MC2 Audio ti series User manual

MC AUDIO Ltd.,
Units 6-8 Kingsgate,
Heathpark Industrial Estate,
HO ITO ,
Devon EX14 1YG
England
Tel: ++(0)1404.44633
Fax: ++(0)1404.44660
www.mc2-audio.co.uk
© MC Audio Ltd 2009
2
2
Waring Hayes 07/09
If you have any comments or suggestions about this manual, please
contact MC at the address above, or email war[email protected]o.uk
2

Page 2 Breakout Operator’s Manual

Breakout Operator’s Manual Page 3
Contents
Important Safety Information.............................................................................5
Thanks ............................................................................................................................6
Unpacking the unit....................................................................................................6
Introduction..................................................................................................................7
Installation................................................................................................................... 8
Operation.......................................................................................................................
Front Panel Indicators .......................................................................................... 10
1: Power On Indicator ........................................................................................................................................... 10
2: Network Indicators ......................................................................................................................................... 10
3: RS485 Comms Indicators .......................................................................................................................... 10
4: Network Type Badge ..................................................................................................................................... 10
Rear Panel Controls, Connections and Indicators.................................... 11
1: Mains Power Inlet and Power Switch........................................................................................................11
2: RS485 Local Comms Connection ..............................................................................................................11
3: Power Fail Audio Input.....................................................................................................................................11
4: Balanced Audio Outputs.................................................................................................................................11
5: Network Transport Connections..............................................................................................................12
6: Ethersound Extra Network Connection................................................................................................12
7: Identify Switch ...................................................................................................................................................12
8: General Purpose Interface (GPI) Port ....................................................................................................12
Getting Audio Out of the Box, Out of the Box…........................................13

Page 4 Breakout Operator’s Manual
Remote Control and Monitoring ...................................................................... 14
Overview ...................................................................................................................................... 14
Remote Control On-line via a Computer with ICORE ........................................ 14
Introduction to ICORE – a crash course (not literally)...................................17
Going on-line for the first time .........................................................................................................................17
Layout of the Main Window...............................................................................................................................1
Breakout “Front Panel” Controls, Readouts and Indicators ..........................................................25
Remote Monitoring and Control On-line via RS485/Ethernet .........................26
Remote Monitoring Off-line with a Breakout Box...................................................2
The GPI Port................................................................................................................31
Overview .......................................................................................................................................31
Setting a Breakout box to “Network Master”........................................................................................ 32
“Network Master” Pulsed Mode.................................................................................................................... 33
“Network Master” Latched Mode ................................................................................................................. 33
Additional Functions of the GPI port – Mute and Standby............................................................34
Switching Between 48kHz and 6kHz ......................................................35
Resetting the Breakout box to Factory Defaults ..................................36
Appendix I: Updating Device Firmware.......................................................37
Overview ..................................................................................................................................... 37
Update Procedure Using ICORE............................................................................................................. 37
Recovery Update Procedure ............................................................................................................................3
Appendix II: Maintenance.................................................................................. 42
Appendix III: Specifications.............................................................................. 42
Index............................................................................................................................. 43

