Axia element v.2.0 Operation manual

element®v. 2.0
Installation & User’s Guide
Includes StudioEngine and PowerStation
Manual Rev v1.8.1 — April 2016
p/n 1490-00058-004

USA Class A Computing Device
Information To User. Warning:
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate ra-
dio-frequency energy. If it is not installed and used
as directed by this manual, it may cause interference
to radio communication. This equipment complies
with the limits for a Class A computing device, as
specied by FCC Rules, Part 15, Subpart J, which
are designed to provide reasonable protection against
such interference when this type of equipment is op-
erated in a commercial environment. Operation of
this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause
interference. If it does, the user will be required to
eliminate the interference at the user’s expense.
NOTE: Objectionable interference to TV or radio re-
ception can occur if other devices are connected to
this device without the use of shielded interconnect
cables. FCC rules require the use of only shielded
cables.
Canada Warning:
“This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A
limits for radio noise emissions set out in the Radio
Interference Regulations of the Canadian Depart-
ment of Communications.” “Le present appareil nu-
merique n’emet pas de bruits radioelectriques depas-
sant les limites applicables aux appareils numeriques
(de les Class A) prescrites dans le Reglement sur le
brouillage radioelectrique edicte par le ministere des
Communications du Canada.”
CE Conformance Information:
This device complies with the requirements of the
EEC Council Directives: 93/68/EEC (CE Marking);
73/23/EEC (Safety – low voltage directive); 89/336/
EEC (electromagnetic compatibility). Conformity is
declared to those standards: EN50081-1, EN50082-1.
Important Safety Information
To prevent risk of electric shock: Disconnect power
cord before servicing. If fuse replacement is required,
please note: For continued protection against re, re-
place fuse only with same type and value.
Caution
The installation and servicing instructions in the
manual are for use by qualied personnel only. To
avoid Electric Shock, do not perform any servicing
other than that contained in the operating instruc-
tions unless you are qualied to do so. Refer all ser-
vicing to qualied personnel.
Electrical Warning
To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not expose
this product to rain or moisture. Keep liquids away
from the ventilation openings in the top and rear of
the unit. Do not shower or bathe with the unit.
This equipment is designed to be operated from a
power source that includes a third “grounding” con-
nection in addition to the power leads. Do not defeat
this safety feature. In addition to creating a potential-
ly hazardous situation, defeating this safety ground
will prevent the internal line noise lter from func-
tioning.
Ventilation Warning
The Axia PowerStation, StudioEngine and Power
Supply/GPIO Nodes require the free ow of air for
adequate cooling. Do not block the ventilation open-
ings in the top and rear of the unit. PowerStation,
StudioEngine and the Power Supply/GPIO Node
must be mounted with a blank rack spacer above or
damage may occur.
Failure to allow proper ventilation could damage the
unit or create a re hazard. Do not place the unit on
a carpet, bedding, or other materials that could inter-
fere with the rear and top panel ventilation openings.

Introduction • iii
©2016 Axia Audio- Rev 1.8.1
Customer Service
We support you...
By Phone/Fax in the USA.
• You may reach our 24/7 Support Team anytime around the clock by calling [phone]. For billing questions
or other non-emergency technical questions, call [phone] between 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM USA Eastern
Time, Monday through Friday.
By Phone in Europe.
• Service is available from Axia Europe in Germany at +49.8161.42467.
By E-Mail.
• Non-emergency technical support is available at [e-mail]
Via World Wide Web.
• The Axia Web site has a variety of information which may be useful for product selection and support.
The URL is telosalliance.com.
Feedback
We welcome feedback on any aspect of the Livewire products or this manual. In the past, many good ideas from
users have made their way into software revisions or new products. Please contact us with your comments.
Trademarks
Telos Systems, Axia Audio, Livewire, the Livewire Logo, the Axia logo, Element, PowerStation, SmartQ, Status
Symbols, Zephyr, Zephyr Xstream, Zephyr Xport, Omnia, the Omnia logo, and the Telos logo, are trademarks of TLS
Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders.
Axia Audio
1241 Superior Ave. Cleveland, OH 44114 USA
[phone]
[e-mail]
Copyright © 2016 by TLS Corporation. Published by Axia Audio. We reserve the right to make improvements or changes in the products
described in this manual, which may affect the product specications, or to revise the manual without notice. All rights reserved.

