Sonifex Net-Log Instruction Manual

Sonifex Net-Log
User Handbook

©Sonifex Ltd, 2005
All Rights Reserved
Revision 1.07, February 2005
Sonifex Ltd, 61, Station Road, Irthlingborough,
Northants, NN9 5QE, England.
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.sonifex.co.uk
Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of the
vendor. Sonifex Ltd shall not be liable for any loss or damage whatsoever arising from the use of information or any error
contained in this manual.
No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including
photocopying, recording, information storage and retrieval systems, for any purpose other than the purchaser’s personal
use, without the express written permission of Sonifex Ltd. Unless otherwise noted, all names of companies, products and
persons contained herein are part of a completely fictitious adaptation and are designed solely to document the use of
Sonifex product.

Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS
License Agreement...........................................................................................................................................1
Net-Log License Form.......................................................................................................................................3
Warranty & Safety Information..........................................................................................................................5
Warranty and Liability ......................................................................................................................................5
Returning the Warranty Card.............................................................................................................................6
Reporting Software Bugs ..................................................................................................................................6
Unpacking the Net-Log .....................................................................................................................................6
Safety of Mains Operated Equipment..................................................................................................................6
Fuse Rating.....................................................................................................................................................6
Power Cable and Connection .............................................................................................................................6
1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................... 7
General Overview ............................................................................................................................................7
The Net-Log....................................................................................................................................................7
Net-Log Control Software..................................................................................................................................7
Recording .......................................................................................................................................................7
Playing ...........................................................................................................................................................8
Archiving ........................................................................................................................................................8
Network .........................................................................................................................................................8
Required Hardware ..........................................................................................................................................9
2 Net-Log Hardware......................................................................................................................................11
Physical Description .......................................................................................................................................11
Power...........................................................................................................................................................11
Level Indicators.............................................................................................................................................11
Record Control/Indicator.................................................................................................................................11
Archive Alarm................................................................................................................................................12
Disk Drive Alarm............................................................................................................................................12
Reset Switch .................................................................................................................................................12
Audio Inputs/Input Level Control .....................................................................................................................12
Network Status Indicators...............................................................................................................................12
Network Connections......................................................................................................................................12
RS232 Serial Ports.........................................................................................................................................12
Alarm Outputs And Remote Inputs...................................................................................................................12
3 Net-Log Set-up & Installation ....................................................................................................................13
Adjusting Record Input Levels .........................................................................................................................13
Network Topology..........................................................................................................................................13
Maximum Network Connections.......................................................................................................................13
Connecting Net-Log To Your Network ...............................................................................................................14
IP Addresses.................................................................................................................................................14
Installing Net-Log-Win Software ......................................................................................................................15
Entering Network Settings ..............................................................................................................................15
4 Startup & Login ............................................................................................................................................19
Starting Net-Log-Win .....................................................................................................................................19
Maximum Concurrent Users ............................................................................................................................19
Multiple Net-Logs On A Network ......................................................................................................................19
Licensing Your Net-Log...................................................................................................................................19
Obtaining License Codes.................................................................................................................................20
The Login Procedure.......................................................................................................................................20
The Device List Editor.....................................................................................................................................20
First Time Use of Net-Log................................................................................................................................21
Changing User Details ....................................................................................................................................21
General Screen Layout ...................................................................................................................................21
5 Recording ..................................................................................................................................................23
The Record Screen.........................................................................................................................................23
Manual Recording ..........................................................................................................................................23
Program Recording ........................................................................................................................................24
Saving and Loading Record Programs...............................................................................................................25
Remote Recording..........................................................................................................................................25
Auto Recording..............................................................................................................................................25
6 Playing & Downloading..............................................................................................................................15
Track List Display...........................................................................................................................................15
Play Download...............................................................................................................................................15
Play Stream ..................................................................................................................................................16
Sonifex Net-Log User Handbook

