DAD AX32 User manual
User Manual
AX32 AD/DA Converter System
User Manual AX32
Doc no. AX32-8001-A-4 Rev. date 140107 Page 2 of 31
WARNING – when using electric products, basic precautions should be followed, including the following:
Read all of the safety and installations instructions and explanation of graphic symbols before using the
product.
1 Do not use this apparatus near water.
2. Clean only with dry cloth.
3. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in
accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
4. Do not install near any heat sources such as
radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other
apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce
heat.
5. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized
or grounding-110 to 125V type plug according to
UL 817 and CSA C22.2 no. 42. 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 the third
prong are provided for your safety. If the
provided plug does not fit into your outlet,
consult an electrician for replacement of the
obsolete outlet.
6 Protect the power cord from being walked on or
pinched particularly at plugs, convenience
receptacles, and the point where they exit from
the apparatus.
7 Only use attachments/accessories specified by
the manufacturer.
8. 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.
9 Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or
when unused for long periods of time.
10 Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
Servicing is required when the apparatus has
been damaged in any way, such as 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,
does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
DANGER
Improper connection of the equipment-grounding can result in a risk of electric shock. Do not modify the
plug provided with the product – if it will not fit the outlet have a proper outlet installed by a qualified
electrician. Do not use an adapter which defeats the function of the equipment-grounding conductor. If
you are in doubt as to whether the product is properly grounded, check with a qualified serviceman or
electrician.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
READ AND KEEP THESE INSTRUCTIONS
User Manual AX32
Doc no. AX32-8001-A-4 Rev. date 140107 Page 3 of 31
The product must be grounded. If it should malfunction or breakdown, grounding provides a path of least
resistance for electric current to reduce the risk of electric shock. This product is equipped with a power
supply cord having an equipment-grounding conductor and a grounding plug. The plug must be plugged
into an appropriate outlet which is properly installed and grounded in accordance with all local codes and
ordinances.
WARNING
•This product, either alone or in combination with an amplifier and speakers or headphones, may be
capable of producing sound levels that could cause permanent hearing loss. Do not operate at a high
volume level or at a level that is uncomfortable. If you experience any hearing loss or ringing in the
ears, you should consult an audiologist.
•The product should be located so that its location or position does not interfere with its proper
ventilation.
•The power-supply cord of the product should be unplugged from the outlet when left unused for a
long period of time. When unplugging the power supply, do not pull on the cord, but grasp it by the
plug.
•Care should be taken so that objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled into the enclosure through
openings.
SERVICE
•Do not attempt to service the product beyond that described in the user maintenance instructions. All
other servicing should be referred to qualified service personnel.
•The product should be serviced by qualified service personnel when:
1. The power supply cord or plug has been damaged, or
2. Objects have fallen, or liquid has spilled into the product, or
3. The product has been exposed to rain, or
4. The product does not appear to be operating normally or exhibits a marked change in
performance, or
5. The product has been dropped, or the enclosure damaged.
WARNING – Hazardous moving parts inside the AX32. Keep fingers and other body parts away.
User Manual AX32
Doc no. AX32-8002-A-4 Rev. date 140124 Page 4 of 31
Contents
INTRODUCTION 6
BEFORE YOU START 6
OVERVIEW OF THE AX32 6
Key features 6
GENERAL DESCRIPTION 7
Clock and synchronisation system 8
Router functions and principle 8
OPERATION 9
Front panel LED’s 9
Front panel status display 10
Reconfig button 11
DADMAN CONTROL SOFTWARE 12
Assigning the IP address for the computer and the AX32 12
Top bar functions 13
Operation 13
AD Section 15
DA Section 16
Connections 16
General 17
NETWORK FUNDAMENTALS 20
What is a network? 20
The physical connection 20
Addressing 21
REAR PANEL CONNECTIONS. 24
Digital I/O Connections 24
Analogue I/O Connections 26
SPECIFICATIONS 27
Audio Specifications 27
Mechanical specifications 28
Environmental specifications. 28
APPENDIX A, GUIDE TO ESTABLISH CONNECTION TO A PRO TOOLS PRE 29
User Manual AX32
Doc no. AX32-8002-A-4 Rev. date 140124 Page 5 of 31
Revision History
Version Date Author Status Comment
1.0 2014-01-24 MV/JL 1. release, basic user manual Reflecs:
AX32 FW. V.1.3
DADman SW v. 4.0
© 2014 All rights reserved. DAD - Digital Audio Denmark is a registered Trademark of NTP Technology A/S,
who is the legal owner of the brand.
