Avid Technology VENUE MADI User manual

PN 9321-62800-00 REV B 10/10
VENUE MADI Card
for VENUE Systems

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Contents iii
Contents
Chapter 1. Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
MADI Card Capabilities and Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
MADI Card Components. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Qualified VENUE Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Conventions Used in This Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Chapter 2. Installing the MADI Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Installing VENUE Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
FOH Rack MADI Card Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Mix Rack MADI Card Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Confirming MADI Card Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Chapter 3. Connecting and Using the MADI Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Making Audio Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Synchronizing MADI Devices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Using MADI. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Sending a Direct Digital Split of Stage Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Performing a Virtual Soundcheck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Replacing Stage Inputs with MADI Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Enabling Redundant Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Using MADI Assignable I/O. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Appendix A. Compliance Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Environmental Compliance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
EMC (Electromagnetic Compliance). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Chapter 1: Overview 1
Chapter 1: Overview
Welcome to the VENUE MADI Option card for VENUE sys-
tems. With the MADI card you can connect your qualified
VENUE system to any MADI-compatible device, enabling you
to take advantage of the MADI format’s multi-channel audio
distribution capabilities.
MADI Card Capabilities and Features
• Allows up to 64 channels of 24 bit, 48 kHz digital audio to
be sent to and from a qualified VENUE system. (For more in-
formation, see “Qualified VENUE Systems” on page 1.)
• Provides optical and coaxial connections, with advanced
features such as:
• Automatic input signal detection, simplifying setup and
allowing for redundant connections.
• Simultaneous output to both the optical and coaxial out-
put connectors, facilitating redundant connections or
distribution to multiple destinations.
• Provides a one-for-one digital split of all Stage input chan-
nels 1-48 without needing to crosspatch or configure the
VENUE software Patchbay.
• Provides an additional 16 user-assignable input and 16
user-assignable output channels (configured in the VENUE
software Patchbay), which can be used for any combination
of recording and playback (including simultaneous play-
back and recording).
• Supports 64-channel and 56-channel MADI formats, pro-
viding automatic input format detection and user-selectable
output format.
• Provides Signal Present and Optical Source LEDs, giving vi-
sual feedback for verifying connection status and simplify-
ing troubleshooting.
• Provides a redundant output configuration in which you
can do the following:
• With two MADI cards installed, record all 48 Stage in-
puts, plus any assignable outputs, to external MADI de-
vices.
• With an HDx card and a MADI card installed, record all
48 Stage inputs, plus any assignable outputs, to a
Pro Tools|HD system, and transmit the same channels to
an external MADI device.
MADI Card Components
The MADI Card package includes the following:
• MADI card (installs into a qualified VENUE system)
• Ribbon cable for connecting the MADI card to the DSP
Mix Engine card
• Registration information card
•Thisguide
Qualified VENUE Systems
Qualified VENUE systems include VENUE D-Show systems,
VENUE Profile systems, and VENUE Mix Rack systems.
On VENUE D-Show and VENUE Profile systems, up to two
MADI cards can be installed in a VENUE FOH Rack for a total
of 128 channels of digital I/O.
On VENUE Mix Rack systems, a total of 64 channels of digital
I/O are available.
On all systems, two cards can be installed and operated in a
64-channel redundant output configuration.
See “System Requirements” on page 2 for more information
on requirements for redundant output operation.

VENUE MADI Card2
System Requirements
The following elements are required to use the MADI card:
• A qualified VENUE system running VENUE software 2.8.5 or
higher.
• To enable redundant outputs, a qualified VENUE system
running VENUE software 2.9 or higher. Go to our website,
www.avid.com, for more information.
• An available expansion slot in your FOH Rack or Mix Rack.
• (FOH Rack only) A second Snake card if installing two MADI
cards, or installing a MADI card and an HDx card.
• (Mix Rack only) To enable the redundant output configura-
tion in a Mix Rack, installation of the clock source jumper
cable if installing two MADI cards, or installing a MADI card
and an HDx card.
• The following cables (purchased separately), depending on
the format of your external MADI devices:
• 75 Ohm coaxial (BNC) cable (Belden 1855 or 1694 type)
for an audio connection of 100 meters (328 feet) maxi-
mum.
• SC FDDI fiber-optic cable for an audio connection of
2,000 meters (6,562 feet) maximum.
• Depending on your system configuration, a 75 Ohm coaxial
(BNC) cable (Belden 1855 and 1694 type, purchased sepa-
rately) for synchronization. For more information on syn-
chronization, see “Synchronizing MADI Devices” on
page 12.
For complete system requirements and software upgrade in-
formation, visit the Avid website (www.avid.com).
Compatibility Information
Avid can only assure compatibility and provide support for
hardware and software it has tested and approved.
For a list of Avid-qualified computers, operating systems, hard
drives, and third-party devices, refer to the latest compatibility
information on the website (www.avid.com), click on the
Products and Services menu at the top of the page, and choose
the product you are interested in from the menu.
Conventions Used in This Guide
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:
The clock source jumper cable is included with–but not in-
stalled in–the Mix Rack. See “Installing the Clock Source
Jumper Cable” on page 7 for installation instructions.
Convention Action
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 but-
ton
Right-click Click with the right mouse
button
User Tips are helpful hints for getting the
most from your VENUE 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 guides.

