Tieline Merlin PLUS User manual

Merlin PLUS IP Codec
User Manual
Software Version: Build 2.8.30
Manual Version: v1.2_20140327
March, 2014

Merlin PLUS Manual v1.22
© Tieline Pty. Ltd. 2014
Table of Contents
Part I Warnings & Safety Information 5
Part II How to Use the Documentation 6
Part III Glossary of Terms 7
Part IV Getting to know Merlin PLUS 9
Part V Merlin PLUS Rear Panel
Connections 11
Part VI Inserting Hardware Modules 13
Part VII Merlin Front Panel Controls 14
Part VIII Navigating Menus 16
Part IX Merlin PLUS Input Levels and
PPMs 22
Part X Configuring AES3 Input Audio 30
Part XI Merlin PLUS Headphone/Aux
Output 32
Part XII About ISDN Modules 34
................................................................................................................................... 351 ISDN Module Settings
................................................................................................................................... 372 ISDN Answering Configuration
Part XIII Language Selection 39
Part XIV About Program Dialing 40
Part XV Multiple Stream Programs 42
Part XVI 6 x Mono Peer-to-Peer Programs 42
Part XVII Mono or Stereo + IFB Programs 43
Part XVIII 2 x Mono or Stereo + IFB
Programs 43
Part XIX Getting Connected Quickly 44
................................................................................................................................... 441 Stepsto Connect over IP
................................................................................................................................... 462 Stepsto Connect over ISDN

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................................................................................................................................... 483 Creating a Multicast Client Program
................................................................................................................................... 514 Load and Dial Custom Programs
................................................................................................................................... 515 Disconnecting a Connection
................................................................................................................................... 516 Dialing SIP Peer-to-Peer
................................................................................................................................... 527 Dialing SIP Addresses
................................................................................................................................... 538 Dial/Disconnect Multiple Audio Stream Programs
................................................................................................................................... 549 Monitoring IP Connections
................................................................................................................................... 5610 Monitoring ISDN Connections
................................................................................................................................... 5611 Redialing a Connection
................................................................................................................................... 5612 Programming Auto Reconnect
................................................................................................................................... 5613 Speed Dialing Connections
................................................................................................................................... 5714 Deleting Programs
................................................................................................................................... 5715 Selecting Algorithm Profiles
................................................................................................................................... 5916 Merlin Algorithm Profiles
................................................................................................................................... 5917 Merlin Backup Connections
................................................................................................................................... 6018 Lock or Unlock a Program in the Codec
................................................................................................................................... 6119 Locking the Front Panel
Part XX Connecting to the ToolBox
Web-GUI 62
................................................................................................................................... 621 Opening the Web-GUI & Login
................................................................................................................................... 652 Changing the Default Password
Part XXI Using the Web-GUI 66
................................................................................................................................... 731 Configuring IP Settings
................................................................................................................................... 762 Configuring ISDN
................................................................................................................................... 813 Configuring Input/Output Settings
................................................................................................................................... 844 Configure Mono or Stereo Peer-to-Peer Programsin Merlin
................................................................................................................................... 915 Configure 2 Mono Peer-to-Peer Answering Programs in Merlin
................................................................................................................................... 946 Configure Mono or Stereo + IFB Dialing Programs
................................................................................................................................... 1037 Configure Mono or Stereo + IFB Answering Programs
................................................................................................................................... 1078 Configure 2 Mono or Stereo + IFB Answering Programs
................................................................................................................................... 1149 Configuring 6 x Mono Peer-to-Peer Answering Programs
................................................................................................................................... 11810 Configuring Multicast Client Programs
................................................................................................................................... 12111 Dial and Disconnect a Program
................................................................................................................................... 12212 Dial/Disconnect Multiple Audio Streams
................................................................................................................................... 12313 View/Edit/Delete Programs
................................................................................................................................... 12514 Configuring SIP Settings
................................................................................................................................... 12715 Configuring SIP Programs
................................................................................................................................... 13016 Reset Factory Default Settings
................................................................................................................................... 13017 Backup and Restore Functions
................................................................................................................................... 13218 Import and Export Programs
................................................................................................................................... 13419 Lock or Unlock Programs

