Avid Technology Stage 48 User manual

Stage 48
for VENUE Systems
PN 9320-65036-00 REV A 2/12

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Contents iii
Chapter 1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Stage 48 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
What’s Included. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Additional Required Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Operational Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
About www.avid.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Registration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Conventions Used in This Guide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Chapter 2. Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Stage 48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Ethernet Snake Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Chapter 3. Connecting Stage 48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Setting the Device ID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Connecting and Powering Up. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Confirming I/O . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Chapter 4. Configuring and Installing I/O in Stage 48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Configuring Remote I/O . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Removing I/O Cards from SC48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Installing I/O Cards in Stage 48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Installing Stage 48 in a Rack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Chapter 5. Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Supported Stage I/O Card Audio Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Stage 48 Mechanical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Power and Status LED Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Appendix A. Compliance Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Environmental Compliance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
EMC (Electromagnetic Compliance) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Safety Compliance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Contents

Stage 48iv

Chapter 1: Introduction 1
Chapter 1: Introduction
VENUE Stage 48 from Avid®is a configurable remote stage box
for VENUE SC48 consoles that uses highly reliable, low-la-
tency, and fully redundant Ethernet audio snake connections.
Up to two Stage 48 units can be connected to an Ethernet
Snake card-equipped SC48 console. All digital and analog re-
mote I/O are digitally controlled, fully recallable and fully
routable from your console.
If you purchased an SC48 Remote system, a fully loaded
Stage 48 is included and provides 32 remote Stage inputs and
16 remote Stage outputs (two AI16 Analog Input cards and one
AO16 Analog Output card).
You can also purchase an empty Stage 48 and expand your sys-
tem’s remote I/O capabilities by installing compatible VENUE
Stage I/O cards in Stage 48 (up to the maximum Stage I/O ca-
pacity of SC48–48 input channels and 32 output channels of
combined local and remote Stage I/O).
Stage 48 Features
A single Stage 48 supports up to 48 channels of remotely lo-
cated Stage I/O. Up to two Stage 48 units can be used simulta-
neously supporting the maximum Stage I/O capacity of SC48
systems (48 input channels and 32 output channels of com-
bined local and remote Stage I/O).
A single Stage 48 provides the following:
• Up to 48 channels of remote Stage I/O to SC48 systems
• Compatibility with SC48 Stage I/O cards such as AI16 An-
alog Input cards, AO16 Analog Output cards, XO16 Ana-
log/Digital Output cards, and AT16 A-Net Output cards
• Primary and redundant Ethernet digital snake connec-
tions, with automatic snake failover in the event of con-
nection failure
• Locking Neutrik etherCON® RJ45 ports
• Front-panel Power and Status LED indicators
What’s Included
• Stage 48 remote stage box
• One (1) IEC power cable, North American standard
• Four (4) rear rack brackets (recommended for rear sup-
port when mounting a Stage 48 in standard 19” rack)
• Four (4) extenders and eight (8) Phillips head screws for
installing compatible output cards in Stage 48
•Stage48Guide
• Stage 48 Quick Setup Guide
•HealthandSafetyGuide
• Registration Card
Additional Required Components
• Shielded Cat5e or better Ethernet cable with Neutrik
etherCON connectors for the primary digital snake
connection
• An Ethernet Snake card installed in SC48 (pre-installed in
SC48 Remote)
Optional Components
• A second Ethernet cable for the redundant snake connection
The Ethernet Snake card can only be installed by Avid-
authorized service personnel.

