Solid State Logic XLogic Alpha-Link LIVE-R User manual

XLogic A pha-Link. This is SSL.
XLogic A pha-Link LIVE-R
User Guide

Document History
82BSBM01A ( uly 2011) Initial release
(October 2011) Minor typos corrected, clarified saving settings

i
Contents
Introduction 1
Scope 2
I/O Capabilities 3
Installation Notes 4
Front Panel 5
Power Switch 5
Status LED 5
Routing Matrix Control 6
Viewing and Setting Routing 7
Clock Source Selection 8
Sample Rate Selection 9
Front Panel Indications 9
External Lock Range 9
Signal Meters 10
System Settings and Diagnostics 11
Diagnostic Mode 11
Picking a Page of Virtual Switches 11
Selecting an Option 12
Setting an Option 12
Firmware Version 13
Firmware Update 13
Virtual Switches, Page One 15
Notes for Virtual Switches, Page One 16
Virtual Switches, Page Two 18
Notes for Virtual Switches, Page Two 19
Virtual Switches, Page Three 20
Notes for Virtual Switches, Page Three 21
Virtual Switches, Page Four 22
Appendix A – AES/EBU Interface 23
Inputs with Sample Rate Conversion 23
Input Sample Rate and Auxiliary Data 23
Inputs without Sample Rate Conversion 23
Output Auxiliary Data 23
Appendix B – Troubleshooting 24
Support FAQs 25
Appendix C – Alpha-Link Model Numbers 27

ii

1
Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of this Solid State Logic Alpha-Link LIVE-R audio I/O unit. Please be assured that
it will provide you with many years of reliable service while delivering the pristine audio quality you expect from any
Solid State Logic product.
The Alpha-Link LIVE-R is a stylishly designed, 2U-high rack-mountable unit providing fully featured multi-channel
audio converters for Studio, Live and Broadcast Applications with an incredible price/performance ratio. The Alpha-
Link LIVE-R is a MADI & AES/EBU based converter which offers fibre redundancy and dual power supplies and features
control ports for up to three Alpha-Link 8-RMP Mic preamps. Alpha-Link LIVE-R is configurable to suit either European
or US broadcast analogue interface levels.
The unit offers simple front panel controls for configuration and a comprehensive input/output routing matrix which
can be used to set up global connections between the various I/O connections and makes all combinations possible.
There is also a meter section for the analogue inputs and outputs with an AD/DA selection button, mode indicator
LEDs and 24 tri-colour level LEDs.
The Alpha-Link LIVE-R unit can be used as standalone format converter, but used in combination with an SSL C10 HD
or C100 HDS console it provides a powerful, highly flexible I/O solution which is especially suited to broadcast
applications. When connected to a C10 HD or C100 HDS console, Alpha-Link LIVE-R provides automatic fibre redundancy
switching and remote control of up to three Alpha-Link 8-RMP Mic preamps is possible.
Please refer to the Alpha-Link LIVE-R Installation Guide and the C10 HD and C100 HDS Operator’s Reference
Manuals for details of processor and fibre redundancy configuration.

2
Scope
This User Guide should be read in conjunction with the Alpha-Link LIVE- Installation Guide. This guide covers the
configuration, features and operation of your Alpha-Link LIVE-R unit whilst the Installation Guide provides all of the
information required to install and interface to your new unit.
IMPO TANT
Please register your Alpha-Link LIVE-R unit on our website. This will ensure that you receive notification of
future updates and other important information, and that your guarantee is registered. Registration will also
make you eligible for technical support.
The Solid State Logic home page is at: www.solidstatelogic.com
From there you can access our Support page, which includes links to the Product Registration and Download
pages. You can also visit the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) area for any questions you might have or to
contact our Technical Support staff.

3
I/O Capabi ities
The number of channels available on each audio interface provided by the Alpha-Link LIVE-R is determined by the
sample rate and in certain circumstances by the mode of operation chosen.
The LIVE-R can operate at the following sample rates; 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz and 192kHz and if
locked to an external clock source, it can also operate at a deviation of up to ±10% from these rates. Throughout
this guide we will often refer to the lowest set of sample rates (44.1kHz, 48kHz) collectively as ‘Fs’, medium rates
(88.2kHz, 96kHz) – being twice the lowest set – as ‘2Fs’ and the highest sample rates (176.4kHz, 192kHz) as ‘4Fs’.
Early digital audio interfaces designed to run at 2Fs rates did so by modifying the way that data is packed into the
digital audio stream without increasing the actual transmission rate. This leads to a lower channel count for a given
interface but results in a 2Fs interface that is broadly compatible with the original Fs rate interface. Later improvements
for some interface types lead to ‘proper’ double speed 2Fs interfaces that did not compromise the channel count but
were no longer compatible with older Fs rate interfaces. These developments resulted in two different modes of
operation at the higher rates; ‘Legacy’ (SMUX2/SMUX4) and ‘High Speed’. The channel count differences are loosely
summarised in the following table and further information will be found towards the rear of this guide.
* Uses a pair of AES/EBU ports per channel
Audio
Interface
Sample ate and Mode
Fs
2Fs
(High Speed)
2Fs
(Legacy/SMUX2)
2Fs
(High Speed)
4Fs
(Legacy/SMUX4)
AES/EBU 24 Channels 24 Channels 12 Channels 24 Channels 6 Channels *
Analogue 24 Channels – irrespective of sample rate
MADI 56/64 Channels 28/32 Channels 28/32 Channels 14/16 Channels 14/16 Channels

