Aviom MH10 User manual

P/N 9310 1015 0001F rev. 1.00
© 2006 Aviom, Inc.
User Guide

ii
Trademarks
Aviom and the Aviom logo are trademarks of Aviom, Inc.
A-Net and the A-Net logo are trademarks of Aviom, Inc.
Pro16, Pro64, and Virtual Data Cables are trademarks of Aviom, Inc.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
Copyright ©2006 Aviom, Inc.
Printed in USA
Certifications
ETL/cETL Listed
EMC: EN 55103-1, EN 55103-2, SAA AS/NZS 1053
Conforms to: IEC 60065, EN 60065, UL 60065
Certified to: CAN/CSA E60065, KETI
RoHS Status: Pb-free
Notice of Rights
All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced or
transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical,
photocopy, recording, or otherwise—without written permission of
Aviom, Inc.

iii
NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL ONLY
To reduce the risk of fire or electrical shock, do not expose
this product to rain or other types of moisture.
Operating Temperature: 10˚C to 50˚C (50˚F to 122˚F)
•
•
WARNING!
!
CAUTION:
Using any audio system at high volume levels
can cause permanent damage to your hearing.
Set your system volume as low as possible.
Avoid prolonged exposure to excessive sound
pressure levels.
•
•
•
IMPORTANT:
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in
a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate
radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with
the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off
and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and
receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit
different from that to which the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician
for help.
Changes or modifications to the product not expressly approved by Aviom,
Inc. could void the user’s FCC authority to operate the equipment.
•
•
•
•
CAUTION
Risk of electric shock!
Do Not Open
WARNING!
To reduce the risk of fire or
electric shock do not expose
this product to rain or moisture.
AVIS: Risque de choc electrique!
Ne pas ouvrir

iv
Important Safety Instructions
Read these instructions.
Keep these instructions
Heed all warnings.
Follow all instructions.
Do not use this apparatus near water.
Clean only with a dry cloth.
Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance
with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat
registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that
produce heat.
Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-
type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than
the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third
grounding prong. The wide blade or third prong is provided
for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit your outlet,
consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched,
particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point
where they exit the apparatus.
Only use attachments/accessories specified by the
manufacturer.
Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified
by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a
cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus
combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused
for long periods of time.
Refer all servicing to qualified personnel. Servicing is required
when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as
when the power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has
been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the
apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, the unit does
not operate normally, or it has been dropped.
The solid line over dashed line symbol ( ) indicates
that the input voltage must be a DC voltage.
The box within a box symbol ( ) indicates that the external
power supply is double insulated.
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v
Warranty Information
Please record the following information for future reference:
Your Authorized Aviom Dealer:
Name:
Address:
Phone:
Serial Number of Your Aviom Product:
Date of Purchase:
Your Authorized Aviom Dealer is your primary source for service
and support. The information recorded above will be helpful in
communicating with your Authorized Aviom Dealer should you need to
contact Aviom Customer Service. If you have any questions concerning
the use of this unit, please contact your Authorized Aviom Dealer
first. For additional technical support, check the Aviom website at
www.Aviom.com.
To fulfill warranty requirements, your Aviom product should be serviced
only at an authorized Aviom service center. The Aviom serial number
label must appear on the outside of the unit, or the Aviom warranty is
void.
This manual and its contents are copyrighted by Aviom, Inc. All rights
are reserved by Aviom, Inc. This document may not, in whole or in part,
be copied, photocopied, reproduced, translated, or reduced to any
electronic medium or machine-readable form without prior written
consent from Aviom, Inc.
The software and/or firmware contained within Aviom products is
copyrighted and all rights are reserved by Aviom, Inc.
Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the text
and illustrations in this manual, no guarantee is made or implied as to
the accuracy of the information contained within.