Stage 482
Operational Requirements
Temperature and Ventilation
VENUE devices should be operated away from heat sources
and with adequate ventilation. Status and warnings are pro-
vided for temperature, power and other factors by the Power
and Status LEDs located on the front panel of Stage 48.
Storage
The Stage 48 should be stored and transported at tempera-
tures not lower than 0 degrees F (–18 degrees C) and not ex-
ceeding 140 degrees F (60 degrees C).
Operation
The Stage 48 should be operated at temperatures not lower
than 40 degrees F (4 degrees C) and not exceeding 104
degrees F (40 degrees C).
Water and Moisture
The Stage 48 should be operated away from sources of direct
moisture and should be kept clear of liquids that might spill
into the device. If condensation is present on the device, leave
the device to dry in ambient air for at least one hour before
powering the device on.
Cleaning and Maintenance
If you need to clean the surface of the Stage 48, use a dry cloth.
Do not apply any cleaning solutions, spray cleaners, or abra-
sives to the surface.
Power Connections
The power supply in the Stage 48 requires its own power con-
nection. The power supply is auto voltage-selecting (100VAC
to 240VAC). A modular IEC power cable is provided for power
connections.
About www.avid.com
The Avid website (www.avid.com) is your best online source
for information to help you get the most out of your system.
The following are just a few of the services and features avail-
able.
Product Registration Register your purchase online.
Support and Downloads Contact Customer Success (technical
support); download software updates and the latest online
manuals; browse the Compatibility documents for system re-
quirements or search the online Knowledgebase.
Training and Education Study on your own using courses
available online or find out how you can learn in a classroom
setting at a certified Avid training center.
Products and Developers Learn about Avid
products; download demo software or learn about our Devel-
opment Partners and their plug-ins, applications, and hard-
ware.
News and Events Get the latest news from Avid or sign up for
a product demo.
Pro Tools Accelerated Videos Watch the series of free tutorial
videos. Accelerated Videos are designed to help you get up and
running with Pro Tools and its plug-ins quickly.
Live Sound Webinars Watch free tutorial videos and
VENUE-specific webinars to learn from the experts.
To learn more about these and other resources available from
Avid, visit our website (www.avid.com).
Registration
Review the enclosed Registration Information Card and follow
the instructions on it to quickly register your purchase online.
By registering, you become eligible to receive the following:
• Technical support information
• Software update and upgrade notices
• Hardware warranty information

Chapter 1: Introduction 3
Conventions Used in This Guide
All of our guides use the following conventions to indicate
menu choices and key commands:
The names of Commands, Options, and Settings that appear
on-screen are in a different font.
The following symbols are used to highlight important infor-
mation:
Convention Action
Options > System In the VENUE software, click
Options to display the Options
page, then click the System tab.
File > Save Choose Save from the File menu
Control+N Hold down the Control key and
press the N key
Control-click Hold down the Control key and click
the mouse button
Right-click Click with the right mouse button
User Tips are helpful hints for getting the most from your
system.
Important Notices include information that could affect
your data or the performance of your system.
Shortcuts show you useful keyboard or mouse shortcuts.
Cross References point to related sections in this guide and
other VENUE guides.

Stage 484

Chapter 2: Overview 5
Chapter 2: Overview
This section describes the front and back panel features of Stage 48, and the front panel features of the Ethernet Snake card that
is installed in SC48.
Stage 48
If you purchased an SC48 Remote system, a fully populated Stage 48 with two AI16 Analog Input cards and one AO16 Analog Out-
put card is included. If you purchased an empty Stage 48, no I/O cards are present in the I/O card section.
Stage 48 Front Panel
I/O Card Section
The Stage 48 I/O card section consists of three slots that accept
the following VENUE input and output cards:
• AI16 Analog Input card
• AO16 Analog Output card
• XO16 Analog/Digital Output card
• AT16 A-Net Output card
Ethernet Snake Ports
The Stage 48 provides two Ethernet ports for making primary
and redundant digital snake connections to the Ethernet
Snake card in SC48. Shielded Cat5e or better cable with Neu-
trik etherCON connectors are required.
Port A
Port A is used for the primary snake connection.
Port B
Port B is used for the redundant snake connection.
Figure 1. Stage 48 (fully populated version included with SC48 Remote systems shown)
3
2
1
0
7
6
5
4
Power
Status
Recessed Pushbutton
ID Switch
Primary snake port (Port A)
Redundant snake port (Port B)
LED
LED
I/O card
section
Act and Sig
LEDs

