Sony MAS-A100 Quick setup guide

5-020-095-11(1)
© 2020 Sony Corporation
Microphone Array System
System Integration Guide
Version 1.0
MASM-1

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Table of Contents
1. Introduction ......................................................................................... 5
2. System Configuration ........................................................................... 6
2.1 Audio capture ...................................................................................... 6
2.2 System configuration examples .............................................................. 7
Connecting to a Dante-compatible digital mixer........................................... 7
Connecting to analog mixers..................................................................... 7
2.3 Example use cases ............................................................................... 8
Small size classroom ............................................................................... 8
Middle size classroom .............................................................................. 8
3. System Design .................................................................................... 10
3.1 Installation........................................................................................ 10
Installation of multiple microphones ........................................................ 10
Installation environment and level of speech reinforcement......................... 10
Recommended installation environment ................................................... 11
3.2 Audio settings.................................................................................... 12
Common for both Main output and Rec output........................................... 13
Main output ......................................................................................... 13
Rec output ........................................................................................... 15
Audio settings and signal processing functions .......................................... 15
3.3 Network............................................................................................ 16
Setup and operation.............................................................................. 16
Dante network...................................................................................... 16
3.4 Network switch .................................................................................. 19
PoE..................................................................................................... 19
Power saving........................................................................................ 19
IGMP snooping ..................................................................................... 19
3.5 Compatible third-party products ........................................................... 20
4. Setup .................................................................................................. 22
4.1 Initial setup....................................................................................... 22
MASM-1 preparation.............................................................................. 22
Dante Controller preparation .................................................................. 24
Initial setup and registration................................................................... 26
Routing of Dante audio .......................................................................... 33
4.2 Calibration ........................................................................................ 36
Preparation .......................................................................................... 36

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Execution ............................................................................................ 36
Recalibration ........................................................................................ 40
4.3 General settings................................................................................. 40
Name settings ...................................................................................... 41
Audio settings ...................................................................................... 42
System settings.................................................................................... 43
5. Operations and Maintenance .............................................................. 45
5.1 Monitor............................................................................................. 45
5.2 Firmware update ................................................................................ 46
Download ............................................................................................ 46
Update ................................................................................................ 46
5.3 Factory reset ..................................................................................... 48
Web UI................................................................................................ 48
Pinhole ................................................................................................ 48
6. External Control.................................................................................. 49
6.1 Setting ............................................................................................. 49
6.2 Network............................................................................................ 49
6.3 Format ............................................................................................. 49
6.4 Commands........................................................................................ 50
SET command ...................................................................................... 50
GET command...................................................................................... 50
Response............................................................................................. 50
7. Usage Precautions .............................................................................. 53
8. Troubleshooting ................................................................................. 54

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Trademarks
Windows is a registered trademark of United States Microsoft Corporation in the
United States and/or other countries.
Google Chrome is a registered trademark of Google Inc.
Dante is a registered trademark of Audinate Pty Ltd.
Other company names, product names, and system names appearing in this
document are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
Trademarked items are not indicated by ® or ™ symbols in this document.

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1. Introduction
This document describes the design of a system that uses MAS-A100 Beamforming
Microphones and an MASM-1 Microphone Array System Manager, and the required
information for setup and operation. Refer to the MAS-A100 Operating Instructions
and the MASM-1 Help Guide.

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2. System Configuration
The MAS-A100 connects to a network switch over a single network cable that carries
Power over Ethernet (PoE), two-channel outputs of Dante audio, and remote-control
information for setup and operation.
MASM-1 and Dante Controller software by Audinate (referred to as “Dante
Controller”) on a PC connected to the same segment (same layer 2 network) are used
to initialize the MAS-A100 units and route Dante audio, respectively. An MASM-1 on a
PC placed not only in the same segment but also beyond a layer 3 switch (for example,
on a PC placed in a control room) can perform MAS-A100 configuration and operation
after initial setup.
This document describes the details of setup and operation using the MASM-1,
however, the web UI interface integrated with the MAS-A100 can also be used.
2.1 Audio capture
The MAS-A100 integrates eight directional microphone capsules and the signal
processing functions, as shown in the following diagram. It enables audio capture
features for speech reinforcement and for recording, corresponding to the Main output
and the Rec output, respectively.
The Main output exploits a unique feedback reduction technique, and can be
connected to a speech reinforcement system and played back by loudspeakers in a
room. The Rec output is optimized for recording of clearer audio over a wider area.