Breakout Operator’s Manual Page 5
An example of this equipment has been tested and found to comply with
the following European and international Standards for Electromagnetic
Compatibility and Electrical Safety:
Radiated Emissions (EU : EN55013-1 (1996
RF Immunity (EU : EN55103-2 (1996 RF Immunity, ESD, Burst Transient,
Surge, Dips & Dwells
Electrical Safety (EU : EN60065 (1993
Important Safety Information
This unit is fitted with a 3-wire power connector. For safety reasons, THE EARTH
LEAD SHOULD OT BE DISCO ECTED I A Y CIRCUMSTA CE. If ground loops
are encountered consult the section on input connections later in this manual.
WHERE A FIXED MAI S LEAD IS FITTED, THE WIRI G COLOURS ARE:
230V AREAS: EARTH = GREE & YELLOW
EUTRAL = BLUE
LIVE = BROW
120V AREAS: EARTH = GREE
EUTRAL = WHITE
LIVE = BLACK
TO PREVE T THE LIKELIHOOD OF SHOCK OR FIRE HAZARD, DO OT EXPOSE
THE U IT TO RAI OR MOISTURE.
DO OT PLACE OBJECTS CO TAI I G LIQUID O TOP OF THE APPARATUS.
TO AVOID ELECTRICAL SHOCK DO OT REMOVE COVERS. REFER ALL SERVICI G
TO QUALIFIED PERSO EL.
DO OT USE THE U IT IF THE ELECTRICAL POWER CORD IS FRAYED OR
BROKE . The power supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to
be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying particular
attention to cords and plugs and the point where they exit from the appliance.
ALWAYS OPERATE THE U IT WITH THE AC GROU D WIRE CO ECTED TO THE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM GROU D. Precautions should be taken so that the means of
grounding of a piece of equipment is not defeated.
[DO OT REMOVE THE LID. Removing the lid will expose you to potentially
dangerous voltages. There are no user serviceable parts inside.]

Page 6 Breakout Operator’s Manual
Thanks
Thank you for choosing an MC
2
Ti Series Breakout box for your application.
Please spend a little time reading through this manual, so that you obtain the
best possible performance from the unit.
All MC
2
products are carefully designed and engineered for cutting-edge
performance and world-class reliability. If you would like further information
about this or any other MC
2
product, please contact us.
We look forward to hearing from you in the near future.
Unpacking the unit
After unpacking, please check the unit carefully for any damage. If any is found,
immediately notify the carrier concerned - you, the consignee, must instigate any
claim. Please retain all packaging in case of future re-shipment.
THIS WAY UP
MC2 AUDIO Ltd.,
Units 6-8 Kingsgate,
Heathpark Industrial Estate,
HONITON,
Devon EX14 1YG
England
Tel: ++(0)1404.44633
Fax: ++(0)1404.44660
www.mc2-audio.co.uk

Breakout Operator’s Manual Page 7
Introduction
Your Ti Series Breakout box is a multi-channel analogue output device, designed
to work with the most popular network audio protocols, and offers 8 or 16
channels of high performance audio outputs.
Additionally, the unit may be connected to a computer through ICORE, the
software package designed to integrate with all the Ti Series devices. This
opens up remote control of the unit’s output levels and allows outputs and the
unit itself to be named on the network for easy identification.
A programmable GPIO port allows for off-line monitoring of Ti Series amplifiers
and other Breakout boxes on the network. The configuration of this port is
programmable through ICORE, allowing the unit to integrate easily with voice
evacuation and building management systems.
The RS485 communications from the computer are bridged automatically onto
the Ethernet based audio network, allowing any Breakout to act as an off-line
monitor.

Page 8 Breakout Operator’s Manual
Installation
Electrical Considerations
The Breakout box has been manufactured to comply with your local power supply
requirements but, before connecting the unit to the supply, ensure that the
voltage (printed on the rear panel) is correct, and that a mains fuse of the correct
type and rating has been fitted.
Make sure power outlets conform to the power requirements listed on
the back of the unit. Damage caused by connecting to incorrect AC
voltage is not covered by the warranty.
Mechanical Considerations
To ensure that this equipment performs to specification, it should be mounted in
a suitable rack or enclosure.
When mounting the unit in a rack or enclosure, ensure that there is adequate
ventilation. The cooling fan sucks cool air in through the RHS and blows warm air
out of the LHS of the unit through the ventilating grills.
Take care when mounting other equipment in the same rack.
Please also refer to the maintenance section on page 37 of this manual.

Breakout Operator’s Manual Page 9
Operation
Read all documentation before operating your equipment and retain all
documentation for future reference.
Do not spill water or other liquids into or on the unit and do not operate the unit
while standing in liquid.
Do not block fan intake or operate the unit in an environment that could impede
the free flow of air around the unit.
If the unit is used in an extremely dusty or smoky environment, it should be
cleaned of any collected debris at regular intervals. (Please also refer to the
maintenance section on page 37 of this manual.)