Contents
Play File........................................................................................................................................................17
7 Archiving ...................................................................................................................................................19
The Archiving Process.....................................................................................................................................19
Configuring Archival To A Networked PC ...........................................................................................................19
Format of Archived Files .................................................................................................................................20
Beginning to Archive ......................................................................................................................................20
8 Auto-Archive..............................................................................................................................................21
Introduction..................................................................................................................................................21
Licensing ......................................................................................................................................................21
The Net-Log List............................................................................................................................................21
The Status Bar ..............................................................................................................................................21
Performance .................................................................................................................................................21
Set-up..........................................................................................................................................................22
E-Mail ..........................................................................................................................................................22
Auto-Delete Archives......................................................................................................................................22
Device List....................................................................................................................................................22
The Status Screen .........................................................................................................................................23
The Control Screen ........................................................................................................................................23
The Archive Screen........................................................................................................................................ 23
The Event Log Screen.....................................................................................................................................24
Reports ........................................................................................................................................................24
Status Report................................................................................................................................................24
Error Report.................................................................................................................................................. 24
Possible Errors ..............................................................................................................................................24
‘Archive Warn’ Report..................................................................................................................................... 24
‘Archive Alarm’ Report....................................................................................................................................24
9 Serial Control Interface .............................................................................................................................25
Televic CE2500 Interface................................................................................................................................25
Televic CE2500 Protocol .................................................................................................................................27
AMX/Crestron Interface ..................................................................................................................................28
AMX/Crestron Protocol....................................................................................................................................28
10 Options....................................................................................................................................................31
Record .........................................................................................................................................................31
Archive.........................................................................................................................................................32
Record Remotes ............................................................................................................................................33
Clock Source.................................................................................................................................................33
Control......................................................................................................................................................... 34
Information...................................................................................................................................................34
Saving and Loading Options............................................................................................................................34
11 The Administrator....................................................................................................................................35
Licences .......................................................................................................................................................35
Accounts Editor .............................................................................................................................................35
Function Access – View...................................................................................................................................35
Function Access – Control...............................................................................................................................35
User Name & Password...................................................................................................................................36
The Onboard Clock.........................................................................................................................................36
Updating The Onboard Clock...........................................................................................................................36
Network Settings...........................................................................................................................................37
Updating Firmware.........................................................................................................................................37
Resetting The Net-Log....................................................................................................................................37
12 Tools........................................................................................................................................................39
Auto Refresh Cut Display ................................................................................................................................39
Play Cut Auto Load ........................................................................................................................................39
Hide Unavailable Cuts.....................................................................................................................................39
Deleting Cuts ................................................................................................................................................39
View ............................................................................................................................................................39
Net-Log Connections......................................................................................................................................39
Net-Log Status..............................................................................................................................................39
Network Stats ...............................................................................................................................................40
Audio Header Info..........................................................................................................................................40
About Sonifex Net-Log....................................................................................................................................40
13 Technical Specifications...........................................................................................................................41
Physical Specification .....................................................................................................................................41
Audio Specification.........................................................................................................................................41
Rear Panel Connections, Controls and Indicators................................................................................................ 41
Front Panel Controls and Indicators..................................................................................................................41
Additional Information....................................................................................................................................41
Pin Connections.............................................................................................................................................42
14 Glossary & Abbreviations.........................................................................................................................45
Index...........................................................................................................................................................47
Sonifex Net-Log User Handbook

Contents
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1.1 System Block Diagram .........................................................................................................................7
Figure 1.2 Single Net-Log Connection example.......................................................................................................7
Figure 1.3 Multiple Net-Log Connection example.....................................................................................................8
Figure 2.1 The Front Panel.................................................................................................................................11
Figure 2.2 The Rear Panel..................................................................................................................................12
Figure 3.1 Network Topology .............................................................................................................................13
Figure 3.2 Maximum Simultaneous Streams.........................................................................................................14
Figure 3.3 IP Addresses.....................................................................................................................................14
Figure 3.4 Net-Log-Win Installation.....................................................................................................................15
Figure 3.5 Net-Log-Win Serial Utility ...................................................................................................................15
Figure 3.6 Detail of Net-Log-Win Serial Utility.......................................................................................................15
Figure 3.7 Diagram of a Null Modem Cable...........................................................................................................16
Figure 3.8 Diagram of “straight through” and “crossover” CAT5 Cables....................................................................16
Figure 3.9 Details of Net-Util Tool buttons............................................................................................................16
Figure 4.1 The Initialisation Screen.....................................................................................................................19
Figure 4.2 The Licensing Screen .........................................................................................................................19
Figure 4.3 The Login Screen...............................................................................................................................20
Figure 4.4 The Net-Log Device List Editor ............................................................................................................20
Figure 4.5 User Details......................................................................................................................................21
Figure 4.6 General Screen Layout.......................................................................................................................21
Figure 5.1 Manual Record Screen........................................................................................................................23
Figure 5.2 Program Record Screen......................................................................................................................24
Figure 5.3 Program Record Popup Menu Commands..............................................................................................24
Figure 5.4 Auto Record Mode .............................................................................................................................25
Figure 6.1 Play Download Screen........................................................................................................................15
Figure 6.2 Play Stream Screen ...........................................................................................................................16
Figure 6.3 Play File Screen.................................................................................................................................17
Figure 7.1 Archive Options Screen ......................................................................................................................19
Figure 7.2 Archive Screen..................................................................................................................................20
Figure 8.1 The Status Screen .............................................................................................................................21
Figure 8.2 The Net-Log List................................................................................................................................21
Figure 8.3 The Settings Screen...........................................................................................................................22
Figure 8.4 The Status Screen .............................................................................................................................23
Figure 8.5 The Control Screen............................................................................................................................23
Figure 8.6 The Archive Screen............................................................................................................................23
Figure 8.7 The Event Log Screen ........................................................................................................................24
Figure 9.1 Control Options Screen ......................................................................................................................25
Figure 9.2 Televic CE2500 Interface Options ........................................................................................................25
Figure 9.3 Additional Play Cut List Columns..........................................................................................................26
Figure 10.1 Record Options................................................................................................................................31
Figure 10.2 Archive Options...............................................................................................................................32
Figure 10.3 Record Remotes Options...................................................................................................................33
Figure 10.4 Clock Source Options .......................................................................................................................33
Figure 10.5 Control Interface Options..................................................................................................................34
Figure 10.6 Televic CE2500 Control Options.........................................................................................................34
Figure 10.7 System Information .........................................................................................................................34
Figure 11.1 Net-Log Administrator Menu..............................................................................................................35
Figure 11.2 Accounts Editor ...............................................................................................................................35
Figure 11.3 Function View..................................................................................................................................35
Figure 11.4 Function Control..............................................................................................................................35
Figure 11.5 Select or Edit User Name & Password.................................................................................................36
Figure 11.6 Network Settings.............................................................................................................................37
Figure 11.7 Upgrading Firmware.........................................................................................................................37
Figure 12.1 Net-Log Tools Menu .........................................................................................................................39
Figure 12.2 Net-Log Connections Screen .............................................................................................................39
Figure 12.3 Net-Log Status Screen .....................................................................................................................39
Figure 12.4 Net-Log Stats Screen .......................................................................................................................40
Figure 12.5 Net-Log Audio Header Info Screen.....................................................................................................40
Figure 12.6 Net-Log About Screen ......................................................................................................................40
Sonifex Net-Log User Handbook

