AEQ PHOENIX ALIO User manual

AEQ PHOENIX ALIO
Portable IP Audiocodec that is easy to configure and use
Optimized for OPUS encoding algorithms
USER’S MANUAL
ED. 12/17
V. 1.0 - 20/12/2017
Firmware Versions: CPU 6.80 / DSP 3.35 / FPGA 5.54 or higher
Software Version: AEQ ControlPHOENIX 2.2.1.20 or higher

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CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................................5
1.1. General description............................................................................................................5
1.2. Technical characteristics....................................................................................................5
1.3. Available encoding algorithms...........................................................................................6
1.4. Block diagram. ...................................................................................................................7
1.4.1. Internal diagram......................................................................................................7
1.4.2. Audio matrix............................................................................................................8
1.5. Compatibility with other AEQ codecs...............................................................................10
1.6. Compatibility with third-party codecs. ..............................................................................10
2. PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE UNIT.............................................................................11
2.1. Description of the right panel and connections................................................................11
2.1.1. Headphone 1 and 2 outputs..................................................................................11
2.1.2. Line inputs ("LINE IN")..........................................................................................11
2.1.3. Line outputs ("LINE OUT")....................................................................................12
2.2. Description of the back panel and connections...............................................................12
2.2.1. Microphone inputs ("MIC1", "MIC2", "MIC3" and "MIC4"). ...................................12
2.2.2. Ethernet port. ........................................................................................................13
2.2.3. Power supply.........................................................................................................13
2.2.3.1. Using an external powerbank as an UPS..............................................13
3. USER INTERFACE DESCRIPTION. MANUAL CONTROL. .................................................15
3.1. OLED Screen...................................................................................................................16
3.2. Navigation / Channel encoder ("NAVI / Ch"). ..................................................................17
3.3. Vumeters..........................................................................................................................17
3.4. Alphanumeric keyboard and call buttons.........................................................................18
3.5. Inputs control....................................................................................................................19
3.6. Outputs control.................................................................................................................20
3.7. Function keys...................................................................................................................21
3.7.1. MODE keys ("IP" and "SIP").................................................................................21
3.7.2. "AUTO" key...........................................................................................................22
3.7.2.1. SmartRTP / AutoAnswer.........................................................................22
3.7.2.2. Auto Hang-Up. ........................................................................................22
3.7.2.3. Permanent call. .......................................................................................22
3.7.3. "CODEC" key........................................................................................................22
3.7.4. "HELP" key............................................................................................................23
3.7.5. "MENU" key. .........................................................................................................24
3.7.5.1. "ETHERNET" submenu. .........................................................................24
3.7.5.2. "COMMUNICATIONS" submenu............................................................25
3.7.5.3. "MAINTENANCE" submenu....................................................................26
4. CONFIGURATION AND OPERATION FROM REMOTE CONTROL SOFTWARE.............. 28
4.1. Individual codec control window. .....................................................................................28
4.1.1. CONFIG Menu......................................................................................................29
4.1.2. Mixer control window. ...........................................................................................32
4.1.3. Vumeters window..................................................................................................33
4.2. Connection modes...........................................................................................................34
4.2.1. RTP Point to Point (RAW).....................................................................................34
4.2.2. PROXY SIP...........................................................................................................35
4.2.3. DIRECT SIP..........................................................................................................37
4.2.4. Sending audio to multiple destinations: Broadcast, Multicast and Multi-unicast.. 38
4.3. NAT TRAVERSAL. ..........................................................................................................41
4.3.1. Operation without NAT: "OFF (there is no NAT)".................................................42
4.3.2. Manual NAT: "MANUAL (router configuration)"....................................................42
4.3.3. AUTO 1 (local network audio)...............................................................................43
4.3.4. AUTO 2 (local network audio)...............................................................................43
4.3.5. AUTO 3 (audio over internet)................................................................................43

