputs and outputs. ........................................................................ 28
2.2.3.1. Accessing the programming jumpers...................................................... 28
2.2.3.2. Digital inputs............................................................................................ 30
2.2.3.3. Digital outputs. ........................................................................................ 31
2.2.3.4. Analog inputs. ......................................................................................... 33
2.2.3.5. Analog outputs. ....................................................................................... 33
2.2.3.6. MIC/LINE inputs. ..................................................................................... 34
2.2.3.7. USB inputs and outputs. ......................................................................... 36
2.2.3.8. AoIP inputs and outputs. ......................................................................... 37
2.2.4. Optional inputs/outputs modules........................................................................... 37
2.2.4.1. MADI multichannel optional module. ...................................................... 37
2.2.4.2. Telephone hybrid optional module.......................................................... 38
2.2.5. Wiring. ................................................................................................................... 38
3. DESCRIPTION OF THE INTERNAL MENU........................................................................... 40
3.1. "CLOCK" menu. ............................................................................................................... 40
3.2. "LOGIN/LOGOUT" menu. ................................................................................................ 42
3.3. "MEMORY" menu. ........................................................................................................... 44

AEQ FORUM LITE
Ultra-compact digital audio mixer
3
3.4. "MAIN MENU". ................................................................................................................. 44
3.4.1. "INFO" menu. ........................................................................................................ 45
3.4.2. "SETUP" menu...................................................................................................... 46
3.4.3. "SELECT" menu.................................................................................................... 47
3.4.3.1. "INPUT" menu......................................................................................... 47
3.4.3.1.1. Dynamics menu: Compressor/Limiter and Noise Gate. ......... 48
3.4.3.1.2. Equalizer and filter menu. ....................................................... 51
3.4.3.1.3. Expanded information menu. .................................................. 52
3.4.3.1.3.1. "CFG" menu......................................................... 53
3.4.3.1.3.2. "FADER" menu. ................................................... 53
3.4.3.1.3.3. "ROUTE" menu.................................................... 54
3.4.3.2. "OUTPUT" menu..................................................................................... 55
4. CONFIGURATION SOFTWARE. ........................................................................................... 57
4.1. "Administration" menu...................................................................................................... 60
4.1.1. "Configurations" submenu. ................................................................................... 60
4.1.2. "User Configuration" submenu.............................................................................. 64
4.1.3. "About Forum Lite Setup" submenu...................................................................... 66
4.2. "Hardware Configuration" menu. ..................................................................................... 66
4.2.1. "Board Configuration" submenu............................................................................ 67
4.2.1.1. "Internal Module/Virtual - Configuration" section. ................................... 68
4.2.2. "Mixer Bus Configuration" submenu. .................................................................... 73
4.2.2.1. Configuration of MPX buses menu. "Clean Feed" mode........................ 75
4.2.3. "I/O Configuration" submenu. ............................................................................... 80
4.2.3.1. Advanced configuration of input channels menu. ................................... 81
4.2.3.2. Advanced configuration of output channels menu.................................. 85
4.2.4. "Monitoring Configuration" submenu. ................................................................... 86
4.2.4.1. "Studio Room Section"............................................................................ 87
4.2.4.2. "Control Room Section". ......................................................................... 87
4.2.5. "Visual Radio" submenu. ...................................................................................... 88
4.2.6. "NTP Client Configuration" submenu.................................................................... 90
4.2.7. "Vumeters" submenu. ........................................................................................... 91
4.2.8. "Options" submenu. .............................................................................................. 92
4.3. "Programmable Configuration" menu. ............................................................................. 93
4.3.1. "Routing Configuration" submenu......................................................................... 93
4.3.2. "Programmable Keys" submenu. .......................................................................... 95
4.3.2.1. Basic configuration of programmable keys. ............................................ 95
4.3.2.2. Configuration of "General" programmable keys...................................... 96
4.3.2.3. Configuration of "Salvo" programmable keys. ........................................ 98
4.3.2.4. Configuration of "Codec" programmable keys...................................... 100
4.3.2.5. Configuration of "Multiplex" programmable keys. ................................. 104
4.3.2.6. Configuration of "Cue Reset" programmable key. ................................ 104
4.3.2.7. Configuration of "Orders" programmable keys. .................................... 105
4.3.2.8. Configuration of "Memory" programmable keys. .................................. 105
4.3.2.9. Configuration of "Studio Monitor Attenuation" programmable keys...... 106
4.3.2.10. Configuration of "Auto Cue" programmable key. ................................ 107
4.3.2.11. Configuration of "A/B Mode" programmable key. ............................... 107
4.3.3. "Mic Group Configuration" submenu................................................................... 108
4.3.4. "Preset Configuration" submenu......................................................................... 110
4.3.4.1. Advanced configuration of Compressor/Limiter.................................... 112
4.3.4.2. Advanced configuration of Noise Gate. ................................................ 113
4.3.4.3. Advanced configuration of Equalizer. ................................................... 114
4.3.4.4. Advanced configuration of Low Pass Filter........................................... 115
4.3.4.5. Advanced configuration of High Pass Filter. ......................................... 115
4.3.5. "SnapShot Configuration" submenu. .................................................................. 116
4.3.5.1. Advanced configuration of inputs.......................................................... 121
4.3.5.2. Advanced configuration of outputs........................................................ 123
4.4. "Firmware Upgrade" menu............................................................................................. 124
4.4.1. "Tree View" submenu. ........................................................................................ 124
4.4.2. "Upgrade View" submenu. .................................................................................. 127