Contents
Sonifex Net-Log User Handbook

License Agreement
LICENSE AGREEMENT
This is a legal agreement between you, the end user, and Sonifex Limited.
BY PROCEEDING WITH THE INSTALLATION OR USE OF THE SOFTWARE, YOU AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THE TERMS OF
THIS AGREEMENT. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT, DO NOT INSTALL OR USE THIS
SOFTWARE.
Sonifex Limited ("Sonifex") and the individual or entity acquiring the Software ("Licensee"), agree as follows:
1. Definitions
"Software" means the computer program(s) in machine-readable form furnished to Licensee by Sonifex or Sonifex’s
suppliers, in whatever media and by whatever method. Software includes any related update or upgrade programs that
may be added from time-to-time.
"Hardware" means the equipment, furnished to Licensee by Sonifex or Sonifex’s suppliers, to which the Software relates.
Hardware is to be used solely in conjunction with the Software.
2. Software License
a. Sonifex hereby grants to Licensee a non-exclusive, non-transferable license to use the Software for Licensee's internal
purposes only, on any computer possessed by Licensee on which the Software is designed to operate, such use to be in
accordance with and subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
b. Licensee shall not distribute, lend, incorporate, modify, or use the Software for any purpose except as expressly
provided herein. Licensee may transfer rights under this Agreement on a permanent basis, provided all copies of the
Software and all written materials are transferred, and the recipient agrees to the terms of this Agreement.
c. If Licensee fails to comply with the provisions of this Agreement, the License is automatically terminated.
d. Except for the rights expressly granted herein to Licensee, the title and all intellectual property rights in and to the
Software and any copy of the Software which may be made by Licensee hereunder remain the sole and exclusive property
of Sonifex and/or Sonifex’s licensors.
3. Limited Warranty & Remedies
a. Sonifex warrants to Licensee that the media containing the Software will be free from defects in materials and
workmanship under normal use and service for a period of ninety (90) days from the date of delivery.
b. Sonifex further warrants that (a) the Software will perform substantially in accordance with the accompanying Product
Manual(s) for a period of ninety (90) days from the date of delivery; and (b) any Sonifex supplied Hardware
accompanying the Software will be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and service for a
period of one year from the date of receipt. Any implied warranties on the Software and Hardware are limited to ninety
(90) days and one (1) year, respectively, or the shortest period permitted by applicable law, whichever is greater.
c. Any products which are not returned to Sonifex within the warranty period or which have been subject to accident,
abuse, misuse, alteration, neglect, or unauthorised repair or installation are not covered by warranty.
4. Warranty Disclaimer
EXCEPT FOR THE ABOVE EXPRESSED LIMITED WARRANTIES, SONIFEX MAKES NO WARRANTIES ON THE SOFTWARE,
WHETHER EXPRESSED, IMPLIED, STATUTORY, OR IN ANY OTHER PROVISION OF THIS AGREEMENT OR COMMUNICATION
WITH LICENSEE, AND SONIFEX SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS
FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. SONIFEX DOES NOT WARRANT THAT THE OPERATION OF THE SOFTWARE BY LICENSEE
WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED OR ERROR FREE. LICENSEE ASSUMES RESPONSIBILITY FOR SELECTION OF THE SOFTWARE
AND HARDWARE TO ACHIEVE ITS INTENDED RESULTS, AND FOR THE PROPER INSTALLATION, USE, AND RESULTS
OBTAINED FROM THE SOFTWARE. EXCEPT FOR THE ABOVE EXPRESSED LIMITED WARRANTIES, LICENSEE ASSUMES THE
ENTIRE RISK OF THE SOFTWARE PROVING DEFECTIVE OR FAILING TO PERFORM PROPERLY AND IN SUCH EVENT,
LICENSEE SHALL ASSUME THE ENTIRE COST AND RISK OF ANY REPAIR, SERVICE, CORRECTION, OR ANY OTHER
LIABILITIES OR DAMAGES CAUSED BY OR ASSOCIATED WITH THE SOFTWARE.
SONIFEXS’ SOLE LIABILITY, AND LICENSEE'S SOLE REMEDY, IS SET FORTH ABOVE.
5. Object Code
Licensee shall not attempt to reverse translate, de-compile or otherwise attempt to derive the source code of the
Software. In the event any source code is explicitly licensed to Licensee as part of the Software, such limitation will not
apply to such source code. Licensee shall not alter or remove from the Software any copyright, trademark or other
proprietary notices of Sonifex and/or Sonifex’s licensors. Any use or attempted use of the Software in violation of the
foregoing restrictions is a breach of the Agreement which will cause irreparable harm to Sonifex, entitling Sonifex to
injunctive relief in addition to all legal remedies.
Sonifex Net-Log User Handbook 1