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4.3.6. AUTO 4 (audio over internet)................................................................................44
4.4. FEC modes and reception buffer configuration. ..............................................................44
4.5. Coding algorithm selection...............................................................................................45
4.6. Ethernet Port configuration..............................................................................................46
4.7. SNMP configuration.........................................................................................................46
4.8. Password configuration....................................................................................................48
4.9. User interface lock...........................................................................................................49
5. QUICK USER’S GUIDE. LOCAL OPERATION..................................................................... 51
5.1. Connecting the unit..........................................................................................................51
5.1.1. Power supply.........................................................................................................51
5.1.2. Audio.....................................................................................................................51
5.1.3. Communications interface. ...................................................................................51
5.2. Turning the unit on...........................................................................................................51
5.3. Establishing a communication. ........................................................................................51
5.3.1. Establishing an IP communication in RTP mode using SmartRTP......................52
5.3.1.1. Ending an IP communication in RTP mode............................................53
5.3.2. Establishing an IP call in PROXY SIP mode. .......................................................54
5.3.2.1. Ending an IP call in PROXY SIP mode...................................................55
5.3.2.2. Receiving and accepting an IP call in PROXY SIP mode.......................55
5.3.3. Establishing an IP call in DIRECT SIP mode........................................................56
5.3.3.1. Ending an IP call in DIRECT SIP mode..................................................57
5.3.3.2. Receiving and accepting an IP call in DIRECT SIP mode......................57
6. QUICK START GUIDE. REMOTE CONTROL.......................................................................59
6.1. Equipment connections....................................................................................................59
6.1.1. Power supply.........................................................................................................59
6.1.2. Communications interface. ...................................................................................59
6.2. Turning the unit on...........................................................................................................59
6.3. Setting up a computer to control the unit.........................................................................59
6.4. Audio................................................................................................................................60
6.5. Establishing an IP communication...................................................................................60
6.5.1. Establishing an IP communication in RTP mode using SmartRTP......................60
6.5.1.1. Ending an IP communication in RTP mode............................................62
6.5.2. Establishing an IP call in PROXY SIP mode. .......................................................62
6.5.2.1. Ending an IP call in PROXY SIP mode...................................................65
6.5.2.2. Receiving and accepting an IP call in PROXY SIP mode.......................65
6.5.3. Establishing an IP call in DIRECT SIP mode........................................................66
6.5.3.1. Ending an IP call in DIRECT SIP mode..................................................68
6.5.3.2. Receiving and accepting an IP call in DIRECT SIP mode......................68
7. CONTROL TERMINAL OVER WEB BROWSER. .................................................................70
7.1. Upgrading system firmware.............................................................................................70
7.2. Configuring the MAC address associated with the Ethernet interface. ...........................71
7.3. Technical Assistance Service and on-line manuals.........................................................72
7.4. Saving and loading configurations...................................................................................72
7.5. Screen capture.................................................................................................................73
7.6. Status menu.....................................................................................................................73
7.7. SNMP...............................................................................................................................73
7.8. Remotely rebooting the equipment..................................................................................74
8. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ............................................................................................75
9. A.E.Q. WARRANTY................................................................................................................76
APPENDIX A: GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF ENCODING MODES..............................77
APPENDIX B: PROTOCOLS ASSOCIATED WITH IP COMMUNICATIONS...........................79
B1. Circuit switching versus packet switching. .......................................................................79
B1.1. Circuit switching.....................................................................................................79