AEQ FORUM LITE
Ultra-compact digital audio mixer
4
4.4.3. "Log View" submenu. .......................................................................................... 128
5. A.E.Q. GUARANTEE............................................................................................................ 129
APPENDIX A. SIGNALLING CONNECTION........................................................................... 130
APPENDIX B. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.......................................................................... 135

AEQ FORUM LITE
Ultra-compact digital audio mixer
5
1. INTRODUCTION.
1.1. General description.
AEQ FORUM LITE is an ultra-compact digital audio mixer for Radio and Television consisting in
a control surface and audio engine, specially designed for ON AIR broadcast control, and very
adaptable to different work situations. It comprises all the basic necessary functions for this kind
of environments: automatic monitor cut, cough cut, fader start, signaling control, signals for
external equipment automation, external communications management, intercom, etc.
Its reduced size makes this mixer perfectly adaptable to many different scenarios: self-control,
control-studio, audio control in television, sound production, mixed configurations, integration in
large systems, etc.
One of the main qualities of AEQ FORUM LITE is the extensive internal routing capacity which
provides: 28 inputs and 30 outputs for analogue, digital or microphone audio signals, 16 or 32
inputs/outputs multichannel audio over an AoIP (audio over IP) link, 2 optional inputs/outputs for
telephone hybrid and another 64 optional inputs/outputs multichannel audio over a MADI link
(and exclusive regarding AoIP functionality: both options can’t be active at the same time).
NOTE: The exterior of equipment and some screens may vary depending on version.
Control power and simplicity of use has been combined into AEQ FORUM LITE to meet from
the most basic to advanced operation needs, from an 8 faders control surface.
WARNING
The cable that connects control and monitoring module and audio
engine carries power supply. The same happens with the cable that
connects control and monitoring module to the first 4 faders module
and with the cables that connect the following 4 faders modules.
In order to avoid any damage to the unit is VERY IMPORTANT to
turn off the unit before connecting or disconnecting these cables.