Stage 486
Snake Act and Sig LEDs
Each primary and redundant snake connection has its own Ac-
tivity (Act) and Signal (Sig) LEDs. The system is ready for use
when all Stage 48 units are connected and all Act and Sig LEDs
are lit solid.
Act LED
The Act (activity) LED lights solid to indicate that AVB Ether-
net traffic is currently active on the connected Snake. If a re-
dundant snake is connected, then both primary and redun-
dant Act LEDs will be lit for each Stage 48.
Sig LED
The Sig (signal) LED lights solid to indicate that a valid com-
munication connection exists between the Stage 48 and con-
sole. If a redundant snake is connected, then both primary and
redundant Sig LEDs will be lit for each Stage 48.
ID Switch
The ID switch sets the internal ID of the Stage 48. Select 1
when connected to ports labeled “Stage 1” on the SC48 Ether-
net Snake card. When using two Stage 48 units, set the ID
switch to 2 on the second Stage 48 (the Stage 48 connected to
the port labeled “Stage 2” on the SC48 Ethernet Snake card).
Power and Status LED Indicators
The Power and Status LEDs light green, yellow, or red to indi-
cate the status of Stage 48.
Recessed Pushbutton
The Recessed Pushbutton either resets the Stage 48 or initi-
ates a firmware update, depending on how long the button is
held when pressed:
• Pressing and holding the Recessed Pushbutton between
one (1) and five (5) seconds resets Stage 48. Use this to
power cycle Stage 48 if the power switch is inaccessible.
• Pressing and holding the Recessed Pushbutton for at least
five (5) seconds puts Stage 48 in firmware update mode.
The Status LED flashes green.
If the Sig LED does not light after you have connected a
Stage 48, make sure the ID switches on any connected
Stage 48 units are set properly.
See “Power and Status LED Indicators” on page 21 for
more information on Stage 48 Power and Status LED
codes.
If you have entered firmware update mode by accident,
you can reset Stage 48 by power cycling the unit using the
back panel Power switch.
Check www.avid.com/support for VENUE support, in-
cluding Stage 48 firmware downloads and firmware up-
date instructions.

Chapter 2: Overview 7
Stage 48 Back Panel
Power Switch
The Power switch applies power to the Stage 48.
AC Power Connector
The AC power connector accepts a standard IEC AC power ca-
ble. The Stage 48 is auto-power selecting (100VAC to
240VAC). It automatically works with a standard modular
power cable when connected to an AC receptacle in any coun-
try.
Figure 2. Stage 48 back panel
Power switch
AC power connector

Stage 488
Ethernet Snake Card
This section describes the front-panel features of the Ethernet Snake card. The Ethernet Snake card is installed in SC48.
Ethernet Snake Ports
The Ethernet Snake card provides two pairs of Ethernet ports
for making primary and redundant digital snake connections
to up to two Stage 48 units.
Stage 1 Ports A and B
Port A is used for the primary snake connection and port B is
for the redundant snake connection to the first Stage 48.
Stage 2 Ports A and B
When using a second Stage 48, Stage 2 port A is used for the
primary snake connection and port B is for the redundant
snake connection.
Snake Act and Sig LEDs
Each primary and redundant snake connection has its own Ac-
tivity (Act) and Signal (Sig) LED. The system is ready for use
when all Stage 48 units are connected and all Act and Sig LEDs
are lit solid.
Act LED
The Act LED lights solid to indicate that AVB Ethernet traffic
is currently active on the connected Snake. If a redundant
snake is connected, then both primary and redundant Act
LEDs will be lit for each connected Stage 48.
Sig LED
The Sig LED lights solid indicates that a valid communication
connection exists between the Stage 48 and console. If a re-
dundant snake is connected, then both primary and redun-
dant Sig LEDs will be lit for each connected Stage 48.
Status LED Indicator
The Status LED lights green, yellow, or red to indicate the sta-
tus of the Ethernet Snake card.
Recessed Pushbutton
Pressing and holding the Recessed Pushbutton for at least five
(5) seconds puts Stage 48 into firmware update mode.
Figure 3. Ethernet Snake Card
Status LED
Recessed pushbutton
Stage 1 primary
snake port
Stage 1
Stage 1 redundant snake port
Stage 2 primary
snake port
Stage 2 redundant snake port
Act and Sig LEDs Stage 2
Act and Sig LEDs
See “Status LED Indicator” on page 21 for more informa-
tion Ethernet Snake card Status LED codes.
Check www.avid.com/support for VENUE support, in-
cluding Stage 48 firmware downloads and firmware up-
date instructions.

