ALLEN & HEATH ME U User manual

User Guide – AP9209_1 1 ALLEN&HEATH
Personal Mixer Hub
User Guide
Publication AP9209

User Guide – AP9209_1 2 ALLEN&HEATH
Limited One Year Manufacturer’s Warranty
This product is warranted to be free from defects in materials or workmanship
for period of one year from the date of purchase by the original owner.
To ensure a high level of performance and reliability for which this equipment
has been designed and manufactured, read this User Guide before operating.
In the event of a failure, notify and return the defective unit to the place of
purchase. If this is not possible then please contact the authorised ALLEN &
HEATH distributor or agent in your country as soon as possible for repair under
warranty subject to the following conditions:
Conditions Of Warranty
The equipment has been installed and operated in accordance with the
instructions in this User Guide.
The equipment has not been subject to misuse either intended or accidental,
neglect, or alteration other than as described in the User Guide or Service
Manual, or approved by ALLEN & HEATH.
Any necessary adjustment, alteration or repair has been carried out by an
authorised ALLEN & HEATH distributor or agent.
The defective unit is to be returned carriage prepaid to the place of purchase,
an authorised ALLEN & HEATH distributor or agent with proof of purchase.
Please discuss this with the distributor or the agent before shipping.
If the unit is to be repaired in a different country to that of its purchase the repair
may take longer than normal, whilst the warranty is confirmed and parts are
sourced.
Units returned should be packed to avoid transit damage.
In certain territories the terms may vary. Check with your ALLEN & HEATH
distributor or agent for any additional warranty which may apply.
If further assistance is required please contact Allen & Heath Ltd.
The ME range of products complies with the European Electromagnetic
Compatibility directives 2004/108/EC and the European Low Voltage
Directives 2006/95/EC.
Any changes or modifications to the equipment not approved by Allen
& Heath could void the compliance of the product and therefore the
users authority to operate it.
ME-U Personal Mixing System Hub User Guide AP9209 Issue 1
Copyright © 2013 Allen & Heath. All rights reserved
ALLEN&HEATH
http://www.allen-heath.com

User Guide – AP9209_1 3 ALLEN&HEATH
READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS FIRST:
Safety instructions
Before starting, read the IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS sheet supplied
with the equipment and downloadable from the Allen & Heath web site. For your
own safety and that of the operator, crew and performers, follow all instructions
and heed all warnings printed in the sheet, this guide and on the equipment.
General precautions
The hub is designed to be rack mounted or used on a flat surface. Ensure it is
securely positioned and cables are routed to avoid a trip hazard.
To prevent damage to the equipment, avoid dropping it, placing objects on its
surface, scratching the surface with sharp objects, or rough handling and
vibration in operation or transit.
Protect the equipment from damage through liquid or dust contamination.
The hub has an internal fan and ventilation slots on the rear and sides to aid
cooling. Ensure adequate ventilation around the equipment.
Avoid operating the equipment in extreme heat or cold. Recommended
operating temperature is 5 to 35 degrees Celsius.
Clean the surface with a soft brush and dry lint-free cloth. Do not use chemicals,
abrasives or solvents.
It is recommended that servicing is carried out only by an authorised Allen &
Heath agent. Allen & Heath do not accept liability for damage or data loss
caused by maintenance, repair or modification by unauthorised personnel.
Operating firmware
The function of the ME-U hub is determined by the operating firmware that runs
within it. Firmware is updated when new features are added or improvements
made. Check the Allen & Heath web site for the latest version available. This can
be downloaded and then loaded into the ME-U hub using its Setup application.
Note – ME-1 mixers must be running firmware version V1.1 or higher to work
correctly with the ME-U hub. Download the latest version from the Allen & Heath
web site.
Cables
Cat5 cables are required to connect the ME-U hub to ME-1 mixers. These are not
provided with the ME-U. Source cables of suitable length to meet your application
requirements. More information is provided later in this guide.
Register Your Product
Register your ME-U with Allen & Heath online at:
http://www.allen-heath.com/uk/support/Pages/ProductRegistration.aspx