4
Insta ation Notes
Please take time to read through this guide before installing your Alpha-Link LIVE-R. If however you are unable to
resist that temptation, do take note of the following points:
• Full connector pin-out details are provided at the rear of the Alpha-Link LIVE- Installation Guide.
• The nominal analogue I/O level of the Alpha-Link LIVE-R defaults to +24dBu ≈0dB FS – please refer to the Virtual
Switches discussion to learn how to change this.
• If interfacing Alpha-Link 8-RMP units to the unit and the chosen operating level for the Alpha-Link LIVE-R is not
+24dBu it may be necessary to set internal links to fix the input level (in blocks of 8) to +24dBu – please refer
to Appendix B for further details.
• Your Alpha-Link LIVE-R unit can be rack mounted. Whilst the unit occupies 2U of rack space in a standard 19-
inch rack, do please leave (a 1U) space above and below the unit for cooling.
• It may be necessary to change the default CLOCK SOURCE – please refer to the Clock Source Selection discussion
on page 8 for further details.
• Please turn down, switch off or disconnect any connected amplifiers before re-configuring your Alpha-Link
LIVE-R. Changing signal routing and/or clock source can potentially produce loud audible clicks.

5
Front Pane
Power Switch
This is used to switch the Alpha-Link LIVE-R on or off.
All front panel settings are stored in non-volatile memory ~5 sec after the last front panel change; please allow
time for this before switching the unit off.
Status LED
The STATUS LED will normally be extinguished. It will however flash under the following conditions:
• The Alpha-Link LIVE-R is in diagnostic mode
(please refer to the System Settings and Diagnostics section).
• One of the two internal PSU units has failed (or is missing mains power) – firmware version V1.1 or later .
Power Switch
Routing Matrix
Control
Clock Source
Selection
Sample Rate
Selection
Status LED
Signal Meters

6
outing Matrix Control
The Alpha-Link LIVE-R contains a routing matrix which enables routing
of groups of signals between the inputs and outputs. This routing
matrix is controlled using two buttons – one to select an OUTPUT
and the other to pick the INPUT for that output – along with a set of
indicator LEDs to show the routing setup. Using these two buttons,
any input group (AES/EBU, Analogue or MADI) can be connected to
any output group.
All routing is performed to full 24-bit precision. There are no mixing functions in
Alpha-Link LIVE-R so whilst it is possible to use the routing matrix to route any
single input to multiple outputs, it is not possible for a single output to be fed from
more than one input (selecting a second source for an output will cause the second
source to replace the original).
The routing matrix LEDs indicate which input group(s) are feeding which output group. Each audio interface has
both input and output groups which are routed independently so routing Analogue to/from MADI for example
requires routing both Analogue In →MADI Out and MADI In →Analogue Out as two seperate steps.
Input Button
and Indicators
Output Button
and Indicators
AES/EBU
Analogue
MADI

7
Viewing and Setting outing
Pressing the OUTPUT button repeatedly will cycle through the available output groups, the currently selected output
group being indicated by the corresponding LED. For each output group, the LEDs of the input column will indicate
which input group(s) are connected to that output group. To set or change the input group(s) connected to a given
output group:
• Use the OUTPUT button to select the required output.
• Press and hold the OUTPUT button.
• With the OUTPUT button held, each press of the INPUT button will step through each possible input group for
that output.
• Once the required routing has been selected, releasing the OUTPUT button will store and activate your selection.
Please note that the INPUT button works only in combination with the OUTPUT button.
Where capacity is available, two input groups may be assigned to one output group – the AES and analogue input
groups can both connect to the MADI output group. Where this is possible it will be indicated by illuminating both
input group LEDs whilst stepping through the different modes.
In cases where two input groups are connected to a single output group, the order in which input groups are
assigned is determined by the ‘Connection Mode’ described in the System Settings and Diagnostics section of
this guide. Channels will be routed in order, hence the ‘lower’ input group will be fully used before the routing
spills over to the ‘higher’ group. Where this split occurs will depend on the sample rate and channel count and
may result in some channels remaining unused or un-routed.