License Agreement
6. Limitation of Liability
a. Licensee agrees that Sonifex’s entire liability to Licensee and Licensee's sole remedy hereunder for any cause
whatsoever, regardless of the form of the action, and at Sonifex’s option, shall be limited to either (a) the price paid to
Sonifex for the Software and Hardware or (b) repair or replacement of the Software or Hardware that does not meet
Sonifex’s Limited Warranty and which is returned to Sonifex with a copy of Licensee's receipt or invoice. Any replacement
Software or Hardware will be warranted for the remainder of the original warranty period or 30 days, whichever is longer.
b. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, SONIFEX AND ITS SUPPLIERS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR
ANY OTHER DAMAGES WHATSOEVER (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS,
BUSINESS INTERRUPTION, LOSS OF BUSINESS INFORMATION, OR OTHER PECUNIARY LOSS) ARISING OUT OF THE USE
OF OR INABILITY TO USE THIS SONIFEX PRODUCT, EVEN IF SONIFEX HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
DAMAGES. IN ANY CASE, SONIFEXS’ ENTIRE LIABILITY UNDER ANY PROVISION OF THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE LIMITED
TO THE AMOUNT ACTUALLY PAID FOR THE SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE.
7. Copyright
The Software is owned by Sonifex and is protected by United Kingdom copyright laws, international treaty provisions and
all other applicable national laws.
This Agreement is governed by the laws of England.
Sonifex Net-Log User Handbook
2

License Form
NET-LOG LICENSE FORM
To provide a license for your Net-Log, Sonifex requires the following information:
License reference code from the Administrator Menu -> Licenses screen.
Ethernet MAC address from the Administrator Menu -> Licenses screen.
Serial number from rear of Net-Log.
Number of consecutive streams to be licensed (2, 5 or upgrade 2-5)
Your Name and Address
Agent or Distributor purchased from
At least one of the following:
Telephone (inc country code)
Fax number (inc country code)
Email address
Please send this form to
Net-Log Licensing
Sonifex Ltd
61 Station Road
Irthlingborough
Northants NN9 5QE
United Kingdom
OR telephone during
UK working hours to
[phone]
OR Fax to
[phone]
OR email all this information to
[email protected]
OR fill in the form which can be
found on our website
www.sonifex.co.uk/netlog
Sonifex Net-Log User Handbook 3

