Peavey MediaMatrix Nion User manual

NION Hardware Manual
Version 1.6.4b.1
June 11, 2012

ii Version 1.6.4b.1 June 11, 2012
The information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice. Peavey Electronics is not liable for
improper installation or configuration. The information contained herein is intended only as an aid to qualified
personnel in the design, installation and maintenance of engineered audio systems. The installing contractor or end
user is ultimately responsible for the successful implementation of these systems.
All creative content in this manual, including the layout, art design, content, photography, drawings, specifications
and all other intellectual property is Copyright © 2012 Peavey Electronics Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Features
& specifications subject to change without notice.
Prepared by Peavey Digital Research, 6 Elm Place, Eynsham, Oxford, OX29 4BD, UK.
Email:mmtechsuppo[email protected].

June 11, 2012 Version 1.6.4b.1 iii
Contents
Chapter 1 About this guide....................................................................................1
Scope........................................................................................................................................................2
Documentation conventions.....................................................................................................................2
Manual set................................................................................................................................................3
Software, firmware and manual versions .................................................................................................4
Sending feedback.....................................................................................................................................4
Chapter 2 Safety Instructions and safety warnings .............................................7
Safety Warnings .......................................................................................................................................8
Chapter 3 Before you start ...................................................................................11
Important network considerations ..........................................................................................................12
Power outage and surge protection .......................................................................................................12
Thank You! .............................................................................................................................................12
Warranty Registration.............................................................................................................................12
What's in the box?..................................................................................................................................12
Chapter 4 Introduction to NION ..........................................................................15
Description..............................................................................................................................................16
Features..................................................................................................................................................16
Applications ............................................................................................................................................17
Cards......................................................................................................................................................19
Front Panel.............................................................................................................................................21
Rear panel..............................................................................................................................................22
Chapter 5 Setting up the NION............................................................................25
Introduction.............................................................................................................................................26
Configuration ..........................................................................................................................................27
Updating the firmware ............................................................................................................................28
Using the front panel ..............................................................................................................................28
Using the web interface..........................................................................................................................37
Chapter 6 Using XDAB clusters with VLANs and CobraNet ..............................51
Introduction.............................................................................................................................................52
Important concepts.................................................................................................................................52
Use cases...............................................................................................................................................53
Further examples....................................................................................................................................59
Appendix A Troubleshooting ...............................................................................61
Cannot access NION using IP address or IP address is unknown........................................................62
Front panel LED indicators.....................................................................................................................63
Including debug messages in the log.....................................................................................................66
HF2 errors...............................................................................................................................................66
Low voltage warning...............................................................................................................................70
NION locking up or rebooting spuriously................................................................................................71

iv Version 1.6.4b.1 June 11, 2012
Appendix B Connector ports ...............................................................................73
Audio connections ..................................................................................................................................74
CAT 5 connections .................................................................................................................................74
GPIO overview .......................................................................................................................................76
Serial communications ...........................................................................................................................80
XDAB communications...........................................................................................................................85
Appendix C Technical specifications.................................................................87
Rear panel connections..........................................................................................................................88
Digital audio performance.......................................................................................................................89
AES card DIP switches...........................................................................................................................90
XDAB performance (NION n3, NION n6)...............................................................................................90
CobraNet performance...........................................................................................................................92
GPIO.......................................................................................................................................................92
Mechanical specifications.......................................................................................................................92
Appendix D Reference Information ....................................................................93
Architect's and engineer's specifications................................................................................................94
Technical Support...................................................................................................................................95
Warranty statement.................................................................................................97

June 11, 2012 Version 1.6.4b.1 1
In This Chapter
Scope.................................................................................................................2
Documentation conventions..............................................................................2
Manual set.........................................................................................................3
Software, firmware and manual versions..........................................................4
Sending feedback..............................................................................................4
Chapter 1
About this guide

Chapter 1 - About this guide
2 Version 1.6.4b.1 June 11, 2012
Somet ext t o force a p age bre ak in W ord but rem ain i nvi si ble
Scope
This guide describes how to physically install a NION and configure it with basic settings.
Once you have completed the installation, we recommend that you refer to the NWare User
Guide to see how to design an audio solution and download settings to the NION.
Documentation conventions
The following are used in the documentation to highlight particular sections of information.
Tip: Suggests alternative ways of completing a task and shortcuts that might not otherwise be
obvious.
Note: Indicates important information that should not be ignored.
Caution: Indicates that unless you are careful, your actions could result in equipment damage
or loss of data.
Warning: Indicates that unless you are careful, your actions could result in injuries to
personnel.