Introduction • iv
©2016 Axia Audio- Rev 1.8.1
Notice
All versions, claims of compatibility, trademarks, etc.
of hardware and software products not made by Axia
mentioned in this manual or accompanying material
are informational only. Axia makes no endorsement
of any particular product for any purpose, nor claims
any responsibility for operation or accuracy.
Warranty
This product is covered by a Two Year limited war-
ranty, the full text of which is included in the rear
section of this manual.
Service
You must contact Axia before returning any equip-
ment for factory service. Axia will issue a Return
Authorization number, which must be written on the
exterior of your shipping container. Please do not
include cables or accessories unless specically re-
quested by the Technical Support Engineer at Axia.
Be sure to adequately insure your shipment for its
replacement value. Packages without proper authori-
zation may be refused. US customers please contact
Axia technical support at [phone]. All oth-
er customers should contact their local representative
to arrange for service.
We strongly recommend being near the unit when
you call, so our Support Engineers can verify infor-
mation about your conguration and the conditions
under which the problem occurs. If the unit must
return to Axia, we will need your serial number, lo-
cated on the rear panel.
Credit Where Credit’s Due
Much gratefulness and declarations of kinship
to Bruce Wilkinson, Milos Nemcik, Gints Linis,
Michael Dosch and the rest of the Axia team in help-
ing to assemble this manual. Kudos, guys — you are
owed more beers than I can count. - c.n.
About This Manual
This manual covers the details of the Element broad-
cast console, PowerStation and StudioEngine. How-
ever it is assumed in this document that you are fa-
miliar with Livewire’s basic concepts, as outlined in
the companion Introduction to Livewire: System
Design Reference and Primer or Audio Over IP:
Building Pro AoIP Systems with Livewire by Steve
Church and Skip Pizzi, available from Elsevier Press.
If you have not done so, please review that mate-
rial rst. In it we explain the ideas that motivated
Livewire and how you can use and benet from it,
as well as nitty-gritty details about wiring, connec-
tors, and the like. Since Livewire is built on standard
networks, we also help you to understand general
network engineering so that you have the full back-
ground for Livewire’s fundamentals. After reading
Introduction to Livewire you will know what’s up
when you are speaking with the network guys that
are often hanging around radio stations these days.
New in this Element v.2.0 Manual
This manual update, written in December 2011, de-
tails the workings of the Axia Element console when
used with StudioEngine or PowerStation. Major
changes in this manual are located in Appendix D:
Working With Phones, where new methods of con-
necting to Telos IP phone systems are outlined.
Axia Audio
1241 Superior Avenue
Cleveland Ohio 44114 USA
Phone: [phone]
Web: telosalliance.com
E-Mail: [e-mail]

Introduction • v
©2016 Axia Audio- Rev 1.8.1
Table of Contents
Customer Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv
Credit Where Credit’s Due . . . . . . . . . . . . .iv
About This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .iv
New in this Element v.2.0 Manual . . . . . . . . . iv
A Note From Frank Foti . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii
Quickstart:
Element with StudioEngine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ix
Making Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ix
Software Setup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ix
Quickstart:
Element with PowerStation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . x
Making Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .x
Software Setup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .x
Chapter One: Element with StudioEngine . . . . . . . 1
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
StudioEngine Quick Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
IP Conguration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
StudioEngine Channel Settings. . . . . . . . . . .8
Set Your Console Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Advanced Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Chapter Two: Element with PowerStation . . . . . . . 11
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
PowerStation Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Connections and IP Conguration . . . . . . . . .23
Livewire Source Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Source Conguration - I/O Subsystem . . . . . . . 24
Source Conguration - MixEngine . . . . . . . . .26
Destination Conguration . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Advanced Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Chapter Three: Working With Sources . . . . . . . . 29
Understanding Source Proles . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Source Prole Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Source Prole Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Adding Backfeeds and GPIO to a Source . . . . . 37
Chapter Four: Conguring GPIO . . . . . . . . . . . 41
GPIO Port Denitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
GPIO Operator’s Microphone Logic. . . . . . . .42
GPIO Control Room Guest Microphone Logic . . 43
GPIO Studio (Monitor 2) Guest Microphone Logic44
GPIO Producer’s Microphone Logic. . . . . . . .45
GPIO Line Input Logic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
GPIO Codec Logic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
GPIO Telephone Hybrid Logic . . . . . . . . . . .48
GPIO Control Room Monitor Logic . . . . . . . . 49
GPIO Studio Monitor Logic . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
GPIO Computer Playback Device Logic. . . . . .51
GPIO External Profanity Delay Logic . . . . . . .52
GPIO Film Legendable User Button Module / Acces-
sory Panel / Rack Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
GPIO Recording Device Logic . . . . . . . . . . .54
GPIO External Timer Control Logic . . . . . . . .55
Assigning GPIO to a Source. . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
A word about the GPIO Ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Input Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Output Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Chapter Five: Element Operations . . . . . . . . . . .59
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Displays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Show Proles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Sources, Channels and Faders . . . . . . . . . 59
Mix-Minus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
GPIO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Monitor Module and SoftKnobs. . . . . . . . .60
Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
Control Callouts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Control Details. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64
General Fader Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
4-Phone Module Channel Controls . . . . . . . . 66
Call Controller + 2-Fader Phone Module . . . . 67
Production Module Controls . . . . . . . . . . . .68
Standard Monitor Module Controls . . . . . . . . 69
2-Fader Monitor Module Controls . . . . . . . . .70
Source-Specic Channel Controls . . . . . . . . . 87
Studio Microphone Channel Operation . . . . .88
Phone Channel Operation . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Codec Channel Operation . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Introduction • vi
©2016 Axia Audio- Rev 1.8.1
Chapter Six: Show Proles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Creating A Show Prole . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91
Show Prole Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
The Channel Description Screen . . . . . . . . . .93
The Aux Send / Return Description Screen. . . . .96
Monitor Section Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96
Record Mode Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Group Start Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Phone Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102
Chapter Seven: Virtual Mixer (VMIX). . . . . . . . .103
What is VMIX? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Constructing Virtual Mixes with VMIX. . . . . . . .103
Manipulating Streams With VMODE . . . . . . . . .106
Chapter Eight: Advanced Element Controls . . . . . . 111
Element Conguration Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
The Element Control Center . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
The Setup Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
The Customize Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Log, Log History and Log Setup Menus . . . . . .114
The Screenshot Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114
The Modules Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114
CAN Bus Information Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Brightness Control Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . .115
Phone Channels Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
User Modules Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
GPIO Conguration Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . .116
Script Information Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
V-Mixer Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
NTP Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Engine Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Sources & Proles Conguration Menu . . . . . . 117
Chapter Nine: StudioEngine Controls . . . . . . . . . 119
StudioEngine Conguration Screens . . . . . . . . . 119
The Main Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119
The Fader Channels Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . .119
The Return & Monitor Inputs Menu . . . . . . . . 119
The Program & Monitor Outputs Menu . . . . . . 120
The VMIX & VMODE Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
The Intercom Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .121
The Options Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
The Stream Statistics Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . .123
The Network Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
The Diagnostics Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
System Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Chapter Ten: PowerStation Controls . . . . . . . . . . 127
PowerStation Conguration Screens . . . . . . . . . 127
Home Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Element Surface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Mix Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Audio I/O Subsystems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Ethernet Switch settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Appendix A: Specications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .137
Table of Inputs and Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . .138
Appendix B: CE Declaration of Conformity . . . . . . 141
Appendix C: FAQ / Diagnostics / Maintenance. . . . .143
Installing A New Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Module Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Fader Cleaning Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Appendix D: Working With Phone Hybrids . . . . . . 151
Telos VX Broadcast VoIP System . . . . . . . . . . .151
Nx12, Nx6, TWOx12, Series 2101 systems. . . . . .154
Call Controller Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Telos Two ISDN Hybrid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Telos One and Delta Hybrids . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Telos ONE-x-Six, Direct Interface and 1A2 Systems 160
Appendix E: Accessory Panels and User Panels . . . . 163
Appendix F: Channel / IP Worksheets . . . . . . . . . 167
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171