Product features and specifications are subject to change without notice.
NTP Technology A/S shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors contained herein, nor for incidental or
consequential damages resulting from the furnishing, performance or use of this manual.
Company Address: NTP Technology A/S, Nybrovej 99, DK-2820 Gentofte, Denmark
All trademarks are recognized as the property of their respective owners.
Doc No. AX32-8002-A-4 rev.1
User Manual AX32
Doc no. AX32-8002-A-4 Rev. date 140124 Page 6 of 31
Introduction
Congratulations, and thank you for purchasing the DAD AX32 Converter System. AX32 is an extremely
capable multi channel audio converter and microphone preamplifier for independent simultaneous
analogue-to-digital (A/D) and digital-to-analogue (D/A) conversion as well as digital-to-digital format
conversion and signal routing. AX32 can interface a total 48 analogue input and output channels
depending on the configuration of the unit, and has fixed installed 8 stereo AES3 inputs and outputs (16 I/O
channels), dual DigiLink connection for 64 input and output channels interface to Pro Tools HDX™, one
coaxial 64 channel MADI input and output connection, and optionally by installing a mini I/O module
additionally two optical 64 channel MADI input and output connectors via “Small form-factor pluggable”
(SFP) transceiver modules. Further more 64 input and output channels of Ethernet IP audio powered by
Dante™is supported by installing the internal IP audio option. As standard the basic chassis is equipped with
one fixed power supply. For redundant power operation two power supplies can be installed.
Before you start
This user manual provides basic information about the operation and use of the AX32.
For more detailed information related to the installation of the AX32 please refer to the installation
guide on the DAD website, www.digitalaudio.dk.
Overview of the AX32
The AX32 features are quite comprehensive and are listed below:
Key features
•8 to 48 analogue channels with 8 channels on a card.
•8 ch. Line input AD card, 8 ch. Mic/Line input AD card and 8 ch. Line output DA card with output
level control.
•Microphone preamplifier with relay based gain circuit.
•Digital router and format converter between all analogue and digital inputs and outputs.
•Sample rates 44.1 kHz up-to 384 kHz as well as DSD64/DSD 128 with high precision internal clock
and PLL.
•Synchronisation via Word Clock, AES11, Video, and all digital audio inputs.
•Sample rate can be adapted to the setting of an external device.
•8 AES3 interfaces with 16 I/O channels
•MADI coax interface with 64 I/O channels.
•64 channel interface for Pro Tools™ with two DigiLink ports, configurable as Primary or
Primary/expansion ports.
•Ethernet IP audio interface for 64 I/O channels using Dante™ with configurable redundant
network.
•Compliant with the Dante™ Controller and Dante™ Virtual Sound Card.
•Some settings can be controlled on the front panel.
•Operation via DADman control software for Windows and OSX.
•All settings are controlled via the Ethernet interface.
•Ultra low noise internal fan with speed adaptation to the temperature.
User Manual AX32
Doc no. AX32-8002-A-4 Rev. date 140124 Page 7 of 31
General Description
The AX32 Converter System is a modular unit with a basic digital I/O and processing card. The chassis has
eight card slots where up to six 8 channel analogue input or output cards can be installed.
The chassis can be fitted with one or two power supplies. One power supply is sufficient when using a
maximum of 5 cards. In that situation, it is possible to have a second power supply installed as a redundant
power supply. When 6 cards are installed, two power supplies must be installed in order to keep the
temperature in the power supply at a reasonable level. An AX32 with 6 cards can operate on one power
supply only, so the AX32 will not go down if one of the power supplies fail. However it is not recommended
to leave the AX32 operating like this for several days as the lifetime of the remaining power supply may be
reduced considerably.