NION Hardware Manual
June 11, 2012 Version 1.6.4b.1 3
Somet ext t o force a p age bre ak in W ord but rem ain i nvi si ble
Manual set
This guide is part of the MediaMatrix documentation set. The table below shows which user
guides to refer to when you want to find out how to accomplish various tasks.
Note: Several associated products are required to complete a working MediaMatrix system.
Both Peavey products and third party products must be installed correctly for the system to
operate in accordance with published specifications.
Tasks
Relevant Guides
Building up an audio system using devices available
from the NWare device tree.
You may be unfamiliar with some aspects of NWare or
new to NWare altogether. You want to read about the
features of NWare and want step-by-step instructions,
not just reference information.
NWare User Guide
Building up an audio system using devices available
from the NWare device tree.
You are familiar with NWare devices and when to use
them. You want to look up settings to see what they are
for.
NWare Device Reference
Finding out about new features added to releases of
MediaMatrix products, including NWare and NION.
NWare Release Notes
Using different protocols, such as PASHA and SNMP, to
remotely control and monitor devices in an NWare
project.
External Control User Guide
Understanding how Pandad works and managing it on
your network.
Pandad Administrator Guide
Understanding in detail the features of the NION digital
audio processor and how to configure it.
NION Hardware Manual
Unpacking and initial configuration of a NION digital
audio processor.
NION nE Quick Set-Up Guide
Physical installation and initial configuration of a CAB
4n.
CAB 4n Hardware Manual
Physical installation and initial configuration of a CAB
8n.
CAB 8n Hardware Manual
Physical installation of an nControl unit and
nControl Hardware Manual

Chapter 1 - About this guide
4 Version 1.6.4b.1 June 11, 2012
Tasks
Relevant Guides
configuration of associated software.
Physical installation of an nTouch 180 and configuration
of associated software.
nTouch 180 Hardware Manual
Physical installation of an nTouch 60 and configuration
of associated software.
nTouch 60 Hardware Manual
Physical installation and initial configuration of an
xControl LCD.
xControl LCD Hardware Manual
Understanding how CobraNet works.
Working with CobraNet
Physical installation of an nWall device and connection
to the network.
nWall Hardware Manual
Software, firmware and manual versions
The information in this manual is based on a specific software version (for PC software, like
NWare) or firmware version (for hardware devices, like NION). The version of the manual,
shown on the front page, includes the software or firmware version and the revision number of
the manual itself.
Manual version 1.6.1f.0 (example)
1.6.1f
Software or firmware version.
0
Manual revision number. Revision 0 is the first
version to be published for a release. Revision
1,2 etc. indicate that the manual is a
replacement for the previous version published
for this release.
Note: To reduce the risk of compatibility problems, we recommend that all the hardware
devices (NioNodes, nControl nodes etc.) on the network run the same firmware version, and
that the version matches the version of NWare you are running.
Sending feedback
We are always looking for better ways to provide information about our products, and your
input is always appreciated. If you have a comment about this manual or would like to make a
suggestion, please write to:

NION Hardware Manual
June 11, 2012 Version 1.6.4b.1 5
Peavey Electronics Corp.,
MediaMatrix Division,
5022 Hartley Peavey Drive,
Meridian, MS 39305, USA.
Phone: [phone]
Phone (toll free): 866.662.8750
Fax: [phone]
or email us (mailto:[e-mail]).
Thank you again for using MediaMatrix.

June 11, 2012 Version 1.6.4b.1 7
In This Chapter
Safety Warnings................................................................................................8
Somet ext t o force a p age bre ak in W ord but rem ain i nvi si ble
Chapter 2
Safety Instructions and safety
warnings

Chapter 2 - Safety Instructions and safety warnings
8 Version 1.6.4b.1 June 11, 2012
Safety Warnings
To prevent electrical shock or potential fire hazards, do not expose this product to
moisture or rain.
Do not use any other power supply or cable other than the one provided with this
unit. If the plug does not fit your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the
obsolete outlet.
Do not remove the cover of the unit. There are no user-serviceable parts inside.
Refer service to qualified personnel.
Do not use solvents or other cleaners to clean the unit. Basic external care requires
only a damp cloth. Disconnect the power supply cable before cleaning.
If the power supply cord or connector has been damaged, if the unit has been
dropped, or if a foreign substance has gained access to the interior electronic and
electrical components, this product should be inspected by a qualified service
technician.
This product should not be installed or placed near a source of heat.
Power supplycords and associated connectors should be unplugged fromthe power
source when the unit is not used for long periods of time or stored. Protect power
supply cords and connectors from being walked on or pinched.
This product is designed for EIA rack mounting only. Use racks of sufficient depth
and width to accommodate proper airflow and cable harnessing.
It is important to keep the rack stable. If this unit is the only one in the rack, install it
at the bottom. If there are several devices to install in the rack, load the rack from the
bottom up.
Care should be taken to ensure that the installation is clear of possible sources of
contamination. Make sure that the product’s ventilation openings are not exposed
to possible sources of liquid, gases, or other contaminants.
When dressing off wiring harnesses, take care with CAT 5 cables. Do not tie-wrap
bundles of CAT 5 wire too tightly. Leave plenty of room for bends, allowing the
cable to progress naturally from the RJ-45 connector. Creating tightly wrapped
CAT 5 wire bundles can cause data transmission errors.
It is possible for line level audio and data signals to contaminate microphone level
signals. We therefore recommend that the cabling for the different signal types is
separated.
This product should be installed so that its mounting position does not interfere
with proper ventilation. Do not block air intake or exhaust vents.

