Limbic Media Aurora Pro User manual

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Oct 2018 v1
USER MANUAL
AUR-R2-P8D-00-US
AUR-R2-P8D-00-EU

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction 5
Guide Overview 6
About Aurora Pro 7
Aurora Pro Connector Interface 8
Prepare for an Installation 10
Power Aurora Pro ON/OFF 10
Connect LED Pixels to Built-In RGB connectors 11
Configure Aurora Pro 13
Set Up Aurora Pro Using Built-In RGB connectors (w/out Power Top-Ups) 13
Set Up Aurora Pro Using Built-In RGB connectors (with Power Top-Ups) 14
Configure a Network Distribution Box (NDB) 15
Set Up Aurora Pro with a Single Network Distribution Box (NDB) 20
Set up Aurora Pro with Multiple Network Distribution Boxes (NDBs) 22
Set up Aurora Pro with Network Distribution Boxes (NDBs) and Power Top-Ups 24
Connect and Configure the Aurora Mobile App 25
Download or Update the Aurora Mobile App 25
Connect to Aurora Pro in AP Mode 25
Connect to Aurora Pro in Station Mode 26
Configure the Aurora Mobile App 26
Adjust Device Settings 26
Adjust Live Control Mode 29
Adjust Show Mode 29
Connect and Calibrate Audio Inputs 31
Connect Audio Inputs 31
Connect Consumer-Level Speakers and Audio Devices 31
Connect Pro Audio Equipment 32
Connect a Microphone 33
Calibrate Auto and Manual Gain 34
Calibrate Auto Gain 34
Calibrate Manual Gain 35
Set Up Non-Audio Reactive Mode 36
Set Up DMX and Other Ethernet-Based Protocols 36
Set Up DMX IN 36
Set Up DMX OUT 37
Set Up Ethernet-Based Protocols 37

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Factory Reset and Upgrade Software 38
Factory Reset Aurora Pro 38
Upgrade Aurora Pro Software 38
Appendices 39
Aurora Terminology 39
Troubleshooting 40
Aurora Pro Patterns and Lighting Parameter Eects 41
Aurora DMX Specification 45
Extended Modes of Interaction 46
Aurora Pro (AUR-R2-P8D-00-US/AUR-R2-P8D-00-EU) Specifications 47
Aurora Pro Power Best Practices 49
Electrical Safety 52

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INTRODUCTION
Aurora Pro is a standalone, plug-and-play sound reactive lighting controller. Aurora
analyzes audio in real-time to generate dynamic lighting designs.
Innovate in your industry. Public spaces are seeking new ways to connect people
in an increasingly digital world. Choose sophisticated interactive lighting that
engages audiences and positions you as an innovator.
Connect people. Spark deeper connections with a “heads-up” social platform.
Encourage audiences to create lasting memories with their voices, motions, and
social media interactions. Increase visitor turnout and keep audiences coming back
for more.
Avoid unnecessary costs and steep learning curves. Nobody should have to hire
programming experts to create memorable experiences. Aurora creates interactive
lighting out-of-the-box. Easily customize lighting eects using the Aurora Mobile
App. Reconfigure the platform to reinvent displays year after year.
The Aurora Pro Manual is designed for non-technical users installing interactive
lighting for the first time, as well as experienced technicians integrating Aurora Pro
with protocols like DMX, KiNET or Art-Net.