AX32 has a slot for an optional I/O mini module. The module can be a dual optical MADI I/O interface using
“Small form-factor pluggable” (SFP) transceiver modules, providing 2 x 64 optical MADI channels.
The IP audio option for AX32 is established by installing a Dante™ Brooklyn II module internally in the unit.
The IP audio will interface to the Ethernet connector via an internal Ethernet switch on the basic digital I/O
and processing card. The switch operates as a bridge between the two RJ 45 Ethernet connectors on the
rear panel and the internal controller and the Dante™ Brooklyn II module. In normal operation both
connectors can be used for connecting to Ethernet, and as switch to expand the connection to other units.
When the IP audio option is operating in redundant mode the two connectors have redundant IP audio
streams. In this case the control of the unit is made via network connector 1.
AX32 is a remote controlled unit. The control interface is the Ethernet connector and the DADman software
controls the units via Ethernet. Some front panel control of the units is also possible.
In addition to the AD/DA conversion and digital I/O functionality, AX32 provides a very powerful router
matrix functionality as well. All input signals can be patched to one or more output interfaces on a mono
channel basis. So in fact the AX32 is also a digital patch bay.
Figure 1 shows an overall block diagram for the AX32 Converter System.
AD/mic pre or
DA Mains 1
2xD25
Connectors
2xBNC
Connectors
2xSDR-mini
Connectors
2xRJ45
Connectors
1xD25
Connector
0 to 6 x I/ Modules AES11
Sync input
WC/VBB in
WC sync out
2xBNC
Connectors
1xXLR
Connector
1xMADI,
64 ch. I/
8xAES3,
16 ch I/
2xDigiLink,
16/64 ch. I/
2xGB Ethernet
Control and 64
ch. IP Audio I/
8 ch. Analogue
in or out
AD/mic pre or
DA
1xD25
Connector
8 ch. Analogue
in or out
AD/mic pre or
DA
1xD25
Connector
8 ch. Analogue
in or out
I/ Card
I/ Card
I/ Card
2x ptical
SFP Connector
2xMADI,
128 ch. I/
Mini Module
Dante
Brooklyn II module
IP Audio option
FPGA based
router matrix,
DSP processor
and controller
Ethernet
GigaBit
Switch
PSU 1
PSU 2 Mains 2
ptional PSU
Main board
Figure 1, AX32 block diagram
User Manual AX32
Doc no. AX32-8002-A-4 Rev. date 140124 Page 8 of 31
Clock and synchronisation system
The clock system of AX32 supports various internal and external clock modes. AX32 has a precise and very
high quality internal sample clock generator, which also can be clocked also from an external clock signal by
means of a very accurate Digital Phase Locked Loop (DPLL) system.
The AX32 clock system has to
be set to the correct sample
rate with which the units
should operate. This is the case
both when operating with the
internal sample clock generator
as master clock or when
synchronised to an external
clock source. The Sample rates
supported is either based on
44.1 or 48 kHz sampling. An
external clock must always
have a correct base rate in
relation to the sample rate
used.
Figure 2, AX32 Sample clock circuit
The sample rate with which the AX32 should operate can be set manually via DADman or the front display,
or the sample rate can be adapted to an external digital device e.g. a Pro Tools DAW system. When using
the IP Audio interface powered by Dante™the sample rate of the Dante™I/O node to the IP Audio network
can be set to follow the sample rate of the AX32. When more AX32 units are operating in the same set up
or IP Audio network they must be set to the same sample rate.
For information on how to configure the synchronisation and sample rates, please refer to the
Operation section of this manual.
Router functions and principle
The AX32 Converter System includes a
very flexible router matrix. All input
signals can be patched to one or more
output interfaces on a mono channel
basis.
In order to set up the correct signal flow
in the AX32, the correct connections
have to be set in the matrix. This is done
via the DADman user interface. Any one
of the analogue or digital inputs
installed in the AX32 can be patched to
any analogue or digital output or split
into multiple outputs.
This means that the e.g. 16 analogue
input channels can be patched to the
Pro Tools output and the Pro Tools input
can be patched to a MADI output. And
at te same time two channels can be
patched to the analogue output.