Chapter 2: Installing the MADI Card 3
Chapter 2: Installing the MADI Card
To install the MADI card in your VENUE system, you need to
first install the software update (if required), then install the
MADI card (or cards) in your FOH Rack or Mix Rack, and fi-
nally confirm installation.
Installing VENUE Software
VENUE software 2.8.5 is required to use the MADI card. Go to
the System > Options page to check which version is installed
on your system.
If you need to install the VENUE software 2.8.5 update, you
should first back up the current settings on your VENUE sys-
tem. Then you can download and install the software update.
Backing Up Current Settings
Whether you are performing an update or a full system re-
store, you should back up any Console Settings, Show files
and Presets on your system before installing VENUE software.
To back up the current VENUE settings:
1 Power up your VENUE system, making sure that all amps or
speakers connected to your system are muted or turned off.
2 Go to the Filing page and click the Transfer tab.
3 Connect a portable storage device (such as a USB key disk) to
the system. The device appears above the right column of the
Transfer page.
4 Do one of the following to select the type of data to transfer:
• To transfer all data, click the Console icon.
• To transfer Console Settings only, click the Settings icon.
• To transfer Show Folders, click the Show Folders icon.
• To transfer individual Shows, click the Shows icon.
• To transfer all Preset Folders, click the Preset Folders icon.
• To transfer Presets for individual items, click the Built-In
icon or the Plug-In icon and choose a processor or plug-in
from the pop-up menu. Or, choose D-Show Input Channel
to transfer Input Channel Presets.
• To transfer Scope Sets for Recall Safe, click the Scope Sets
icon.
5 In the left column, select the items you want to transfer
from the VENUE system to your portable storage device.
6 Click the Transfer button.
Large transfers may take time. Transfer status is shown by a
progress bar. A transfer may be cancelled by clicking Cancel.
Remove the portable storage device from the system.
Downloading VENUE Software
If you need to download a software update, go to our website
(www.avid.com), click on the Products and Services menu at
the top of the page, and choose VENUE from the pop-up
menu. From there, you can find the latest information on
VENUE software updates and upgrades, including software in-
stallation instructions.
The USB ports on the Mix Rack and the FOH Rack are USB
2.0 ports. Use these ports to reduce the time needed for large
transfers.
Show files selected for transfer from VENUE to USB key disk
Cancelled transfers may result in partial folder contents on
the storage device, which will have to be deleted manually.

VENUE MADI Card4
FOH Rack MADI Card Installation
Install the MADI card in your FOH Rack after installing the
software update (if necessary).
A maximum of two MADI cards can be installed in an FOH
Rack. One MADI card and one HDx card can be installed and
used simultaneously in an FOH Rack.
If your system includes two MADI cards, or a MADI card and
an HDx card, a second Snake card must be installed in your
FOH Rack, even if you are not using two Stage Racks. See the
Snake Card Guide for instructions on installing a second Snake
card.
To install MADI cards in your FOH Rack:
1 Shut down your sound system.
2 Power down your FOH Rack.
3 Disconnect power, audio, FOH Link, and any other cables
connected to your FOH Rack.
4 Remove the front panel faceplate by unscrewing its mount-
ing screws (#1 Phillips).
5 If your system has an FWx FireWire card installed, discon-
nect its ribbon cable and remove the card.
6 On the back panel, choose an empty expansion slot and re-
move the slot cover by removing the two screws.
7 Remove the MADI card from its packing material. Hold the
card by its edges.
8 Gently slide the card into the expansion slot. Make sure it is
oriented right-side up.
9 Secure the MADI card to the back panel of the FOH Rack us-
ing the two screws that secured the slot cover to the rack.
10 From the open front panel, reach inside the rack and attach
the included screw to secure the card to the chassis of the
FOH Rack.
11 Locate an available power cable plug and connect it to the
power socket on each MADI card. When connected correctly,
the power cable’s yellow wire should be the first wire on the
left. Make sure the cables are connected securely.
Front panel of the FOH Rack
MADI and FWx (FireWire Record/Playback Option) cards
cannot be installed in the FOH Rack simultaneously.
In the FOH Rack, orient the cards to match the order of the
Snake cards. If the first (top) Snake card is connected to the
first (innermost) Mix Engine card, place the first MADI card
in the top expansion slot. When connected to the first Mix
Engine card, the top MADI card will correspond to Stage
Rack 1 and the first Snake card.
Faceplate
Mounting screws (remove all)
Expansion slots on the back panel of the FOH Rack
MADI card showing bracket and connectors
Attaching the MADI card to the FOH Rack back panel.
Expansion
slots
Mounting bracket
Power connector
Ribbon Cable connector