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GUIDE OVERVIEW
The Aurora Pro Manual describes:
• How to navigate the Aurora Pro connector interface
• Basic installation preparations
• How to set up typical Aurora Pro lighting configurations
• How to connect to and configure the Aurora Mobile App
• How to upgrade Aurora Pro firmware and software
• Aurora Pro specifications, best practices, and troubleshooting
Pro-Tip:
Reading the Aurora Quick Start Guide is highly recommended before reading
this manual.
Questions?
Additional support for Aurora Pro is available at support.limbicmedia.ca
or contact [email protected]
View other documents at support.limbicmedia.ca/guidesmanuals/

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ABOUT AURORA PRO
Features
• Standalone, portable lighting controller
• Uses patented, sound-responsive algorithms
• Creates 2D- and 3D-mapped patterns
• Oers easy pattern and palette customization from the free Aurora Mobile
App or DMX IN
• Includes multiple audio inputs and thrus for consumer-level and professional
audio equipment
• Supports up to 4000 LED pixels with built-in RGB connectors or up to
25,000 LED pixels using network protocols like DDP, Art-Net and KiNET
LED Fixture Types Supported
Aurora Pro directly controls RGB and RGB LEDs with 8 built-in RGB connectors.
Installers can take advantage of our extensive catalog of LED fixtures and
accessories to scale up installations. Refer to the Aurora Product Guide for a
detailed list.
Aurora Pro supports other lighting equipment using industry standard protocols,
such as DDP, DMX512, Art-Net1, sACN1, or KiNET1LED fixtures. These can be used
alone or in conjunction with LED fixtures.
Maximum Lights Supported
Control up to 600 LED pixels using built-in RGB connectors and Aurora Pro’s
internal power supply.
Control up to 4000 LED pixels using built-in RGB connectors and Power Top-Ups.
Control up to 25,000 LED pixels with network protocols like KiNET or DDP in
conjunction with Network Distribution Boxes (NDBs).
Control 25,000+ LED pixels using custom hardware solutions.
Refer to the Aurora Pro Power Best Practices Appendix to troubleshoot pixel
constraints.
Standard Lighting Protocols Supported
DMX IN
DMX OUT1
Art-Net1
DDP
KiNET1
sACN1
WS2811
1 Contact Limbic Media for details.

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AURORA PRO CONNECTOR INTERFACE
The Aurora Pro connector interface is complete with multiple audio inputs/outputs,
built-in RGB connectors and buttons. Some of Aurora Pro’s functionality can be
accessed directly from the connector interface.
Fig. 1: Aurora Pro Connector Interface
1. Power connector
The power connector is located at the top left of the front panel. This connects
Aurora Pro to AC power via an IEC power cable.
2. Built-in RGB connectors
Aurora Pro comes with 8 built-in RGB LED connectors numbered ports 1-8. Refer to
the Aurora Product Guide for a catalog of available LED fixtures and accessories.
3. Reset button
The reset button restores Aurora Pro to its default system settings. A paper clip or
pin is required to press the button.
4. USB A connectors
Two USB A connectors connect a USB audio interface, USB-to-Ethernet adapter, or
USB data stick to Aurora Pro.
5. USB micro B connectors
The USB micro B connector is used to update Aurora Pro firmware.
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1. Power connector
2. Built-in RGB connectors
3. Reset button
4. USB A connectors
5. USB micro B connectors
6. Audio select button (SEL) and status LEDs
7. ⅛” IN/THRU2audio jack (IN 1 THRU21)
8. ¼” TRS/XLR combo jack IN/THRU2
(IN 2 THRU22)
9. Next mode/pattern (NXT) and status LED
10. Channel select dip switch (CHANNEL SEL)
11. DMX IN OUT/THRU2(IN OUT/THRU)
2 THRU is labeled OUT on older models of Aurora