Introduction • vii
©2016 Axia Audio- Rev 1.8.1
War of the Waves
Dear Valued Customer,
It’s with great pride and a tip of the hat to an incredible team that I congratulate you on your new Telos Alliance
product. Everything we do here at the radio division of the Telos Alliance is with one end goal in mind: To help
broadcasters declare victory in extremely competitive environments. By purchasing this product from us, in essence,
you have declared war on your competition.
After all, the majority of Telos Alliance employees were broadcasters themselves once, and the products we’ve
developed over the years have been designed as solutions to specic issues faced on the front lines of our industry.
We’re right there in the trenches with you and have the weapons you need in your arsenal.
Telos Systems is a catalyst to out-of-this-world sound, with the most powerful and popular broadcast telephone
systems in the industry; IP/ISDN codecs and transceivers; plus processing/encoding for streaming audio. We built an
industry on the back of these amazing telephony systems, and they are still going strong.
While we at the Telos Alliance never forget our roots, we are also blazing trails in terms of new technologies like
stream-encoding and AoIP, so that all types of broadcasters can excel in this ever-evolving digital world.
Omnia Audio not only lets you stand out on the dial with your unique signature sound via legendary audio
processors, audio codecs, and microphone processing, it lets you give your listeners a better streaming experience
across devices with innovative stream encoding/processing software and hardware.
Axia Audio is a driving force behind the AES67 AoIP standard, and its networked AoIP radio consoles, audio
interfaces, networked intercom, and software products continue to move AoIP adoption forward and help
broadcasters streamline operations with cohesive, smart, and feature-rich AoIP ecosystems.
Last, but certainly not least, 25-Seven has traditionally been known for its audio delays, but its Voltair watermark
monitor/processor has made a name for itself more recently as the disruptive product that helped broadcasters take
back their ratings and harness the true power of their listening audiences.
You work so hard on your programming day-in and day-out, it deserves technology that will optimize sound and
performance at every point in the airchain and online. Armed with Telos products, you have what you need to set
your competition squarely in your crosshairs.
With that, I’ll leave you to prep your armaments. I hope that you will enjoy your Telos Alliance products for many
years to come!
Sincerely,
Frank Foti
CEO, The Telos Alliance

Introduction • viii
©2016 Axia Audio- Rev 1.8.1
D hn ngs;  r
gnr.”  G.M. c chng
s w dne ig s.

Introduction • ix
©2016 Axia Audio- Rev 1.8.1
GPIO Node/Power Supply unit.
5. Connect all Audio Node power cords and plug
them into your studio’s power receptacles.
6. “Capture” your console using the instructions in
Chapter 1 of this manual.
7. Follow the instructions found in Chapter 1 to
congure IP address settings for Element and the
StudioEngine.
8. Refer to the User’s Manuals packed with your
other Axia Audio Nodes for information on how
to congure IP addresses for these units.
Software Setup
When you’ve completed physically connecting your
Axia hardware, read through the remainder of this man-
ual to begin conguring the software options that deter-
mine how your new Element will operate.
• Chapter 1: Element with StudioEngine
• Chapter 3: Working with Sources explains how to
generate Source Proles and construct backfeeds for
selected sources.
• Chapter 4:Conguring GPIO tells how to associate
routable logic commands with any audio source.
• Chapter 5: Element Operations takes you under the
hood to explore in-depth software options.
• Chapter 6: Show Proles illustrates how to set and
save unique “snapshots” tailored for specic opera-
tional situations that can be recalled whenever the
need arises.
Enjoy your new Element!
Quickstart :
Element with StudioEngine
The following chapters of this manual will give you
an in-depth understanding of the capabilities of your
new Element and StudioEngine, from installation to ad-
vanced functions. This Quickstart section isn’t meant
to take the place of the following chapters, but it will
help you get everything connected fast, and
point you to the parts of the manual you’ll
need to get up and running with a mini-
mum of fuss.
Making Connections
You’ve probably unpacked your boxes
and are sitting next to a pile of Axia gear,
wondering what to do rst.
Take a look at the diagram above: it rep-
resents a typical Livewire-connected studio. After con-
guring your Ethernet switch, here’s what you should do
to get going:
1. Using CAT.5e or CAT.6 Ethernet cable, con-
nect all of your Axia Audio Nodes (Analog,
AES/EBU, Microphone and Router Selector) to
100Base-T ports on your studio’s Ethernet switch.
2. Use CAT.6 Ethernet cable to connect your
StudioEngine to a Gigabit (1000Base-T) port on
the switch.
3. Use another CAT.5e or CAT.6 cable to connect
the Ethernet port on the back of the Element
GPIO Node/Power Supply to a 100Base-T port
on the switch.
4. Packed with your Element is a cable with 6-pin
Molex™ connectors. This is the power/commu-
nications cable. Lift the Element meter panel and
connect the end of the cable without the strain
relief to the corresponding port on the Element
connection panel. Connect the other end of the
cable to one of the jacks labeled “48VDC OUT-
PUT & COMM” on the back of your Element