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Output Use Capture range
Main output Speech
reinforcement
2 to 3 m radius hemisphere.
(2 m is recommended for higher quality of speech
reinforcement.)
Rec output Recording 7 m radius hemisphere.
2.2 System configuration examples
Connecting to a Dante-compatible digital mixer
The following diagram shows an example system configuration where the Main output
and the Rec output of two MAS-A100 units are converted and mixed to analog audio
by a digital mixer, and connected to a speech reinforcement system and a recording
system, respectively.
Connecting to analog mixers
The following diagram below shows an example system configuration where the Main
output and the Rec output of an MAS-A100 unit are converted to analog audio by
Dante/Analog converters, mixed by analog audio mixers, and connected to a speech
reinforcement system and a recording system, respectively.

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2.3 Example use cases
Small size classroom
Only one MAS-A100 mounted in the center on the ceiling of a small size classroom
covers the recording of the whole classroom.
The Rec output of the MAS-A100 passes through the recording system of the
classroom via a Dante/Analog converter. The capture range of the Rec output is a
hemisphere of 7 m radius (14 m diameter), and one unit can cover the recording of
the whole small size classroom.
Middle size classroom
Two MAS-A100 units mounted on the ceiling above the lecturer’s dais of a classroom
are used for both speech reinforcement and recording of the lecturer. Another

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MAS-A100 unit is mounted on the ceiling above the audience seating and is used for
recording the audience.
The Main output and the Rec output of these MAS-A100 units are mixed by a Dante
DSP mixer and connected to a speech reinforcement system and a recording system,
respectively.
The capture range of the Main output of the MAS-A100 units is a hemisphere of 2 to 3
m radius (4 to 6 m diameter), and two MAS-A100 cover the speech reinforcement of
the lecturer around the lecturer’s dais of a middle size classroom.
The capture range of the Rec output of the MAS-A100 is a hemisphere of 7 m radius
(14 m diameter), and three MAS-A100 units together cover the recording of the whole
middle size classroom.

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3. System Design
3.1 Installation
Installation of multiple microphones
The capture range of the Main output of an MAS-A100 unit is a hemisphere of 2 to 3
m radius (4 to 6 m diameter). The capture range of the Rec output is a hemisphere of
7 m radius (14 m diameter).
To capture a wider area, install multiple MAS-A100 units separated at fixed intervals,
and mix the output of the units. Since audio can be captured with very low noise, an
auto-mixer is not required for mixing the output of the units.
Make sure to mix the audio channels of the Main output and audio channels of Rec
output separately. Note that a mix of the Main output and the Rec output cannot be
used.
It is recommended that an auto-mixer not be used for mixing the Main output, as its
automatic gain adjustment function may interfere with calibration (see “4.2
Calibration”).
Installation environment and level of speech reinforcement
By exploiting a unique feedback reduction technique, the Main output of an MAS-A100
unit can be connected to a speech reinforcement system and played back by
loudspeakers in a room. However, there is a limit with the feedback reduction
technique, and the level (audio volume) of the speech reinforcement is limited
depending on the installation environment.
Calibration is necessary before using the Main output of the MAS-A100 to optimize the
settings for the installation environment. For details about the calibration process, see
“4.2 Calibration”. Note that the Rec output is not dependent on the installation
environment.

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Recommended installation environment
Speech reinforcement loudspeakers
MAS-A100 units should be placed at least 2 m away from the loudspeakers. Installing 3 m
or further away is recommended. This increases the limit of speech reinforcement.
The speech reinforcement loudspeakers should be installed such that their output is
not directed toward the MAS-A100 units in order to increase the maximum volume for
speech reinforcement.
When installing MAS-A100 units on the ceiling above a classroom dais, it is
recommended that the loudspeakers be placed close to the audience.
Acoustic characteristics
It is recommended to use a room with low reverberation and low reflection acoustic
characteristics.
Speech reinforcement may not be applicable in a tiny room (e.g., smaller than 5 m ×
5 m), or in rooms with reflective interiors, such as vinyl tile floors or stone walls.
Noise
MAS-A100 units cannot be used in environments where there is noise louder than the
voice of the speaker requiring reinforcement.
The MAS-A100 has a limited ability to reduce steady-state noise. It is recommended
that units be installed as far as possible from equipment, such as air conditioners and
projectors.
The MAS-A100 has no ability to reduce random noise. If installed near audience
seating, the background noise of the audience may be reinforced or recorded. When
not installing on a ceiling, make sure that the sound of footsteps are not captured.
Calculator for speech reinforcement
Calculator for speech reinforcement calculates the coverage of the MAS-A100 units
and the intervals between multiple units so that the mouth of a lecturer walking
around the lecturer’s dais is always within the radius of the coverage.