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B1.1.1. Advantages:.............................................................................................79
B1.1.2. Disadvantages:........................................................................................80
B1.2. Packet switching....................................................................................................80
B1.2.1. Switching modes......................................................................................80
B1.2.2. Advantages:.............................................................................................80
B1.2.3. Disadvantages:........................................................................................81
B2. IP protocol.........................................................................................................................81
B2.1. IP addressing.........................................................................................................82
B2.2. Unicast vs. Multicast..............................................................................................82
B3. RTP protocol.....................................................................................................................83
B3.1. Default PHOENIX ALIO configuration...................................................................84
B4. SIP protocol......................................................................................................................84
B4.1. Working modes......................................................................................................84
B4.2. Possible work scenarios........................................................................................86
B4.3. PHOENIX ALIO default SIP configuration.............................................................86
B5. STUN protocol..................................................................................................................87
APPENDIX C: PORTS USED BY PHOENIX EQUIPMENT.......................................................89
APPENDIX D: APPLICATION NOTES GUIDE..........................................................................90
D1. Internet connection using standard cable access............................................................90
Application note AN0A....................................................................................................90
Application note AN0B....................................................................................................90
Application note AN0C....................................................................................................90
Application note AN0D....................................................................................................90
Application note AN0E....................................................................................................90
Application note AN0F. ...................................................................................................90
Application note AN0G....................................................................................................90
Application note AN0H....................................................................................................90
D2. Special applications using different kinds of Internet physical accesses, or point to point
connections......................................................................................................................90
Application note AN1.......................................................................................................90
Application note AN2.......................................................................................................90
Application note AN3.......................................................................................................90
Application note AN4.......................................................................................................90
Application note AN4B....................................................................................................90
Application note AN5.......................................................................................................90
Application note AN6.......................................................................................................90
APPENDIX E: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION............................................................................ 91

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1. INTRODUCTION.
1.1. General description.
AEQ PHOENIX ALIO is a stereo IP audiocodec for mobile applications. It is easy to configure
and operate, and integrates a digital mixer with 4 analog inputs.
It features independent bass and treble control for each input, adapting the characteristics of
each speaker’s voice, or correcting the defects of external signals.
It has been specifically designed for sports reporting applications, but it has also been optimized
to make it easy to use in the most varied scenarios, even musical events.
Its IP connectivity allows the user to choose among a wide variety of connection modes:
dedicated networks, DSL, cable – modem, fiber optic, WiFi, Wig-MAX, Inmarsat satellite, etc.
The application notes listed at the end of this manual provide information about how to operate
the unit in each case. AN-5B stands out among them, describing a simple and effective way to
connect the audiocodec to 3G and 4G networks, as well as to WiFi hotspots through a router
and modem that can be provided by AEQ or obtained locally.
PHOENIX ALIO is optimized for OPUS encoding algorithms, but it is also compatible with other
AEQ and third-party audiocodecs, as it also features AEQ LD Extend modes and the mandatory
algorithms according to EBU-TECH 3326 specification from EBU N/ACIP work group.
When connecting to another AEQ codec, users can take advantage of an exclusive set of tools
that makes initating communications and control of the unit a simple task:
•The "SmartRTP" proprietary call-initiation protocol that simplifies connection to compatible
codecs.
•"AEQ ControlPHOENIX", remote control Software that allows for the remote operation and
adjustment of the unit from your station. ControlPhoenix allows you to control everything
related to the call initiation process and also the adjustment of all audio parameters and the
local audio routing of ALIO.
•"HELP" function, that allows the journalist to use the system to request for assistance from
the station when facing an unexpected situation.
By default, PHOENIX ALIO offers a stereo or mono channel for the program signal with its
corresponding return. A second bidirectional, mono or stereo channel for coordination or
redundancy purposes can be activated by purchasing its license (that activation can be
accomplished from "AEQ ControlPHOENIX" application and is detailed in section 6.4 of the
application user’s manual).
PHOENIX ALIO is powered from mains. Optionally, it can be equipped with an UPS that is
mains-charged and can provide more than 120 minutes of autonomy, and can also feed a
3G/4G router – modem set and even charge mobile devices.
There is a quick start guide available in chapter 5 of this document. However, it is
strongly recommended to carefully read this manual and the "AEQ ControlPHOENIX"
user’s guide before using the unit.
1.2. Technical characteristics.
-4 female XLR-3 microphone inputs. Low noise preamplifier and switchable Phantom
power supply. 2 KΩinput impedance.
-2 female XLR-3 line inputs, with 9 KΩimpedance, 0dBu, nominal level, max. 20 dBu.
-2 male XLR-3 outputs. Output impedance: < 100 Ω, nominal level, 0dBu, max. 20 dBu.
-2 - ¼" Jack stereo headphone outputs, with volume control and TX/RX balance
adjustment from front panel.