Furthermore, e.g. 8 AES3 channels can
at the same time be patched to the
optical MADI output.
Figure 3, AX32 router matrix
User Manual AX32
Doc no. AX32-8002-A-4 Rev. date 140124 Page 9 of 31
It is essential that all digital signals connected to the AX32 are synchronised to the same basic clock signal.
In order to patch IP Audio channels between different devices, the Dante Controller software tool from
Audinate has to be used.
For details on how to configure the routing matrix, please refer to the section Operation in this
manual.
Operation
The AX32 is controlled via the DADman software and some simple control and status viewing can be made
via the front panel of the unit. The DADman control program interfaces to the unit via one of the rear panel
Ethernet connectors. On the front panel two rows of LED indicators are available for indication of the AD
and DA signal level, an LCD display is available for simple control and for showing various settings of the
AX32. 4 buttons are available for accessing the settings shown in the display.
Figure 4, Front panel layout
Front panel layout
1. 16 LED indicators for signal level indication of the analogue AD input.
2. 16 LED indicators for signal level indication of the analogue DA output.
3. 4 buttons for operating the status display.
4. Status display.
Front panel LED’s
AX32 has two rows of 16 LED indicators on the front panel showing the signal status for the AD inputs and
DA outputs.
AD
Signal of AD channel 1-16. Yellow indicates
OL/Signal signal input above -42dB FS, and red indicates
signal above -0.5 dB FS.
DA
Signal of DA channel 1-16. Yellow indicates
Signal/carrier signal above -42dB FS. Green indicates signal
below -42dB FS and a valid digital input
source/carrier.
User Manual AX32
Doc no. AX32-8002-A-4 Rev. date 140124 Page 10 of 31
Front panel status display
The display of the AX32 has four rows for displaying information and four knobs for entering and scrolling
information. The display can show more pages and each page can consist of rows where settings can be
changed, and with rows for just showing status information. The display functions for the basic page are
described below. More pages are available depending on the firmware version of the AX32. For more
information on these pages please refer to the user manual.
Operating buttons
Setting Pushing the button scrolls trough the settings
rows. The > curser marks the selected
row/function.
Up Pushing the button scrolls up the value/ setting
of the selected function.
Down Pushing the button scrolls down the
value/setting of the selected function.
Page Pushing the button scrolls trough the available
display pages.
Basic display page – sample rate, synchronization, ID
and alarms
Sample Rate Shows sample rate of the AX32. If an asterisk
* is shown the sample rate is controlled via an
external digital audio interface.
SRate Adapt Shows which external digital audio interface
that controls the sample rate or shows
“Intern” for internal sample rate control.
Sync Source Shows the external synchronisation clock
source or shows “Intern” when the AX32 uses
the internal clock.
Unit ID /Name Shows unit ID number and unit name. This is
set via DADman.
Alarm/status Shows alarm status:
Sync OK = Clock sync is OK
SyncErr = Clock sync failure
TempErr = temperature inside AX32 is above
60ºC / 140ºF. Check that the AX32 is installed
in accordance with the instructions.
Fan Err = One of the two fans is not working
correctly. Contact a DAD representative or the
factory.
CardErr = Fault in one of the A/D or D/A
cards. Contact a DAD representative or the
factory.
Psu Err = Power supply failure. Contact a DAD
representative or the factory.
User Manual AX32
Doc no. AX32-8002-A-4 Rev. date 140124 Page 11 of 31
Reconfig button
The “Reconfig” button on the back of the AX32 should not be used during normal installation. It is
generally intended as an ultimate recovery function in case something goes wrong during programming of
IP addresses or a software upgrade, e.g. an unintended power loss. It allows the AX32 to start in various
“basic” modes so it can be restored without having to be returned to the factory.
The “Reconfig” button is accessed via a hole in the rear panel using a pen or a similar pointed item. A green
LED is visible through the hole. When the “Reconfig” button is activated, the LED will light up indicating the
two reconfig modes of the AX32.