Chapter 2: Installing the MADI Card 5
12 Connect the included ribbon cable from the port on the
first (top) MADI card to the port labeled “FireWire” on the first
Mix Engine card, the innermost card when viewed from the
open front panel. Make sure that the notches on the ribbon
cable line up correctly with the notch on the ports, and that
each connector is connected securely. The MADI card con-
nected to this first Mix Engine card will appear as MADI 1 in
the Patchbay.
13 If you are installing a second MADI card, do the following:
• Slide the card into the open expansion slot beneath the
first card.
– and –
• Connect the included ribbon cable to the port on the sec-
ond MADI card and to the connector labeled “FireWire”
on the second Mix Engine card, the card immediately ad-
jacent to the first Mix Engine card. The MADI card con-
nected to this second Mix Engine card will appear as
MADI 2 in the VENUE Patchbay.
14 Reattach the FOH Rack front panel faceplate
15 Reconnect power, audio, FOH Link, and any other cables to
the FOH Rack.
16 Proceed to “Confirming MADI Card Installation” on
page 9.
Mix Rack MADI Card Installation
This section shows how to install MADI cards into a Mix Rack.
If you are installing a second option card in the Mix Rack for
the redundant output configuration, follow these instructions
and then proceed to “Installing the Clock Source Jumper Ca-
ble” on page 7.
To install the MADI card in your Mix Rack:
1 Shut down your sound system.
2 Power down your Mix Rack.
3 Disconnect all power, audio, FOH Link, and any other cables
connected to the Mix Rack.
4 Remove the front panel faceplate by unscrewing its mount-
ing screws (#1 Phillips). Keep the screws nearby for remount-
ing the front panel later.
Connecting the ribbon cable to the MADI card
Connecting the ribbon cable to the first Mix Engine card
A single installed MADI card may be connected to the sec-
ond Mix Engine card, which will then appear on the system
as MADI 2. A second FOH Rack Snake card is required.
Front of the Mix Rack
Mounting screws (remove all)
Faceplate

VENUE MADI Card6
5 On the back panel, locate the expansion slots. If you are in-
stalling one card, or the first of two cards, remove the top ex-
pansion slot cover by removing the two screws that secure it
to the rack.
6 Remove the MADI card from its packing material. Hold the
card by its edges.
7 Gently slide the card into the expansion slot. Make sure it is
oriented right-side up.
8 Secure the card to the back of the Mix Rack using the screws
that secured the expansion slot cover.
9 From the front of the rack, reach inside and secure the card
to the chassis of the rack by tightening the captive thumb-
screws.
10 Inside the rack, locate an available power cable. If the
power cable is attached to the chassis with zip ties, cut the zip
ties. Be careful not to cut the wires.
Back of the Mix Rack
MADI card showing bracket and connectors
Expansion
slot covers
Mounting bracket
Power connector
Ribbon Cable connector
Installing the MADI card in the Mix Rack
Tightening the captive thumbscrew
Cutting the power cable zip tie