Page 10 Breakout Operator’s Manual
Front Panel Indicators
1: Power On Indicator
This illuminates shortly after power up, following the system checks, and shows
that the network card is present and functioning correctly. One flash at start-up
means 48kHz sample rate, two flashes means 96kHz. Please see page 35 for how
this can be changed. This LED will also flash when the unit is scanned when
going on-line remotely with ICORE, or if the “Identify” button is pressed.
Please see page 12 for more details of this feature.
2: Network Indicators
The “Link” and “Activity” LEDs follow those on the network card and will
illuminate when a network connection is present and detected by the card.
3: RS485 Comms Indicators
The RX and TX LEDs show comms activity on the RS485 bus, and are also used in
conjunction with the the etwork LEDs to show master mode configuration on
start-up – see page 33 for more details of this.
4: Network Type Badge
The badge denotes the fitted network card – please note that a firmware update
will be required if the network card is changed. Please see page 37 for more
information on this.
5: Output Metering
These analogue meters show the absolute output level for each channel on the
unit and are affected by remote level control adjustments and mutes. They are
for approximate signal indication only and not designed for system alignment.
Ti
MULTICHANNEL NETWORK OUTPUT
MC
2
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
-18
0dB
-12
-3
-18
0dB
-12
-6
-3
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
POWERNETWORK RS485
ON
LINK ACTIVE R T

ICORE
1
2
3
5
4

Breakout Operator’s Manual Page 11
Rear Panel Controls, Connections and Indicators
1: Mains Power Inlet and Power Switch
The mains fuse is also located here, between the switch and the power socket –
only replace with the correct rated fuse – see page 42 for details.
2: RS485 Local Comms Connection
The connection of other Ti Series units (amplifiers and Breakout boxes) is only
for local units – other components that are located on different parts of the
network will have their comms “tunnelled” via the network audio transport.
The pin-out of this connector is:
Pin 1: Shield/Ground
Pin 2: Data A (+)
Pin 3: Data B (-)
The procedure for setting up a remote network is explained in detail starting on
page 14 of this manual.
3: Power Fail Audio Input
This input is wired in parallel to all outputs and will be switched over
automatically to allow for emergency operation in the event of a power failure.
4: Balanced Audio Outputs
These outputs (either 8 or 16) provide the breakout audio from the network
connection and are wired
Pin 1: Screen/Ground
Pin 2: Hot (signal +)
Pin 3: Cold (signal -)
WARNING
THIS EQUIPMENT
MUST BE
EARTHED.
DO NOT E POSE
TO RAIN OR
MOISTURE.
90V-240V AC 50 - 60Hz 30W
OUTPUTS
POWER FAIL
AUDIO INPUT
COMMS TO
LOCAL AMPS ONLY
CAUTION! SHOCK HAZARD. DO NOT REMOVE COVERS.
RS485 LINE IN
87654312
9
1
2
345678
16 15 14 13 12 11 10
RS485 LINE IN
POWER
FAILURE
AUDIO
INPUT
COMMS
OUTPUT
TO LOCAL
AMPS ONLY
WARNING
THIS EQUIPMENT
MUST BE
EARTHED.
DO NOT E POSE
TO RAIN OR
MOISTURE.
90V-240V AC 50 - 60Hz 30W CAUTION! SHOCK HAZARD. DO NOT REMOVE COVERS.
S
E
C
O
N
D
.
P
R
I
M
A
R
Y
S
E
C
O
N
D
.
MANUFACTURED IN THE UK BY
MC
2
R
J
4
5
A
R
J
4
5
B
G
.
P
.
I
.
IDENTIFY
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 0
1: NETWORK LOST
2: LOAD ERROR
3: PROTECT
4-6: GPIO 7: MUTE
8: LOCAL MASTER
9: 3V3 / 10: GROUND
R
J
4
5
C
RJ45 CONNECTORS
A: PRIMARY/IN
B: SECONDARY/OUT
C: CONTROL
(ETHERSOUND)
ONLY FITTED
FOR
ETHERSOUND
S
E
C
O
N
D
.
P
R
I
M
A
R
Y
S
E
C
O
N
D
.
MANUFACTURED IN THE UK BY
MC
2
R
J
4
5
A
R
J
4
5
B
G
.
P
.
I
.
IDENTIFY
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 0
1: NETWORK LOST
2: LOAD ERROR
3: PROTECT
4-6: GPIO 7: MUTE
8: LOCAL MASTER
9: 3V3 / 10: GROUND
R
J
4
5
C
RJ45 CONNECTORS
A: PRIMARY/IN
B: SECONDARY/OUT
C: CONTROL
(ETHERSOUND)
ONLY FITTED
FOR
ETHERSOUND
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
2
3