8
Clock Source Selection
The Alpha-Link LIVE-R unit can operate either as a Clock Master device
(‘Internal’ mode), or as a Clock Slave device locked to an external clock
signal. Possible external sources are:
• AES/EBU
• MADI
• Video
• Wordclock
Pressing the CLOCK button will step through each of the possible options, each illuminating the
corresponding LED. When the button is released, the entire Alpha-Link LIVE-R will lock to that
source. Note that a flashing clock LED indicates that although the corresponding mode has been
selected, the unit is not receiving a valid Master Clock signal via the selected port/input.
Alpha-Link LIVE-R units are preconfigured to receive an external clock extracted from the incoming MADI stream. In
case this primary clock source is lost, the unit can automatically switch to an alternative ‘fallback’ clock source – by
default this is External Wordclock.
If AES/EBU is selected as an external clock source, it may be necessary to preset which AES/EBU input (port A
only) is used to derive the clock signal from. In the same manner, the ‘External’ source – MADI or Wordclock –
must also be preset. Please refer to the System Settings and Diagnostics section of this guide for details of how
to preset these clock sources.
AES/EBU
Internal
External
(MADI, Video or Wordclock)

9
Sample ate Selection
The sample rate indicators show the current sample rate of the unit. When
the Alpha-Link LIVE-R clock source is set to ‘Internal’ (see opposite), pressing
the SAMPLE RATE button will step through each available sample rate
(44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz and 192kHz) – as indicated by
the corresponding LEDs.
Front Panel Indications
When the clock source is set to an ‘external’ source (AES/EBU, External or MADI) the illuminated
LED indicates the sample rate being received from that source. If there is an error or if the
received sample rate falls outside of the tolerance expected (±0.5% from nominal), all sample
rate LEDs will be off.
External Lock ange
When locking to an ‘external’ source Alpha-Link LIVE-R will normally accept and lock to a wider clock range at up to
±10% of the nominal rate, provided that the nominal rate corresponds to one of the supported rates (44.1kHz, 48kHz,
88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz and 192kHz).
If the unit has been set to interface the maximum 64 MADI channels (32 or 16 channels at higher sample rates),
the tighter clock tolerance of ±0.5% applies.
As noted above, if the sample rate from an external source falls outside of the expected tolerance (±0.5%) all sample
rate LEDs will be extinguished although the clock source LED should still indicate if a valid signal is being received.
44.1kHz
48kHz
96kHz/88.2kHz
176.4kHz/192kHz

10
Signal Meters
The meter section of the front panel provides simple tri-colour LED metering for either the 24 analogue inputs (AD)
or the 24 analogue outputs (DA), selectable using the METERS button.
For each input or output channel, the signal level is represented by the state of the LED with the corresponding
number. The LEDs respond to the signal level in the digital domain (in dB FS) as follows:
• OFF <–30dB FS (depending on operating level, less than –16dBu to –6dBu applied)
• GREEN >–30dB FS (depending on operating level, greater than –16dBu to –6dBu applied)
• AMBER >–3.0dB FS (depending on operating level, greater than +11dBu to +21dBu applied)
• RED >–0.1dB FS (depending on operating level, +14dBu to +24dBu or more applied)
The STATUS LED located in this area of the front panel has no metering function – its use is described on page 5.
Input Metering
Output Metering
Tri-colour LED Meters
(24 Channels)

11
System Settings and Diagnostics
Each Alpha-Link LIVE-R unit is configured by
default to work in a simple system. Many users
however may find that these defaults are not
appropriate for their setup. To cater for such
situations the default settings may be adjusted
using a set of virtual switches, accessed from
the Alpha-Link LIVE-R front panel by placing the
unit into a diagnostic mode. These virtual
switch settings are non-volatile and once saved
are retained when the unit is power cycled.
Diagnostic Mode
Hold the SAMPLE RATE and CLOCK buttons, switch the Alpha-Link LIVE-R unit on and continue to hold the buttons
for ~2 seconds to put it into diagnostic mode – indicated by a flashing STATUS LED. Diagnostic mode can be cancelled
either by power cycling the unit or by simultaneously pressing both the SAMPLE RATE and CLOCK buttons once more.
Any changes will be lost if the unit is power cycled; the internal memory is only written to and settings saved
if diagnostic mode is exited by pressing both SAMPLE RATE and CLOCK buttons. Please allow time for any
changes to be saved.
Picking a Page of Virtual Switches
Several pages of virtual switches are provided, the current page being indicated in AMBER by the lower row of meter
LEDs where the Channel 17 LED indicates Page 1, Channel 18 indicates Page 2 etc. Pressing the METERS button will
step through the available pages of which there are four for the Alpha-Link LIVE-R.
Current option settings for the
selected page
STATUS
LED
flashes
Selected page
Selected
option