Chapter 2: Installing the MADI Card 7
11 Connect the power cable to the power socket on each
MADI card. When the power cable plug is correctly con-
nected, the power cable’s yellow wire should be the first wire
on the left. Make sure they are connected securely.
12 Connect the ribbon cable from the socket on the first (top)
MADI card to the socket labelled “FireWire” on the first Mix
Engine card, the innermost card when viewed from the open
front panel. Make sure that the notches on the ribbon cable
line up correctly with the notch on the ports, and that each
connector is connected securely. The MADI card connected to
this first Mix Engine card will appear as MADI1 in the VENUE
Patchbay
13 If you are installing a second MADI card, do the following:
• Slide the card into the open slot beneath the first card.
• Connect the included ribbon cable from the ribbon con-
nector on the second MADI card to the socket labeled
“FireWire” on the second Mix Engine card, the card im-
mediately adjacent to the first Mix Engine card. The
MADI card connected to this second Mix Engine card will
appear as MADI 2 in the VENUE Patchbay.
• Proceed to “Installing the Clock Source Jumper Cable” on
page 7.
14 When you are finished installing cards, reattach the
Mix Rack faceplate using its screws.
15 Reconnect power, audio, FOH Link, and any other cables to
the FOH Rack.
16 Proceed to “Confirming MADI Card Installation” on
page 9.
Installing the Clock Source Jumper Cable
If you installed a second card in your Mix Rack for the redun-
dant output configuration, you must install the clock source
jumper cable to ensure proper clocking. The clock source
jumper cable is included with your Mix Rack.
You should install VENUE software 2.9 before installing the
clock source jumper cable. For more information visit our
website, www.avid.com, or see the What’s New in VENUE 2.9
guide.
To install the clock source jumper cable:
1 Shut down your sound system.
2 Power down your Mix Rack.
3 Remove the front panel faceplate by unscrewing its mount-
ing screws (#1 Phillips). Keep the screws nearby for remount-
ing the front panel later.
4 If necessary, install the second card. See “Mix Rack MADI
Card Installation” on page 5.
Connecting the power cable
Connecting the ribbon cable to the MADI card
Connecting the ribbon cable to the first Mix Engine Card

VENUE MADI Card8
5 If you have an existing HDx card installed in your rack, do
the following to remove an existing cable from the rack:
• Locate the first, innermost Mix Engine card.
• Disconnect the existing ribbon cable (noted in the figure
below) from the port labeled “Snake” by moving the
latches on the port outwards to release the connector.
• Locate the other end of the cable (connected to the post
labelled “Snake” on the Hub48 card), disconnect the ca-
ble, and remove it from the Mix Rack.
6 Connect the included clock source jumper cable’s first con-
nector to the port labeled “Snake” on the first Mix Engine
card, the innermost card when viewed from the open front
panel. Make sure that the notches on the ribbon cable line up
correctly with the notch on the ports, and that each connec-
tor is connected securely.
7 Connect the cable’s second blue connector to the to the port
labeled “Snake” on the second Mix Engine card (the card im-
mediately adjacent to the first Mix Engine card).
8 Connect the cable’s last blue connector to the port labeled
“P1 To Mix Engine” on the HUB 48 card (the card closest to
the open front panel of the rack).
9 Reattach the Mix Rack faceplate using its screws.
10 Proceed to “Confirming MADI Card Installation” on
page 9.
Removing the existing ribbon cable
Connecting the clock source jumper cable to the first Mix Engine card
First Mix Engine card Hub48 card
Second Mix Engine card
Existing cable (remove)
Connecting the clock source jumper cable to the second Mix Engine
card
Connecting to the HUB 48 card
If your Mix Rack has a third Mix Engine card installed, do
not connect the jumper cable to it. The jumper cable only
connects to the first two Mix Engine cards and the Hub 48
card.

Chapter 2: Installing the MADI Card 9
Confirming MADI Card Installation
After you have updated the software and installed the MADI
card(s) in your FOH Rack or Mix Rack, confirm that you have
properly installed it.
To confirm MADI card installation:
1 Power up your VENUE system, making sure that all amps or
speakers connected to your system are muted or turned off.
2 In VENUE, go to the Options > Devices page.
3 When successfully installed, the MADI card is auto-detected
and shown on the Options > Devices page in the following
ways, depending on your system configuration:
• In systems that include an FOH Rack, the MADI card con-
nected to the first Mix Engine card appears as MADI 1, and
the card connected to the second Mix Engine card ap-
pears as MADI 2.
• In systems that include a Mix Rack, the MADI card con-
nected to the first Mix Engine card appears as MADI 1, and
the card connected to the second Mix Engine card ap-
pears as MADI 2.
When you power up your MADI-equipped VENUE system,
all MADI card outputs are muted until full system initial-
ization is complete. All MADI outputs are also muted dur-
ing the system shutdown procedure.
MADI card indicated in the FOH Rack icon in the Devices page
Two MADI cards indicated in the FOH Rack icon in the Devices page
MADI card indicated in the Mix Rack icon in the Devices page
MADI 1 MADI 2