User Guide – AP9209_1 4 ALLEN&HEATH
1. Contents
1.Contents.................................................. 4
2.Introduction to......................................... 5
3.Front Panel.............................................. 6
4.Rear Panel............................................... 6
5.Installing ME-U ........................................ 7
5.1Rack or Surface Mount..................... 7
5.2Changing the Input Card.................. 7
6.Connecting ME-U.................................... 8
6.1Connecting the output ports ............ 8
6.2ME-1 parallel connection.................. 8
6.3ME-1 series connection.................... 8
6.4Linking ME-U hubs........................... 8
6.5Cat5 cables....................................... 8
6.6Input source – GLD mixer................. 9
6.7Input source – Qu mixer................... 9
6.8Input source – iLive mixer ACE ........ 9
6.9iLive via ME-U ACE card................. 10
6.10Input source – iLive mixer MMO..... 10
6.11Input source - Aviom®A-Net 16 ..... 11
6.12Input source – Other systems ........ 11
7.Starting ME-U........................................ 12
8.Setting up ME-U.................................... 12
8.1Setting the network addresses....... 12
8.2Starting the Setup Application ....... 12
8.3Reset the ME-U network settings... 12
8.4The Status page ............................. 13
8.5System Setup page........................ 14
8.6Channel Setup page ...................... 15
8.7Firmware page................................ 17
8.8To exit Setup................................... 17
9.ME-U Specification................................ 18
9.1Dimensions..................................... 18
9.2Specification ................................... 18
9.3Further information ......................... 18
Check the Allen & Heath web site for the latest version of this user guide

User Guide – AP9209_1 5 ALLEN&HEATH
2. Introduction to
The ME Personal Mixing System is a
uniquely flexible yet intuitively easy to operate
solution giving individual musicians,
performers and presenters the freedom to
control their own monitor sound on stage.
ME-1 is a stand-alone digital personal mixer
receiving up to 40 sources via a single Cat5
cable from the main console and mixing
these to a stereo and mono output to drive
headphones, in-ears, loudspeakers or other
monitoring devices.
Connecting mixers in series - ME-1 can be
daisy chained where the Link Output of one
feeds the Link Input of the next. Any number
can be connected in this way. Each mixer
requires its own power unit.
Connecting mixers in parallel - ME-1 can
also be connected in parallel where each has
its own cable back to an Ethernet switch
(hub) which connects to the source.
Advantages are that unplugging one cable
does not affect other mixers, and that each
mixer can get its power via its Cat5 link cable
if the hub provides PoE (power over
Ethernet).
You can use a standard Ethernet switch or
the dedicated ME-U Personal Mixer Hub.
ME-U is a touring grade, 10 port PoE hub for
use with Allen & Heath ME-1 personal mixers.
It provides power and up to 40 channels of
audio to connect to multiple ME-1 mixers.
ME-U comes with a standard input card to
interface with Allen & Heath digital mixers or
Aviom®A-Net®sources. The standard input
can be replaced with an option card to
interface the ME with third party mixing
systems via Dante, MADI or EtherSound.
Features:
10 ports to connect to ME-1
Hubs can be linked for more ports
Power (PoE) available on all ports
Locking EtherCon connectors
Dedicated input in addition to the 10 ports
Standard ME-D input card
dSNAKE (GLD and Qu mixers)
ACE (iLive system)
Aviom®A-Net®16
Option cards to interface to other systems
Dante
MADI
EtherSound
Network port for setup
Names and stereo links can be received
Names and links can be manually set
Rugged 2U rack mount construction
Quiet fan cooling

User Guide – AP9209_1 6 ALLEN&HEATH
3. Front Panel
4. Rear Panel
`
Main Input - IEC connector, fuse and
ON/OFF push switch for the built-in
universal voltage power supply unit.
This accepts worldwide voltages from
100 to 240V AC 50/60Hz. Check that
you have received the correct mains
lead for your territory.
Input Port – To receive sources to
distribute to ME-1 personal mixers. The
ME-D input card is provided as standard.
Several other option cards are available
from Allen & Heath letting you interface the
ME-U to other mixing systems:
ME-D (dSNAKE, ACE, Aviom®A-Net16
Dante
MADI
EtherSound
The ME-U input works with 48kHz 24-bit
audio only.
10 Output Ports – To distribute audio and
power to up to 10 ME-1 personal mixers. Can
also connect to the input of another ME-U hub
when connecting to more than 10 ME-1 mixers.
Each port provides:
40 channels of audio
Channel names
Channel stereo linking
Power for the ME-1 mixer (PoE)
Locking EtherCon connection
The ME-U outputs are compatible with the
Allen & Heath ME system only.
An indicator next to each port
lights yellow to show it is linked
to its connection, and flashes to
show network activity. It lights
red during start up or when an
error is detected.
Network Reset – A
recessed switch for power
up reset of the ME-U
network address to
factory default.
Network Port – To connect a PC or Mac
computer for system setup and channel naming.
Use the mains lead for your territory as
supplied with the ME-U.
Secure the mains lead using the plastic clip to
prevent it being pulled out.
Heed all the warnings printed in the Safety
Instruction sheet and on the rear panel.
To ensure adequate cooling do not obstruct
the ventilation slots.
ME-D standard input card.
The Lnk/Act indicator flashes
when working with ACE or
dSNAKE. It stays on when
working with Aviom®