Chapter 3: Connecting Stage 48 9
Chapter 3: Connecting Stage 48
This section describes how to connect and power up the com-
ponents of your system, and how to confirm your system’s
available Stage I/O.
Setting the Device ID
Before connecting and powering up your system, you must set
your the device ID of any Stage 48 units you will be connecting
to SC48.
To set the Stage 48 device ID:
1 On the first Stage 48, using a small flathead screwdriver set
the ID switch to position 1.
2 On the second Stage 48, using a small flathead screwdriver
set the ID Switch to position 2.
Connecting and Powering Up
Primary and redundant snake connections are made using
Ethernet cables.
To make snake connections and power up your system:
1 For the first Stage 48, do the following:
• For the primary snake connection, connect an Ethernet
cable from the Stage 1 A port on the Ethernet Snake card
in SC48 to the port A on Stage 48.
• To make an optional redundant connection, connect an
Ethernet cable from the Stage 1 B port on the Ethernet
Snake card in SC48 to the port B on Stage 48.
2 To connect a second Stage 48, do the following:
• For the primary snake connect an Ethernet cable from the
Stage 2 A port on the Ethernet Snake card in SC48 to the
port A on Stage 48.
• For the redundant snake connect a cable from the Stage 2
B port on the Ethernet Snake card in SC48 to port B on
Stage 48.
Stage 48 ID switch set to position 1 (left) and 2 (right)
ID
4
3
2
1
0
7
6
5
ID
4
3
2
1
0
7
6
5
Do not power up SC48 or any Stage 48 units before making
Ethernet snake connections. After connecting the snakes, it
is important to follow the proper power up sequence.
Figure 4. Connecting Stage 48 primary and redundant snake connections
3
2
1
0
7
6
5
4
Ethernet
Snake
3
2
1
0
7
6
5
4
Stage 48 (1) Stage 48 (2)
Primary snake
Redundant snake
Primary snake
ID switch set to position 1 ID switch set to position 2
Redundant
SC48
snake

Stage 4810
3 Connect the included IEC power cable(s) between the Power
connector(s) on any Stage 48 units present and your power
source.
4 Press the Power switch on the first Stage 48 to power on the
device. The Status LED indicator is lit solid yellow while the
Stage 48 initializes.
5 If applicable, for the second Stage 48 connect power and
power on the device.
6 Wait for the Stage 48(s) to initialize. Initialization is com-
plete when the Power and Status LEDs on the Stage 48 front
panel are lit solid green.
7 Power on SC48 and wait for the Ethernet Snake card to ini-
tialize, indicated by a lit green Status LED. Audio will not pass
until the SC48 is fully initialized.
8 Both the Act and Sig LEDs on Stage 48 (s) and the Ethernet
Snake card in SC48 should be lit for all connected Ethernet
snakes.
9 You should now confirm your I/O in VENUE.
Confirming I/O
After making snake connections and powering up your sys-
tem, you can confirm your system’s available Stage I/O.
To confirm I/O in your system:
1 Go to Options>Devicesto view your system hardware status.
The newly installed hardware should be displayed. Stage 48
I/O appears in the SC48 I/O slots in the graphic.
2 Go to the Patchbay page and click the Stage tab to verify that
the inputs and/or outputs are available in the Patchbay.
A flashing red Power LED indicates a potential power prob-
lem. Power down, unplug Stage 48, and verify the power
source. See “Recessed Pushbutton” on page 6 for informa-
tion on LED indicator codes.
If the Sig LED does not light after you have connected a
Stage 48, make sure the ID switches on all connected
Stage 48 units are set properly.

Chapter 4: Configuring and Installing I/O in Stage 48 11
Chapter 4: Configuring and Installing I/O in Stage 48
This section shows how to configure remote I/O, and how to
install compatible VENUE Stage I/O cards in Stage 48. The fol-
lowing Stage I/O cards are compatible with Stage 48.
• AI16 Analog Input card
• AO16 Analog Output card
• XO16 Analog/Digital Output card
• AT16 A-Net Output card
Configuring Remote I/O
How you configure the I/O in a Stage 48 depends on the con-
figuration of your current system.
Adding a Second Stage 48 to an
SC48 Remote System
You can expand the Stage I/O capacity of your SC48 Remote
system by adding a second Stage 48 and installing compatible
Stage I/O cards in it. SC48 Remote systems support up to the
maximum Stage I/O capacity of SC48–48 input channels and
32 output channels of combined local and remote Stage I/O.
Converting a Standard SC48 to an
SC48 Remote
If you have a standard SC48 console, it can be converted to an
SC48 Remote system. Converting your SC48 lets you connect
your SC48 to up to two Stage 48 units. In order to convert your
SC48, the top two AI16 input cards must be removed from
your console. These cards can then be installed in Stage 48.
You can choose to also relocate any other compatible Stage I/O
cards from SC48 to up to two Stage 48 units.
Example Configurations
The example configurations described in this section are
based on an SC48 with the following local Stage I/O:
• Three AI16 Input cards (installed in SC48 slots A, B,
and C)
• Two AO16 output cards (installed in SC48 slots D and E)
This SC48 could be reconfigured as an SC48 Remote system in
the following ways:
• Relocate all SC48 Stage I/O to two Stage 48 units. Install
all three input cards in one Stage 48 and both output
cards in a second Stage 48. Remaining SC48 local I/O con-
sists of FOH inputs and outputs.
• Relocate the first two AI16 input cards (corresponding to
Stage input channels 1–32) and the AO16 output card lo-
cated in Slot E (corresponding to Stage output channels
17–32) to a single Stage 48. Because of installation re-
quirements, the remaining local AI16 input card is lo-
cated in slot C of SC48, corresponding to Stage input
channels 33–48. The remaining local AO16 output card is
located in slot D of SC48, corresponding to Stage output
channels 1–16.
• Relocate all three AI16 input cards to a single Stage 48,
and leave both output cards in SC48. All Stage inputs for
the system are located remotely in a single Stage 48, and
all Stage outputs are located locally in SC48.
The VENUE IO16 Option card cannot be installed Stage 48.
Converting an SC48 to an SC48 Remote system can only be
done by Avid-authorized service personnel. However, own-
ers are authorized to remove Stage I/O cards from SC48 and
install them into Stage 48.
These are only example configurations. Other configura-
tions are possible. The only requirement is that the top two
AI16 output cards must be removed when converting an
SC48 to an SC48 Remote system.