Recovery mode
“Reconfig
”
pushed while the
unit is powering
up
Green LED
turns ON
The AX32 enters a
recovery
mode. In this mode
only a basic boot software is operative in the
unit, and new software can be downloaded via
the DADman software. This mode is used if the
software in the AX32 for some reason is not
operative or broken.
The IP address settings of the unit are the last
setting used in the unit.
“Reconfig
”
short push
while the unit is
in reconfig mode
and Green LED is
on
Green LED
turns OFF
The AX32 remains in reconfig mode as described
above.
The IP address settings of the unit is however set
to DHCP. In case there is no DHCP server on the
network, the AX32 will default to IP address
10.0.7.20 / 255.255.0.0 after approx. 2 minutes.
The selection of either of the two recovery modes are fixed after selection. The AX32 will start with a basic
boot software and IP configuration. The AX32 will not be operational until a proper firmware has been
downloaded via the DADman software and it has been restarted. By enabling recovery mode with default IP
address and network configuration the unit can always be identified on a network via the default setup.
Note that the IP address referred to is the IP address of the controller/management
interface of the unit. This is not the IP address of the IP audio interface if a such is
installed. This IP address can not be accessed in recovery or restore defaults mode.
Restore defaults
Push “Reconfig”
for 10 sec. while
the unit is in
normal operation.
Release
“Reconfig”
button
Green LED
OFF
The AX32 enters a
restore default
mode. In this
mode all setting of the unit is initialized to the
factory programmed defaults.
The IP address settings of the unit are remain
unchanged and do NOT return to factory default.
When the “Reconfig” button is released the
firmware of the unit restarts with the factory
default settings and enter normal operation
automatically.
User Manual AX32
Doc no. AX32-8002-A-4 Rev. date 140124 Page 12 of 31
DADman control software
The DADman control software runs on Windows or MAC-OSX computers. Once DADman is installed on
your computer you can open the application. DADman controls the AX32 via Ehernet. Before you can
operate one or more AX32 units the correct network configuration has to be applied.
Assigning the IP address for the computer and the AX32
When the DADman program is installed you are able to finalise the network configuration of the AX32 by
connecting AX32 one by one. You have the option of using fixed IP addresses or IP addresses assigned via
DHCP.
Fixed IP address
You must have a preferred range of IP addresses, and a network mask for the computer network and the
connected AX32 units.
Configure your computer IP address and network mask via the computer control panel to e.g. 10.0.7.25 |
255.255.255.0
Select the AX32 in the DADman Settings/ Device List menu by right clicking the unit line and select
‘Network settings’ when using a Windows PC. On MAC-OSX you use the ‘Action’ button to select ‘Network
Settings’.
Configure via DADman each AX32 in turn with a unique IP address and the preferred network mask e.g.
10.0.7.21 | 255.255.255.0. In this window you can also configure the IP audio network settings
When you are done you can connect more than one AX32 to the network, and they will appear in the
DADman Device List.
Automatic IP address
You must have a network with a DHCP server which will allocate the IP addresses.
Configure your computer IP address via the computer control panel to DHCP.
Select the AX32 in the DADman Tools / Device List menu by right clicking the unit line and select ‘Network
settings’.
Configure via DADman each AX32 in turn to DCHP.
When you are done you can connect more than one AX32 to the network, and they will appear in the
DADman Device List.
Figure 5, DADman Device list in Windows
User Manual AX32
Doc no. AX32-8002-A-4 Rev. date 140124 Page 13 of 31
Figure 6, DADman Device list in
MAC-OSX
Top bar functions
The top bar in DADman gives
you access to the File menu
and the Settings menu. On a
MAC, there is also a DADman
menu item.
The File menu gives you
access to save and load
configuration files, i.e. when
you have set up an AX32 as
you want it, you can save the
configuration so you can re-
load it later on if required.
An important function is the Options menu under Settings (Windows) or Preferences menu under DADman
(MAC).
If the “Open last file at startup” is checked, DADman will automatically load the
latest configuration file you used and download it to the AX32. This gives you a
well-defined starting point in case other users have changed the configuration of
the AX32. However, as more user can operate the AX32 simultaneously, it also
means that you may disturb their work on the AX32.