Introduction • x
©2016 Axia Audio- Rev 1.8.1
Quickstart :
Element with PowerStation
The subsequent chapters of this manual will give you
an in-depth understanding of the capabilities of your new
Axia Element and PowerStation, from installation to ad-
vanced functions. This Quickstart section isn’t meant to
take the place of the following chapters, but it will help
you get everything connected fast, and point you to the
parts of the manual you’ll need to get up and running
with a minimum of fuss.
Making Connections
You’ve probably unpacked your boxes and are sitting
next to a pile of Axia gear, wondering what to do rst.
Take a look at the diagram above: it represents a typi-
cal Livewire-connected radio studio with the PowerSta-
tion at its core. Here’s what you should do to get going:
1. Packed with your Element control surface is a
cable with 6-pin Molex™ connectors. This is the
power/communications cable. Lift the Element
meter panel and connect the end of the cable
without the strain relief to the corresponding port
on the Element connection panel. Connect the
other end of the cable to the jack labeled “DC/
CAN” on the back of your PowerStation MAIN.
2. Connect the DVI output on the rear panel to a
DVI-D compatible monitor before powering up
the PowerStation. Turn on the monitor.
3. If using an AUX, connect the MAIN and AUX
PSU2 connectors with the special cable provided.
4. Connect the power cords to the PSU1 receptacles
on the PowerStation’s rear panels and power up.
5. “Capture” your Element control surface faders by
holding the * and 2 keys for 5 seconds. Press #
when you see the CAPTURE prompt above each
channel.
6. Your hardware is now ready to go! However,
some basic software conguration is also needed.
Follow the instructions found in Chapter 2 to
congure IP address settings for Element and
the PowerStation. You will also need to setup
Livewire channels and assign your audio inputs
and outputs as described in Chapter 2. Factory
default IP address is 192.168.2.50.
Software Setup
The conguration of your PowerStation is accom-
plished by accessing its web interface. No dedicated
software is required. Conguration is not complicated,
but does require a little planning and setup.
When you’ve completed physically connecting your
Axia hardware, read through the remainder of this man-
ual to begin conguring the software options that de-
termine how your new PowerStation will operate when
used in a Livewire network with your other Axia gear.
• Chapter 2: Setup and Connections
• Chapter 3: Working with Sources explains how to
generate Source Proles and construct backfeeds for
selected sources.
• Chapter 4: Conguring GPIO tells how to associate
routable logic commands with any audio source.
• Chapter 5: Element Operations takes you under the
hood to explore in-depth software options.
• Chapter 6: Show Proles illustrates how to set and
save unique “snapshots” tailored for specic opera-
tional situations that can be recalled when needed.
Enjoy your new Element console!

1: Element with StudioEngine: Setup & Connections • 1
©2016 Axia Audio- Rev 1.8.1
Chapter One:
Element with StudioEngine
Introduction
There’s nothing quite as much fun as taking some-
thing new out of its box. That sense of excitement as
protective packaging is stripped away; that “new gear”
smell… it’s exhilarating!
If you’re reading this, there’s a 99.9836% chance that
you’ve done just that, and are now sitting in the middle
of a room surrounded by packing material and a large
wooden crate, admiring your new Element, its GPIO
Node/Power Supply and StudioEngine — and wonder-
ing what to do next.
But before you dig in, be advised that you need to
assemble the rest of your Livewire network rst. Be-
cause so much of the Element conguration process de-
pends upon having access to audio sources and destina-
tions, you must connect and congure your other Axia
peripherals (Audio Nodes, GPIO Nodes, Router Selec-
tors, etc.) prior to conguring Element, according to the
instructions supplied with each. Once you’ve done that,
come on back and we’ll get started.
Getting Prepared
This chapter will show you how to get you up and
running. We’ll install the Element console and its power
supply rst, followed by the StudioEngine.
Before you dive into the hardware, you’ll need to de-
termine a range of IP addresses to assign to each studio
and log each device’s IP as you assign it; Appendix F
contains an IP Assignment Worksheet you can use for
this purpose. IP addresses used in an Axia network must
be valid Unicast IP addresses. Determine your network’s
subnet mask settings at the same time (typically this val-
ue is set at 255.255.255.0 for intranet applications).
Unicast vs. Multicast IP Addresses: Data
is routed over IP networks in one of two ways:
point-to-point unicast or multicast.
Livewire devices use common TCP/IP unicast
IP addresses for control and web browser ac-
cess. These are numbers you assign within
the range used by your network. Since most
Livewire networks are not intended to be ac-
cessed via the Internet, we recommend you use
the non-routable IP addresses in the range of
192.168.0.0 to 192.168.255.255. These IP ad-
dresses have been set aside specically for use
with local networks.
Multicast allows efcient one-to-many connec-
tions, so Livewire uses that for its audio streams,
source advertising, and synchronization signals.
You do not need to assign these multicast ad-
dresses because the system does this automati-
cally.
For more information on network construction,
please refer to our companion Introduction to
Livewire: System Design Reference and Primer
available at https://www.telosalliance.com/Axia .
To install Element in your studio furniture, you’ll
need to prepare a cutout in the counter top. A dimen-
sional drawing with all pertinent measurements is found
just prior to this manual’s Appendix A. Make certain that
there’s adequate clearance inside the furniture for the
required power cable entry into the console; knockout
plugs are located at both bottom rear corners of Element
for cable routing access.
To congure Element, you’ll need a computer. Any
Windows desktop or notebook PC with an Ethernet port
and a standard Internet browser is acceptable.
For cable connections, CAT.5e Ethernet cable is re-
quired. Some use CAT.6 since the cost is only slightly
higher than CAT.5e. For greater detail on cable se-
lections, we again recommend you read The Axia
Guide to Choosing Category Cable available from:
https://www.telosalliance.com/Axia .
Always make certain that power has been applied
to your studio’s Ethernet switch and that the switch is
properly congured for multicast as recommended by
Axia before powering any other Axia components. It is
essential that you use a qualied switch and that it has
been congured in accordance with Axia’s guidelines.