Page 12 Breakout Operator’s Manual
5: Network Transport Connections
Depending on the chosen audio network there will be either two (Dante or
Cobranet) or three (Ethersound) connectors available to connect up to the
Ethernet based network. Please see the appendices starting on page 37 for
information on your chosen network.
6: Ethersound Extra Network Connection
This socket is only available if an Ethersound card is fitted. Please see Appendix
II on page Error! ookmark not defined. for more information.
7: Identify Switch
This momentary action switch is used in conjunction with ICORE to easily
identify units remotely on the network.
Within the ICORE software, pressing this switch will cause the Breakout’s
“panel” to flash on screen, along with the “POWER” LED on the front panel
flashing for five seconds.
Even when not connected to the remote software, the LED will still flash (along
with the one on the rear panel), aiding identification when trying to locate
connections/diagnose problems in a large rack of units.
This switch is also used to force the unit into “boot load” mode to upgrade the
internal firmware. ormally, this can be achieved though ICORE directly but, in
certain circumstances, or if ICORE is not installed on a local computer, a basic
terminal based firmware upgrade is still possible. Please see the section entitled
“Recovery Update Procedure” on page 39 for more information.
Switching between 48kHz and 96kHz operating modes is also actioned by
pressing and holding this switch - see the section on page 35 for more details.
8: General Purpose Interface (GPI) Port
This port is used to control various functions when the unit is in “Master Mode”
and monitoring other connected components. It is also used for control signal
outputs in this mode. Please see the section on page 31 for more details of how
this works.

Breakout Operator’s Manual Page 13
Getting Audio Out of the Box, Out of the Box…
Connect XLR or Phoenix terminated cables to the outputs as appropriate and plug
in the power. Connect an appropriate network cable to the network card and
connect to a network.
After power-up, the etwork “Link” and “Activity” LEDs on the front panel should
be illuminated – “Link” on steady and “Activity” flashing.
The card is now ready to be configured – that is, the channels available on the
network audio stream selected and routed to the appropriate outputs.
The Breakout box supports the three most popular network audio transports,
namely Ethersound, Cobranet and Dante. Only one of these is available and is
dependant on the model of Breakout box – the badge on the front panel denotes
what card is fitted to your unit.
Information about how to configure each type of card is given in the appendices
at the back of this manual, starting on page 37.
By default all outputs are set to 0dB with mutes off, so once routing has been
configured, all channels should output audio as required and the metering reflects
the output level.
To preserve the dynamic range of the signal we advise you to run the box as
“hot” as possible and attenuate “upstream” if needed. This will make the best
use of the digital to analogue converters’ wide dynamic range, and maximise the
noise performance of the unit.
As the meters show dB from clip if the signal level sent down the network is
peaking at approximately 0dBu, the signal may not show up on the meters, which
read from –18dBfs (approximately +4dBu), so please be aware of this.