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6. Audio select button (SEL) and status LEDs
The audio select button (SEL) cycles through available audio inputs (IN 1, IN 2, MIC).
The audio select status LEDs indicate which input is selected and the current audio
input level:
7. ⅛” IN/THRU audio jack (IN 1 THRU21)
The ⅛” IN/THRU audio jack (IN 1 THRU 1) connects consumer-level audio sources
and speakers to Aurora Pro.
8. ¼” TRS/XLR combo jack IN/THRU (IN 2 THRU22)
The ¼” TRS/XLR combo jack IN/THRU (IN 2 THRU 2) connects pro-audio equipment
such as mixers and external stereo systems to Aurora Pro.
9. Next mode/pattern and status LED
Holding the next mode/pattern button (NXT) down for 5 seconds switches between
Live Control Mode and Show Mode.
Pressing the next mode/pattern button (NXT) cycles through lighting patterns in Live
Control Mode, and previously set lighting cues in Show Mode.
The next mode/pattern status LED indicates Aurora Pro’s mode:
Refer to Configure the Aurora Mobile App to learn more about performance
modes.
10. Channel select dip switch (CHANNEL SEL)
The DMX IN channel select dip switch (CHANNEL SEL) allows you to set the DMX
base channel for DMX control.
11. DMX IN OUT/THRU (IN OUT/THRU)
DMX IN OUT/THRU (IN OUT/THRU) connects DMX controllers, consoles and
fixtures to Aurora Pro. Refer to Set Up DMX and Other Ethernet-Based Protocols
for details.
Color Audio Input Level
Green
Yellow
Red
White
-Inf < Input level < -5dB
-5 dB < Input level < -0.5 dB
-0.5 dB < Input level < 0 dB
System default restore
Color Solid LED Flashing LED
Green
Yellow
Red
White
None
Show Mode
DMX mode
Live Control Mode
System default restore
Show Mode/Live Control Mode
stopped
Show Mode paused³
N/A
Live Control Mode paused³
System update
N/A
³ LED pixels stay ON when the system is paused in Show or Live Control Mode. LED pixels turn OFF
when the system is stopped in Show Mode or Live Control Mode.

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PREPARE FOR AN INSTALLATION
It is important to properly plan lighting configurations before installing Aurora
Pro. Ensure all fixtures are accounted for prior to installing. Installing and testing
fixture configurations in an accessible area prior to final installation is highly
recommended.
Included Components
• Aurora Pro
• (4) Mounting brackets
• (4) Mounting screws
• (1) Power cable
• (8) Dust caps
• (1) Aurora Quick Start Guide
Power Aurora Pro ON/OFF
Required Components
• Aurora Pro
• Power cable
Method
1. Connect Aurora Pro’s power connector to AC power via the included power
cable. Aurora starts automatically once power is applied.
2. Wait 15 seconds for Aurora Pro to power ON.
3. Remove the power cable to power Aurora Pro OFF.
Warning:
Do not hang Aurora Pro by the built-in RGB connectors. Use proper mounting
features and strain relief on light runs longer than 25 LED pixels.

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Connect LED Pixels to Built-In RGB connectors
8 Built-in RGB connectors are located at the bottom of the front panel. Each built-
in LED connector supports a maximum of 75 LED pixels with Aurora Pro’s internal
power supply, for a total of 600 pixels across all 8 built-in RGB connectors.
Each built-in LED connector supports up to 500 LED pixels with additional Power
Top-Ups, for a total of 4000 LED pixels across all 8 built-in RGB connectors. Refer
to Configure Aurora Pro for details on how to set up Aurora Pro with additional
components, such as Power Top-Ups.
Required Components
• Aurora Pro
• Leader cables (optional)4
• LED pixel strand(s)
Method
1. Power Aurora Pro OFF.
2. Unscrew the dust caps on each built-in LED connector.
3. If using leader cables, connect the male end of each LED pixel strand to the
female end of each leader cable. (Fig. 2)
Caution:
Do not connect LED pixels while Aurora Pro is connected to power.
Pro-Tip:
Any combination of built-in RGB connectors can be used, but patterns work
optimally when connected sequentially from 1→8.
4 Leader cables 15’ or greater require Power Top-Ups and Smart Extender/Receiver adapters. Refer to
the Aurora Product Guide for details on Power Top-Ups and Smart Extender/Receiver adapters.
Fig. 2: Male and female ends of RGB connectors

