AEQ NETBOX 4 MH User manual

AEQ NETBOX 4 MH
AUDIO OVER IP MULTICHANNEL INTERFACE
USER´S MANUAL
ED. 07/19
V. 1.0 - 17/07/2019
Firmware Versions: CPU 1.07 or higher
AoIP Ultimo X: CPU 4.1.6.7 or higher
AoIP Ultimo 4x4: CPU 4.0.11.3 / Switch & Phy 1.0.2.5 or
higher
Software Versions: NetBox 4 MH Tool 1.0.0.8 or higher
NetBox 4 MH 1.0.0.10 or higher

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Audio over IP multichannel interface
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CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................................4
1.1. Fields of application of the product....................................................................................4
1.2. Description of NETBOX 4 MH audio interface...................................................................4
1.3. Electrical audio diagrams...................................................................................................5
1.3.1. Audio inputs. ...........................................................................................................5
1.3.2. Audio outputs..........................................................................................................5
2. PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION OF NETBOX 4 MH INTERFACE.................................................7
2.1. Description of the front panel and connections..................................................................7
2.1.1. MIC/LIN 1 to MIC/LIN 4 analog audio inputs. .........................................................7
2.1.2. MIC/LIN inputs level selection switches..................................................................7
2.1.3. 48V Phantom supply switch....................................................................................7
2.1.4. HP1 to HP4 headphone outputs.............................................................................7
2.1.5. Status indicators......................................................................................................8
2.2. Description of the back panel and connections.................................................................8
2.2.1. Power supply...........................................................................................................8
2.2.2. Ethernet Ports (LAN 1 and LAN 2)..........................................................................8
2.2.3. STUDIOBOX and SCR-03 booth control box signaling inputs / outputs. ...............9
2.2.4. General Purpose Inputs and Outputs (GPIO IN 1-4 / OUT 1-4)...........................10
2.2.5. Analog Outputs. ....................................................................................................10
2.2.6. Remarks on NETBOX 4 MH audio wiring.............................................................11
2.3. STUDIOBOX and SCR-03 control box description..........................................................11
3. SOFTWARE INSTALLATION AND OPERATION.................................................................13
3.1. PC-based configuration and control applications. ...........................................................13
3.2. "NetBox 4 MH Tool": configuration software....................................................................13
3.2.1. Introduction. ..........................................................................................................13
3.2.2. Initial screen..........................................................................................................14
3.2.2.1. "Configurations" submenu.......................................................................14
3.2.2.2. "GPIO's" submenu. .................................................................................17
3.2.2.3. "Remote IP" submenu.............................................................................19
3.2.2.4. "About NetBox4MH Tool" submenu........................................................21
3.2.3. Upgrading Tools....................................................................................................21
3.3. "NetBox4MH": real time control (RTC) application..........................................................25
3.3.1. Introduction. ..........................................................................................................25
3.3.2. Starting up and selecting the device to control.....................................................25
3.3.3. Device control screen. ..........................................................................................28
3.3.4. Concurrently controlling of devices.......................................................................30
3.3.5. Information window...............................................................................................32
4. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS. ...........................................................................................33
5. A..E.Q. GUARANTEE.............................................................................................................36
APPENDIX 1. USING "DANTE CONTROLLER"TO CONTROL AUDIO ROUTING................ 37
A1.1. Using "Dante Controller" to route audio in NETBOX 4 MH devices..............................37
APPENDIX 2. MANAGING AUDIO IN COMBINATION WITH FORUM AND CAPITOL MIXING
CONSOLES. ...............................................................................................................................41
A2.1. Example: STUDIOBOX (or SCR-03) control box - NETBOX 4 MH - CAPITOL IP. ......41
A2.1.1. Setting up devices and wiring.............................................................................41
A2.1.2. Preparing the PC and software applications......................................................41
A2.1.2.1. "NetBox 4 MH Tool"..............................................................................41
A2.1.2.2. "Netbox4MH" real time control. ............................................................41
A2.1.2.3. "Dante Controller".................................................................................42