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To use the calculator, visit the web site below.
https://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/mas-a100/calculator
3.2 Audio settings
The MAS-A100 unit provides the following audio settings for the Main output and the
Rec output.

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Common for both Main output and Rec output
Item Setting Description
[Noise
reduction]
[Low], [Middle],
[High]
Reduces steady-state noise in a classroom or
a meeting room (e.g., fan noise of air
conditioners and projectors). The effect is
weakest when set to [Low], and strongest
when set to [High].
Notes
The noise may not be reduced
sufficiently in some MAS-A100
installation environments.
The unit is not effective for the reduction
of random noise (e.g., noise of typing on
a keyboard or writing on a blackboard).
[Equalizer] –12 dB to 12 dB
in increments of 1
dB
Controls the gain of frequency equalizer
bands at 60 Hz, 250 Hz, 1 kHz, 4 kHz, and 12
kHz.
Main output
Item Setting Description
[Feedback
reduction]
[Low], [Middle],
[High]
Controls the level of feedback reduction.
Setting to [High] achieves greater feedback
reduction, but decreases the audio quality.
[Noise gate] [Off], [Low],
[Middle], [High]
Adjusts the noise gate. Noise gate
attenuates the audio when the input level is
small. The effect is weakest when set to
[Low], and strongest when set to [High].
Note that the beginning of speech may be
lost due to the slight delay in detecting sound
input.
Usually, set this to [Off]. If the level of noise
reduction achieved using [Noise reduction] is
insufficient, set this to [Low], [Middle], or
[High].

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Item Setting Description
[Capture
range]
[Narrow],
[Standard],
[Wide]
Controls the capture range.
The capture range is 2 to 3 m radius when set
to [Standard]. Setting to [Narrow] makes
the capture range narrow, but the limit of the
speech reinforcement level becomes higher.
Setting to [Wide] makes the capture range
wider, but the limit of the speech
reinforcement level becomes lower.
[Mic gain] –60 dB to 12 dB
in increments of 1
dB
Controls the microphone gain (output level).
[Mute] [Off], [On] Mutes the output.
[Output level] Display only Displays the output level. The higher the
number of green bars, the higher the output
level.
[Gain limit] Display only Displays the level of the gain limit.
Gain limit lamps may be lit as the
microphone gain is increased.
One gain limit lamp indicates that the speech
reinforcement level is reaching the limit to
suppress audio feedback while maintaining
audio quality. Two gain limit lamps indicate
that the speech reinforcement level is
exceeding the limit.
For details, see “4.2 Calibration”.

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Rec output
Item Setting Description
[Noise gate] [Off], [Low],
[Middle], [High]
Adjusts the noise gate. Noise gate
attenuates the audio when the input level is
small. The effect is weakest when set to
[Low], and strongest when set to [High].
Usually, set this to [Off]. If the level of noise
reduction achieved using [Noise reduction] is
insufficient, set this to [Low], [Middle], or
[High].
[Capture
range]
[Narrow],
[Standard],
[Wide]
Controls the capture range. The capture
range is 7 m in radius when set to
[Standard].
The Rec output does not have microphone gain and muting settings. Control these
using the recording system to which the Rec output is connected.
Audio settings and signal processing functions
The relationship between the audio settings and the MAS-A100 signal processing
functions is shown in the following diagram.

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3.3 Network
The MAS-A100 connects to the network switch over a single network cable, and has
two IP addresses and two MAC addresses. One is for the output of Dante audio as a
Dante device, while the other is for MAS-A100 setup and operation.
Dante Controller is used to set the IP address as a Dante device, while the MASM-1 is
used to set the IP address for setup and operation.
When “IP address” is referred to in this document without clarification, it refers to the
IP address for setup and operation.
Setup and operation
The MASM-1 running on a PC connected to the same segment (same layer 2 network)
performs discovery and initial setup of the MAS-A100. The IP address for MAS-A100
setup and operation can be changed during initial setup.
After the initial setup is completed, setup and operation of the MAS-A100 can be
performed not only in the same segment (same layer 2 network) but also from
anywhere the IP address is accessible. For example, setup and operation of the
MAS-A100 can be performed from a control room beyond a layer 3 switch.
Dante network
Routing
The MAS-A100 is a Dante transmitter device with two channels of audio outputs (Main
output and Rec output) on a Dante network. The audio outputs are routed to Dante
receivers (e.g., digital mixer with Dante input, or a Dante/Analog converter) in the
same segment (same layer 2 network).