VENUE MADI Card10

Chapter 3: Connecting and Using the MADI Card 11
Chapter 3: Connecting and Using the MADI Card
After installing the MADI card, you can make audio connec-
tions between your VENUE system and your MADI device.
If you are sending audio to an external MADI device, see
“Sending Audio” on page 11.
If you are receiving audio from an external MADI device, see
“Receiving Audio” on page 11.
If you are using your MADI card with an HD MADI interface
and Pro Tools software, see the Live Recording Guide for config-
uration and operational information.
For information on using the MADI card, see “Using MADI”
on page 14.
Making Audio Connections
This section shows how to make the audio connections be-
tween your VENUE system and your MADI device.
Sending Audio
When you are sending audio from your VENUE system to an
external MADI device, in the VENUE software you must select
the MADI format (64-channel or 56-channel) of your MADI
device. Both the optical and the coaxial outputs of the MADI
card are active at all times.
To connect a MADI device to your VENUE system:
1 Power up your VENUE system, and do one of the following
to put your system into Config Mode:
• Press the Console Config switch on the console.
– or –
• Double-click the Mode box in the bottom-right corner of
the screen.
2 Connect to your MADI device using the optical and/or the
coaxial connectors of the MADI card.
3 Go to the Patchbay page and click the Outputs tab.
4 Click the Pro Tools and MADI tab at the top of the patching
grid.
5 To select the MADI format for any your MADI device con-
nected to the MADI card outputs, click the box above the top
row of the patching grid that says MADI 1 Assignable or (for
systems with two Stage Racks and two MADI cards) MADI 2 As-
signable, and choose either 64 Channel MADI Output or 56 Chan-
nel MADI Output from the pop-up menu.
Receiving Audio
When your VENUE system is receiving audio from a MADI de-
vice, only one of the inputs—either the coaxial or the optical
inputs—is active at a time. Three MADI input connection op-
tions are available:
Optical Priority (default) The optical input is automatically se-
lected and made active when a valid input signal is detected
on the optical input. If signal is being sent simultaneously to
both the optical and the coaxial inputs, only the optical input
will be active.
Optical Only the optical input is active, whether or not a valid
MADI connection exists.
Coaxial Only the coaxial input is active, whether or not a valid
MADI connection exists.
To connect a MADI device to your VENUE system:
1 Power up your VENUE system, and do one of the following
to put your system into Config Mode:
• Press the Console Config switch on the console.
– or –
• Double-click the Mode box in the bottom-right corner of
the screen.
2 Connect to the your MADI device using either the optical or
the coaxial connectors of the MADI card.
You must establish proper synchronization between your
VENUE system and any connected MADI devices. You may
or may not need to make additional connections. See “Syn-
chronizing MADI Devices” on page 12.
Choosing the MADI output format
Click to reveal
pop-up menu

VENUE MADI Card12
3 Go to the System page and, under Inputs 1–48 or
Inputs 49–96, choose either Optical Priority, Optical, or Coaxial
from the Input Format pop-up menu.
4 On the MADI card, the Sig LED and Opt LED indicate signal
status as follows:
Sig Lights green when a valid MADI stream is detected on ei-
ther the coaxial input port or the optical input port of your
MADI card.
Opt Lights green when a valid MADI stream is detected on the
optical input of your MADI card, and the Optical input is ac-
tive.
Synchronizing MADI Devices
Any time two digital audio devices are connected together
care must be taken to ensure they are properly synchronized
or the audio will suffer from clicks, pops and distortion (even
if the devices are operating at the same sample rate).
This synchronization can be achieved by using a dedicated
word clock connection between devices, by synchronizing the
receiving device to the incoming MADI audio signal, or by us-
ing onboard Sample Rate Conversion (SRC) on the receiving
device.
This section shows the following three example of configura-
tions using a dedicated word clock connection between de-
vices:
Using Word Clock to Synchronize Two VENUE Systems
Using Word Clock to Synchronize a VENUE System and an-
other MADI Device
Using an External Master Clock to Synchronize Devices
Not all devices support all of these synchronization methods,
so you should consult the user guide for your MADI device in
order to determine its capabilities.
Using Word Clock to Synchronize Two VENUE
Systems
When using MADI to connect two VENUE systems, one of the
systems provides word clock to the other system. The system
receiving word clock detects it automatically.
To synchronize two VENUE systems:
Connect the coaxial cable from the Word Clock Out port on
one of the VENUE systems to the Word Clock In port on the
other VENUE system. The VENUE system receiving word clock
auto-detects word clock and displays “EXT” in the Mode box
on-screen.
Choosing the MADI card Input Format
When connecting two VENUE systems using MADI, a ded-
icated word clock connection is required.
Clocking setup between two VENUE systems
Word clock connection
from Word Clock Out
of FOH Rack Snake card
To Word Clock In
on Mix Rack
MADI connection
VENUE D-Show system
VENUE Mix Rack
system