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Audio over IP multichannel interface
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APPENDIX 3. SIGNALING AND CUT FUNCTIONS INSTALLATION WITH FORUM AND
CAPITOL CONSOLES. ..............................................................................................................44
A3.1. Example: STUDIOBOX (or SCR-03) control box - NETBOX 4 MH - CAPITOL IP. ......44
APPENDIX 4. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. ...........................................................................49

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Audio over IP multichannel interface
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1. INTRODUCTION.
1.1. Fields of application of the product.
Using off-the-shelf routing equipment to send audio over IP in small to medium-sized systems
offers cost advantages over synchronous solutions using AES-10 (MADI) or TDM buses. These
have higher capacity, but require powerful hardware. Besides, large TDM systems can reduce
their cost and at the same time increase their flexibility when they are combined with IP audio
links to connect a few circuits with a central router.
That’s why, when developing the IP audio routing system at AEQ, we have created not only IP
connection devices for the consoles, but also connection panels that allow for audio input and
output installation wherever it’s necessary, as well as access boards for the AEQ BC2000D
router.
On the other hand, AEQ insists on offering interoperability with third party devices for the
convenience of our customers. Because of that, the solution we now present is based on
AUDINATE’s technology that is operating with extraordinary performance, making our systems
100% compatible with a wide selection of equipment for Broadcast, Recording Studios and
Professional Audio (see full listing at www.audinate.com).
Please consult the AEQ AoIP user's manual for more information.
Dante™ is a trademark of Audinate Pty Ltd.
Product includes license from Audinate Pty Ltd under US patent number(s) 7747725, 8005939, 7978696,
8171152 and others.Visit Audinate website for more details on Dante: http://www.audinate.com/
1.2. Description of NETBOX 4 MH audio interface.
It is an audio-over-IP multichannel interface used to insert and extract signaling and audio
channels to/from a Dante system, especially suitable for booths and other areas where
microphone or line inputs and headphone or line outputs are required.
This product is designed to cover the need for high-quality microphone inputs and headphone
outputs availability outputs, for example in radio and TV studios, stage or multimedia
installations. The multichannel IP connectivity (Audinate DANTE™ protocol) makes the Inputs
of the unit available at any point of the network. As a complementary feature, the unit is
delivering the same inputs and outputs as analogue balanced line Inputs and Outputs.
It features 4 input and 4 output channels. Inputs have XLR connectors and are microphone /
line level selectable by means of switches at the unit’s front panel. All 4 outputs are balanced,
with XLR connectors and line level, and are also distributed to 4 headphone outputs. Each one
can be configured as a stereo pair, which is called “primary” if it takes outputs 1 and 2, or
“secondary” when it is assigned outputs 3 and 4.
It also provides 4 GPIs and 4 GPOs, including a supply pin for external interface power in the
same connector, and a special set of additional, dedicated GPIOs specially designed to connect
control and signaling boxes in radio booths, including 7 opto-coupled GPI and 2 relay activated
GPOs for ON AIR signaling, powered by the Netbox unit.
Audio routing and levels are configured from a real-time control application running on Windows
operating systems.

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1.3. Electrical audio diagrams.
1.3.1. Audio inputs.
The device has 4 microphone / line switchable inputs. The real time control software provides a
55 dB level control range (+19 to -36dB) in order to adjust sensitivity from the nominal 1mV/Pa
level.
Line inputs have a +4dBu nominal sensitivity with +24dBu clipping level.
There is a switch for each input at the front panel that allows for the selection of the sensitivity
for microphone or line level compatibility.
Each of the 4 inputs is sent to the Dante network with the name assigned by the user to the
device using the configuration software, and these default labels:
•NBOX4MH_1L
•NBOX4MH_1R
•NBOX4MH_2L
•NBOX4MH_2R
1.3.2. Audio outputs.
The unit has 4 receiver circuits from the Dante network, with the name assigned by the user to
the device using the configuration software and these default labels:
•NBOX4MH_1L
•NBOX4MH_1R
•NBOX4MH_2L
•NBOX4MH_2R