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................................................................................................................................... 13420 Configuring IP Packet QoS
................................................................................................................................... 13521 Configuring SNMP in the Codec
................................................................................................................................... 13622 Download Logs
................................................................................................................................... 13723 Configuring Alarms
................................................................................................................................... 14224 RS232 Data Configuration
................................................................................................................................... 14325 Creating Rules
................................................................................................................................... 14626 Upgrading Codec Firmware
Part XXII Front Panel Configuration Tasks 148
................................................................................................................................... 1481 Configuring IP via the Front Panel
................................................................................................................................... 1502 Selecting an Algorithm
................................................................................................................................... 1543 Configuring the Jitter Buffer
................................................................................................................................... 1574 Configuring Forward Error Correction
................................................................................................................................... 1595 Configuring Encode/Decode Direction
................................................................................................................................... 1596 Enabling Relays& RS232 Data
................................................................................................................................... 1607 Configuring TCP/UDP Protocols
................................................................................................................................... 1618 Configuring QoS for IP Packets
................................................................................................................................... 1629 Reset and Restore Factory Default Settings
................................................................................................................................... 16310 Configuring SNMP Settings
................................................................................................................................... 16311 Test Mode
Part XXIII Reference 164
................................................................................................................................... 1641 Regular Maintenance
................................................................................................................................... 1652 Tips for Creating Reliable IP Connections
................................................................................................................................... 1663 Merlin Compliancesand Certifications
................................................................................................................................... 1674 FCC Compliance Statements
................................................................................................................................... 1695 Software Licences
................................................................................................................................... 1776 Trademarks and Credit Notices
Part XXIV Merlin PLUS Specifications 178
Part XXV Appendix A: RS232 and Control
Port Wiring 180
Part XXVI Appendix B: DB25 Wiring 181
Index 183

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Merlin PLUS Manual v1.2
1 Warnings & Safety Information
1. Both appliance power cables must be removed from the device for Power Disconnection.
2. Remove the phone cable from the POTS interface before servicing.
THUNDERSTORM AND LIGHTNING WARNING:
DO NOT USE Tieline codecs during thunderstorms and lightning. You may suffer an injury
using a phone, Tieline codec, or any device connected to a phone during a thunderstorm.
This can lead to personal injury and in extreme cases may be fatal. Protective devices can
be fitted to the line, however, due to the extremely high voltages and energy levels involved
in lightning strikes, these devices may not offer protection to the users, or the Tieline
codec and equipment connected to the codec.
Secondary strikes can occur. These secondary strikes are induced by lightning strikes
and also produce dangerously high currents and energy levels. You only need to be near
an object struck by lightning to lead to personal injury or damage to equipment. e.g. if you
are located near a lighting tower at a sports facility, water features and drains on golf
courses, you may be affected by these secondary strikes.
Damage to personnel and Tieline codecs may occur during thunderstorm, even if the codec
is turned off but remains connected to the phone or ISDN system, LAN or the power.
ANY DAMAGE TO A TIELINE PRODUCT CAUSED BY LIGHTNING or an ELECTRICAL
STORM WILL VOID THE WARRANTY. Use of this product is subject to Tieline's
SOFTWARE LICENSE and WARRANTY conditions, which should be viewed at
www.tieline.com/support before using this product.
DIGITAL PHONE SYSTEM WARNING:
DO NOT CONNECT YOUR Tieline CODEC TO A DIGITAL PHONE SYSTEM.
PERMANENT DAMAGE MAY OCCUR! If you are unfamiliar with any facility, check that
the line you are using is NOT a digital line. If the Tieline codec becomes faulty due to the
use of a digital phone system, the WARRANTY WILL BE VOID.
WARNING:
HIGH LEAKAGE CURRENT. EARTH CONNECTION ESSENTIAL BEFORE CONNECTING
SUPPLY.
If the total leakage current exceeds 3.5 mA, or if the leakage current of the connected
loads is unknown, connect the supplementary ground terminal to a reliable ground
connection in your facility.
Supplementary ground connection
A supplementary ground terminal is provided on the codec to connect the unit to a ground
connection. The ground terminal has an M4 stud with M4 retaining nuts and is compatible
with all grounding wires. Remove only NUT 2 to connect your ground wire. The ground wire
must have a suitable lug. When refitting NUT 2 ensure that both NUT 1 & NUT 2 are
correctly tightened to establish and maintain a proper earth connection.