Chapter 3: Connecting and Using the MADI Card 13
Using Word Clock to Synchronize a VENUE System
and another MADI Device
When using MADI to connect your VENUE system to an ex-
ternal MADI device such as a digital mixing console, the
VENUE system can send or receive word clock.
To synchronize a VENUE system to an another MADI device, do
either of the following:
• To send word clock from your VENUE system to an exter-
nal MADI device, connect a coaxial cable from the Word
Clock Out port on your FOH Rack or Mix Rack to the
word clock in port on your external MADI device. The ex-
ternal MADI device may need to be set to receive a 48kHz
word clock rate.
– or –
• To send word clock from an external MADI device to
your VENUE system, connect a coaxial cable from the
word clock out of the external MADI device to the Word
Clock In port on your FOH Rack or Mix Rack. The exter-
nal MADI device must be set to send 48kHz word clock
rate to your VENUE system. The VENUE system auto-de-
tects external word clock and display “EXT” in the Mode
box on-screen.
Using an External Master Clock to Synchronize
Devices
When using MADI to connect your VENUE system to an ex-
ternal MADI device, you may want to use an external master
clock to provide word clock to both your VENUE system and
the external MADI device. All devices except the VENUE sys-
tem must be set to a 48kHz word clock rate.
To synchronize all devices using an external master clock:
1 Set the outgoing word clock rate of the external master clock
to 48kHz.
2 Connect a coaxial cable from the word clock outputs of the
external master clock device to the Word Clock In ports on the
VENUE system. The VENUE system auto-detects external
word clock and display “EXT” in the Mode box on-screen.
3 Connect a second coaxial cable from the word clock out
ports of the master clock to the word clock in ports on any
connected MADI devices. Set the word clock rate of the exter-
nal MADI device to 48kHz.
Clocking setup between a VENUE system and a non-VENUE system
You may have to configure the external MADI device to re-
ceive word clock. Check the device’s documentation.
MADI connection
VENUE system
Word clock connection b
etween
VENUE system and MADI device
(can run in either direction)
Digital mixing console
Clocking to an external master clock device
You may have to configure the external MADI device to re-
ceive word clock, and Check the device’s documentation.
VENUE System
External MADI device
MADI connection
External Master Clock
Word Clock Outs
Word clock connections to all
MADI devices

VENUE MADI Card14
Using MADI
You can use MADI with your VENUE system in the following
ways:
Stage Mode In this mode, Stage inputs are the main source of
audio signals for VENUE. A one-for-one digital split of all
VENUE Stage input channels are sent to your external MADI
device such as a MADI router, another digital mixing console,
or a digital recorder. See “Sending a Direct Digital Split of
Stage Inputs” on page 14.
Virtual Soundcheck Mode In this mode, pre-recorded audio
from an external MADI device are the main source of audio for
VENUE. Stage inputs on your VENUE system are replaced with
inputs from your external MADI device. Changes made in Vir-
tual Soundcheck mode, including Snapshot creation and
modification, carry over when switching back to Stage mode.
Input channel gain changes made while in Virtual Sound-
check mode can be applied to Stage input channels when
switching back to Stage mode. See “Performing a Virtual
Soundcheck” on page 15.
MADI Input Mode In this mode, audio from your MADI device
is the main audio source for your VENUE system. Stage inputs
1-48 on your VENUE system are replaced with inputs from an
external MADI device such as another VENUE system or an-
other digital mixing console. Input channel gain and other
PRE parameters such HPFs can be stored in Snaphots. See “Re-
placing Stage Inputs with MADI Inputs” on page 17.
Redundant Outputs You can install two MADI cards, or an HDx
card and a MADI card in an FOH Rack or a Mix Rack, and op-
erate them in a redundant output configuration. See “En-
abling Redundant Outputs” on page 18.
Assignable I/O In all modes, MADI assignable inputs and out-
puts are available. Using assignables, you can send the Main
L/R Mix or a submix (Matrix, Group, etc.), send the Direct
Outs of VENUE system channels, and route audio from your
MADI device to any available VENUE system input channel.
See “Using MADI Assignable I/O” on page 18.
Available I/O
The following table shows the input and output channels that
are available for a single MADI card in each mode:
*For 64-channel format MADI devices
** For 56-channel format MADI devices
Sending a Direct Digital Split of
Stage Inputs
When Stage inputs are the main source of audio for your
VENUE system, a one-for-one digital split of Stage input chan-
nels 1–48 (even unused Stage input channels) are sent to both
the optical and coaxial outputs of the MADI card.
The pickoff point for each channel is post-analog input gain,
but pre-digital trim and all channel processing, including high
pass filter. Thus, the gain for any input channel sent to your
external MADI device is dependent on the VENUE system in-
put gain setting of that Stage input channel.
To send a split of the Stage inputs:
1 Do one of the following to put your system into Config
Mode:
• Press the Console Config switch on the console.
– or –
• Double-click the Mode box in the bottom-right corner of
the screen.
For detailed live recording and playback workflows using
the MADI card with Pro Tools, as well as information on
configuring and troubleshooting your systems for live re-
cording, see the Live Recording Guide.
Operating
Modes
MADI
Input
Channels
Stage
Input
Channels
MADI
Assignable
Inputs
MADI
Assignable
Outputs
Stage Mode n/a 1–48 49–64*
49–56**
49–64*
49–56**
Input Mode 1–48 n/a 49–64*
49–56**
49–64*
49–56**
Virtual
Soundcheck
Mode
1–48 n/a 49–64*
49–56**
49–64*
49–56**
Redundant
Outputs
n/a 1–48 49–64*
49–56**
49–64*
49–56**
VENUE systems use a combination of analog input gain
and digital trim, controlled by a single Gain control, to set
the overall input channel gain. Stage Input channels 1–48
sent via MADI are sourced post-analog input gain, but
pre-digital trim, which means the signal level received by a
connected MADI device is affected by the analog input gain
only. This gain is adjusted in coarse 3 dB steps (for
VENUE FOH Rack) or 6 dB steps (for VENUE Mix Rack),
and a slight click may be heard on the receiving MADI de-
vice when a Stage Input channel’s Gain control is adjusted.