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Audio over IP multichannel interface
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The two first ones are called “Primary pair” while the third and fourth ones form the “Secondary
pair”, in what relates to the assignment of the different circuits to the headphones.
Netbox 4MH also provides 4 line outputs, that can be grouped as two stereo groups, named LIN
1L, LIN 1R, LIN 2L, and LIN 2 R , and 4 stereo headphones denoted as HP1, HP2, HP3 y HP4.
"NetBox4MH" remote control application provides 4 fader pairs with an adjustment range within
0dB and - ∞. HP1 headphone output shares its level regulation with LIN1, HP2 with LIN 2, while
HP3 and HP3 have independent controls. Also, some selection buttons are shown in the
application which define whether each fader pair takes its signal from the Primary Pair or from
the Secondary Pair.
In practice, the internal circuitry allows the user to connect up to 4 pairs or volume-controlled
headphones and decide whether to listen the Primary or Secondary circuits on each one, so two
different headphone circuits are available. There are also two line-level outputs in parallel with
the HP1 and HP2 headphone pairs.

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Audio over IP multichannel interface
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2. PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION OF NETBOX 4 MH INTERFACE.
2.1. Description of the front panel and connections.
2.1.1. MIC/LIN 1 to MIC/LIN 4 analog audio inputs.
XLR-3 female connectors, balanced connection, with the following pinout:.
- Pin 1: Ground
- Pin 2: MIC/LIN Input +
- Pin 3: MIC/LIN Input -
2.1.2. MIC/LIN inputs level selection switches.
When depressed, the sensitivity of each input is reduced to adapt it to line levels. In order to
prevent accidental pressing of the buttons, they are embedded in the front panel and must be
accessed to with the aid of a sharp object, such as a pen’s tip. The remote control software
indicates the actual position of these switches.
2.1.3. 48V Phantom supply switch.
When each of these switches is depressed and operating in microphone mode, the
corresponding 48V phantom supply is turned on, as required by condenser microphones. In
order to prevent accidental pressing of the buttons, these switches are embedded in the front
panel and must be accessed to with the aid of a sharp object, such as a pen’s tip. The remote
control software indicates the actual position of these switches.
2.1.4. HP1 to HP4 headphone outputs.
¼” TRS Headphone Jack connectors, unbalanced connection, with the following pinout:
The operation software controls:
•Selection of the signal source for each output (primary headphones when receiving
from outputs 1 and 2, and secondary when taking signal from outputs 3 and 4).
B
E
C
A
D
G
F
A
B
C
D

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Audio over IP multichannel interface
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•Each output’s level adjustment. This adjustment can be performed independently for
each side or as a stereo pairs.
These audio outputs are provided simultaneously in the 4 audio channels with the line level
output connectors at the back.
2.1.5. Status indicators.
Several indicators are provided that inform on the device status, communications and audio
levels.
POWER ON LED: indicates the status of the unit power supply.
•Off: no mains input.
•Green: power supply ON.
LAN LEDs: indicate the status of the audio local area network: LAN 1 (main interface)
and LAN 2 (secondary interface).
•Off: no local network connection.
•Blinking green: link is established at data level.
AUDIO LEVEL LEDs: Each LED indicates the level of the corresponding device audio
input / output:
•LED off: the channel is muted, or transmits / receives (depending on whether it
is an output or an input) at a level below -60dBFS.
•Green LED: channel is transmitting / receiving audio (depending on whether it
is an output or an input) at a level between -60dBFS and -20dBFS.
•Amber LED: channel is transmitting / receiving audio (depending on whether it
is an output or an input) at a level between -20dBFS and -10dBFS.
•Red LED: the channel is saturated or “clipping” (above -10dBFS).
2.2. Description of the back panel and connections.
2.2.1. Power supply.
There is a connector located at the left of the device’s back panel for an external 48V DC power
supply. The provided universal input power supply admits 90 to 264V AC, 47-63Hz.
2.2.2. Ethernet Ports (LAN 1 and LAN 2).
NETBOX 4 MH includes two Ethernet ports: LAN1 must be always connected, while LAN 2 is
wired only when the system is used in “switch” mode or is configured in order to use separate
networks for control and audio over IP (AoIP). The "NetBox 4 MH Tool" application allows the
user to configure the device in this respect: for more details, see paragraph 3.2.2.1.
E
F
G
B
C
E
D
A
A
B