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Disclaimer
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this manual we are not responsible for
any errors or omissions within it. The product specifications and descriptions within this manual will
be subject to improvements and modifications over time without notice, as changes to software and
hardware are implemented.
2 How to Use the Documentation
Manual Conventions
Warnings: Instructions that, if ignored, could result in death or serious personal injury
caused by dangerous voltages or incorrect operation of the equipment. These must be
observed for safe operation.
Cautions: Instructions warning against potential hazards, or to detail practices that must
be observed for safe operation and to prevent damage to equipment or personnel.
Important Note: Information you should know to connect and operate your codec
successfully.
Information specific to IP connections.
Information specific to ISDN connections.
Typographic Conventions
Codec software elements are in Arial bold, e.g. Contacts
Codec hardware elements are in bold Capitals, e.g. KEYPAD
Help Button
Press the (information/help) button when navigating codec menus to display a dialog
suggesting the actions which can be performed from within the current menu.

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3 Glossary of Terms
AES/EBU
Digital audio standard used to carry digital audio signals between devices
AES3
Official term for the audio standard referred to often as AES/EBU
BRI
Basic Rate Interface for ISDN services
DN
Directory Number for ISDN
DNS
The Domain Name System (DNS) is used to assign domain names to IP
addresses over the World-Wide Web
Domain
A group of computers or devices on a network which are administered with
common rules and procedures. Devices sharing a common part of the IP
address are said to be in the same domain
DSCP
The Differentiated Services Code Point is a field in an IP packet header for
prioritizing data when traversing IP networks
Fail over
Method of switching to an alternative backup audio stream if the primary
connection is lost.
GUI
Graphical User Interface
ISDN
Integrated Services Digital Network
ISP
Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are companies that offer customers access to
the internet
IP
Internet Protocol; used for sending data across packet-switched networks
LAN
Local Area Network; a group of computers and associated devices sharing a
common communications link
Latency
Delay associated with IP networks and caused by algorithmic, transport and
buffering delays
MIB
A management information base (MIB) is a database used for managing the
entities in a communications network. This term is associated with the Simple
Network Management Protocol (SNMP).
Multicast
Efficient one to many streaming of IP audio using multicast IP addressing
Multi-unicast
A multi-unicast program (also known as multiple unicast) can transmit a single
audio stream with common connection settings to a number of different
destinations.
MSN
Multiple Subscriber Number for ISDN
Network Address
Translation
(NAT)
A system for forwarding data packets to different private IP network addresses
that reside behind a single public IP address.
Port Address
Translation
(PAT)
Related to NAT; a feature of a network device that allows IP packets to be
routed to specific ports of devices communicating between public and private
IP networks
PSU
Power Supply Unit
QoS (Quality of
Service)
Priority given to different users or data flows across managed IP networks. This
generally requires a Service Level Agreement (SLA) with a Telco or ISP
RTP
A standardized packet format for sending audio and video data streams and
ensures consistency in the delivery order of voice data packets
SDP
SDP defines the type of audio coding used within an RTP media stream. It
works with a number of other protocols to establishes a device’s location,
determines its availability, negotiates call features and participants and adjusts
session management features
SIP
SIP is a common protocol which works with a myriad of other protocols to
establish connections with other devices to provide interoperability
SLA
Service Level Agreements (SLAs) a contractual agreement between an ISP
and a customer defining expected performance levels over a network

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SNMP
Simple Network Management Protocol
SPID
Service Profile ID for identifying devices over ISDN networks
STL
Studio-to-transmitter link for program audio feeds
STS
Studio-to-studio audio link
TCP
TCP protocol ensures reliable in-order delivery of data packets between a
sender and a receiver
UDP
User Datagram Protocol: the most commonly used protocol for sending
internet audio and video streams. UDP packets include information which
allows them to travel independently of previous or future packets in a data
stream
Unicast
Broadcasting of a single stream of data between two points
WAN
Wide Area Network; a computer network spanning regions and/or countries to
connect separate LANs