1: Element with StudioEngine: Setup & Connections • 2
©2016 Axia Audio- Rev 1.8.1
Most folks that encounter problems setting up a new sys-
tem have not paid attention to this requirement. More
information on switches can be found at https://www.
telosalliance.com/Axia/What-Ethernet-Switches-has-
Axia-Approved. Information on specic congurations
is available in the user manuals section at https://www.
telosalliance.com/Axia.
Element with StudioEngine: Setup
If you haven’t done so yet, it’s time to get your
Element out of its packing crate. This is a two-person
job, so grab a partner.
Important: Like any electronic device, Element
can be affected by static electricity. Use of a
personal grounding device is strongly recom-
mended during transport.
Position one person at each end of Element and,
grasping the metal enclosure at the bottom, simulta-
neously lift upward out of the shipping crate. Remove
packing materials and store them in the crate for future
use. Carefully lower Element into your counter top cut-
out, taking care to lower both sides at an equal rate to
avoid becoming jammed in the cabinetry.
Important: Element is a drop-in style control
surface and requires a counter top cutout. For
cutout dimensions, please refer to Appendix A.
Unpack the GPIO Node/Power Supply that came
with your Element and place it in its rack ensuring ad-
equate ventilation.
Connections
Cable connections for Element are entirely different
from any other mixing surface you may be familiar with.
There are no audio inputs; Element needs only a single
data / power connection to operate.
Important: Your Element MUST be ground-
ed. Grounding reduces the risk of electric
shock by providing a “path of least resistance”
for electric current. Improper grounding can
result in a risk of electric shock.
Check with a qualied electrician if you are in
doubt about how to properly ground this equip-
ment. If your local electrical code prohibits the
use of a Station Ground for this purpose, as de-
scribed above, use the specic “Safety Ground”
your local regulations mandate.
1. Rack-mount the GPIO Node/Power Supply unit
and connect it to a 100Base-T port on your studio’s
Ethernet switch using CAT.5e or CAT.6 cable. Do
not power up the Power Supply yet.
Figure 1-2: Accessing Element’s connection panel.
Figure 1-1: Rear panel of Element GPIO/Power Supply showing connections.
Ethernet
Port
GPIO Ports DC Power - CANbus to Element
VGA
Display

1: Element with StudioEngine: Setup & Connections • 3
©2016 Axia Audio- Rev 1.8.1
2. Element must be connected to a grounded metal per-
manent wiring system or other equipment grounding
conductor using the threaded grounding stud located
inside the connections bay. Open the bay by ipping
open the overbridge above the faders, as shown in
Figure 1-2. For ground sources, we recommend, in
order of preference:
»“Station Ground,” the heavy copper strap found in
the walls and oors of many radio studios.
»AC Safety Ground — the “3rd prong” of a nearby
outlet.
»A bonded electrical conduit.
#12 AWG GREEN stranded wire is the minimum
wire gauge acceptable for grounding Element.
Figure 1-3: Locating the grounding stud.
3. One end of the Element power / communication ca-
ble is tted with a strain relief. Connect this end to
any one of the four Molex connectors on the back of
the Element GPIO Node/Power Supply. Connect the
other end to the Molex socket on the Element con-
nection panel.
Figure 1-4: Detail of data/communication cable ends.
4. Connect a VGA monitor to the 15-pin VGA connec-
tor on the back of the Element GPIO/Power Supply.
IMPORTANT: Element’s power cable is also
host to all data communication between the ac-
tual surface and its CPU (housed in the Element
Power Supply/GPIO Node) by CANbus technol-
ogy; it does not require a separate Ethernet
connection. Never connect any of the RJ-45
ports on the Element connection panel to
an Ethernet switch. These ports are for con-
nection of Element fader and accessory mod-
ules only; connecting them to a powered Ether-
net switch could damage the board’s electronics
and void your warranty.
Figure 1-5: Element connection panel. Circled
connector is for power/data cable; RJ-45’s connect to
fader and accessory modules.
What is CANbus? Controller Area Network
(CAN) is a multicast shared serial bus standard,
originally developed in the 1980s by Robert
Bosch GmbH, for connecting electronic control
units (ECUs). Although initially created for
automotive purposes, nowadays it is used in
many embedded control applications. The CAN
data link layer protocol is standardized in ISO
11898-1 (2003).
“Capturing”Your Console
Upon power-up of your Element, some or all of
the alphanumeric displays above the faders may read
INACTIVE. This means that the Element CPU must be
initialized. To do this, you’ll need to enter Capture Mode.
Figure 1-6: Identifying the Standard Monitor Module
(left) and Monitor + 2-Fader Module (right).