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Communications interface:
-IP Ethernet port interface, RJ45 connector.
-Two independent links can be established (when an optional 2
nd
channel is purchased)
using the same interface.
-Satellite: an external satellite interface can be connected to the IP interface.
-3G / 4G telephony: a 3G or 4G modem can be connected to the IP interface.
-Wireless data links: a "wireless bridge", WiMax or WiFi antenna can be connected to
the IP interface.
Other features:
-Front user panel with keyboard and rotary encoders.
-OLED graphic display.
-2 stereo LED VU-meters.
-Operating temperature range: -10 to +45 º C (14 to 114 º F).
-Dimensions: 242 x 210 x 60 mm (9.5 x 8.3 x 2.4 inches).
-Power supply: 15V DC (9 to 18V DC).
-Power consumption: 12W max.
-External adapter: universal 90-263V input.
-Optional UPS with 12V output for the audiocodec and two USB ports for router supply
and/or mobile devices charging.
AEQ offers the "SmartRTP"call initiation protocol in order to greatly simplify the
operation of the audiocodec.
AEQ also offers two SIP servers free of charge as a standard service for the users of
Phoenix ALIO. One of them is configured as main and the other is provided as a backup.
More information can be found in Appendix B.
1.3. Available encoding algorithms.
•OPUS with Fs= 48 KHz, mono, stereo, with 4 mono and 3 stereo presets. Bit rates
between 12 and 192 Kbps, very low delay and audio bandwidth between 6 and 20 KHz.
•G711 A-law, u-law (64 Kbps, low delay, 3.5 KHz audio bandwidth).
•G722 (64 Kbps, low delay, 7 KHz audio bandwidth).
•AEQ-LD with Fs=16, 32 or 48 KHz, mono or stereo. Available bit rates between 64 and
384 Kbps, audio bandwidth between 7 and 19 KHz.
•MPEG 1 and 2 - LII, with Fs between 16 and 48 KHz, mono, stereo, dual channel and
Joint stereo. Binary bit rate between 64 and 384 Kbps. Audio bandwidth between 10.5
and 16.5 KHz.
•PCM (linear): very low delay, transparent quality. Fs=48 or 32 KHz with 12, 16, 20 or 24
bits/sample, mono or stereo (bit rates between 576 and 2304 Kbps), audio bandwidth
between 16 and 20 KHz.
Additional encoding modes can be considered according to each customer’s specific needs,
such as:
•AAC-LC*:
oMode: Mono / stereo / MS stereo. Sampling frequency: 24 / 32 / 48 KHz
oBitrate: 32 / 64 / 96 / 128 / 192 / 256 Kbps
•AAC-LD*:
oMode: Mono / stereo / MS stereo. Sampling frequency: 48 KHz
oBitrate: 32 / 64 / 96 / 128 / 192 / 256 Kbps
*Operation with two AAC simultaneously not supported.
Please contact AEQ Sales Department or authorized dealers for more information.