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Audio over IP multichannel interface
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If LAN 1 port is connected to a PoE+ capable switch (enhanced device power through Ethernet
interface), the LAN connector will provide power supply to the Netbox, so the external 48VDC
external adaptor connection is not really required, although it can still be provided as a
redundant supply.
Physically, both are RJ45 10/100/1000 connectors, with the pinout described below:
2.2.3. STUDIOBOX and SCR-03 booth control box signaling inputs / outputs.
NETBOX 4 MH includes signaling inputs and outputs for booth control boxes such as
STUDIOBOX or SCR-03. This allows for the transport, through NETBOX 4 MH, of several GPI
and GPO with destination and origin in STUDIOBOX or SCR-03, that remotely end in
compatible AEQ equipment such as FORUM and CAPITOL consoles, PHOENIX audiocodecs,
NETBOX IP terminals and other related products.
The most common application for the two GPO is to signal the ON AIR status, while the
remaining 7 GPI can be used to control cough-cut, pre-listen functions or remote control on
different Forum or Capitol consoles, from a booth equipped with STUDIOBOX or SCR-03
connected to a NETBOX 4 MH.
GPO connector: RJ45 connector with two 24V supplied relay outputs. Max. current capability:
250 mA. It should be connected to connector 2 in the STUDIOBOX (marked with a double-dot)
or SCR-03 control box.
Pinout:
- Pin 1: RED LIGHT (-)
- Pin 2: RED LIGHT (+)
- Pin 3: COMMON (+) LEDs . Active key signaling
- Pin 4: Not used
- Pin 5: Not used
- Pin 6: COMMON (-) Active key signaling
- Pin 7: GREEN LIGHT (+)
- Pin 8: GREEN LIGHT (-)
GPI connector: RJ45 connector with 7 optically coupled inputs, identified in the software as
MUTE, TECH. T BACK and USER KEYS 1 to 5. It should be connected to connector 1 in the
STUDIOBOX (marked with a dot) or SCR-03 control box.
Pinout:
- Pin 1: TECH. T BACK (CUE) - Pin 5: USERS KEY 3
- Pin 2: MUTE (CUT) - Pin 6: USERS KEY 4
- Pin 3: USERS KEY 1 - Pin 7: USERS KEY 5
- Pin 4: USERS KEY 2 - Pin 8: COMMON (+)
C
Pin 4:
Blue
Pin 3:
White and Green
Pin 2:
Orange
Pin 1:
White and Orange
Pin 5:
White and Blue
Pin 6:
Green
Pin 7:
White and Brown
Pin 8:
Brown

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AEQ STUDIOBOX and SCR-03 are designed to be compatible with these GPIs and GPOs.
2.2.4. General Purpose Inputs and Outputs (GPIO IN 1-4 / OUT 1-4).
The physical connector used is a DB15-female, with the following pinout:
- Pin 1: GPI 1 - Pin 9: GND_GPI 1-4
- Pin 2: GPI 2 - Pin 10: GND_GPI 1-4
- Pin 3: GPI 3 - Pin 11: GND_GPI 1-4
- Pin 4: GPI 4 - Pin 12: +5V GPIO 1-4
- Pin 5: GPO 1 - Pin 13: GND_GPO 1-4
- Pin 6: GPO 2 - Pin 14: GND_GPO 1-4
- Pin 7: GPO 3 - Pin 15: GND_GPO 1-4
- Pin 8: GPO 4
Remarks: please note that a common ground (GND) is provided for inputs and another one
exists for outputs. Pin 12 supplies a +5V reference voltage to ease wiring.
2.2.5. Analog Outputs.
The physical connector used is DB15-female, with the following pinout:
- Pin 1: ANALOG 1 OUT + - Pin 9: ANALOG 1 OUT -
- Pin 2: GND - Pin 10: GND
- Pin 3: ANALOG 2 OUT + - Pin 11: ANALOG 2 OUT -
- Pin 4: GND - Pin 12: GND
- Pin 5: ANALOG 3 OUT + - Pin 13: ANALOG 3 OUT -
- Pin 6: GND - Pin 14: GND
- Pin 7: ANALOG 4 OUT + - Pin 15: ANALOG 4 OUT -
- Pin 8: GND
D
E
Pin 4:
Blue
Pin 3:
White and Green
Pin 2:
Orange
Pin 1:
White and Orange
Pin 5:
White and Blue
Pin 6:
Green
Pin 7:
White and Brown
Pin 8:
Brown