User Guide – AP9209_1 7 ALLEN&HEATH
5. Installing ME-U
5.1 Rack or Surface Mount
ME-U can be positioned on a flat surface or
mounted into a standard 19” equipment rack.
It requires 2U rack space.
If necessary, remove the plastic feet by
carefully prising them off using a flat bladed
screwdriver.
Mount the ME-U in the rack using 4 rack bolts
with protective washers to protect the panel.
Ensure adequate ventilation around the
unit. Do not block the ventilation slots.
5.2 Changing the Input Card
The Me-U is supplied with the ME-D Digital
Input card as standard. This can be replaced
with a different card if required.
To replace the Input card:
First, turn the ME-U power off.
Remove the two front fixing screws. Pull
out the ME-D card and unplug the internal
cable harness.
Carefully fold the cable back into the slot.
The replacement card does not use the
internal cable harness.
Slide the new card in and push it in until it
clicks into the internal connector socket.
Replace the two fixing screws.
RX TX RX TX RX TX
IN
OUT
ES CONTROL
PORT
IN 1 OUT AUX IN 2 OUT
IN1 thru
MADI 64
Lnk/Act Error Lnk/Act Error
OUT1 mirror
wclk OUT
wclk IN
ALLEN&HEATH ALLEN&HEATH
ES V2
Control Network Primary Secondary
Lnk/Act
GigE
Lnk/Act
ALLEN
Lnk/Act
&HEATH
Lnk/Act
Digital Input
Compatible with:
GLD dSNAKE
iLive ACE
Aviom 16
TM
ALLEN&HEATH
ME D
ME-D Standard digital input card for
connection to Allen & Heath digital
mixers via dSNAKE or ACE, and to
Aviom® A-Net16 sources.
Dante To interface with other systems
over a Dante network (48kHz).
MADI To interface with other systems
via MADI (48kHz).
EtherSound To interface with other
systems over an EtherSound network.
Lnk/Act
Digital Input
Compatible with:
GLD dSNAKE
iLive ACE
Aviom 16
TM
ALLEN&HEATH
ME D
Rack bolts with protective cups or washers
Plastic feet for surface mounting
2x M3 screws
Slide card in to plug into connector
Make sure the ME-U is turned off before
installing it or removing or fitting its Input
card.

User Guide – AP9209_1 8 ALLEN&HEATH
6. Connecting ME-U
6.1 Connecting the output ports
The ME-U output ports are for connection to
Allen & Heath ME products only.
Do not connect ME-U output ports to
other mixers or equipment.
Connect each ME-U Output port to the Link In
port of the ME-1 mixer. Each sends:
40 Channels of audio
Channel names and stereo link status
Power over the Cat5 cable (PoE)
Each port can power one ME-1 mixer. If
you daisy chain mixers then power is fed
to the first mixer only.
6.2 ME-1 parallel connection
You can connect up to 10 ME-1 mixers each
with their own Cat5 cable.
6.3 ME-1 series connection
You can daisy chain ME-1 mixers from any
port.
6.4 Linking ME-U hubs
You can link ME-U hubs to connect to more
ME-1 mixers.
6.5 Cat5 cables
Use STP (shielded twisted pair) CAT5e or
higher cables. Those with both foil and
braided screens provide shielding from
interference and are generally more rugged.
Stranded core cables are less prone to
damage when kinked or repeatedly coiled.
ME-U provides locking Neutrik EtherCon
sockets to protect the connections and
ensure suitability for touring. We recommend
you use cables fitted with
locking EtherCon plugs.
Maximum length per cable
= 100m (330’)
Each ME-1 is powered over its Cat5 cable.
You do not need to use its power unit.
Unplugging one ME-1 mixer does not affect
the others.
The first ME-1 in the chain gets PoE to power
it over its Cat5 cable. Use external power
units for the others in the chain.
Unplugging one ME-1 mixer disconnects
others further down the chain.
Connect any Output port from the first ME-U
to the Input port of the next ME-U.
Use the first ME-U hub Setup Application to
set its names and stereo links. Tick the iLive
Source Mode if connecting an iLive system.
Use the next ME-U hub Setup Application for
received names and stereo links. Make sure
you untick its iLive Source mode.
PSUPSU