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4. Connect the male end of each LED pixel strand or leader cable to each built-in
LED connector. Ensure the O-ring on the male connector is present to retain the
waterproof seal.
5. Hand-tighten the locking mechanisms. RGB fixtures requires a half-turn to tighten.
(Fig. 3)
Caution:
To reduce the risk of shock and water corrosion, connect dust caps to unused
inputs and unused LED pixel strand ends.
Fig. 3: Turning RGB connector locking mechanism

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CONFIGURE AURORA PRO
Aurora Pro can be installed in a variety of configurations depending on the number
of LED pixels required. The following configurations are common Aurora Pro setups
with and without additional components such as Network Distribution Boxes (NDBs)
and Power Top-Ups.
Set Up Aurora Pro Using Built-In RGB connectors (without Power Top-Ups)
Aurora Pro supports installations with up to 600 LED pixels without Power Top-
Ups. Each Aurora Pro built-in LED connector supports a maximum of 75 LED pixels
without Power Top-Ups.
Aurora Pro supports up to 4000 LED pixels with Power Top-Ups. Refer to Set Up
Aurora Pro Using Built-In RGB connectors (with Power Top-Ups) for details.
Fig. 4: Aurora Pro setup using built-in RGB connectors without Power Top-Ups
Required Components
• Aurora Pro
• Leader cables (optional)5
• LED pixels
• Audio input (if sound reactivity is required)
• Aurora Pro outdoor enclosure (optional)
Audio Interface + Mic
Leader Cables
120/240V
⅛” IN/THRU
¼” TRS/XLR IN/THRU
5Leader cables longer than 15’ require Power Top-Ups and Smart Extender/Receiver adapters. Refer
to the Aurora Product Guide for details on Power Top-Ups and Smart Extender/Receiver adapters.

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Method
1. Power Aurora Pro OFF. Aurora Pro must be contained in an outdoor enclosure
for outdoor installations. Refer to the Aurora Product Guide for outdoor
accessories.
2. Connect leader cables to each built-in LED connector.
3. Connect LED pixel strands to each leader cable (or to each built-in LED
connector if leader cables are not in use).
4. Power Aurora Pro ON.
5. Connect Aurora Pro to the Aurora Mobile App. Refer to Connect to Aurora Pro
in AP Mode for details.
6. Set the number of LED pixels per port using the Aurora Mobile App. Refer to
Configure the Aurora Mobile App for details.
7. Connect an audio input to Aurora Pro and calibrate audio using the Aurora
Mobile App Audio Settings. Refer to Connect and Calibrate Audio Inputs for
details.
8. Refer to Configure the Aurora Mobile App to begin customizing your light
show.
Set Up Aurora Pro Using Built-In RGB connectors (with Power Top-Ups)
Aurora Pro supports installations with up to 4000 LED pixels with Power Top-Ups.
Each Aurora Pro built-in LED connector supports a maximum of 500 LED pixels with
Power Top-Ups.
Power Top-Ups extend the LED pixels per port limit beyond 75. Each Power Top-Up
supports an additional 100 LED pixels (or 80 LED pixels of Triklit-style fixtures). This
allows a single port to support 4-5 Power Top-Ups, depending on the LED fixture
style used.
75 LED Pixels
5A Power Top-Up
80-100 LED Pixels
Power-T
Fig. 5: Aurora Pro set up with built-in RGB connectors and Power Top-Ups