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2.2.6. Remarks on NETBOX 4 MH audio wiring.
AEQ eases the installation task providing the connection between the system
and the connected pieces of equipment by providing “FR CAB INP“ wiring
accessory on request, consisting on a DB15 male connected to four balanced
and shielded pairs, 6 meters long, unterminated, in order to ease the wiring of 4
audio pairs.
The “CP CAB GPIO“ accessory consists on a DB15 male connector connected
to a 15-way wire, 6 meters long, unterminated, for GPIs and GPOs. Each cable
allows you to connect the GPIs or GPOs provided by the unit (GPIO IN 1-4 / OUT
1-4).
The wiring to connect STUDIOBOX or SCR-03 control box GPI and GPO is composed by
simple Ethernet data cables.
WARNING: Make sure that cables are connected to STUDIOBOX or SCR-03 properly, as GPI
and GPO wires provide 24Vdc supply from NETBOX 4 MH to STUDIOBOX or SCR-03 and they
could cause damage if accidentally connected to a switch or the wrong connector within
STUDIOBOX or SCR-03.
2.3. STUDIOBOX and SCR-03 control box description.
Both models are functionally equivalent.
Controls and indicators:
- MUTE or CUT: Microphone MUTE key .
- TECH T. BACK or CUE: PFL key .
- USERS KEYS 1- 5: Configurable buttons with LED
activation indicator .
- GREEN LIGHT: Green indicator, usually signals
closed microphones .
- RED LIGHT: Red indicator, usually signals that
some microphone is open in the studio.
Connectors:
RJ45 connectors have been wired for compatibility NETBOX
4 MH when used with standard, straight Ethernet cabling.
- RJ45 1: To be connected to the SCR 03 GPI
connector
Pin 1: TECH. T BACK (CUE)
Pin 2: MUTE (CUT)
Pin 3: USERS KEY 1
Pin 4: USERS KEY 2
Pin 5: USERS KEY 3
Pin 6: USERS KEY 4
Pin 7: USERS KEY 5
Pin 8: COMMON (+)
- RJ45 2: To be connected to the SCR 03 GPO
connector
Pin 1: RED LIGHT (-)
Pin 2: RED LIGHT (+)
Pin 3: COMMON (+) LEDs
Pin 4: Not used
Pin 5: Not used
Pin 6: COMMON (-) LEDs
Pin 7: GREEN LIGHT (+)
Pin 8: GREEN LIGHT (-)

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Audio over IP multichannel interface
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Connectors are marked with a dot and a double-dot respectively in STUDIOBOX.
NOTE: It's possible to manage the STUDIOBOX (or SCR-03) control box from the general
purpose GPIOs of NETBOX 4 MH, by previously activating the "GPIOs Transport" option from
"NetBox 4 MH Tool" application (see section 3.2.2.1 of this manual).
In that case, the RED LIGHT of the box would be associated to GPI 1 activation and the
GREEN LIGHT to GPI 2.
On the other hand, when you press the TECH. T BACK (or CUE) key the GPO 1 will be
activated. The same thing happens with MUTE (or CUT) key and GPO 2, USERS KEY 1 and
GPO 3 and USERS KEY 2 and GPO 4.
Other available option is to manage the STUDIOBOX (or SCR-03) control box by means of
virtual GPIOs. See section 3.2.2.3 of this manual.
Both options are exclusive. When you activate the "GPIOs Transport" option, the configuration
of virtual GPIOs associated to STUDIOBOX (or SCR-03) stops being operative.