vi
Aviom, Inc. Limited Warranty
Aviom, Inc. warrants this product against defects in materials and workmanship
for a period of one year from the date of the original retail purchase.
This warranty does not apply if the equipment has been damaged due to
misuse, abuse, accident, or problems with electrical power. The warranty also
does not apply if the product has been modified in any way, or if the product
serial number has been damaged, modified, or removed.
If a defect is discovered, first write or call Aviom, Inc. to obtain a Return
Authorization number. No service will be performed on any product returned
without prior authorization. Aviom, Inc. will, at its discretion, repair or replace the
product at no charge to you. The product must be returned during the warranty
period, with transportation charges prepaid to Aviom, Inc., 1157 Phoenixville
Pike, Suite 201, West Chester, PA 19380, USA. You must use the product’s original
packing materials for shipment. Shipments should be insured for the value of
the product. Include your name, address, phone number, description of the
problem, and copy of the original bill of sale with the shipment. The Return
Authorization number should be written on the outside of the box.
THIS LIMITED WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS. YOU MAY HAVE
OTHER RIGHTS, WHICH VARY FROM STATE TO STATE (OR JURISDICTION TO
JURISDICTION). AVIOM’S RESPONSIBILITY FOR MALFUNCTIONS AND DEFECTS
IN HARDWARE IS LIMITED TO REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT AS SET FORTH IN THIS
LIMITED WARRANTY STATEMENT. ALL EXPRESS AND IMPLIED WARRANTIES FOR
THE PRODUCT, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE LIMITED IN
DURATION TO THE WARRANTY PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE. NO WARRANTIES,
WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WILL APPLY AFTER SUCH PERIOD.
AVIOM, INC. DOES NOT ACCEPT LIABILITY BEYOND THE REMEDIES SET FORTH
IN THIS LIMITED WARRANTY DOCUMENT. AVIOM, INC.’S LIABILITY IS LIMITED TO
THE REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT, AT OUR OPTION, OF ANY DEFECTIVE PRODUCT,
AND SHALL IN NO EVENT INCLUDE INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
OF ANY KIND.
SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW EXCLUSIONS OR LIMITATION OF IMPLIED
WARRANTIES OR LIABILITY FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO
THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

vii
Table of ConTenTs
Warranty Information ....................vi
Welcome ...........................1
Features........................1
The EtherCon Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Cat-5e.........................2
Operating System Update. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
About A-Net .........................3
Clocking........................4
ControlData......................4
A-NetPorts.......................4
Support For Pro16 Series Products . . . . . . . . . . . 5
AC Power ...........................6
AC Line Conditioning ....................6
Rack Mounting........................6
Ventilation ..........................7
Cleaning ...........................7
Front Panel Components ..................8
Rear Panel Components ...................9
Front Panel Features ................... 10
Network Mode Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
A-Net Port LEDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
A-NetLED ...................... 11
Managed Mode LED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Rear Panel Features .................... 13
ACPower....................... 13
Fuse...................... 13
A-NetPorts...................... 13
Manual Mode Configuration Button . . . . . . . . . 14
MH10 Configurations ................... 15
AutoMode...................... 15
ManualMode .................... 16
Configuration A (Merge All) . . . . . . . . . . 16
Configuration B (Merge 1-9) . . . . . . . . . . 16
Configuration C (Merge 1-8) . . . . . . . . . . 18
MH10 Configuration Errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
DataLoops .................. 21
Changing from Manual Mode to Auto Mode . . 21
Specifications .......................22
Dimensions ........................23
Index ............................24

viii

1
About Your Pro64 Product
Welcome
Thank you for purchasing the MH10 Merger Hub. This User Guide
is designed to familiarize you with the features and functions of your
new Pro64™ product. In developing the Aviom Pro64 Series product
line, we have made every effort to make the user interface as easy to
use and understand as possible. We encourage you to read the manual
completely, as some of the powerful features of your new product may
not be immediately apparent.
Features
The MH10 Merger Hub is designed to merge and distribute A-Net®
data streams and provides a host of professional features designed to
make audio networking with Pro64 Series products easy to set up and
configure in a variety of professional audio situations.
MH10 Merger Hub features:
Ten bidirectional A-Net ports
EtherCon® RJ45 network connectors
Three Manual Mode configurations
Multiple MH10 Merger Hubs can be used when creating a Pro64 audio
network.
The EtherCon Connector
Pro64 Series products feature locking connectors for all network I/O.
The Neutrik® EtherCon connector is a dual RJ45-type connector that can
receive a standard Category 5e cable or a cable fitted with the special
locking EtherCon connector.
When using a standard Cat-5e cable, plug the cable into the center of
the EtherCon jack; release the cable by pressing on the small plastic tab
built into the cable connector.
The locking EtherCon connector is similar to an XLR plug, the kind
commonly used on microphone cables. Insert an EtherCon-equipped
cable into the jack until it clicks and locks in place. To remove the cable,
press on the metal release tab at the top of the panel-mounted EtherCon
jack and pull the connector outward.
•
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•