NION Hardware Manual
June 11, 2012 Version 1.6.4b.1 9
Exposure to extremely high noise levels may cause permanent hearing loss.
Individuals vary considerably in susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss, but
nearly everyone will lose some hearing if exposed to sufficiently intense noise for a
sufficient time. We recommend that all persons exposed to equipment capable of
producing high sound pressure levels use hearing protectors.
The U.S. Government’s Occupational and Health Administration (OSHA)
(http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDAR
DS&p_id=9735) has specified the following permissible noise level exposures:
Duration Per Day in Hours
Sound Level dBA, Slow
Response
8
90
6
92
4
95
3
97
2
100
1½
102
1
105
½
110
¼ or less
115
Keep these instructions for future reference.

June 11, 2012 Version 1.6.4b.1 11
In This Chapter
Important network considerations.....................................................................12
Power outage and surge protection...................................................................12
Thank You!.......................................................................................................12
Warranty Registration.......................................................................................12
What's in the box?.............................................................................................12
Chapter 3
Before you start

Chapter 3 - Before you start
12 Version 1.6.4b.1 June 11, 2012
Somet ext t o force a p age bre ak in W ord but rem ain i nvi si ble
Important network considerations
This product is designed to operate on a network backbone or infrastructure. The
design, implementation and maintenance of this infrastructure is critical to correct
operation and performance of the product. Peavey Electronics does not support nor
service network cabling, hubs, switches, patch bays, wall plates, connector panels
or any other type of network interconnect device. Please ensure that these
components and their associated installation techniques have been properly
designed and installed for audio and network applications.
Refer to the document Working with CobraNet for more information.
Power outage and surge protection
We make the following recommendations for the power source:
Use an uninterruptable power supply (UPS) to protect against power outages.
Use a power surge protection device, such as a Surge-X (http://www.surgex.com). This
provides protection from destructive spikes, surges and inductive transients.
Thank You!
Thank you for purchasing this MediaMatrix product. It is designed to provide years of
trouble-free operation and high quality performance. We are confident that you will find this
product and other MediaMatrix products to be of the highest quality.
Warranty Registration
Please take afew minutes and fill out the warrantyregistration card. Although your warranty is
valid without the registration, the information you provide with the form is crucial to our
support group. It enables us to provide better service and customer support, and to keep you
informed of new product updates.
Tip: Refer to the warranty statement at the rear of this manual for details of what your
warranty includes and what the limitations are.
What's in the box?
NION series products are packaged in a single container. This container includes the following
items:
NION n6, NION n3, NION nX or NION nE Network Input/Output Node
IEC removable power supply cable (120 VAC domestic)
Shielded CAT 6 cable, 1’
Software installation CD
User manual/literature package.

NION Hardware Manual
June 11, 2012 Version 1.6.4b.1 13
If any of these items are missing, please contact your Authorized Peavey MediaMatrix
contractor/dealer.

June 11, 2012 Version 1.6.4b.1 15
In This Chapter
Description........................................................................................................16
Features.............................................................................................................16
Applications......................................................................................................17
Cards.................................................................................................................19
Front Panel........................................................................................................21
Rear panel .........................................................................................................22
Chapter 4
Introduction to NION

Chapter 4 - Introduction to NION
16 Version 1.6.4b.1 June 11, 2012
Somet ext t o force a p age bre ak in W ord but rem ain i nvi si ble
Description
NION (n. nee-on) is a programmable digital audio processing node designed for professional
and commercial audio and communications applications.
The internal processing core is supported by a wide range of features including MediaMatrix’s
scalable I/O architecture, a modular I/O scheme that supports a variety of optional plug-in
cards for maximum versatility.
Each of the module bays supports 8 simultaneous analog audio channels, while the integrated
CobraNet port provides further channels, depending on the model.
NION is built on an embedded Linux architecture designed for stable, efficient and robust
performance. Low-latency audio across all I/O ports makes NION perfect for performance
audio projects, in addition to applications where a large amount of audio processing is
required.
Multiple NIONs can be managed using NWare, a Windows-based program that works with
multiple nodes across an Ethernet network. Additional support for third party control and
SNMP management tools is included.
An intuitive front panel interface features an LCD display, soft buttons and rotary encoder to
enable access to common system functions. Additional control interfacing is provided by both
RS-232 and RS-422/485 ports, while a configurable GPIO system allows interfacing with hard
contacts and logic systems.
Note: The front panel is fitted to all NION models apart from the NION nE. This model is
managed using the web interface and NWare.
Features
Floating point DSP Engine with 6 DSP
chips (NION n6) or 3 DSP chips (NION
n3, NION nX)
Front panel interface with intuitive user
input controls (n3, n6 and nX models
only)
World-famous MediaMatrix audio
algorithms
Robust Linux embedded system
controller
96 channels total audio I/O (NION n3,
NION n6) or 80 channels total audio I/O
(NION nX)
Integrated flash-based storage
32 bits processing engine
Supports optional hard-disk storage
systems
24 bit conversion
Windows configuration and control client
X-DAB bus (NION n3, NION n6)
supports up to 448 bi-directional audio
channels
Note: It is possible to exceed the 448
channel limit, but it is not recommended.
Testing has shown that using a greater
number of channels can produce
Full support for SNMP network
management tools