1: Element with StudioEngine: Setup & Connections • 4
©2016 Axia Audio- Rev 1.8.1
Press and hold both the *(star) and “2” keys on the
Monitor Module numeric pad for 5 seconds. The alpha-
numeric displays will change to read Capture Mode;
this enumerates all of the installed faders in the control
surface.
Now, make sure that LED displays above the faders
display the channel numbers in the order you desire. If
not, you can adjust them individually using the PGM1
and PGM2 buttons above each fader to change the chan-
nel number to the one you desire.
When you’re done adjusting channel number dis-
plays, press the 8(enter) or # (if you have a Monitor
+2-fader module) key to exit Capture Mode and your El-
ement is ready to use.
Hello Moto: If you have motorized faders, you
can “mirror” other motorized faders while you
are in Capture Mode. A motorized fader that is
“slaved” to a master fader will move automati-
cally to mirror the movements of the master.
Mirrored faders both control gain for the same
source, but the master can override the setting
of the slave — useful for “split” Element setups
where talent has a local set of faders that may
be used to control certain sources, but you still
want the Board Operator to have master control.
To mirror a fader, press the Options key above
the fader you wish to make the “slave”. An apos-
trophe (‘) will be displayed next to its numeric
indicator. Pressing the fader’s PGM1 and PGM2
keys will change the numeric indicator, indicating
the “Master” to which this fader is now slaved; a
display reading 2’ means that the fader is slaved
to fader 2.
Pressing the Options key again returns the fad-
er to non-mirrored mode.
Short Navigation Tutorial
There are several different ways to change on-screen
options. The rst way is with Element’s SoftKnobs, lo-
cated directly above the Monitor Module and shown in
Figure 1-7.
Note that the functionality is the same but the menus
are slightly different for the Element 2-Fader Monitor
module. This module has only 3 SoftKnobs.
Figure 1-7: Element SoftKnobs.
These knobs are context-sensitive. When any of Ele-
ment’s setup modes are activated using the options keys
on the faders or Master Module, you’ll see a correspond-
ing row of “knobs” represented onscreen, as shown in
Figure 1-8.
Figure 1-8: On-screen SoftKnobs.
Note that there are sometimes functions shown both
above and below the on-screen SoftKnobs. When a func-
tion is presented above the knob, turning that knob ac-
complishes that function. When a function is presented
below the knob, pushing in gently on the corresponding
SoftKnob activates that function. The example shown in
Figure 1-8 is from the IP Address Book screen.
If your Element is equipped with the standard Moni-
tor Module, you can also navigate using the control knob,
directional keys and Enter key located at the lower right-
hand corner of the module, as shown in Figure 1-6.
Figure 1-10: Master Module numeric keypad.
Additionally, whenever numeric input is required
(like entering IP addresses), you can use the numeric
keypad located just above the Navigation Keys (Figure
1-10) to enter numbers directly.

1: Element with StudioEngine: Setup & Connections • 5
©2016 Axia Audio- Rev 1.8.1
IP Address Conguration
Using your IP Assignment Worksheet, you’ll
now choose an IP address for both your Element and
StudioEngine. You must make sure that IP addresses for
both Engine and Surface are in the same IP network, and
are both valid Unicast addresses. For example:
»192.168.0.10: Element
»192.168.0.11: Engine
Both addresses belong to 192.168.0.x IP network,
and so will work for our application.
Note: “Gateway” settings on Livewire equip-
ment are optional. They may be left blank un-
less you intend to access the StudioEngine’s
conguration utility remotely, from outside your
network. Should you desire to do so, enter the
IP address of your master router (the one with
external network connections) whenever you’re
given the option to enter a gateway IP address.
Note: Element v2.x software supports redun-
dant NTP servers. Use the second eld in the IP
Address Book to enter the address of a backup
server.
Once you’ve determined the IP addresses you’ll as-
sign, turn on the Element power supply and the attached
VGA monitor.
Setting IP using the Standard Monitor Module
When Element has completed its start cycle (meter
screen appears), nd the section marked Global Op-
tions on the Monitor Module. Press and hold the key
marked Fader Options located in the top right corner
of the module for ve seconds to enter the IP Address
Book (Figure 1-11).
To set the IP address, rotate the leftmost SoftKnob to
highlight the line titled “Element IP Address” and push
the knob to select that line. Now use the numeric pad to
enter the IP address. Press the leftmost SoftKnob again
to “take” the new IP value. Repeat this process to set the
subnet mask value.
Continue down the screen and, in the same way, enter
the other elds’ values as appropriate.
• Rotate the Select/Set SoftKnob to scroll through
the list of available options. To select an option to
modify, push this knob. While modifying an options,
rotate the knob to change an option’s value, and push
the knob to move to the next eld. Available options
include:
»Element IP Address: Every piece of Livewire
gear must have its own unique IP Address. Set
the IP Address for each Element in this eld.
»Subnet Mask: Enter your network’s subnet
mask value here, usually 255.255.255.0
»Gateway IP Address: To enable remote ad-
ministration of your Livewire network or an exter
NTP server, you’ll need a gateway. If you have
one installed, enter its IP Address value here.
»Engine IP Address: Each Axia control surface
controls a unique Studio Engine. Enter the IP of
the controlled Engine here.
»1st NTP Server IP Address: Element supports
NTP (Network Time Protocol) timekeeping to
synchronize time-of-day clocks across your fa-
cility. If you have an NTP server, enter its IP Ad-
dress here.
Figure 1-11: IP Address Book,
Standard Monitor Module