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4 Getting to know Merlin PLUS
The 1RU Merlin PLUS rack mount IP codec is designed to rapidly expand your remote capability.
Merlin PLUS has the ability to manage up to 6 bidirectional mono connections with IP codecs or
smartphones using Report-IT, saving money on codec hardware costs and reducing studio rack
space requirements. It can also deliver high quality bidirectional stereo and full duplex
communications for remote broadcast connections.
Overview of this User Manual
Use this manual to learn how to:
Configure codec 'programs' (please read About Program Dialing for more info).
Adjust audio and connection settings within the codec.
Please read Getting Connected Quickly for an overview of how to adjust and store audio and
connection settings in your codec using 'programs'.
Applications
Merlin PLUS is ideal for studio and remote truck installations and is capable of:
6 simultaneous bidirectional mono remote connections.
1 or 2 Bidirectional mono or stereo remotes, each with a separate bidirectional IFB channel
for communications.
Simple local or remote command and control.
Recallable codec configurations via ‘programs’.
Codec Features
DSP-based architecture designed for continuous operation.
Dual Gigabit (10/100/1000) Ethernet ports with automatic switching for redundancy.
Auto switching, dual redundant AC power supplies.
Uncompressed PCM audio plus the low-delay, cascade resilient aptX® Enhanced algorithm
(capable of up to 24bit, 48kHz audio sampling)
Other popular algorithms including LC-AAC, HE-AAC v1 and v2, AAC-LD, AAC-ELD, AAC-ELDv2,
Opus, MPEG-1 Layer II and III, Tieline Music and MusicPLUS, G.722 and G.711.
SmartStream PLUS redundant streaming for high reliability over IP networks without Quality of
Service.
IPv4 & IPv6 compatible and ready.
Asymmetric algorithmic encode/decode*.
Integrated alarm management.
G5 Toolbox GUI enables remote codec control over WANs.
Compatible with Tieline Codec Management System**.
Low latency in-band RS-232 auxiliary data channel.
Programmable software rules engine via a GUI for Control Port functions.
Streamlined codec wizards and GUI for configuration and control.
*Support for multiple languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese, French and Chinese.

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Connect to all Tieline IP codecs and Report-IT iOS/Android suite of Apps.
* Supported in later releases.
** Separate product

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5 Merlin PLUS Rear Panel Connections
XLR Analog and AES3 Inputs
XLR IN1/AES3 and IN 2are balanced line inputs.
Input 1 can also be used as an AES3 (AES/EBU) digital input. This input accepts both mono and
stereo digital AES3 signals.
XLR Analog and AES3 Outputs
XLR OUT 1 and 2are balanced analog audio line outputs.
AES3 OUT is an AES/EBU digital audio output. Both the analog and digital outputs can be used
simultaneously and the AES3 output can send both mono and stereo signals via the single XLR
output.
DB-25 Input/Output Expansion Connector
A female DB25 connector can be used to attach a male DB25 Tascam (pin-out) breakout cable,
providing 4 additional analog XLR in/outs, or 4 additional channels of digital AES3 audio in/out.
Please note that expansion inputs/outputs 3, 4, 5 and 6 must be either all analog or all digital AES.
The additional audio inputs/outputs are grouped in pairs: inputs 3 and 4 and inputs 5 and 6. By
default, if you program analog or digital audio in on expansion inputs then you will get the same
output; i.e. analog in = analog out, or digital in = digital out. This can be adjusted if required. E.g.
you can configure analog in on inputs 3, 4, 5 and 6 and AES3 digital out on outputs 3, 4, 5 and 6, or
vice versa. Adjust the output setting independently if required via SETTINGS >Audio >
Output Type > [Select Outputs3 to 6] > [Select output type].
For analog sources use inputs 3, 4, 5 and 6. For digital AES3 sources use input 3 for channels 3
and 4 and use input 4 for channels 5 and 6. Similarly, for analog outs use outputs 3, 4, 5 and 6. For
digital AES3 audio out use output 3 for channels 3 and 4 and use output 4 for channels 5 and 6.
DB25 pin outs are available in Appendix B.
Dual Gigabit Ethernet Ports
The codec features two Gigabit (10/100/1000) RJ-45 Ethernet ports for IP connections. By default,
the codec assumes ETH1 is the primary LAN connection and ETH2 is the backup LAN connection
when in use. If you are only using one Ethernet port, always use ETH1.

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Aux Mic/Line Input
AUX IN 6.35mm (1/4") balanced auxiliary mic or line input.
Headphone Out/Aux Line Out
HP/AUX OUT 6.35mm (1/4") software configurable stereo headphone output, or balanced auxiliary
line output. The front panel HEADPHONE output and rear panel HP/AUX OUT share the same
hardware output. This means both are switched and configured together. I.e. both outputs are either
a stereo headphone output (default setting), or a balanced mono auxiliary output.
Sync Input
BNC type SYNC INPUT for attaching Word Clock sync to the codec.
Command & Control Interfaces
1. Four relay inputs and four opto-isolated outputs for machine control via the DB15 CONTROL
PORT IN/OUT connector.
2. A nine pin female RS-232 serial connection for local and remote control of equipment at
either end of the link.
Dual Redundant AC Power Inputs
The codec is powered by dual 100-240 volt redundant AC power supplies, which use standard IEC
connectors.
Dual Module Slots
Two additional module slots for inserting optional POTS or ISDN modules.
Supplementary Ground Terminal
Supplementary ground terminal for connecting the unit to a ground connection. See Warnings and
Safety Information for more details.