2About Your Pro64 Product
Cat-5e
All Cat-5e connections between A-Net devices should use Unshielded
Twisted Pair (UTP) cable. The cable can be of the stranded or solid type;
solid wire performs better over long distances while stranded wire is
more flexible and easier to manipulate and therefore easier to work
with in a performance situation.
Cables designated as Cat-5e in Pro64 documentation can be
interchanged with any Cat-6 (or better) cable. Cables will be referred to
simply as “Cat-5e.”
Connectors on Cat-5e cables can be of the standard RJ45 variety or of
the locking Neutrik EtherCon type.
Operating System Update
The Pro64 operating system can be updated in the field using a PC and
the Pro64 Update Tool. Modules can be updated over A-Net, while part
of an active audio network, or in local mode where no other modules
are connected at the time the update is being performed (such as may
be required for a bench configuration when setting up modules prior to
installation).
Updating a module requires the Aviom Pro64 Update Tool application, a
PC host computer with RS-232 connection capability, a null modem DB9
cable, and the update file for the particular Pro64 device being updated.
Refer to the Aviom web site for information about the availability of the
latest software upgrades and feature updates.
The MH10 must be connected to another Pro64 device with Virtual Data
Cable capability in order to be updated.

3
About A-Net
About A-Net
Aviom’s A-Net® is the only networking technology conceived, designed,
and optimized for managing and distributing audio using ordinary
Cat-5e cables. As implemented in the Pro64™ Series products, A-Net
can transmit up to 128 channels of uncompressed 24-bit audio with the
reliability and fidelity of analog, and the power and flexibility of a true
digital network.
Pro64 A-Net allows variable sample rates in three ranges, from 44.1kHz±
to 192kHz±, with ultra-low latency, jitter, and wander. Pro64 devices can
be connected in any combination of serial (daisy-chain) or parallel (star)
topologies. Cable runs between Pro64 devices can be up to 400 feet
(120 meters) on Cat-5e1, and miles on fiber optics (Aviom fiber-capable
equipment).
Because A-Net is designed specifically for audio, the technological
limitations of Ethernet and Ethernet-based products are removed,
while audio performance and system flexibility are increased. A-Net
incorporates Aviom’s unique patented and patent-pending algorithms
for controlling clock jitter and wander, as well as system-wide latency—
regardless of an installation’s size, design, or clocking setup. A-Net
offers significant advantages in fidelity, performance, and flexibility
over Ethernet-based products.
A-Net uses the “physical” layer of Ethernet, but it eliminates all the
protocol elements that are designed for computers and IT-style
networking. In audio applications, these other layers reduce efficiency,
impose system restrictions, and introduce latency and timing instability.
By eliminating Ethernet data structures, A-Net creates a superior
network, with enhanced audio performance. With A-Net and the
Pro64 Series, Aviom continues to break new ground in the design and
development of innovative digital audio networking technologies and
solutions.
Pro64 Series Supported Sample Rates
Sample Rate Minimum Maximum
1x 44.1/48kHz 39.7kHz 52kHz
2x 88.2/96kHz 79.4kHz 104kHz
4x 176.4/192kHz 158.8kHz 208kHz
1 Cat-5e, Cat-6, or better, Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) cable