AEQ FORUM LITE
Ultra-compact digital audio mixer
6
All basic functions of activation, level adjustment and routing have their specific controls on
each channel of the FORUM LITE surface, while less common adjustments are included in a
set of contextual controls common to all channels and accessible with just one or two
keystrokes: simplicity and clarity of use for dynamic control without handling error.
The flexibility offered through the configuration of AEQ FORUM LITE enables the free
assignment of any audio input of the system to any control channel, and changing the
distribution of signals from the surface itself or the associated configuration software.
The FORUM LITE digital mixer includes memory banks that store the settings for each signal:
control surface signal distribution, routing to the output buses, management of parameters and
activation of the different available audio processes. This allows the console to adapt easily to
different programs with different technical requirements.
Its Ethernet port enables the local or remote interconnectivity, facilitating set-up and
maintenance, monitoring and control.
FORUM LITE has also been designed to ensure interoperability with communications
equipment and future developments by AEQ or other manufacturers.
4 faders module 4 faders module
The data and power supply output from console to control surface is located at the right of the
power supply input of the "core". It is designed for use with straight Ethernet cabling, but also
carries proprietary power supply lines. Please use the cable provided with the unit only. If
necessary, this connection could be made by means of a cable of up to 250 meters, using a
continuous CAT5E shielded (FTP) cable (or better) and checking that the shield is connected
to the connectors case.
The example shows the connection diagram of AEQ FORUM LITE console. The data and
power supply output from "core" must be always connected to the left RJ45 connector of
control and monitoring module (rear view). The first 4 faders module is also connected by
means of the same type of cable from the right RJ45 connector of control and monitoring
module to the left RJ45 connector of 4 faders module (rear view). The following 4 faders
modules will be connected from the right RJ45 connector of a 4 faders module to the left RJ45
connector of the following 4 faders module (rear view).
Control and
monitoring module 4 faders module
"Core" or "Engine"

AEQ FORUM LITE
Ultra-compact digital audio mixer
7
1.2. Specifications.
1.2.1. General morphology.
•Ultra-compact design split in control surface and associated audio core.
•Control surface with 4 physical faders (100mm) modules.
•Core: 2U 19" chassis including audio inputs and outputs, processing, power supply and
internal equipment control hardware. Optional modules for redundant power supply,
double telephone hybrid and multi-channel MADI, all of them easy to install and
maintain.
1.2.2. Functionality.
•Cough mute, studio and control room ON-AIR signalling, faderstart, remote PFL, talk-
back, automatic speaker mute.
•N-1 output configuration.
•Control of integrated external equipment (AEQ hybrids and codecs) and internal hybrids
via programmable key section.
•Optional pre-fader / post-fader routing depending on the used buses.
•Control communication via 10/100 Ethernet connection using TCP/IP protocol.
•Boot-up using last used settings.
•System input signals can be assigned to any control channel.
•System settings are stored in the on-board memory: up to 7 available memory
positions.
1.2.3. General features.
•All system signals configurable for monitoring in Control, Studio, CUE Headphones and
VU-meters.
•4 direct routing buttons on each channel.
•Silent operation by convection cooling. AEQ FORUM LITE is ideally suited for self-
operated applications.
•Talk-back function assigned to microphone 4, with 4 PTT buttons for direct intercom.
•2 built-in headphone outputs. In addition, a stereo line output can be assigned for
secondary headphones.
•2 precision stereo VU meters.
•Test tone (1KHz) generator.
•Externally synchronized clock, timer and stopwatch.
•Electronically balanced microphone inputs with selectable micro or line level and
Phantom power.
•Electronically balanced analog line inputs and outputs.
•Transformer balanced digital inputs and outputs.
•Sampling rate converters for the digital inputs.
•Redundant power supply (optional).
•The data and power supply connection from core to control surface is made by means
of a supplied straight Ethernet cable that carries proprietary power supply. If
necessary, this connection could be made by means of a cable of up to 250 meters,
using a continuous CAT5E shielded (FTP) cable (or better) and checking that the
shield is connected to the connectors case.
1.2.4. Standard Inputs and Outputs.
•4 mic/line mono inputs.
•2 USB digital stereo inputs/outputs.
•4 AES/EBU digital stereo inputs/outputs that can be configured as SPDIF.
•12 analog mono inputs / 8 analog mono outputs (that can be configured as individual
stereo pairs).
•Bi-directional AoIP (audio over IP) interface handling up to 32 mono inputs and outputs.