Chapter 3: Connecting and Using the MADI Card 15
2 Go to the Options page and click the System tab to access
the System Configuration page.
3 Click Edit.
4 Do either or both of the following depending on your sys-
tem configuration:
• For Stage inputs 1–48, in the Inputs section of the System
Configuration page, beneath Inputs 1–48, select Stage 1 (or
Stage for Mix Rack).
• For Stage inputs 49–96, do the following:
• Select Enable Stage 2.
• Select Enable MADI 2.
• In the Inputs section of the System Configuration page,
beneath Inputs 49–96, select Stage 2.
5 Click Apply. The system restarts with all selected Stage inputs
active, and Stage input signals are sent to both the optical and
coaxial outputs on any MADI cards present.
Performing a Virtual Soundcheck
In Virtual Soundcheck mode, audio from your external MADI
devices replaces the corresponding Stage inputs one-for-one,
and appear in place of those Stage Inputs in the VENUE soft-
ware Patchbay. All changes (such as channel assignments, and
input and output processing) are carried over when you
switch to Virtual Soundcheck mode, and the digital portion of
the gain for each channel is preserved and applied to the in-
coming MADI signal. This results in the same apparent levels
for both the MADI inputs and the Stage inputs.
To perform a Virtual Soundcheck:
1 Do one of the following to put your system into Config
Mode:
• Press the Console Config switch on the console.
– or –
• Double-click the Mode box in the bottom-right corner of
the screen.
2 Go to the Options page and click the System tab to access
the System Configuration page.
3 Click Edit.
4 Do one of the following depending on your configuration:
• For inputs 1–48, in the Inputs section of the System Config-
uration page, beneath Inputs 1–48, select MADI 1, then se-
lect Virtual Soundcheck from the MADI Format pop-up
menu.
– or –
• For systems with a second MADI card, do the following:
• Select Enable Stage 2.
• Select Enable MADI 2.
Selecting Stage 1 inputs
Enabling the second Stage Rack and MADI card
Selecting Stage 2 inputs
Enabling MADI 1 Virtual Soundcheck
Enabling the second Stage Rack and MADI card