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1.4. Block diagram.
1.4.1. Internal diagram.
The unit’s internal design is organized in several functional modules that make Phoenix ALIO
audiocodec a complete IP communications platform. The unit is provided with a professional
quality analog audio input and output system and a versatile audio matrix with processing
capabilities. A simplified view of the distribution of these modules into the equipment’s
motherboard is presented below, as well as a brief description of each module’s functionality:
Internal Phoenix ALIO layout detail
-The audio part (ANALOG I/O) integrates 4 microphone preamplifiers featuring
programmable digital gain as well as the line level balanced inputs and outputs together
with two stereo headphone outputs able to drive both high and low impedance sets.
-The power supply section (POWER) converts the DC input (12V/1A) to the different DC
voltages required inside the unit.
-The FRONT PANEL is connected to the CPU, and consists in an OLED display where
the control and configuration menus are displayed, as well as a set of keys and
indicators associated to the operation of the unit such as the alphanumeric keyboard,
rotary encoders and four high-resolution LED vumeters.
-The CPU is a high-performance and low-power ARM processor in charge of several
tasks such as the user interface, configuration of the other programmable elements
(DSP, FPGA, audio processor, preamplifiers, etc.) and the management of IP
communications, etc.
-The DSP (FIXED POINT DSP) is a high-performance fixed-point processor that carries
out the encoding and decoding of up to two stereo channels using different
compression algorithms and as later described in this manual.
-The audio matrix (AUDIO MATRIX & MIXER) is implemented using a new-generation
low power FPGA, with 6 inputs + 2 stereo receiving buses / 6 outputs + 2 stereo
transmitting buses. The FPGA can perform any crosspoints combination with great
dynamic range and is controlled by the CPU. It also relies on a specialized co-
processor (AUDIO PROCESSOR) that provides individual low and high frequency
adjustment for each input.

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-The network interface (NET I/F) is an Ethernet 10/100 Mbps interface that allows for
both audio transmission / reception and remote control of the unit through a single port.
The functionality of this port can also be for the connection of standard equipment to
access Wi-Fi, 3G/4G and satellite networks as described in specific application notes
available on AEQ’s website aeq.eu or aeqbroadcast.com.
1.4.2. Audio matrix.
The different audio sources are first converted to digital format (24 bits / 48 KHz sampling rate)
to be processed by a digital audio matrix. Once the outputs are obtained, they are converted
back to analog format:
Audio input/output structure
The following figure shows the internal buses for transmission, reception and CUE of both
communications channels that are calculated in the audio matrix, so the user can better
understand what can be done with the different audio sources and what can be listened at the
different outputs.
As can be seen, each input (4 microphones or 3 microphones + LINE IN) can be routed to any
of the transmit buses (program or coordination) or to CUE pre-listen bus. At the same time, we
can select what to listen at any of the outputs (LINE OUT + 2 stereo headphones), Program or
Coordination buses (choosing the mix level between send and return directions) or the local
CUE pre-listen bus.

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Audio matrix structure
The assignment of mono and stereo signals is performed automatically (for example, if MIC 2 is
routed to the transmit bus of a channel where a stereo coding algorithm has been selected, the
unit will make a crosspoint to both L and R. However, if the line input is sent to a mono channel,
a crosspont creating a L + R sum (attenuated by 6dB) will be accomplished. Just in the same
way, if we want to listen to a mono-encoded channel in the headphones, the signal will be
routed to both sides.
The send buses are accessed through back-lit keys and their colour also denotes to what
SEND-bus the corresponding audio input routed (RED=Program, GREEN=Coordination,
off=CUE). The same colour convention is used for the outputs. The user can select what bus to
monitor by simply pressing on the corresponding rotary encoder. The control of the listening
level is done with the associated rotary encoder and is also visible through level bars on the
OLED display. TX / RX mixing level is controlled with potentiometers associated to each output.

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1.5. Compatibility with other AEQ codecs.
PHOENIX ALIO offers the possibility to connect to other AEQ codecs.
It is compatible with Phoenix MERCURY, STUDIO, VENUS, VENUS V2, VENUS V3,
STRATOS and MOBILE.
The "SmartRTP"mode and OPUS encoding algorithm can be used with Phoenix MERCURY,
STUDIO, VENUS, VENUS V2, VENUS V3 and STRATOS updated to firmware version 5.20 or
above.
1.6. Compatibility with third-party codecs.
PHOENIX ALIO is a portable IP audiocodec compatible with EBU-TECH 3326 technical
specification from EBU N/ACIP workgroup. This technical specification was developed to
guarantee compatibility between equipment from different manufacturers in applications for
professional-quality audio contribution over IP networks. Therefore it is possible to connect
PHOENIX ALIO with any codec from other manufacturer over IP provided that this unit has
been developed according to N/ACIP (please check third-party codecs technical specifications).