4About A-Net
Clocking
The Pro64 network offers the most flexible clocking and synchronization
options in the industry. Pro64 devices support three ranges of variable
sample rates, from 44.1/48kHz± to 192kHz±. Because no sample rate
converters are used, audio transmission is kept fast and clean, eliminating
the audio artifacts and signal degradation inherent to sample rate
conversion—even when syncing to an external clock source.
Any Pro64 I/O module can be designated the clock master for the
network, either generating and distributing its internal clock, or syncing
to and distributing an external clock.
Control Data
The Pro64 Series has built-in, dedicated bandwidth for 14 channels of
non-audio control data through the use of Aviom’s innovative Virtual
Data Cables™. These data streams are always available to carry MIDI,
RS-232, or GPIO (General Purpose I/O), and they never compete with
the audio channels for network resources, regardless of the system
configuration.
Because VDC™ inputs are simply incorporated into the A-Net stream,
these control signals can be transmitted over very long cable runs
and even across an entire Pro64 network, significantly expanding the
applications possible with MIDI, RS-232, and GPIO. And as with audio
signals, VDC control data can be input anywhere and output anywhere
else in the network.
A-Net Ports
Pro64 I/O modules have dual A-Net ports, labeled A and B. Both ports
carry a bidirectional A-Net stream at all times. (That is, both ports are
always transmitting and receiving A-Net data.) Pro64 networks can be
configured in one of two operational modes, Auto Mode or Manual
Mode, depending on the requirements of a particular system.
In Auto Mode, there are no connection rules; connect a Cat-5e cable to
either the A or B port and the system does the rest. Auto Mode provides
a true audio network with 64 available “Slots” for transporting audio (at
44.1/48kHz). Every audio Slot is available everywhere in the system, with
no upstream/downstream restrictions.
In Manual Mode, the Pro64 network becomes a 64x64 system (at 48kHz),
similar to a traditional stage-to-FOH snake. At every point in the Manual
Mode network, two 64-channel streams are available on the cable and
in each module. The configuration of the cables and ports has an impact

5
About A-Net
on the makeup of the network and the distribution of audio signals. The
user can direct A-Net data from an input module to a specific port (A,
B, or both). Output modules can be configured to output audio signals
from a specific port (A or B).
Support For Pro16 Series Products
Pro64 Series products can be combined with Pro16™ Series output
products such as the Pro16 Monitor Mixing System by adding the Pro64
ASI A-Net Systems Interface. This 1U module converts Pro64 data to
Pro16 data, providing up to four streams of 16-channel data (depending
on the Pro64 sample rate) that can be used with A-16II and A-16R
Personal Mixers, A-Net Distributors, and AN-16/o Output Modules. (The
ASI is not compatible with the A-Net output of Pro16 input devices such
as the AN-16/i and AN-16/i-M and console interface cards such as the Y1
and D-16c. )

6MAiNtAiNiNg Your Pro64 Product
AC Power
Always plug the unit into a properly grounded (earthed) outlet. Always
use the AC line cord that was shipped with the unit. Grasp the power
cable by the connector and never by the cord itself when connecting
and disconnecting it from the power source.
Do not expose the Pro64 device to moisture, rain, or excessively damp
environments.
AC Line Conditioning
Aviom products are digital devices and as such are sensitive to sudden
spikes and drops in the AC line voltage. Changes in the line voltage
from lightning, power outages, etc. can sometimes damage electronic
equipment.
To minimize the chance of damage to your equipment from sudden
changes in the AC line voltage, you may want to plug your equipment
into a power source that has surge and spike protection. Power outlet
strips are available with built-in surge protection circuits that may help
protect your equipment.
Other options for protection of your equipment include the use of an
AC line conditioner or a battery backup system (sometimes referred to
as an uninterruptible power supply, or UPS).
Rack Mounting
Pro64 products are designed to be mounted in a 19-inch equipment
rack. The rack ears on each side of the device are designed to support
the weight of the product without additional hardware. Each rack ear
contains holes for two screws per side. Always support the unit with all
four screws to avoid damage to the unit.
To rack mount the Pro64 product, position it in the equipment rack at
the desired location. Use standard rack-mounting screws (10-32 size) to
attach the unit to your rack hardware. Tighten all four screws firmly, but
avoid overtightening.
Aviom suggests the use of non-metallic washers between the rack-
mounting screws and the device’s finished surface to avoid marring the
finish on your Aviom products.