1: Element with StudioEngine: Setup & Connections • 6
©2016 Axia Audio- Rev 1.8.1
»2nd NTP Server IP Address: Element v2.x
software supports redundant NTP servers. Enter
the IP Address of your backup server here.
»Web Page User Password: You can password-
protect your Element’s web server connection by
entering a short numeric password here.
Note: If you set a password for HTTP access,
you will not see your password displayed in this
eld upon re-entering the IP Address book. This
is a security feature intended to prevent “over-
the-shoulder” password theft.
• If you want to reverse changes you’ve made and
haven’t saved, press the Undo knob to erase them.
• Press Save to save changes you’ve made.
• Press Reboot to immediately reboot the Ele-
ment.
• You can press Exit to leave the IP Address Book
at any time without saving your changes.
Note: After making changes to any Element IP
address settings, you must reboot the console.
Use the “REBOOT” soft key to begin an immediate
reboot sequence.
Remember, you can even reboot Element while
on-the-air, since the audio mixing is not done in
the console but in the Studio Engine; your audio
will continue to play without interruption.
Setting IP using the 2-Fader Monitor Module
When Element has completed its start cycle (meter
screen appears), nd the numeric keypad at the top right
of the Monitor Module. Press and hold the *(star), “7”
& “4” keys simultaneously for ve seconds to enter the
IP Address Book (Figure 1-12).
To set the IP address, rotate the left-most SoftKnob
to highlight the line titled “Element IP Address” and
push the knob to select that line. Now use the numeric
pad to enter the IP address. Press the left-most SoftKnob
again to “take” the new IP value. Repeat this process to
set the subnet mask value.
Continue down the screen and, in the same way, enter
the other elds’ values as appropriate.
• Rotate the Select/Set SoftKnob to scroll through
the list of available options. To select an option to
modify, push this knob. While modifying an options,
rotate the knob to change an option’s value, and push
the knob to move to the next eld. Available options
include:
»Element IP Address: Every piece of Livewire
gear must have its own unique IP Address. Set
the IP Address for each Element in this eld.
»Subnet Mask: Enter your network’s subnet
mask value here, usually 255.255.255.0
»Gateway IP Address: To enable remote admin-
istration of your Livewire network, you’ll need a
network gateway. If you have one installed, enter
its IP Address value here.
»Engine IP Address: Each Axia control surface
controls a unique Studio Engine. Enter the IP of
the controlled Engine here.
»1st NTP Server IP Address: Element supports
NTP (Network Time Protocol) timekeeping to
synchronize time-of-day clocks across your fa-
cility. If you have an NTP server, enter its IP Ad-
dress here.
Figure 1-12: IP Address Book,
Monitor Module

1: Element with StudioEngine: Setup & Connections • 7
©2016 Axia Audio- Rev 1.8.1
»2nd NTP Server IP Address: Element v2.x
software supports redundant NTP servers. Enter
the IP Address of your backup server here.
»Web Page User Password: You can password-
protect your Element’s web server connection by
entering a numeric password here.
Note: If you set a password for HTTP access,
you will not see your password displayed in this
eld upon re-entering the IP Address book. This
is a security feature intended to prevent “over-
the-shoulder” password theft.
• Rotating the Action knob chooses between the fol-
lowing options:
»Save stores the changes you’ve made to the IP
Address Book.
»Undo reverses any changes you’ve made if you
haven’t yet saved them.
»Reboot immediately reboots the Element.
• Press the Exit knob to leave the IP Address Book.
Note: After making changes to any Element
IP address settings, you must save the chang-
es and reboot the console. Use the “REBOOT”
soft key to begin an immediate reboot se-
quence.
Remember, you can even reboot Element while
on-the-air, since the audio mixing is not done in
the console but in the Studio Engine; your audio
will continue to play without interruption.
What about monitors and meters, you may ask? The
detailed conguration of timers, clock, monitors and
metering is not included in this basic setup. Please refer
to Chapter 5 - Element Operation where these topics
are discussed in depth.
The next section will walk you through setting up
your StudioEngine.
StudioEngine Quick Setup
Connections
Note: We recommend leaving 1RU of “breath-
ing space” for ventilation above and below the
StudioEngine when you rack-mount the unit.
Using the supplied AC power cord, connect the
StudioEngine to the mains. Route a length of CAT-6 ca-
ble from StudioEngine to a Gigabit port on your studio’s
Ethernet switch, but don’t connect it quite yet.
IP Conguration
1. Power on your StudioEngine; the front-panel display
will indicate the boot-up sequence. When the screen
displays IP address and network connection infor-
mation, push the control knob to call the Main Menu.
2. Turn the control knob to highlight Option #4, IP
Settings (Figure 1-14), and push to select.
Figure 1-14: StudioEngine IP conguration screen.
3. Push the control knob and you’ll see that the rst
line of the display (marked Net Addr)is underlined.
Push the knob again to select this line.
4. You’ll see a ashing underline under the rst digit
of the IP address. Push and rotate the control knob
to select the value for this digit. Push again to “take”
the value.
5. Continue this sequence until your IP address is prop-
erly entered. When nished, turn the control knob
until the check mark at the end of the line is high-
lighted, and push the knob to apply the new IP ad-
dress value.
6. When you’ve set the subnet mask and gateway IP ad-
dress, choose OK at the bottom of the screen.
7. You’ll be asked if you’d like to reboot for changes
to take effect. select YES and connect the Ethernet
cable to your StudioEngine.