The GUI Layout lets you choose between three different colour schemes on
DADman.
Operation
DADman is a channel strip oriented software showing all the units connected in the device list from left to
right also including DAD AX24 converters which can be connected via USB. The units are shown in a
sequence according the unit ID number. Each unit will have a coloured border surrounding the functions
of the unit.
The settings of an AX32 is always stored in the unit it self, so when connected DADman will show this
status. A complete DADman preset can also be saved on the computer storing all setting and network
configuration. DADman can be set to automatically load the preset when the program is started. If a preset
is not loaded the connection to the AX32 units in the device list has to be re established when starting
DADman.
DADman can also be automated from various external sources. DADman can be connected via MIDI to Pro
Tools emulation a Protools Pre, vi MIDI for a MIDI controller or via EuCon for interfacing to AVID/Euphonix
consoles
Please refer to appendix A for a guide to install the connection to Pro Tools Pre
User Manual AX32
Doc no. AX32-8002-A-4 Rev. date 140124 Page 14 of 31
The DADman windows are separated into the four functions: AD, DA, Connections and General as shown
below.
Most of the functions are quite intuitive. In the following section, the configuration and operation of the
AX32 is explained in more details.
Each subsection can be hidden by clicking on the symbol.
-
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Doc no. AX32-8002-A-4 Rev. date 140124 Page 15 of 31
More AX32 units and also AX24 and NTP Penta 721units can be operated via DADman as well.
Note that the order from left to right in which DADman shows the units are defined via
the unit ID number which is stored in the units. The number can be changed by clicking
the ID field in the corresponding section in the DADman window.
The name of each unit can also be edited by clicking the name Window. This name is stored in the unit, and
can be seen in the AX32 display.
Also names for each analogue input and output channel can be assigned. This name is only stored in the
DADman settings file and not in the AX32 unit.
AD Section
The AD section refers to the mic/line AD and line AD cards. If there are no AD cards in the AX32, the section
will be blank.
The screendump above shows the various settings in the AD section.
The sliders for the MIC gain can be adjusted with the mouse or with the UP/DOWN and PAGE UP/DOWN
keys. The mouse moves the gain setting in steps of 0.5 dB whereas the UP/DOWN keys move it in steps of
0.1 dB.
Mute
MIC/LINE
selection Phantom
power
ON/OFF
Phase invert Mono/stereo
selection Signal
above -
42
dB FS
Signal
above -0.5
dB FS
MIC gain
setting
LINE
clipping
level
LINE
clipping
level,
fine-tune
Selected
channel
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Doc no. AX32-8002-A-4 Rev. date 140124 Page 16 of 31
DA Section
The DA section refers to DA cards in the AX32. If there are no DA cards, the section will be blank.
The above screendump shows the DA section.
Connections
The setting in the DADman matrix is shown below
The left side of the frame and
the horizontal lines are the
inputs, and top side and the
vertical lines are the outputs.
DADman will show the
available inputs and outputs
which will reflect the actual
installed options and the
number of channels available
as a result of configuration and
the actual sample rate of the
AX32.
The matrix consists of an
overview matrix to the left and
a detailed matrix, to the right,
which appears when you select
a cross point between two
interfaces in the overview matrix. A cross point is set by clicking in the junction of the mono input and
Mute
Output level
Mono/stereo
selection
Signal
above -
42
dB FS
Signal
above -0.5
dB FS
Valid
carrier
User Manual AX32
Doc no. AX32-8002-A-4 Rev. date 140124 Page 17 of 31
output channels you what to connect. Using ‘shift’ and mouse click you connect two consecutive channels.
By using ‘control’ and mouse click you select a complete diagonal. Selecting the cross point again will
disconnect the signals. A connection is marked by a blue square.
The is some more helpful information available in the matrix view. In the top row of the output signal
names a blue square will be visible if the output is already connected. The square will be light blue if the
output is connected to an input not shown in the detailed matrix. The square will be dark blue if the output
is connected to an input shown in the detailed matrix. It is always possible to override this connection by
just connecting to an other input.