Stage 4812
Removing I/O Cards from SC48
SC48 Stage I/O cards that you want to relocate to one or to two
Stage 48 units can be removed from SC48 prior to sending it to
an Avid-authorized service technician. You can then install
these cards in Stage 48.
Removing AI16 Analog Output Cards
In order to convert your SC48 to an SC48 Remote system, the
first two AI16 input cards (installed in slots A and B of the
console) must be removed.
To remove an AI16 card:
1 Remove all screws that secure the Top Panel to the console
chassis.
2 Hold the front edge of the Top Panel and carefully lift it up-
wards to a vertical position.
3 To lock the Top Panel in the vertical position, tighten the two
interior captive thumbscrews located on the top left and top
right sides of the console.
4 Locate the card you want to remove and disconnect the
50-pin ribbon cable by pushing the retaining clips outwards.
Note the location and orientation of the cable.
Figure 1. Removing the 26 Top Panel screws
If you sense any resistance when lifting the Top Panel up-
wards, do not force it. The Top Panel has slots that pivot on
posts attached to the sides of the console chassis (Figure 3).
Removing the Top Panel screws may cause the Top Panel to
slide towards the front of the console so that the Top Panel
slots are not correctly aligned with the posts. If this occurs,
slide or push the Top Panel towards the rear of the console
before lifting, making sure the posts are correctly aligned
with the slots.
Figure 2. Lifting the Top Panel to vertical
Figure 3. Correct alignment of Top Panel slot and pivot post
Figure 4. Tightening the top left captive thumbscrew
Figure 5. Disconnecting the 50-pin ribbon cable
The disconnected ribbon cable is left in the console. Do not
attempt to remove it.

Chapter 4: Configuring and Installing I/O in Stage 48 13
5 Loosen the two interior captive thumbscrews that secure the
card to the console chassis.
6 On the back of the console, remove the four screws that se-
cure the card to the console chassis.
7 Gently slide the card out of the slot. You may need to use a
screwdriver or other flat-edged tool to pry the card away from
the slot.
8 Remove the AI16 card in slot B of SC48(and the AI16 card in
slot C if applicable) following the same procedure.
9 If you are finished removing cards, do the following to close
and secure the Top Panel:
• Loosen the captive thumbscrews and carefully lower the
Top Panel into position.
• Replace the screws that secure the Top Panel to the con-
sole chassis.
Removing an Output Card
Output cards can be removed from SC48 and installed in
Stage 48. The following procedure shows how to remove an
output card from slot D of SC48.
To remove an AO16 card:
1 Remove the 26 screws that secure the Top Panel to the con-
sole chassis.
2 Hold the front edge of the Top Panel and carefully lift it up-
wards to a vertical position.
Figure 6. Loosening the captive thumbscrews
Do not pry the card from the top. Doing so can damage the
copper strips located along the top of the card.
Figure 7. Removing the card from the slot
Figure 8. Removing the 26 Top Panel screws
If you sense any resistance when lifting the Top Panel up-
wards, do not force it. The Top Panel has slots that pivot on
posts attached to the sides of the console chassis
(Figure 10). Removing the Top Panel screws may cause the
Top Panel to slide towards the front of the console so that
the Top Panel slots are not correctly aligned with the posts.
If this occurs, slide or push the Top Panel towards the rear
of the console before lifting, making sure the posts are cor-
rectly aligned with the slots.
Figure 9. Lifting the Top Panel to vertical
Figure 10. Correct alignment of Top Panel slot and pivot post