Page 14 Breakout Operator’s Manual
Remote Control and Monitoring
Overview
There are several methods of remote control available to the Ti Series
Breakouts, allowing for various levels of system complexity. These may be
thought of as:
• Remote Monitoring and Control On-line via RS485 and a PC with ICORE
• Remote Monitoring and Control On-line via RS485/Ethernet and a PC with
ICORE
• Remote Monitoring Off-line with an additional Breakout box in “Master
Mode” and an external control panel
When the PC isn’t in use, the system can also be connected to a Breakout box in
“Master Mode” for off-line background monitoring, and all without reconfiguring
any cables!
Remote Control On-line via a Computer with ICORE
Breakouts can be connected, via their RS485 port, directly to a computer running
ICORE, allowing for configuration of their properties and adjustment of various
real time parameters.
Balanced
audio
OUTPUT
Network
audio link
INPUT
9
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
16 15 14 13 12 11 10
RS485
LINE IN
POWER
FAILURE
AUDIO
INPUT
COMMS
OUTPUT
TO LOCAL
AMPS ONLY
WARNING
THIS EQUIPMENT
MUST BE
EARTHED.
DO NOT E POSE
TO RAIN OR
MOISTURE.
90V-240V AC
50 - 60Hz 30W
CAUTION! SHOCK HAZARD. DO NOT REMOVE COVERS.
S
E
C
O
N
D
.
P
R
I
M
A
R
Y
S
E
C
O
N
D
.
MANUFACTURED IN THE UK BY
MC
2
R
J
4
5
A
R
J
4
5
B
G
.
P
.
I
.
IDENTIFY
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
1: NETWORK LOST
2: LOAD ERROR
3: PROTECT
4-6: GPIO 7: MUTE
8: LOCAL MASTER
9: 3V3 / 10: GROUND
R
J
4
5
C
RJ45 CONNECTORS
A: PRIMARY/IN
B: SECONDARY/OUT
C: CONTROL
(ETHERSOUND)
ONLY FITTED
FOR
ETHERSO UND
Laptop or desktop
running
monitors and controls
all units on network
iCORE
RS485 data
control monitor
via USB-485 converter
MC
2
A
SIGNAL
LIMIT
B
SIGNAL
LIMIT
POWER
A/P BRG
0
-6
-12
-20
-2
0
-6
-12
-20
-2
COMMS
MC
2
NETWORK POWER AMPLIFIER Ti
MC
2
A
SIGNAL
LIMIT
B
SIGNAL
LIMIT
POWER
A/P BRG
0
-6
-12
-20
-2
0
-6
-12
-20
-2
COMMS
MC
2
NETWORK POWER AMPLIFIER
Ti
MC
2
A
SIGNAL
LIMIT
B
SIGNAL
LIMIT
POWER
A/P BRG
0
-6
-12
-20
-2
0
-6
-12
-20
-2
COMMS
MC
2
NETWORK POWER AMPLIFIER Ti
RS485 data
control monitor

Breakout Operator’s Manual Page 15
We recommend the KK Systems USB-485 adapter for simple conversion to
RS485.
This device is powered via the USB connection and so has the ability to drive long
cable runs reliably. This device is available from us, or directly from KK Systems
at www.kk-systems.com. The converter comes with a 9-pin D-type fitted as
standard – this has to be adapted to an XLR connection.
To prevent voiding the warranty on the converter, we’d recommend not cutting
the 9-pin off, but rather make up an adapter – the pin out for this is below.
9-pin D type XLR Phoenix
Pin 4 1 1
Pins 3+7
(Brown + Orange) 2 2
Pins 8+2
(Black + Yellow) 3 3
Connect to the first amplifier via its RS485 input socket. To connect to further
amplifiers, just use standard microphone leads and daisy chain in to out. ote
that the RS485 Phoenix connector is wired in parallel with the RS485 XLRs, so
these may be used instead – come out of the first amplifier on the Phoenix and
simply parallel the three wires to the next device, and so on down the chain.
We recommend that you use screened cable for these connections and be sure to
ground one end of the screen. As the RS485 drivers used are “quarter load”
devices, the maximum number of nodes that can be connected together is 128,
and the maximum theoretical cable length from the first node to the last node is
1000 metres. This distance will be affected by the cable quality and to some
extent the operating environment.
There is no need to set ID numbers or worry about master/slave settings or baud
rates – the baud rate is preset and all amplifiers contain a serial number chip with
a unique ID, which is used to set the comms ID. ICORE searches for all
connected devices automatically. Once connected and all devices have been
found, it will continuously monitor any connected
Ti Series amplifiers.