In the left side of the detailed matrix, there is a status indication next to each channel. These indicate:
Green On a digital input, it indicates that there is a valid input and carrier. It does NOT indicate
whether there is an audio signal in the channel. For an analogue channel, it indicates the card
is present.
Yellow Indicates sync loss or sample rate mismatch.
Red Shows an error with the interface, typically no input signal.
General
The General section is divided into sub-sections such as Synchronization, ProTools HD interface, MADI Coax
interface and Optical 1 and Optical 2 (if present).
Synchronization
The DADman settings for controlling the synchronization and sample rate are shown below:
You can set the following parameters: Source, Sampling rate, Adapt to,
Dante Rate, Word Clock Out and Sync termination. The following table
shows which settings are available. Please note that DADman will only
show the settings that are relevant in the given configuration.
Parameter Options Description
Source Internal, Word clock, AES 11,
Video, AES/EBU 1-8, MADI Coax,
MADI Opt. 1-2, Dante IP
This determines the clock source
of the AX32.
Sampling 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz
88.2 kHz, 96 kHz
176.4 kHz, 192 kHz
DSD 64 fs, DSD 128 fs
DXD, 384 kHz
This determines the sample rate
of the AX32 if the “Adapt to”
setting is set to Internal. If the
“Adapt to” setting is set to any of
the digital inputs, only the actual
sample rate will be shown.
Adapt to Internal, AES 11, AES/EBU 1-8,
Pro Tools 1-2, MADI Coax,
MADI Opt. 1-2, Dante IP
The sample rate of the AX32 can
either be set manually by
selecting Internal, or it can follow
User Manual AX32
Doc no. AX32-8002-A-4 Rev. date 140124 Page 18 of 31
any of the digital inputs. For
example, if it is set to Pro Tools 1,
the sample rate will automatically
follow the sample rate in your Pro
Tools project.
Out Word clock
Word clock, base
This parameter sets whether the
Word Clock output should only
follow the base sample rate (44.1
kHz / 48 kHz) or follow the actual
sample rate (44.1k / 48k / 88.2k /
96k / 176.4k / 192k).
Sync term. High Z
75 ohm
This parameter sets whether the
Word Clock input is terminated
internally in the AX32 with 75
ohm, or left unterminated. It is
strongly recommended that the
Word Clock input is terminated in
75 ohm for optimum
performance.
Pro Tools Interface
The 2 Pro Tools interfaces can be configured as either 2 x Primary or as
Primary/Extension. Furthermore they can be configured to emulate either 2 x HD-IO
or HD-MADI, providing 32 channels in each interface.
MADI Coax Interface
The MADI Coax interface can be configured for compatibility with different
implementations of MADI.
Frame rate can be set to “Legacy” or “High”, but only if the sample rate is higher
than 48 kHz. If the sample rate is 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz, the Frame rate is always
Legacy. In Legacy mode, the MADI Frame length is maintained and adjacent
channels are “merged” into one channel. In High mode, the MADI Frame length is
reduced rate and consequently the Frame rate is increased. Because of this
difference, the High mode has lower latency than the Legacy mode. Please note
that some 3
rd
party MADI products may not support High mode.
Frame size can be set to “Normal” or “Extended”. Normal mode supports up to 56 channels whereas
extended mode supports up to 64 channels.
Ch. status can be set to “Default” or “Transparent”. The Ch. status setting is only relevant when routing
incoming AES/EBU or MADI channels to a MADI output. In Default mode, the MADI Channel status bits are
defined by the AX32, whereas in Transparent mode the channel status bits from the relevant source
(AES/EBU or MADI) are transferred to the outgoing MADI signal. In most general cases it is best to leave it in
Default mode.
Input rate can be set to “Auto” or “As AD”. In Auto mode, the AX32 will try to determine the sample rate
of the incoming MADI signal. In As AD mode, the AX32 will assume that the incoming MADI has the same
sample rate as the AX32. It is usually recommend to leave this in Auto mode, however there may
occasionally be compatibility issues with 3
rd
party products. In that case, setting it to As AD may solve the
problem.