AEQ FORUM LITE
Ultra-compact digital audio mixer
8
•Analog stereo outputs for Control, Studio, CUE and Studio primary Headphone
monitoring.
•Analog stereo amplified output for Control Headphones, jack ¼".
•8 opto-coupled GPI’s, 8 opto-coupled GPO’s and 4 GPO’s with relays.
1.2.5. Optional Inputs and Outputs.
•Dual line Digital Telephone Hybrid with two RJ-11 Line connectors and two RJ-11
connectors for Telephone SET.
•Bi-directional MADI fiber-optic interface handling up to 64 digital inputs and outputs.
IMPORTANT NOTE: MADI functionality is not compatible with AoIP (audio over IP)
functionality, both options can’t be active at the same time.
1.2.6. System processing capacity.
•48 kHz, 24 bit internal sampling frequency.
•±12dB gain control (analog and digital line inputs and outputs signals - including signals
not visible on control surface).
•Gain control for microphone inputs: from -36 to +19dB.
•Selectable balance/panoramic control on all channels.
•Selective phase reverse.
•Audio processing for 16 stereo signals (up to 8 on fader plus 8 signals not visible on
control surface).
•Pre-defined audio processing that allows manual adjustment.
•Available audio effects: 3 bands equalizer with adjustable Q value, high pass and low
pass filters, compressor/limiter and noise gate.

AEQ FORUM LITE
Ultra-compact digital audio mixer
9
2. PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE UNIT.
AEQ FORUM LITE is an ultra-compact digital mixing console consisting in a control surface and
associated audio engine. These two functional blocks, the control surface (where all the controls
and status indicators are located) and the audio engine or core unit (where all the audio
inputs/outputs, routing, sum and processing electronics is included), are connected together
with a data and power supply proprietary link with RJ45 connectors.
These functional blocks will be separately described hereunder.
2.1. Description of the control surface.
The control surface is the operators "work" area of the AEQ FORUM LITE. All operational
organization, management and implementation of the audio program are accomplished from
this area. The control surface incorporates all the keys, displays, faders, encoders and VU
meters required to operate the equipment
There are two different areas on the AEQ FORUM LITE control surface: the area that
corresponds to the audio channels controlled through faders (each module includes 4 faders)
and the "CONTROL AND MONITORING MODULE" which is normally located to the right.
2.1.1. Channels.
The AEQ FORUM LITE control surface consists of modules with 4 independent channels, each
one featuring its own dedicated 100mm fader.
The assignment of signals to channel faders on the AEQ FORUM LITE is completely user
definable. It is possible to assign any signal to any channel fader at any time. This allows for the
re-distribution channels to adapt to different programs or operators.
In addition, different channel assignment of signals can be stored in memory to be used by
different users or applications.
In addition to the signals on channel faders present on the control surface that can be mixed,
processed and sent to any output channel, AEQ FORUM LITE is capable of routing and
adjusting the levels for other hidden signals. Up to a total of 94x96 audio signals can be routed.
4 FADERS
MODULE
4 FADERS
MODULE CONTROL & MONITORING
MODULE

AEQ FORUM LITE
Ultra-compact digital audio mixer
10
Located in the upper part of the channel are 4 routing keys ("PROGRAM","AUDITION","AUX1"
and "AUX 2") and a "SELECT" button to assign the channel to advanced settings common
control (gain, dynamics, EQ and balance). By means of a long press (more than 2 seconds), the
"SELECT" key provides quick access to the signal selection on the fader.
Beneath this section, an OLED display shows channel name and status for balance or pan.
Immediately under the display is located the Pre-listen button "CUE", 4 status indicators LEDs
that alerts with regards to the activation of equalization ("EQ"), dynamics ("DYN"), balance
("BAL") and gain ("GAIN"). Also in this section, a luminous label indicating that the channel is
activated and is sending signal to the output buses ("ON AIR").
By pressing the "SELECT" button the advanced configuration functions are enabled. These
configurations are accomplished within the integrated multifunction display in the control and
monitoring section at the far right of the control surface. Its operation is based on rotary
encoders and graphical menus and short-cut function keys, depending on the information
shown on screen.
Among the general functions are the instant activation and adjustment of audio effects (EQ,
filters, limiters, etc.), configurations and memories management, disconnection of applied
effects, phase change, inserting of a test signal, as well as clock, timer and stopwatch for timing
control, etc. For more information see chapter "3. DESCRIPTION OF THE INTERNAL MENU"
of this manual.