License Form
Sonifex Net-Log User Handbook
4

Warranty & Safety
WARRANTY & SAFETY
INFORMATION
Warranty and Liability
Important: the purchaser is advised to read this clause
(a) The Company agrees to repair or (at its discretion) replace Goods which are found to be defective (fair wear and tear
excepted) and which are returned to the Company within 12 months of the date of despatch provided that each of the
following are satisfied:
(i) notification of any defect is given to the Company immediately upon its becoming apparent to the Purchaser;
(ii) the Goods have only been operated under normal operating conditions and have only been subject to normal use
(and in particular the Goods must have been correctly connected and must not have been subject to high voltage or to
ionising radiation and must not have been used contrary to the Company's technical recommendations);
(iii) the Goods are returned to the Company's premises at the Purchaser's expense;
(iv) any Goods or parts of Goods replaced shall become the property of the Company;
(v) no work whatsoever (other than normal and proper maintenance) has been carried out to the Goods or any part of
the Goods without the Company's prior written consent;
(vi) the defect has not arisen from a design made, furnished or specified by the Purchaser;
(vii) the Goods have been assembled or incorporated into other goods only in accordance with any instructions issued
by the Company;
(viii) the defect has not arisen from a design modified by the Purchaser;
(ix) the defect has not arisen from an item manufactured by a person other than the Company. In respect of any item
manufactured by a person other than the Company, the Purchaser shall only be entitled to the benefit of any warranty or
guarantee provided by such manufacturer to the Company.
(b) In respect of computer software supplied by the Company the Company does not warrant that the use of the software
will be uninterrupted or error free.
(c) The Company accepts liability:
(i) for death or personal injury to the extent that it results from the negligence of the Company, its employees (whilst
in the course of their employment) or its agents (in the course of the agency);
(ii) for any breach by the Company of any statutory undertaking as to title, quiet possession and freedom from
encumbrance.
(d) Subject to conditions (a) and (c) from the time of despatch of the Goods from the Company's premises the Purchaser
shall be responsible for any defect in the Goods or loss, damage, nuisance or interference whatsoever consequential
economic or otherwise or wastage of material resulting from or caused by or to the Goods. In particular the Company
shall not be liable for any loss of profits or other economic losses. The Company accordingly excludes all liability for the
same.
(e) At the request and expense of the Purchaser the Company will test the Goods to ascertain performance levels and
provide a report of the results of that test. The report will be accurate at the time of the test, to the best of the belief and
knowledge of the Company, and the Company accepts no liability in respect of its accuracy beyond that set out in
Condition (a).
(f) Subject to Condition (e) no representation, condition, warranty or other term, express or implied (by statute or
otherwise) is given by the Company that the Goods are of any particular quality or standard or will enable the Purchaser to
attain any particular performance or result, or will be suitable for any particular purpose or use under specific conditions or
will provide any particular capacity, notwithstanding that the requirement for such performance, result or capacity or that
such particular purpose or conditions may have been known (or ought to have been known) to the Company, its
employees or agents.
(g) (i) To the extent that the Company is held legally liable to the Purchaser for any single breach of contract, tort,
representation or other act or default, the Company's liability for the same shall not exceed the Price of the Goods.
(ii) The restriction of liability in Condition (g)(i) shall not apply to any liability accepted by the Seller in Condition (c).
(h) Where the Goods are sold under a consumer transaction (as defined by the Consumer Transactions (Restrictions on
Statements) Order 1976) the statutory rights of the Purchaser are not affected by these Conditions of Sale.
Sonifex Net-Log User Handbook 5

Warranty & Safety
Sonifex Net-Log User Handbook
6
Returning the Warranty Card
In order to register the date of purchase so that we can keep you informed of any design improvements or modifications,
it is important to complete the warranty registration document that is enclosed with you and return it to Sonifex Ltd in the
UK.
For your own records you should write down the serial number (which can be found on the rear of the Net-Log) and
software versions (which is found in the About menu screen of Net-Log-Win, which is accessed via the help menu).
Serial Number ……………………….
Net-Log-Win Version V…………………………
Net-Log-Win Play Filter Version V…………………………
Net-Log Base Version V…………………………
Net-Log Version V…………………………
Reporting Software Bugs
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that the Net-Log-Win software is bug-free, it is possible that there are bugs
in the software. If you find any bugs, please report them to Sonifex because it helps us to improve the quality of the
product and we will usually be able to issue another version of software onto the Sonifex website for you to download and
upgrade your Net-Log.
Report any bugs by email to: [email protected]
When you report a bug, please add the following points:
• The Net-Log serial number, the Software versions, and the License status you are using. All of which can be found in
the About menu screen (Figure 11.6).
• If the bug is associated with Audio timing or data please include the data from the audio header screen (Figure 11.5)
• A contact who we can get in touch with regarding the problem, together with a reply email address.
• What you were doing when the bug occurred.
• What actually happened, in as much detail as possible.
• What you think the problem was caused by.
The more information you include, the easier it is to find the bug and cure it so please add as much information as you
can.
Unpacking the Net-Log
Each Net-Log is shipped in protective packaging and should be inspected for damage before use. Where an item is found
to have transit damage, notify your supplier immediately with all the relevant details of the shipment. Packing materials
should be kept for inspection and also for if the product needs to be returned.
Safety of Mains Operated Equipment
This equipment has been designed to meet the safety regulations currently advised in the country of purchase
and it conforms to the safety regulations specified by use of the CE Mark.
The power supply is rated to 95 - 265VAC at 47 – 63Hz with a fuse of 2A.
Warning: There are no user serviceably parts inside the machine. If you should ever need to look inside the unit, always
disconnect the mains supply before removing the equipment covers.
Fuse Rating
The Net-Log is supplied with a single fuse in the live conducting path of the power-in feed at the power supply. For
reasons of safety it is important that the correct rating and type of fuse is used. Incorrectly rated fuses could present a
possible fire hazard, under equipment fault conditions.
Power Cable and Connection
An IEC power connector is supplied with the Net-Log, which has a moulded plug attached – this is a legal requirement. If
no moulded plug has been supplied with your Net-Log, please contact your supplier, because an IEC connector is always
supplied from the Sonifex factory.
If for any reason, you need to use the Net-Log with a different power cable, you should use the following wiring guidelines
Wire Colour Connection
Green, or green and yellow Earth (E)
Blue, or Black Neutral (N)
Brown, or Red Live (L)