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Audio over IP multichannel interface
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3. SOFTWARE INSTALLATION AND OPERATION.
3.1. PC-based configuration and control applications.
In order to configure each NETBOX 4 MH within the work environment and
determine interactions between different NETBOX 4 MH devices, consoles or
other AEQ equipment by means of virtual GPIOs, the "NetBox 4 MH Tool"
application is required.
On the other hand, "NetBox4MH" RTC software is used to operate the device,
adjust its input and output levels, and the source for each headphone output.
Last, “Dante Controller” application needs to be installed on every control room
where a NETBOX 4 MH operates, in order to access the Dante system control
and choose the different source and destination signals processed by NETBOX 4
MH.
3.2. "NetBox 4 MH Tool": configuration software.
3.2.1. Introduction.
“NetBox 4 MH Tool” application is the control and configuration software for NETBOX 4 MH. Its
installation is recommended on a single PC, which can be even a laptop that may be
disconnected once the system is properly configured.
The auto run disc furnished with this unit contains the executable file that installs the
application. Installing it is simply a matter of executing this file and following the on-screen
instructions as they come up.
In order to install the application as well as for using it, it must be done from a PC user with
administrator rights; once it is installed, if the user has restrictions, you must give at least
administrator permission to the executable file.
Once the “NetBox 4 MH Tool” application is installed (by default, in C:\Program files\AEQ\
Netbox4MHTool), you can start it up by double-clicking the icon displayed on the desktop:

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Audio over IP multichannel interface
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3.2.2. Initial screen.
When the application starts up, the initial screen will appear allowing you to access the different
options and displaying the software version, as well as an image showing the equipment.
On the left side of the screen all the relevant menus and submenus are available. These are
drop-down menus and are activated by clicking on the desired option.
3.2.2.1. "Configurations" submenu.
“Configurations” submenu, accessed from the drop-down menu “Administration” by clicking on
the corresponding icon, allows you to configure and control the communication between
application and physical equipment. When no connection is established, this submenu looks like
that:

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Audio over IP multichannel interface
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“Connection” section allows you to configure the parameters to connect to the unit. Firstly, the
IP address of the equipment must be configured (by default, NETBOX 4MH units are supplied
with 172.31.39.1 IP address).
The device is connected by clicking on “Connect”, provided that it is reachable in the same sub
network as one of the IP addresses of the PC network card.
This is the appearance of the application when connecting to the NETBOX 4 MH unit:
Please not that, in order to connect, it is also necessary to observe the checkbox within the
"Switch Ethernet" section: when it is in the "Switch" position -the most flexible of all- the unit
can be controlled from any of its ports. When it is in the "vlan" position -adequate for audio and
control networks separation- the control network configured in the PC where the applications
are installed must reach the device through the upper (LAN 1) Ethernet port. Once this section
is configured, the changes will be applied by pressing “Change” associated button (then the unit
will reset).
“Front Test” section allows you to start a test of front level indicators, by pressing the “Start
Test” button (when test is started, the button changes to “Stop Test” and allows you to stop the
process). The front LEDs will light one by one following the green-red-yellow-off sequence.