VENUE MADI Card16
• In the Inputs section of the System Configuration page,
beneath Inputs 49–96, select MADI 2, then select
Virtual Soundcheck from the MADI Format pop-up menu.
5 Click Apply. The MADI inputs are now active.
The Stage tabs in the Patchbay are replaced by MADI tabs, and
all Stage routing is preserved.
Gain Settings in Virtual Soundcheck Mode
VENUE systems use a hybrid analog/digital gain approach for
analog Stage inputs. The behavior of gain settings when
changing between modes is explained below.
Stage Mode to Virtual Soundcheck Mode
When switching from Stage mode to MADI Virtual Sound-
check mode, the digital component of the gain stage (up to
+3 dB for the FOH Rack, and up to +6dB for the Mix Rack) is
preserved, so MADI audio signals and Stage inputs have the
same apparent level.
Virtual Soundcheck Mode to Stage Mode
If you change the digital gain of any channel from your
VENUE console while in Virtual Soundcheck mode, you have
the option of keeping or discarding those gain changes when
you switch back to Stage mode.
The Pad on a channel will automatically be activated or deac-
tivated to compensate for large gain changes.
To keep or discard gain changes made in MADI Virtual
Soundcheck mode, click one of the following:
Apply Any gain changes made in Virtual Soundcheck mode are
added to the total Stage input gain on each channel.
Discard Any gain changes made in Virtual Soundcheck mode
are lost and the Stage input gain is returned to its previous
value on each channel.
For example, if you set the Stage Rack gain for a channel to
+30 dB, then switch to MADI Virtual Soundcheck inputs, a
digital gain of +2.2 dB is preserved in Virtual Soundcheck
mode to yield the same overall gain on that channel (because
2.2 dB of the 30 dB setting was digital gain as compared to an-
alog gain).
While in Virtual Soundcheck mode, if you increase the digital
gain on a channel by 6 dB (to a displayed setting of +8.2 dB),
and then switch back to Stage mode, you can do one of the
following:
• Apply the gain change, yielding a Stage Rack gain in-
crease of 6 dB, or a final setting of +36 dB (30+6).
– or –
• Discard the gain change, leaving the original Stage input
gain unchanged at +30 dB.
Snapshot PRE Settings and Virtual
Soundcheck Mode
The PRE Data Type Scope button on the Snapshots page lets
you recall the preamplifier settings on inputs for all scoped In-
put Channels. Go to the Options > Snapshots page to set the
PRE parameters to be recalled by the PRE data type button.
The data in the table below shows which PRE setting can be
stored and recalled with Snapshots in Virtual Soundcheck
mode.
* Gain changes made while in Virtual Soundcheck mode can not
be stored to snapshots, but can be applied back to the analog set-
tings when switching back to Stage mode.
Enabling MADI 2 Virtual Soundcheck
If you change input routing when MADI inputs are active,
those changes remain when you switch back to Stage in-
put mode.
Gain compensation is applied to all applicable channels. It
is not possible to preserve gain for an individual channel or
individual MADI card.
Gain change dialog
PRE settings stored and recalled with Snapshots in Virtual Soundcheck
mode
PRE Parameter Recall Store
HPF freq and state Yes Yes
Phase Yes Yes
Gain No No*
Phantom Power No No
Pad No No

Chapter 3: Connecting and Using the MADI Card 17
Replacing Stage Inputs with MADI
Inputs
In MADI Input mode, an external MADI device is the main
source of audio signals for your VENUE system. Audio chan-
nels from your external MADI device appear one-for-one in
place of Stage inputs in the VENUE software Patchbay.
To replace Stage inputs with MADI inputs:
1 Do one of the following to put your system into Config
Mode:
• Press the Console Config switch on the console.
– or –
• Double-click the Mode box in the bottom-right corner of
the screen.
2 Go to the Options page and click the System tab to access
the System Configuration page.
3 Click Edit.
4 Do either or both of the following depending on your sys-
tem configuration:
• For inputs 1–48, in the Inputs section of the System Config-
uration page, beneath Inputs 1–48, select MADI 1, then se-
lect Input Mode from the MADI Format pop-up menu.
• For inputs 49–96, do the following:
• Select Enable MADI 2.
• In the Inputs section of the System Configuration page,
beneath Inputs 49–96, select MADI 2, then select
MADI Input from MADI Format the pop-up menu.
5 Click Apply. In the dialog box that appears, click OK. The sys-
tem restarts with the chosen MADI inputs active.
Adjusting Input Gain in MADI Input Mode
In MADI Input mode, input channel gain is adjusted using the
input gain encoders. Digital gain (-20 dB to +18 dB) is avail-
able for all MADI inputs.
When switching from Stage mode to MADI input mode, all
gains for MADI input channels are set to 0 dB.
When switching from MADI input mode to Stage mode, all
MADI digital gain settings are replaced by pre-existing Stage
gain settings.
Snapshot PRE Settings and MADI Inputs
The PRE Data Type Scope button on the Snapshots page lets
you recall the preamplifier settings on inputs for all scoped In-
put Channels. Go to the Options > Snapshots page to set the
PRE parameters to be recalled by the PRE data type button.
The data in the table below shows which PRE setting can be
stored with Snapshots created in MADI input mode.
Selecting MADI 1 inputs
It is possible to use MADI 2 inputs even if Stage 2 is not
present in the system. To use a second MADI card, you will
need a second Snake card installed in your FOH Rack. See
the Snake Card Guide for more information.
Enabling the second MADI card
Selecting MADI 2 inputs
You cannot cancel this action. However, a history Show file
is automatically created. If you enabled MADI Input mode
by accident, enable Stage mode, go to Filing > History, se-
lect the most recent Show file, and click Load.
PRE settings stored and recalled with Snapshots in MADI input mode
PRE Parameter Recall Store/Overwrite
HPF freq and state Yes Yes
Phase Yes Yes
Gain Yes Yes
Phantom Power No No
Pad No No