1. Introduction
INTRODUCTION 1
Figure 1.1 System Block Diagram
Figure 1.2 Single Net-Log Connection example
General Overview
The principal behind the Net-Log logger is that generally
speaking, computers should not be used for recording
audio where their general unreliability can cause system
crashes or lockups, with little regard for the security of the
audio being recorded. However, for playback, using
computers is perfectly acceptable and probably preferable,
due to the ability to manipulate and edit the audio,
provided it is in a suitable format.
The Net-Log
The Net-Log is a 1U rack-mount, hardware audio recorder,
designed primarily for audio logging in a broadcast
environment. It is able to record up to 4 mono, or 2 stereo
audio feeds, which are saved onto a large internal IDE
hard disk. The hard disk is continuously over-written,
allowing access to all the audio recorded on it. Apart from
the front panel mounted record override button, all
functions and configurations are controlled via the
Ethernet TCP/IP network connection using the supplied
Windows control software package.
Net-Logs can be used singularly (Figure 1.2), or if more
record channels are required, multiple Net-Logs can easily
be configured to operate on the same Network (Figure
1.3).
Net-Log Control Software
Net-Log works in conjunction with a software control
package that runs under Windows. This package consists
of Net-Log-Win, Net-Util and Net-Log Auto-Archive. Net-
Log-Win is the main control and configuration program.
Net-Util is a configuration and monitoring utility that
communicates with Net-Log via a serial connection. Net-
Log Auto-Archive is a program designed to Archive audio
data from multiple Net-Logs simultaneously.
Recording
Audio presented to the inputs is encoded in one of two
user selectable formats, MPEG layer 2 or G.729A (An
additional license is required to enable the G.729A format
– contact Sonifex Ltd for details). The compressed data is
then written to the internal IDE hard disk drive. Recording
can be either continuous or programmed to start and stop
at selected times. Record set-up allows for mono/dual
mono/stereo and sample-frequency/bit-rate selection,
depending on record format selected.
When recording has started, these parameters can only be
altered once the audio on the disk has been deleted. The
hard disk audio cannot be deleted whilst the logger is
recording.
Sonifex Net-Log User Handbook 7

1. Introduction
Playing
Two methods of audio playback are supported by Net-Log in
conjunction with the Net-Log-Win software. Sections of
audio can be transferred to a file on the PC using the Play
Download function. These files can then be played using
Net-Log-Wins media file player. Alternatively, Play Stream
offers the ability to play audio direct from the Net-Log.
Archiving
Archive is an automated method of transferring audio data
from one or more Net-Logs to a designated PC via the
Network interface. When the audio data arrives at the PC, it
can be arranged into files of a predetermined size. These
files can then be copied to a removable media for long-term
storage. If temporary audio storage is required, to satisfy
broadcast authority requirements for example, then
Archiving may not be necessary as the large hard drives
used in Net-Log can, depending on the format or bit rate of
the recordings, hold several weeks of audio. Sections of the
audio could be downloaded as required using the Play
Download function. The Net-Log-Win software provides a
simple method of Archiving audio data for users with a
single Net-Log. For larger installations where multiple Net-
Logs are used, the Net-Log Auto-Archive package offers the
ability to archive audio data from up to 20 Net-Logs
simultaneously.
Network
The speed of the network connection on Net-Log is 10Mbps,
and the physical connection is made via a BNC connector for
coax cables, or a RJ45 connector for twisted pair cabled
networks. For maximum network performance, the Net-Logs
and client PCs’ should be linked via a network Switch. This
will cater for the Net-Logs’ 10Mb connection whilst allowing
the client PCs’ to run at 100Mb. In most applications, this
arrangement will provide sufficient network performance for
multiple clients to simultaneously access multiple Net-Logs.
However, on existing networks where network traffic is
already high, or where archiving audio from multiple Net-
Logs running at high data rates, the required bandwidth of
the network hardware needs to be carefully considered. In
such cases a dedicated network may be required. The
specification of the PC used as the Auto-Archive client will
also need to be able to handle the large amounts of audio
data being transferred. If the network hardware is incapable
of handling the required data rates, Play Stream will be
interrupted by periods of silence and audio data on the Net-
Log may be overwritten before it can be archived to the
target PC.
The following example illustrates a known working
configuration and provides a starting point when considering
larger systems.
5 Net-Logs each configured as follows:
4 mono channels of MPEG compression recording non-stop,
32 kHz sample rate, 192 kbps bit rate, archiving to a single
Auto-Archive client PC via a dedicated 10/100Mb Network
switch. The Auto-Archive client PC is an Intel PIII, 1GHz or
equivalent fitted with a 100Mb network card.
This system provides sufficient bandwidth for continuous
archiving plus the capability for additional Net-Log-Win
clients to Play Stream audio.
Figure 1.3 Multiple Net-Log Connection example
Sonifex Net-Log User Handbook
8