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Audio over IP multichannel interface
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The NETBOX4MH "Device Name", that we can change later, is displayed in "Netbox4MH"
section. Its associated "Password" can also be modified. The changes will be applied when
pressing "Change" associated button. When a password is established, only the users that
know this password will be able to control the unit by means of "NetBox4MH" RTC application.
"GPIOs" section allows you to activate/deactivate the "Transport" mode in
order to manage or not the STUDIOBOX control box from the general purpose
GPIOs. Once this section is configured, the changes will be applied by
pressing "Change" associated button. See section 2.3 of this manual.
"Device Address" section allows you to configure the IP parameters of the Ethernet interface of
the unit:
-"IP":valid IP address associated with that interface.
-"Mask":valid subnet mask associated with that interface.
-"Gateway": valid gateway or network gateway address associated with that interface.
-"MAC":valid MAC address associated with that interface (this parameter is
automatically configured depending on the IP address assigned to the unit).
Once those parameters are configured, the changes will be applied by pressing “Change Ip
Address” button. Confirmation is requested (then the unit will reset).
If there is more than one NETBOX 4 MH device reachable in the network, each of them must
be individually connected and its IP changed to a unique value in order to avoid network
conflicts. This is done in the "Device Address" section fields.
This procedure is mandatory and required when several units are to be installed, as all of them
come with the default IP address 172.31.39.1 from factory. At the same time, a name that is
easily recognizable by the users can be assigned, and a password defined, so that
unauthorized people cannot control it from the real time control application, and this way,
inadvertent accesses on the wrong devices in networks with several devices (for example, when
several studios are installed) are prevented.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: In cases where the control IP address of the device that we want to
connect to is unknown, a procedure that allows for the return to the default configuration has
been defined (included in the "Extras" menu of the CD furnished with the unit). If you have any
doubt, please consult AEQ Technical Service (supp[email protected]).
The “Factory” button allows you to return to initial Factory parameters.
The “Reset” button allows you to restart the unit.
Confirmation is requested for both options.

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Audio over IP multichannel interface
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3.2.2.2. "GPIO's" submenu.
“GPIO’s” submenu, accessed from the drop-down menu “Administration” by clicking on the
corresponding icon, allows you to check the functioning and perform basic operations of unit’s
physical GPIOs (the GPIOs are normally used in relation with other units and applications).
HIGH/Low configuration and GPOs testing.
NETBOX 4 MH features 4 optically-coupled GPOs on the "GPIO - IN 1-4 / OUT 1-4" DB15
connector, and 2 relay activated ones with internal power supply at the "SCR-03 - GPO" RJ45
connector.
When you press any of the 4 numbered 1-2-3-4 buttons in “GPO’s” section, it is lighted in
amber and the corresponding GPO of the unit changes to active status:
•in case that GPO is configured as "HIGH", the circuit between the
corresponding pin and the ground pin in DB15 connector of the unit gets
open.
•in case that GPO is configured as "Low", the circuit between the
corresponding pin and the ground pin in DB15 connector of the unit gets
closed.
In order to change the default configuration of a GPO closing and opening you must press the
associated button, which will change from "HIGH" to "Low" or vice versa, although changes will
not be applied until you press the button:
and confirmation is provided in the window that appears:

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The voltage and current limits for external power supply of GPOs 1 to 4 are 200 volts and
120mA.
The unit provides a +5V voltage in order to make easier GPOs cabling when the receiver unit
accepts logical levels. In order to use the voltage provided by the unit, you have to connect the
floating ground of GND pin to the connector chassis. A device with a consumption lower that
3mA can be connected between GPO pin and the one with +5V voltage.
If a STUDIOBOX or SCR-03 control box is connected, operation can be tested from the
application by clicking on any of the 2 buttons numbered 05 and 06 in the “GPO’s” section. If a
key is represented with pale color and the user clicks on it, it will change to an intense color and
the corresponding GPO in the device will shift to active status. When the key has a pale colour,
the GPO will turn on when clicking on it.
If the configuration is set to "Low", operation of the keys works the other way round: the pale
representation of the keys correspond to ON keys, and when the user clicks on any of them, the
color is intensified and the lights are off.
Voltage supplied by GPOs 5 and 6 is 24V DC. Maximum allowed current consumption is 250
mA. STUDIOBOX or SCR-03 control box signaling has internal LEDs with resistors built in to
limit the current drawn to the specified value. Don’t connect other signaling system without
previous validation by AEQ Technical Service (sup[email protected]).
"Virtual GPI/O in AEQ systems"application note, available at www.aeq.es, explains how to
configure these GPOs in order to produce ON AIR signaling from different control consoles in a
shared radio booth.