1: Element with StudioEngine: Setup & Connections • 8
©2016 Axia Audio- Rev 1.8.1
Secret Button Function: Here it is, the rst
of many “secret” controls hidden about Ele-
ment and meant for your Engineering eyes only.
If, during bootup, you press the StudioEngine’s
control knob within 6 secs of the initial screen
display, you’ll be asked if you want to reset the
front panel and HTTP passwords to factory de-
fault. This is your “backdoor” into the system
should you forget the login password to the
front panel. Changing these passwords forces
a reboot.
StudioEngine Channel Settings
For the next steps we’ll be using the StudioEngine’s
HTTP interface, so connect a computer loaded with
an Internet browser to the local switch. This computer
should have an IP address in the same range assigned to
the Element and StudioEngine.
Note: Axia web interfaces have been tested
with Microsoft Internet Explorer, version 5 or
later, but may also work with other browsers.
Whatever browser you choose, Java must be
enabled and your pop-up blocker, if any,
must be disabled in order to work with Axia
equipment.
Note that Windows Vista versions do not have
Java installed by default as in prior versions.
You must install the Sun Java package found at
http://www.java.com .
In a Livewire network, individual devices (audio
nodes, studio controllers, etc.) are identied by unique
IP addresses. But what about the audio streams these
devices generate? Think about how many audio sources
and destinations there are in even a small studio — there
are a lot to keep track of. In the analog days, we’d afx
a numbered label to each cable that entered the terminal
room to identify each audio circuit. Obviously, we can’t
attach pieces of paper to digital packet streams, but we
can give each one a “label.”
We refer to these “labels” as Network Channel Num-
bers. Each Livewire system can support 32,766 channels
of audio, which enables us to give each audio source or
destination its own unique numeric channel number.
Note: 32,000+ channel numbers exceeds the
average human’s RAM storage capacity. We rec-
ommend using a spreadsheet program — just
to make sure you don’t generate painful read-
memory register errors.
As soon as you connected your StudioEngine to the
network (following the steps in the previous section), it
began to generate audio using factory default channel
numbers. To avoid conict with other studios, you must
change those default values to new channel numbers.
1. Open the browser on your computer and point it to the
IP address you previously set for your StudioEngine.
Choose the Program And Monitor Outputs menu
option to congure the output buses of the Element.
2. You’ll be prompted to enter a user name and pass-
Figure 1-15: StudioEngine Output conguration

1: Element with StudioEngine: Setup & Connections • 9
©2016 Axia Audio- Rev 1.8.1
word. The default user name is “user”. Leave the
password eld blank.
3. You’ll see the screen shown in Figure 1-15, This
screen allows you to set channel numbers for all of
the audio outputs generated by Element; program
and record busses, monitor feeds, and talkback desti-
nations. Work down the list, assign each one a unique
channel number and record them in your channel
number log.
4. Find the column entitled Mode. Each Studio Engine
is shipped with the most common streams enabled
with Live Stereo mode. Make sure all of your de-
sired streams are enabled.
5. Choose Apply.
A word about stream types: There are sev-
eral different types of streams available in the
Mode drop-down box: Live Stereo and Stan-
dard Stereo.
Live Stereo was previously referred to as
Livestreams. Use Live Stereo streams when-
ever you need the lowest latency for on-air
feeds, mic-to-headphone paths, etc.
Standard Stereo
is intended to provide the best
compatibility with older PC systems, but the
trade-off is that these streams have a higher
amount of latency.
Set Your Console Type
Note: Manual setting of console type is only
necessary on Element consoles running soft-
ware versions prior to v2.0. In Elements running
v2.0 or higher, this setting will auto-detect.
Axia StudioEngines will work with different types of
consoles, so you need to tell it which type you’re pairing
it with.
1. Navigate to the “Engine ID” menu and nd the “Ap-
plication Interface Options” section. Be sure that
Element is checked for the “Console Type”.
2. Click Apply .
Advanced Settings
You’ve no doubt noticed that there are many more
options for your Element and StudioEngine than we’ve
covered here. That’s because Chapter One was meant to
get you up and running as quickly as possible. For
an in-
depth explanation of the other available settings,
please
refer to Chapter 8: Advanced Element Controls and
Chapter 9: StudioEngine Controls.
What’s Next
Take a break! You’re done with initial set-up of your
Element and StudioEngine.
When you’re ready, you may skip Chapter 2 (Power-
Station setup) and jump to Chapter 3: Working with
Sources for a walk through one of the most important
Element concepts: Source Proles.

1: Element with StudioEngine: Setup & Connections • 10
©2016 Axia Audio- Rev 1.8.1
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