12
Selecting an Option
For each page of switches, the middle row of meter LEDs indicates, in RED, the currently selected switch such that
Channel 9 LED indicates Switch 1, Channel 10 indicates Switch 2 etc. Pressing the OUTPUT button will cycle through
all switches for that page.
Setting an Option
The current setting of each option in the current page is indicated, in GREEN, by the state of the corresponding LED
in the first row of meter LEDs where the Channel 1 LED indicates the state of Option 1, Channel 2 indicates Option 2
etc. When an option is selected, pressing the INPUT button toggles the state of that option (ON or OFF).
Tables detailing the available options and their default settings will be found on the following pages. In each table
the relevant LED states are indicated as either extinguished (‘ ’) or illuminated (‘ ’).

13
Firmware Version
Whilst in diagnostic mode, the Alpha-Link LIVE-R unit can also be set to display
the current firmware version by simultaneously pressing both the SAMPLE RATE
and CLOCK buttons. The firmware version will be displayed across the top row
of meter LEDs (1 through 8) whilst the buttons are pressed; releasing the buttons
will return the unit to normal operation.
The number will be displayed as a two digit binary number where LEDs 1 to 4
indicate the ‘major’ part and LEDs 5 to 8 the ‘minor’ part; the table here can be
used to convert the numbers displayed on the unit into decimal – for example
a version number of ‘1.2’ would display as ‘ ’ (where
‘ ’ indicates an illuminated LED).
At the time of writing, Alpha-Link LIVE-R ships with firmware version V1.0
Firmware Update
The Alpha-Link LIVE-R firmware can be updated in the field using the standard
USB 2.0 port located on the rear panel. An update utility (MS Windows™ only)
can be downloaded from the Support section of the Solid State Logic website to
facilitate this.
Whilst updating a unit, ensure that the unit and controlling PC remain
powered with the USB cable connected until the process completes – any
interruption of the update process may leave the unit inoperable.
LEDs Number
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15

14

15
Virtual Switches, Page One (indicated by an illuminated channel 17 LED)
Settings in bold indicate defaults. Please also refer to the notes overleaf for details of each setting.
LED Option Setting LED State See Note
1 Number of MADI channels 64 (32/16 at 2Fs/4Fs) 1.
56 (28/14 at 2Fs/4Fs)
2
3
MADI 2Fs/4Fs data format
High Speed
2.
Legacy (SMUX2)
Legacy (SMUX4)
4
5
AES/EBU 2Fs/4Fs data format
High Speed
2.
Legacy (SMUX2)
Legacy (SMUX4)
6 Analogue/Digital connection mode Analogue first (lowest) 3.
Digital first (lowest)
7
8
Sample rate when an Fs rate signal
is applied to the wordclock input
Fs
4.
2Fs
4Fs

16
Notes for Virtual Switches, Page One
1. There are two MADI channel formats; 56 or 64 channel. The 56 channel format allows for ±10% deviation from
the nominal sample rate whilst the 64 channel format uses the full capacity of the MADI stream fixed to the
selected sample rate. Not all MADI interfaces support both formats; please refer to the documentation for the
connected interface to determine the correct format to use. Note that the MADI link transmission rate is always
fixed hence at higher or ‘2Fs’ sample rates the channel capacity is halved to either 28 or 32 channels and at ‘4Fs’
sample rates the channel capacity is halved again to 14 or 16 channels.
For Alpha-Link LIVE-R to control 8-RMP units, it is essential that the MADI port be set to operate in 56 channel
mode; control signals are transmitted as data packets over channel 57.
2. These options are used at 2Fs and 4Fs sample rates either to determine the rate of the master clock or to set
the data format for that interface.
a. If the unit is set to lock to the interface in question, these options determine how the clock signal embedded
in the selected clock source is interpreted
when the clock is below 57kHz (Fs rate) :
• When the source sample rate is Fs, the ‘2Fs / Legacy (SMUX2)’ setting is invalid; ‘Fs / High Speed’ must
be selected to receive valid data. The distributed clock will be Fs.
• When the source sample rate is 2Fs – with ‘Legacy (SMUX2)’ format data – the ‘Fs / High Speed’ setting
is invalid; ‘2Fs / Legacy (SMUX)’ must be selected to receive valid data. The distributed clock will be Fs.
• When the source sample rate is 4Fs – with ‘Legacy (SMUX4)’ format data – the ‘Fs / High Speed’ setting
is invalid; ‘4Fs / Legacy (SMUX)’ must be selected to receive valid data. The distributed clock will be Fs.
When Alpha-Link LIVE-R is provided with a 2Fs rate clock (above 57kHz) the setting of this switch will be
ignored and the distributed clock will always be 2Fs rate.