AEQ NETBOX 4 MH
Audio over IP multichannel interface
19
In order to use these GPOs from third-party (non AEQ) devices, please contact AEQ Technical
Service (sup[email protected]).
GPIs testing.
NETBOX 4 MH features 4 optically-coupled GPIs on the "GPIO - IN 1-4 / OUT 1-4" DB15
connector and another 7 GPIs (also optically-coupled) at the "SCR-03 - GPI" RJ45 connector.
When a GPI is activated in the unit (the circuit between the corresponding pin and the ground
pin gets closed), the corresponding button in “GPI’s” section will light in red. This GPI will be
also transmitted as a Virtual GPO through the network to all the IP addresses configured in
“Remote IP” submenu (see section 3.2.2.3 of this manual). In order to activate a GPI with
internal voltage, you have to connect the floating ground to the connector chassis.
All 7 GPI in the "SCR-03 - GPI" connector can be activated from the corresponding push-
buttons in the STUDIOBOX or SCR-03 control box. Those labeled as USER KEYS 1 to 5 are
latching, while the ones labeled as MUTE and TECH T. BACK (or CUT and CUE in the case of
SCR-03) operate only when they are pressed down.
"Virtual GPI/O in AEQ systems" application note, available at www.aeq.es, explains how to
configure these GPI in order to produce the remote cut and pre-listen control actions on
different control consoles from a radio booth.
In order to use these GPIs from third-party (non AEQ) devices, please contact AEQ Technical
Service (sup[email protected]).
3.2.2.3. "Remote IP" submenu.
"Remote IP" submenu, accessed from the drop-down menu “Administration” by clicking on the
corresponding icon, allows you to manage the virtual GPIs and GPOs.
The connection port (2001)is a fixed parameter and it's shown for informative purposes only.
"Virtual GPI to Physical GPO association":
Allows for the control of the status of every GPO in NETBOX 4 MH as a response to remote
commands sent from another Netbox or AEQ IP devices such as Forum, Capitol, Phoenix
audiocodecs, Systel IP and Audio+. The parameters of a virtual GPI are the IP address of the
unit we want to receive the Virtual GPI from, and the “Id”, an identifier from 0 to 255 that must
match with the “Id” number configured in the device that transmits the corresponding virtual
GPO.

AEQ NETBOX 4 MH
Audio over IP multichannel interface
20
"Virtual GPO to Physical GPI association":
Allows the NETBOX 4 MH to send its physical inputs (GPI and, in case that a STUDIOBOX or
SCR-03 control box is connected, also its keys) to a remote NETBOX or other AEQ IP devices
such as Forum, Capitol, Phoenix audiocodecs, Systel IP and Audio+ by means of virtual GPO,
activating their physical GPOs or generating other kinds of actions. The parameters to configure
for a virtual GPO are the control IP address of the device we want to send the Virtual GPO to,
and an “Id” (number from 0 to 255) that must match the “Id” configured in the receiver for the
corresponding virtual GPI that we are setting up.
NOTE: In order to manage the control box by means of virtual GPIOs, it's necessary that the
"GPIOs Transport" option is NOT activated (see section 3.2.2.1 of this manual).
In the example shown in upper picture, we are assuming that our NETBOX 4 MH has the
following IP address: 172.31.39.4.
The control of virtual GPIs 1 to 4 is received from a device with IP 172.31.39.15, using the same
“Id” numbering from 245 to 242 at both ends and activating the local physical GPOs 1 to 4.
The control of RED and GREEN physical GPOs is received from a console with IP
172.31.39.16, using the same “Id” numbering 241 and 240 at both ends.
On the other hand, the virtual GPOs 1 to 4 (corresponding to the status of the physical GPIs 1
to 4) are sent to the device with IP address 172.31.39.11, using identifiers from 255 to 252 at
both ends.
TECH T. BACK and MUTE (or CUE and CUT) dedicated keys connect these functions from a
STUDIOBOX (or SCR-03) control box in a shared booth to a control console with IP address
172.31.39.12, using identifiers 251 and 250, respectively.
User keys 1 and 2 connect the pushbuttons 1 and 2 from that same STUDIOBOX or SCR-03
control box in a shared booth to a different control console with IP address 172.31.39.13, using
identifiers 249 and 248. User keys 3 and 4 connect the pushbuttons 3 and 4 from the same
STUDIOBOX or SCR-03 control box in a shared booth to a different control console with IP
address 172.31.39.14, using identifiers 247 and 246.