1. Introduction
Required Hardware
Audio can be delivered to a network-connected remote
PC for live playback through an appropriate audio card.
For recordings made using the MPEG format, a software
codec supplied as part of the Windows 98/2000
operating system, provides the decoding and conversion
of the audio to a format supported by any standard
Windows audio card capable of playing .wav files.
Likewise, recordings made using G.729A are converted
to the same Windows supported format by a software
codec embedded in the Net-Log-Win software.
Therefore, Net-Log-Win client PC’s can play audio in
both format s using a single audio card.
It is recommended to use a PC with the following
minimum specification:
Pentium 166MHz
64MB RAM
Audio card & speakers as above
100Mbps network connection
Windows 95/98/NT/2000
DirectX 6 or greater
Sonifex Net-Log User Handbook 9

1. Introduction
Sonifex Net-Log User Handbook
10

2. Net-Log Hardware
Sonifex Net-Log User Handbook 11
NET-LOG HARDWARE 2
Figure 2.1 The Front Panel
Physical Description
The logger is housed in a 1U high 19” rack mount box.
The front panel is sprayed with a green to purple “flip”
colour, which also has a fish-scale overlay. There are
chrome plated panel inserts for the fan inlet/outlet with
domed labels for the “Sonifex” and “Net-Log”.
Power
The unit is powered via an IEC filtered input for 95 – 265V
supply at 47–63Hz, peak 60W, 30W average. There is an
external fuse for the mains input that is rated at 2A. We
recommend that the Net-Log is operated from an
uninterruptable power supply. It should be noted that the
record header is written regularly during the record
process so if the power fails the data lost will be limited.
At a bit rate of 192kbps this loss will be a maximum of 1
minute. Lower data rates will give proportionately greater
time loss.
Level Indicators
There are four tri-colour LED’s positioned on the front
panel indicating input levels for each individual channel:
Led State Meaning
Off Input level < -18dBu
Yellow –18dBu < Input level < 0dBu
Green 0dBu < Input level < 12dBu
Red Input level >12dBu
Record Control/Indicator
This backlit button gives an indication of what channels
are currently being recorded and can also be used to give
limited control over the recording. When pressed, the
button will flash indicating that a record start or stop has
been initiated and must be pressed again within three
seconds to confirm the action. The LED states and their
relative modes are shown below:-
Button State Mode
Off No channels recording
Fast flashing Record Start/Stop initiated
Slow flashing Some channels recording
On All available channels recording
When the button is pressed, the Net-Log checks to see
which channels can be altered using this button (See
Options, Record Format options, Override Enabled). If
recording, a confirmed button press will stop the
recording. If not recording, a confirmed button press will
start the recording on enabled channels.
Level
Indicators
Power LED
Record
Control
A
rchive
Alarm
Disk Drive
Alarm
Reset
Switch

2. Net-Log Hardware
Archive Alarm
This red coloured LED is used to warn of loss of data
during a recording process. If the Net-Log is about to
overwrite data that has not been archived on to a remote
computer then this indicator will start to flash. The amount
of warning time you get before data is lost can be
configured in the main software.
LED State Meaning
Off Normal
Flashing Data is about to be lost
On Data has been lost
Disk Drive Alarm
A red coloured LED giving an indication that there has
been an error reading/writing from/to the internal hard
disk.
Reset Switch
Restarts the machine. NOTE that this does not overwrite
any configurations and simply reboots the machine.
Audio Inputs/Input Level Control
The audio inputs consist of four 3-pin XLR connectors (2-
channel stereo, 4-channel mono) with independent level
gain controls for each input, accessible through the rear-
panel using a flat-blade screwdriver.
Network Status Indicators
There are four network status indicators, which are all
labelled independently.
Rx Receiving data.
Tx Transmitting data.
Link A network link has been established
Col Network collision
Network Connections
There are two network connectors: one a BNC (coax,
10base2), and the other a RJ45 (10baseT). Either of
these can be used for TCP/IP connection.
RS232 Serial Ports
There are two 9 pin D-Type connectors (COM1 and COM2)
situated on the rear panel. COM1 is used for firmware
updates and for updating the network settings, i.e. IP
Address, Subnet Mask, etc. It can also be used as a
messaging output for data analysis. COM2 is used for the
Serial Control Interface.
The settings for COM1 are fixed at:-
Baud rate 115200
Data Bits 8
Parity NONE
Stop Bits 1
Alarm Outputs And Remote Inputs
The remote connector is a 15 pin male D-type, which has
eight remote inputs to control recording and a double-
pole-double-throw alarm output relay which activates on
either the Archive Alarm or the Hard-Disk Alarm.
The inputs can be driven by 5V logic and are active low.
These can be set to momentary or latching action via the
main software screen.
See Chapter 12 for pin connection details.
Figure 2.2 The Rear Panel
Sonifex Net-Log User Handbook
12