7
MAiNtAiNiNg Your Pro64 Product
Ventilation
Always allow adequate ventilation for devices mounted in equipment
racks. Avoid placing your Pro64 product directly above or below other
rack-mounted devices that produce high levels of heat, such as power
amplifiers.
Cleaning
Before cleaning a Pro64 product, turn off the power switch and unplug
the unit from the AC power source.
To clean the surface of the Pro64 product use a clean, soft lint-free cloth
that has been slightly moistened with water only. For tougher dirt, use a
cloth slightly dampened with water or with a mild detergent. Always be
sure to dry the surface of the unit before proceeding with use.
When cleaning your Aviom products, never spray cleaners directly onto
the product surfaces. Instead, spray a small amount of the cleaning
solution onto a clean cloth first. Then use the dampened cloth to clean
the product.
Never use solvents or abrasive cleaners on the finished surfaces of your
Aviom products.

8FroNt PANel coMPoNeNts
Front Panel Components
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Auto Mode LED
Manual Mode LED
Manual Mode configuration (A, B, C) indicator
Active A-Net port LED
A-Net LED
Managed Mode LED
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6.
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9
reAr PANel coMPoNeNts
Power On/Off Switch
IEC Power Inlet
Fuse Holder
A-Net ports, EtherCon connectors
Manual Mode configuration selector button
Manual Mode configuration LED
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3.
4.
5.
6.
Rear Panel Components
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10 FroNt PANel FeAtures
Front Panel Features
This section describes the features and functions of all front-panel
components of the MH10 Merger Hub.
Network Mode Indicator
The mode LED lights to display the current network mode, which can be
set to Auto or Manual at the network’s Control Master. When the Pro64
network is operating in Auto Mode, the red Auto LED will be lit. In Auto
Mode, no user settings are available on the MH10; all ten A-Net ports
function identically. It does not matter which rear-panel A-Net port is
used when connecting Pro64 devices to the network.
One network mode is always selected. Here, the network is in Auto
Mode; the Auto LED is lit.
In Manual Mode, the user has the option of directing A-Net data to either
or both A-Net ports on input modules that are part of the network. Once
the network has been set to operate in Manual Mode, the red Manual
LED and one of the yellow configuration LEDs will be lit on the MH10.
By choosing one of the three Manual Mode configurations, A-Net digital
streams can be routed in different ways to accomplish a variety of audio
distribution tasks. (One configuration is always selected by default.)
Three Manual Mode configurations are available:
AMerge All — Merges all incoming A-Net data and
distributes this merged stream of data to all 10 ports
(this is the same as Auto Mode).
B Merge 1-9 — Merges incoming A-Net data from
Ports 1-9 to a single stream and distributes this merged
Pro64 stream to Port 10 only.
Pro64 data streams arriving at Port 10 are distributed
•
•

11
FroNt PANel FeAtures
out to Ports 1-9.
C Merge 1-8 — Merges the incoming A-Net data
from Ports 1-8 to one stream and distributes the
merged data to Ports 8-10. Ports 9 and 10 create a
redundant Cat-5 data path when two MH10s are
connected.
Port 8 is special when configuration C is used. It inputs
data to the Merger function and outputs the complete
merged 64-channel stream.
Incoming A-Net data streams from Ports 9 and 10 are
distributed to Ports 1-7.
A-Net Port LEDs
Valid A-Net data connected to any of the rear-panel A-Net ports is
indicated by a lit A-Net activity LED on the front panel.
The activity LED lights to indicate the presence of a valid A-Net stream.
Ports 4, 6, 7, and 9 are shown as active.
A-Net LED
The blue LED found within the A-Net logo functions as the network
activity indicator. When a module is powered up, its A-Net LED will flash
while a request to enter the network is sent to and then processed by
the Control Master. Once a module is enumerated and is part of the
Pro64 network, the blue A-Net LED will light solidly.
The blue A-Net LED is also used during the software update process.
Software updates on an MH10 must be initiated from another Pro64
device which has VDC capability.
•

12 FroNt PANel FeAtures
The A-Net LED lights when a Pro64 device is active on a Pro64 network.
Managed Mode LED
Managed Mode puts the network under control of a computer for
software updates, system monitoring, etc. Managed Mode can only be
entered from the network’s Control Master.
When the network is placed under control of a computer, the Managed
LED will light on all modules in the network.
The Managed LED is for information only. No user settings are available
on the MH10 for Managed Mode.