User Guide – AP9209_1 9 ALLEN&HEATH
6.6 Input source – GLD mixer
Plug any GLD dSNAKE into the ME-D:
GLD mixer dSNAKE port
EXPANDER port
AR2412 rack MONITOR port
EXPANDER port
GLD can send:
40 audio channels
Channel names
Stereo link information
Use the ME-U Setup Application:
Received names and stereo links 
Manual names and stereo links 
iLive Source Mode (turn this off)
Use the GLD I/O / Monitor screen to select
‘ME-1 Mode’ and assign the 40 channel
sources and stereo links.
6.7 Input source – Qu mixer
Plug Qu dSNAKE into the ME-D:
Qu mixer dSNAKE port
AR2412 rack MONITOR port
EXPANDER port
Qu can send:
40 audio channels
Stereo link information not yet available
No channel names
Use the ME-U Setup Application:
Received names and stereo links 
Manual names and stereo links 
iLive Source Mode (turn this off)
Use the Qu Setup / Audio / dSNAKE screen
Fn key page to view its fixed assignments to
the 40 ME channels.
6.8 Input source – iLive mixer ACE
Using the standard ME-D input card.
Plug iLive ACE from the MixRack Port B.
Do not use the MixRack surface link ACE.
Plug your ME-U setup computer into any iLive
Network port.
Using 1 cable only - ACE:
40 audio channels
No channel names and link information
Using 2 cables – ACE and Network:
40 audio channels
Channel names
Stereo link information
Use the ME-U Setup Application:
Received names and stereo links 
Manual names and stereo links 
iLive Source Mode (turn this on)
iLive Mix Rack (select from list)
Use the iLive Outputs / Port B screen to
assign the 40 channel sources.
Map Port B ACE outputs 21-60 to ME
channels 1-40:
Port B Ch21 = ME Ch1
Port B Ch22 = ME Ch2
Port B Ch23 = ME Ch3
-------
Port B Ch60 = ME Ch40
To receive channel names you
need to connect a second Cat5
cable from an iLive Network port
into the ME-U Network port.
Lnk/Act
Digital Input
Compatible with:
GLD dSNAKE
iLive ACE
Aviom 16
TM
ALLEN&HEATH
ME D
Lnk/Act
Digital Input
Compatible with:
GLD dSNAKE
iLive ACE
Aviom 16
TM
ALLEN&HEATH
ME D
ME-D standard card
ACE
K
ey:

= Available
= Not available

User Guide – AP9209_1 10 ALLEN&HEATH
6.9 iLive via ME-U ACE card
Using the ACE card option in the ME-U.
Plug iLive ACE from the MixRack Port B.
Do not use the MixRack surface link ACE.
Plug your ME-U setup computer into any iLive
Network port.
Without Network bridge:
40 audio channels
No channel names and link information
With Network Bridge:
40 audio channels
Channel names
Stereo link information
Use the ME-U Setup Application:
Received names and stereo links 
Manual names and stereo links 
iLive Source Mode (turn this on)
iLive Mix Rack (select from list)
Use the iLive Outputs / Port B screen to
assign the 40 channel sources.
Map Port B ACE outputs 21-60 to ME
channels 1-40:
Port B Ch21 = ME Ch1
Port B Ch22 = ME Ch2
Port B Ch23 = ME Ch3
-------
Port B Ch60 = ME Ch40
6.10Input source – iLive mixer MMO
Using the standard ME-D input card.
Plug your ME-U setup computer into any iLive
Network port.
Using 1 cable only – Aviom®:
16 audio channels
Stereo link information
No channel names
Using 2 cables – Aviom®and Network:
16 audio channels
Channel names
Stereo link information
Use the ME-U Setup Application:
Received names and stereo links 
Manual names and stereo links 
iLive Source Mode (turn this on)
iLive Mix Rack (select from list)
Use the iLive Outputs / Port B screen to
assign the 16 Aviom®sources and links.
To receive channel names you
need to bridge the iLive network
across the ACE connection using
two jumper cables as shown here.
ACE card option
ACE
iLive Port B MMO card Aviom® out
To receive channel names you
need to connect a second Cat5
cable from an iLive Network port
into the ME-U Network port.
ME-D standard card