Page 16 Breakout Operator’s Manual
In addition to the real time monitoring and control, many properties of the
connected devices can be selected through the software. It is also used to
update the firmware in all connected devices and will issue warnings if the
firmware is not up to date. The next section deals with the basics of actually
getting ICORE running and how it all works.

Breakout Operator’s Manual Page 17
Introduction to ICORE – a crash course (not literally)
Going on-line for the first time
Having physically connected all devices to the computer through a suitable RS485
converter, and installed the software successfully, we now need to check the
virtual COM port that the converter is using so we can match this with the COM
port in ICORE.
With the converter plugged in (the COM port won’t show up if the converter
isn’t connected!), use the shortcut of the Windows
TM
key on your keyboard +
the Pause/Break key to bring up the System properties window:
Press BOTH keys together! Alternatively you can get to the same place through
start  Settings  Control Panel  System
Press the “Hardware” tab and then “Device
Manager”. This will bring up a window with a list of
all hardware subsections of your computer,
including the COM ports. Expand the section
entitled “Ports” and locate the USB-Serial adapter.
The COM port number it has been assigned is in
brackets after the name.
Make a note of this port number and then, open ICORE.

Page 18 Breakout Operator’s Manual
Expand the window to fill your screen and then, from the menus, choose
Tools Options, and select the Comms tab.
Make sure the COM port number selected from the drop down list matches the
one discovered earlier.
The baud rate must
remain at 57600 to
ensure compatibility
with all connected
devices.
The safest method of
connection to avoid
accidentally changing
any device settings is to
select “Retrieve settings
from units” as this will
upload all device(s)
properties and
parameters to the
computer.
Having selected the COM port, this window may now be closed by clicking OK.
We can now scan for connected devices and build up a list of all units on the
network. Either select Tools  Autoscan, or press the button on the toolbar.
As each device has a unique serial number IC built in, there is no need to worry
about setting ID numbers. An intelligent algorithm is used in conjunction with all
devices, so we don’t need to check each number individually. (There are over
200 million possible IDs!)

Breakout Operator’s Manual Page 19
one the less, the entire process will take approximately 90 seconds to complete.
As the search continues, the device view should begin to fill up with connected
units. When complete, depending on what’s connected of course, there should
now be a “rack” of devices like this:
Device View Window
Virtual rack shows all connected
units - double click on any device
to open it’s detailed view in the
main window
Properties Window
View and edit all non-audio
parameters on the selected
device
System Monitor Window
Every amplifier is represented here with a
temperature readout and comms status
indicator - double click on any device as
for the Device View window to select it
Layout of the Main Window
A double click on any device will display its “front panel” for editing of audio
properties. on-audio properties are shown in the “Properties” pane on the right
hand side of the main window.
An amp control
panel - currently
active and in
stereo
Breakout box
control panel

Page 20 Breakout Operator’s Manual
In the example on the last page, all devices are off-line, as shown by the red
indicator on each unit in the Device View and the System Monitor view. When
connected and on-line, the indicators will be green. A yellow flashing indicator
means there is a problem – hover over the device in question to see a tool tip
explaining what is wrong.
Before looking at the details of an device’s controls and properties, here are a few
general pointers about using the software:
 The last saved file can automatically by opened when the software is
started by setting the option in the Tools  Options  General tab.
 Settings can be copied between units either using the buttons on the
toolbar (which uses the currently selected amplifier) or by using the right-
click context menu on the unit’s “front panel” or in the Device View.
 The Global Mute works from either the toolbar, menu, or by pressing
'Ctrl+M' on the keyboard.
 The error log is stored to a file called “Logfile.txt”, which is stored in the
same directory as the program executable file.
Remember to save your system before closing ICORE to avoid having to rescan
the system every time you open the software. All window positions, zones, and
screen layouts (so positions of the Device View, Properties and System Monitor)
are also saved.