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Dante Controller is used to configure Dante devices and route audio between Dante
devices. For details, see “4.1 Initial setup” and the Dante Controller user guide.
Transmission method
There are two kinds of “flows,” which are the units of transmission for audio data on a
Dante network. One is a unicast flow, where a Dante device transmits a flow directly
to another Dante device. The other is a multicast flow, where a Dante device transmits
a flow to multiple Dante devices within a network. By default, flows are unicast. It is
not necessary to change this usually. Each unicast flow can contain up to four audio
channels.
The following diagram shows an example of one unicast flow, where the MAS-A100
sends the Main output and the Rec output to the Dante receiver of the DSP mixer.
Then, the Main output passes through the speech reinforcement system, and the Rec
output passes through the recording system, respectively.
The following diagram below shows an example of two unicast flows, where the
MAS-A100 sends the Main output to the Dante receiver of the speech reinforcement
system, and sends the Rec output to the Dante receiver of the recording system.

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The maximum number of flows of each MAS-A100 is two. Therefore, it is necessary to
use multicast flows instead of unicast flows if there is a need to send audio to three or
more Dante devices.
For details about Dante audio transmission using a multicast flow, refer to the Dante
Controller user guide.
Network protocols and ports
Dante networks use the following network protocols and ports, all UDP based.
Application Remote port Remote IP
PTP 319, 320 224.0.1.129 – 132
mDNS 5353 224.0.0.251
Dante control and monitoring 8700-8708 224.0.0.230 – 232
Dante Multicast audio 4321 239.255.0.0/16
Dante Unicast audio 14336 – 14600 Unicast destination
Blocking the above network protocols and ports may disrupt the transmission of Dante
audio. Be sure not to block the network protocols and ports using functions of a
network switch, such as “Block unknown multicast address” or Internet Group
Management Protocol (IGMP) snooping.
For details, visit the following Audinate website.
https://www.audinate.com/faq/which-network-ports-does-dante-use

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3.4 Network switch
The MAS-A100 connects to a Gigabit network switch that supports Power over
Ethernet (PoE). When selecting and configuring a network switch, note the following:
PoE
The power supply of the MAS-A100 is IEEE 802.3af compliant PoE class 0. The
MAS-A100 power consumption is 9 W (typ) and 13 W (max). When a network switch
connects to multiple MAS-A100 units or other PoE-compatible devices, be sure not to
exceed the PoE power budget of the network switch.
Power saving
Power saving may disrupt normal operation of a Dante network. Disable power saving,
such as IEEE 802.3 Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) or Green Ethernet, or use a
network switch without a power saving function.
IGMP snooping
IGMP snooping may disrupt Dante network communications if it is not configured
appropriately for a Dante network.
For a network that uses only unicast flows as the Dante transmission method, it is
recommended that you disable IGMP snooping. It is not recommended to use network
switches (such as TPLINK TL-SG1005P) in which IGMP snooping cannot be disabled
and cannot be configured appropriately for a Dante network.
On a network that uses multicast flows as the Dante transmission method, or that has
other multicast traffic on the same segment (same layer 2 network), IGMP snooping
may be necessary to avoid multicast flooding. In that case, select a managed switch
and configure it appropriately for a Dante network observing the following points.
Do not use fast leave (immediate leave)
Do not use IGMP proxy
Do not use the communications ports used by the Dante network (see “Network
protocols and ports” in the “Dante network” section).
For details about Dante networks and network switches, visit the following Audinate
website.
https://www.audinate.com/networks-and-switches

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3.5 Compatible third-party products
The following products have been confirmed to be compatible.
Category Manufacturer and model
name
Version
Network switch NETGEAR GS108PEv3 2.06.10
Cisco SG350-28P 2.5.0.90
Dante devices
(Receivers)
Audinate ADP-DAO-AU-0X2 Dante firmware 4.1.5.2
Hardware 4.1.4.2
Symetrix Prism 4x4 4.0.7
Shure P300 2.1.6
Note that the power supply of Symetrix Prism 4x4 and Shure P300 is PoE+.
Configuration of each network switch is described below.
NETGEAR GS108PEv3
1. Set [IGMP Snooping Status] to [Disable]. (Factory default setting is [Enable].)
2. Set [Block Unknown Multicast Address] to [Disable].
IGMP snooping of this switch must be disabled since it disrupts Dante networks. It is
recommended to use only unicast flows as the Dante transmission method.