Stage 4814
3 To lock the Top Panel in the vertical position, tighten the two
interior captive thumbscrews located on the top left and top
right sides of the console.
4 Locate the card and loosen the two interior captive thumb-
screws that secure the card to the console chassis.
5 Disconnect the 50-pin ribbon cable by pushing the retaining
clips outwards. Note the location and orientation of the cable.
6 On the back of the console, remove the four screws that se-
cure the card to the console chassis.
7 Gently slide the card out of the slot. You may need to use a
screwdriver or other flat-edged tool to pry the card away from
the slot.
8 If you are finished removing cards, do the following to close
and secure the Top Panel:
• Loosen the captive thumbscrews and carefully lower the
Top Panel into position.
• Replace the screws that secure the Top Panel to the con-
sole chassis.
Figure 11. Tightening the top left captive thumbscrew
Figure 12. Loosening the captive thumbscrews
Figure 13. Disconnecting the 50-pin ribbon cable
Leave the disconnected ribbon cable in the console. Do not
attempt to remove it.
Do not pry the card from the top. Doing so can damage the
copper strips located along the top of the card.
Figure 14. Removing the card from the slot

Chapter 4: Configuring and Installing I/O in Stage 48 15
Installing I/O Cards in Stage 48
After you have removed Stage I/O cards from SC48, or if you
have purchased new compatible Stage I/O cards, you can in-
stall them in Stage 48.
Stage 48 has three slots that accept Stage I/O cards. I/O cards
are connected to pre-installed 50-pin ribbon cables located in-
side Stage 48.
I/O cards can be installed in any slot of Stage 48, in any order.
If you are installing a combination of input and output cards,
however, it is recommended that you install input cards above
output cards.
To install I/O cards in Stage 48:
1 On the front panel of Stage 48, locate the slots which you
want to install I/O cards into, and remove the card slot covers.
2 Remove the ten back panel mounting screws.
3 Carefully pull the panel partially away from the rack, making
sure not to damage the fan cable attached to the back panel.
4 Disconnect the fan cable before removing the panel entirely.
Set the panel aside.
5 If you are installing output cards in Stage 48, do the follow-
ing before proceeding:
• Locate the included extenders.
• For each output card, use two extenders and two of the in-
cluded Phillips head screws to attach the extenders to the
back of the card. Orient the extenders so that the long
side of the extenders lay flat.
6 For each I/O card you are installing, hold the card by its
edges and gently slide the card into the slot.
Figure 15. An empty Stage 48’s I/O card slots
Do not remove the four fan mounting screws that are closest
to the fan port.
Figure 16. Stage 48 I/O back panel
3
2
1
0
7
6
5
4
I/O
card
slots
Mounting screws (remove all)
Fan mounting screws (do not remove)
Figure 17. Removing the back panel.
Disconnecting the fan cable
Figure 18. AO16 Output card with extenders

Stage 4816
7 Secure each card to the front panel of Stage 48 using four
front panel mounting screws.
8 Inside Stage 48 via the open back panel, tighten the two cap-
tive thumbscrews to secure the I/O card to the Stage 48 chas-
sis. Use a screwdriver to make sure the card is properly
secured.
9 Inside Stage 48, locate the pre-installed 50-pin I/O card rib-
bon cable bundle.
10 Cut the cable tie that is securing the ribbon cable bundle,
making sure to not damage the ribbon cables. Remove the ca-
ble tie from Stage 48.
11 Use the following cables, depending on the slots you have
chosen to install cards into:
• For a card installed in the top slot of Stage 48, use the ca-
ble that is labeled in Figure 22 as “1.”
• For a card installed in the middle slot, use the cable that
is labeled in Figure 22 as “2.”
• For a card installed the bottom slot, use the cable that is
labeled in Figure 22 as “3.”
12 Connect the cable to the I/O card by making sure the plastic
key on the connector is aligned with the slot on the port. Se-
cure the connection by moving the retaining clips on each side
of the socket connector inward. Check to make sure the ribbon
cable is connected securely.
13 Reconnect the fan cable.
14 Replace the back panel of Stage 48.
15 To connect your Stage 48 to your VENUE system and to
confirm I/O installation, proceed to Chapter 3, “Connecting
Stage 48.”
Figure 19. Tightening a captive thumbscrew
Figure 20. I/O card ribbon cable bundle (front view)
Figure 21. Cable tie to be removed
Figure 22. I/O card ribbon cables
1
2
3
11
2
3