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Required Components
• Aurora Pro
• Leader cables (optional)6
• LED pixels
• Audio input
• 5 A Power Top-Up(s)
• Power-T(s)
• Aurora Pro outdoor enclosure (optional)
Method
1. Power Aurora Pro OFF. Aurora Pro must be contained in an outdoor enclosure
for outdoor installations. Refer to the Aurora Product Guide for outdoor
accessories.
2. Connect Power-T(s) to each 5 A Power Top-Up.
3. Connect leader cables to each built-in LED connector.
4. Connect LED pixel strands to each leader cable (or to each built-in LED
connector if leader cables are not in use).
5. Connect the Power-T/5 A Power Top-Up(s) to the end of each LED pixel strand.
6. Connect additional Power-T/5 A Power Top-Ups and LED pixel strands, not
exceeding 80-100 LED pixels per Power Top-Up or 500 LED pixels per port.
7. Power Aurora Pro ON.
8. Connect Aurora Pro to the Aurora Mobile App. Refer to Connect to Aurora Pro
in AP Mode for details.
9. Set the number of LED pixels per port, including LED pixels added with Power
Top-Ups, using the Aurora Mobile App. Refer to Configure the Aurora Mobile
App for details.
10. Connect an audio input to Aurora Pro and calibrate audio using the Aurora
Mobile App Audio Settings. Refer to Connect and Calibrate Audio Inputs for
details.
11. Refer to Configure the Aurora Mobile App to begin customizing your light
show.
Configure a Network Distribution Box (NDB)
Network Distribution Boxes (NDBs) increase the number of LED pixels supported by
Aurora Pro. Installations using NDBs must be configured with NDB software.
If you are using multiple NDBs, refer to Configure Multiple NDBs. If you are using a
single NDB, skip to Set Number of LED Pixels Per Port.
6Leader cables longer than 15’ require Power Top-Ups and Smart Extender/Receiver adapters. Refer
to the Aurora Product Guide for details on Power Top-Ups and Smart Extender/Receiver adapters.

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Configure Multiple NDBs
NDBs communicate with Aurora Pro via IP address. NDBs have a default IP address
of 10.0.0.100. If you are using multiple NDBs, each NDB must be configured with a
unique IP address.
Required Components
• PC or Mac computer
• Network Distribution Boxes (NDBs)
• Cat 5/6 network cable
Method
1. Connect one of the NDBs to your computer via Cat 5/6 network cable and
power the NDB ON.
2. Set your computer’s IP address to match the NDB, except for the last number.
Unless NDBs have been previously reconfigured, their default IP address
should be 10.0.0.100—so setting your computer’s IP address to 10.0.0.2, for
example, should work. Set the netmask to 255.255.255.0, and the gateway (if
present) to 10.0.0.1 (Fig. 6)
Pro-Tip:
Users must know how to change the network settings on their computer’s
operating system before configuring NDBs. Refer to this tutorial
http://bit.ly/2Qx0Vai for configuring Windows network settings.
Computers (particularly newer Mac laptops) without an Ethernet port require an
Ethernet-to-USB adapter (provided by Limbic Media) and a driver download.
Contacting Limbic Media for support is recommended if a driver download is
necessary.
Fig. 6: Adjusting network settings on a Mac laptop. Other network settings screens may dier.

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3. Open a web browser and connect to the default NDB IP address
http://10.0.0.100 to open the NDB configuration page. If the NDB was previously
reconfigured to a dierent IP address, connect to that IP address instead. NDBs
must be powered ON for the NDB configuration page to appear.
4. Enter a new, unique NDB IP address. Using the sequence 10.0.0.101, 10.0.0.102,
10.0.0.103, etc. is recommended for each NDB, but anything from 10.0.0.0 -
10.0.0.254 works. Keep the netmask set to 255.255.255.0, and the gateway to
10.0.0.1 (Fig.7)
5. Select DDP as the protocol, and under LED chip settings, load defaults for
RGB+. To use any of the other protocols listed, please contact Limbic Media for
support.
6. Refer to steps 5-9 under Set the Number of LED Pixels Per NDB Port below.
7. Select SAVE to make the NDB configuration changes permanent.
8. Write the NDB’s new IP address on a piece of tape and attach it to the NDB
case. This is the easiest way to reference each NDB’s IP address.
9. Press the reset button on the outside of the NDB (do not hold) with a pin to
reboot and apply the changes.
10. Repeat this process to change the IP address for each NDB.
Set the Number of LED Pixels Per NDB Port
Setting LED pixels per port with NDBs must be configured with NDB software,
not the Aurora Mobile App. With multiple NDBs, users can set LED pixels per port
during IP address configuration.
Required Components
• PC or Mac computer
• Cat 5/6 network cable
• Network Distribution Box (NDBs)
Pro-Tip:
If the NDB IP address has been changed, but you have no record of what the
new IP address is, refer to Reset an NDB to restore the default IP address.
Fig. 7: NDB configuration page