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6 Inserting Hardware Modules
Two slots are available for inserting optional ISDN or POTS connection modules into the codec.
The module slots are numbered as follows.
Inserting or Removing a Module
Ensure the codec is not powered up when inserting or removing modules. Where possible
use anti-static precautions to help minimize the chance of static charges damaging the
highly sensitive circuitry. Do not force a module into the codec. Modules should be
installed slowly and gently.
1. Remove power from the codec and then remove the 4 screws from the blanking panel or module
installed in the codec.
2. Carefully slide the new module into the module slot and ensure the base of the module remains
flat during insertion, to ensure it lines up correctly with the module connector within the codec.
3. Reinsert the 4 screws to hold the module firmly in place.
4. Power up the codec.
5. Press the SETTINGS button to verify it is installed correctly.
6. Navigate to Modules and press the button.
7. The newly installed module should be visible as Module 1 or Module 2.
Important Note: If the module does not appear in the Modules menu in the codec, it is
possible that the connector on the module has not lined up correctly with the connector
inside the codec. Remove the module and reinsert it carefully to resolve this issue.

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7 Merlin Front Panel Controls
The hardware front panel interface features menu navigation buttons, an LCD display with PPM
metering and a dialing keypad.
Navigation Buttons
The codec has four arrow shaped navigation
buttons for navigating codec menus and
adjusting levels, and an OK button for
selecting menu items.
Dialing Keypad
The keypad has alpha-numeric buttons, plus
star and hatch (pound) buttons, which can
be used to enter contact and program
information into the codec.
Operation Button Descriptions
Features
Operation Button Descriptions
Return Button
Press to move back through menus & delete characters
Function Button 1
Press to activate codec user functions
Function Button 2
Press to activate codec user functions
Connect Button
Press to create an IP connection
Home Button
Press to return to home screen
Information Button
Press to view a help menu onscreen
Settings Button
Press to adjust codec settings
Disconnect Button
Press to end a connection
Headphone Button
Press to adjust headphone audio levels
Reset Button
Press to reboot the codec (feature not yet enabled)
Adjusting LCD Screen Contrast Levels
1. Press and hold the button and then press and release the arrow up button to display
the Contrast adjustment screen.
2. Use the left and right arrow buttons to adjust the LCD screen contrast until viewing is
optimized.

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3. Press when you have finished.
Contrast can also be adjusted by pressing the HOME button, selecting Settings, then
System, and using the down button to navigate to Contrast.
Stereo RTS Headphone Output
The codec has a 6.35mm (1/4") RTS stereo HEADPHONE output for audio monitoring and this can
also be switched to a balanced mono auxiliary line output. The front panel HEADPHONE output and
rear panel HP/AUX OUT share the same hardware output. This means both are switched and
configured together. I.e. both outputs are either a stereo headphone output (default setting), or a
balanced mono auxiliary output.
USB 2.0 Host Port
USB 2.0 host port, which can be used for playback of backup audio files and firmware upgrades.

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8 Navigating Menus
All main codec menus can be launched from the Home screen which includes:
Features
Codec Home Screen Elements
1
Screen Name
The name of the current screen
2
Connect
Select to connect and adjust connection settings
3
Cxns
Displays the number of current connections and connection details
4
Programs
View and edit Program configurations
5
Settings
Select to configure codec settings
Press the RETURN button to navigate backwards through menus, or press the HOME
button to return to the Home screen from any menu.
If a complete menu cannot be viewed on a single codec screen, arrows on the right hand side of the
screen indicate that the current menu has options below and/or above the visible items. Use the
navigation arrows to scroll up and down.
Features
Codec Home Screen Elements
1
Up Arrow
Arrow indicating menus can scroll upwards
2
Down Arrow
Arrow indicating menus can scroll downwards

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Codec Menu Overview
Following is an overview of the codec menus. The Connect and Settings selections on the main
screen provide a range of configuration settings. Note: file playback may not be supported in all
codecs.

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Connect Menu

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IP Setup Menu Navigation
After selecting IP and a connection mode, or SIP in the Connect menu, select Setup to adjust
connection settings.

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ISDN Menu Navigation
Select Connect and then ISDN to configure ISDN dialing settings using the codec front panel.