User Manual AX32
Doc no. AX32-8002-A-4 Rev. date 140124 Page 19 of 31
Optical 1 / Optical 2 Interface
The Optical MADI interfaces can be configured for
compatibility with different implementations of MADI.
Mode can be set to Disabled, MADI or NTP HotLink. The
optical interface board can be fitted with one or two SFP
optical interface modules. It is recommended to Disable the
optical interface if no SFP optical module is installed. The MADI
mode defines that the interface operates as a MADI signal. The
NTP Hotlink mode is never used.
Frame rate can be set to “Legacy” or “High”, but only if the sample rate is higher than 48 kHz. If the
sample rate is 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz, the Frame rate is always Legacy. In Legacy mode, the MADI Frame length
is maintained and adjacent channels are “merged” into one channel. In High mode, the MADI Frame length
is reduced rate and consequently the Frame rate is increased. Because of this difference, the High mode has
lower latency than the Legacy mode. Please note that some 3
rd
party MADI products may not support High
mode.
Frame size can be set to “Normal” or “Extended”. Normal mode supports up to 56 channels whereas
extended mode supports up to 64 channels.
Ch. status can be set to “Default” or “Transparent”. The Ch. status setting is only relevant when routing
incoming AES/EBU or MADI channels to a MADI output. In Default mode, the MADI Channel status bits are
defined by the AX32, whereas in Transparent mode the channel status bits from the relevant source
(AES/EBU or MADI) are transferred to the outgoing MADI signal. In most general cases it is best to leave it in
Default mode.
Input rate can be set to “Auto” or “As AD”. In Auto mode, the AX32 will try to determine the sample rate
of the incoming MADI signal. In As AD mode, the AX32 will assume that the incoming MADI has the same
sample rate as the AX32. It is usually recommend to leave this in Auto mode, however there may
occasionally be compatibility issues with 3
rd
party products. In that case, setting it to As AD may solve the
problem.
User Manual AX32
Doc no. AX32-8002-A-4 Rev. date 140124 Page 20 of 31
Network fundamentals
The following is a basic introduction to networks and how to set them up in relation to the AX32. Covering
the entire subject of “network” would require several hundred pages so we will focus on the “need-to-
know” parts of it.
What is a network?
A network allows multiple devices, such as PC’s, printers and many others to communicate with each other.
As opposed to traditional audio signals such as AES and MADI, which are point-to-point connections, a
network allows any device on the network to communicate with any other device on the network.
A network consists of one or more subnets. A subnet is typically a local network in building. A subnet can
operate as a closed network with no external connections or it can be connected to the Internet.
There are different types of devices in a network, e.g. PC’s, printers, AX32’s, switches and routers.
The physical connection
The devices in a network can be connected through a wide range of media. The most common for local
connections is the UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) cable. This is also referred to as CAT5, CAT5e or CAT6.
There are also other “CAT”-types, but the 3 mentioned here are the most common. The UTP cables are
normally terminated in an RJ-45 connector.
Other types of media can be fiber cables, wireless (Wi-Fi), coaxial cables and even power cables.
As the AX32 and most computers have an RJ45 connector for use with UTP cables, we will focus on this
type of interface.
When using UTP cables, it is possible to use different bit rates, typically 10 Mbit/s, 100 Mbit/s or 1000 Mbit/s
(1 Gb/s). The network interface on the AX32 and on most computers today support 1 Gb/s. It is therefore
important that the cabling supports this bit rate to ensure a stable connection. Cat5 cables do NOT support
gigabit transmission, so never use this type of cable. CAT5e and CAT6 cables both support 1 Gb/s, so make
sure to use either of these two types. The CAT-type is usually printed on the cable, so it is easy to identify.
CAT5e and CAT6 cables contain 4 twisted pairs, so a total of 8 wires. In order to achieve gigabit
transmission, all four pairs must be used. If only 2 pairs are used, the cable can only support 100 Mbit/s
transmission. If you look closely at the RJ45 connector on a network cable, you can easily see whether 2 or
4 pairs are used.
Twisted pair cable like CAT5e and CAT6 comes in two main varieties, solid and stranded. Solid CAT5 cable
supports longer length runs and works best in fixed wiring configurations like office buildings. Stranded
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