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Method
1. Connect an NDB to your computer via Cat 5/6 network cable and power the
NDB ON.
2. Set your computer’s IP address to match the NDB, except for the last number.
Unless NDBs have been previously reconfigured, their default IP address
should be 10.0.0.100—so setting your computer’s IP address to 10.0.0.2, for
example, should work. Set the netmask to 255.255.255.0, and the gateway (if
present) to 10.0.0.1 (Fig. 8)
3. Open a web browser and connect to the default NDB IP address
http://10.0.0.100 to open the NDB configuration page. If the NDB was previously
reconfigured to a dierent IP address, connect to that IP address instead. NDBs
must be powered ON for the NDB configuration page to appear.
4. Keep the netmask set to 255.255.255.0, and the gateway to 10.0.0.1 (Fig. 9)
Fig. 8: Adjusting network settings on a Mac laptop. Other network settings screens may dier.
Pro-Tip:
If the NDB IP address has been changed, but you have no record of what the
new IP address is, refer to Reset an NDB to restore the default IP address

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5. Select DDP as the protocol, and under LED chip settings, load defaults for
RGB. To use any of the other protocols listed, please contact Limbic Media for
support.
6. Select the number of NDB ports used under Outputs. For example, a 16-port
NDB can be used in 16-port mode or 8-port mode. In 16-port mode, an NDB
supports 230 LED pixels maximum per port. In 8-port mode, it supports up to
460 LED pixels maximum per port (Fig. 10)
Fig. 9: NDB configuration page
Fig. 10: NDB configuration page: set LED pixels per port

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7. Set the number of LED pixels for each NDB port. If you are using the same
number of LED pixels across all ports, select Auto-Fill from Output 1 down. Set
the same number of LED pixels across all ports if using Smart-T’s, regardless of
how many Smart-T’s are used on each port.
8. Set the number of LED pixels in any unused NDB ports to 0.
9. Set the Starting Slot of each port. To find any port’s Starting Slot, multiply the
previous port’s Lights/String number by 3 and add that port’s Starting Slot
number. For example, If a port has 75 LED pixels with a Starting Slot at 226, the
next port’s Starting Slot will be 451 (75 x 3 + 226 = 451).
10. Select the REVERSE function on any ports to reverse their LED pixel order.
11. Select SAVE to make the NDB configuration changes permanent.
12. Turn the NDB OFF/ON.
Reset an NDB
Reset an NDB after making changes on the NDB configuration page, or to restore
its default settings.
Required Components
• Network Distribution Box (NDB)
• Pin/paperclip
Method
1. Power the NDB ON.
2. Press the reset button on the outside of the NDB (do not hold) with a pin to
reboot the NDB after making any configuration changes.
3. Press the reset button for 1-5 seconds to reset the NDB’s IP address, netmask,
and gateway back to the factory default. Other lighting configuration data, such
as LED pixels per port, remains the same.
4. Press the reset button for more than 5 seconds to reset all configuration data
back to the factory default.
Set Up Aurora Pro with a Single Network Distribution Box (NDB)
A Network Distribution Box (NDB) increases the number of LED pixels supported by
Aurora Pro and localizes the system’s power to each NDB. A single NDB supports
1000 LED pixels maximum. Each NDB port supports 100 LED pixels (or 80 LED
pixels of Triklit-style fixtures).
Power Top-Ups are required to extend the LED pixels per port limit beyond 80-100.
Refer to Set up Aurora Pro with Network Distribution Boxes (NDBs) and Power
Top-Ups below for details.