3. Net-Log Set-up & Installation
NET-LOG SET-UP &
INSTALLATION 3
Figure 3.1 Network Topology
Adjusting Record Input Levels
The peak audio input levels are preset at +12dBu. This
means that an audio signal of +12dBu, once encoded, will
be at the maximum digital value. To change the peak
audio input level, follow the procedure below.
1. Switch the unit on and while the alarm LED’s on the
front panel are flashing, press the record control
button. The record button will illuminate.
2. Connect a constant audio signal at the required peak
level to Input 1.
3. Adjust the Input 1 level control on the rear panel until
the input level LED 1 on the front panel is green.
4. Repeat steps 2 & 3 for all 4 inputs. When you have
finished, simply press the record control button and
the Net-Log will complete its initialisation procedure.
Network Topology
The network that the Net-Log is connected to must be a
dedicated network, if you are to guarantee the audio being
available for play streaming. The ideal configuration is
shown in Figure 3.1, with the Net-Log(s) connected
directly to a network switch, which is connected directly to
dedicated network interface cards in the PC’s. It is under
these conditions that the test results have been achieved
in Figure 3.2.
Maximum Network Connections
The maximum number of people that can connect to the
Net-Log and use Play Streaming simultaneously is
dependent on the number of software licenses that have
been bought and also the data rate of the recordings that
you are making. The software license is available as either
a 2-stream license, or a 5-stream license. Due to the low
fixed bit rate of the G.729A record format, the type of
license (2 or 5 streams) is the only limiting factor for the
number of simultaneous Play Streams when G.729A is
selected.
Figure 3.2 shows the maximum number of streams, for
the MPEG record format, for the given recording bit rate
configured. These figures assume that there is no other
activity on the network, including Archiving of Net-Log
audio.
The figures show that for 5 people to be able to
simultaneously Play Stream one stereo channel of MPEG
audio, the recording bit-rate must be set to 160kbps or
less.
If you have two pairs of stereo channels on a Net-Log set
at different bit-rates, the total number of people that can
Play stream them is governed by the combined bit rates of
the play streaming. The limit of the maximum total stream
rate is around 900kbps.
Sonifex Net-Log User Handbook 13

3. Net-Log Set-up & Installation
Above this stream rate, play streaming will start to fail,
i.e. there will be non-continuous audio and audio silences
on playback.
E.g. 2 people play streaming 64kbps recording
= 2 x 64kbps = 128kbps, plus
2 people play streaming 384kbps recording
= 2 x 384kbps = 768kbps
Total = 896kbps, which is less than 900kbps and
allowable.
Play streaming can occur with archiving also happening in
the background. Archiving audio to a nominated hard-
drive on the network happens at a maximum data rate of
1000kbps. This data rate falls if play streaming is
occurring, because play streaming is given a priority over
any other process. There is a downside of this priority,
which is that if many people are play streaming
continuously for a number of hours (or days), the
archiving data rate may fall below the recording data rate,
so that the audio is not being archived as quickly as it is
recorded.
You can calculate whether this will happen by subtracting
the total maximum stream rate (calculated in the above
example) from 1000kbps. If the remainder is less than the
recording bit rate that you are archiving, then your
archiving may happen at less than real time and will,
eventually fail. Note: this does assume that the play
streaming is at, or beyond, the maximum for a
considerable length of time (to fill the Net-Log hard disk).
Invariably, the play streaming is for “dip-in” access of a
short duration (<1 hour) and the archive process has time
to catch-up when there is no, or little, play streaming.
Connecting Net-Log To Your
Network
Before connecting the Net-Log you first need to give it an
IP Address, Subnet Mask and a Default Gateway. You may
need to obtain these from your network administrator, but
please note that the Net-Log is not compatible with DHCP
(Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) and DNS (Domain
Name System).
To help in your selection of an IP Address for the Net-Log,
following is a brief description of how IP Addresses and
Subnet Masks work.
IP Addresses
An IP Address is used to determine where a node (PC,
Printer etc.) is situated on a network. This address must
be unique to the network, otherwise conflicts will occur.
The actual address is made up of 32 bits, split into four
sections (each section is called an octet). Held in the
address is a network ID and host ID.
The network ID, or network address, is basically the
address of the local network, and all nodes within that
network must have the same network ID. The host ID part
of the address identifies the node within that network.
There are three different classes of IP Address: A, B and
C. These determine what parts of the address contain the
network ID and the host ID, (Figure 3.3).
Figure 3.2 Maximum Simultaneous Streams
Figure 3.3 IP Addresses
MPEG Record
Bit Rate Maximum number of simultaneous
streams
Total
stream rate
160 kbps 5 streams 800 kbps
192 kbps 4 streams 768 kbps
224 kbps 4 streams 896 kbps
256 kbps 3 streams 768 kbps
320 kbps 2 streams 640 kbps
384 kbps 2 streams 768 kbps
Sonifex Net-Log User Handbook
14