Wohler iAM-MIX Series User manual

iAM-MIX
• iAM-MIX-8-DA • iAM-MIX-8-SDA
• iAM-MIX-16-DA • iAM-MIX-16-SDA
1RU, 8/16 of 64 Channel, Multi-Source Mixing
Audio Monitor
User Guide
Software Release: V1.1
Part Number 821806, Revision A


Page2

© 2016 Wohler Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved.
This publication is protected by federal copyright law. No part of this publication may be copied or
distributed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any human or computer language in any
form or by any means electronic, mechanical, manual, magnetic, or otherwise, or disclosed to third
parties without the express written permission of Wohler Technologies.
Reproduction
Licensed users and authorized distributors of Wohler Technologies, Inc. products may copy this
document for use with Wohler Technologies., Inc. products provided that the copyright notice above
is included in all reproductions.
Customer Support
Wohler Technologies, Inc.
31055 Huntwood Avenue
Hayward, CA 94544 www.wohler.com
Phone: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
US Toll Free: 1-888-596-4537 (1-888-5-WOHLER)
Web: www.wohler.com Sales: [email protected]
Support: [e-mail]
Disclaimers
Even though Wohler Technologies, Inc. has tested its equipment and software, and reviewed the
documentation, Wohler Technologies, Inc. makes no warranty or representation, either express or
implied, with respect to software, documentation, their quality, performance, merchantability, or
fitness for a particular purpose.
In no event will Wohler Technologies, Inc. be liable for direct, indirect, special, incidental, or
consequential damages resulting from any defect in the hardware, software, or its documentation,
even if advised of the possibility of such damages.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation for incidental or consequential damages, so the
above exclusion or limitation may not apply to you.
Printing
This document is intended to be printed on a duplex printer, such that the copy appears on both
sides of each page. This ensures that all new chapters start on a right-facing page.
This document looks best when printed on a color printer since some images may be indistinct when
printed on a black and white printer.
PDF
All text strings appearing in this shade of blue are hyperlinks.
OtherTechnologiesandProducts
Google Chrome is a registered trademark of Alphabet Inc. Microsoft Windows and Internet Explorer
are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Last Update
March 8, 2016


Page3

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Contents
User Guide .....................................................1
TABLE OF CONTENTS .......................................3
Contents......................................................................3 
CHAPTER 1: Installation ...................................5
Introduction.................................................................5 
Overview.............................................................. 5 
Safety.........................................................................5 
Instructions ..........................................................5 
Safety Symbols .....................................................6 
Mounting.............................................................. 6 
Heat Dissipation ....................................................6 
Sympathetic Vibration ............................................ 7 
Mechanical Bracing ................................................7 
Electrical Interference ............................................7 
Power ..................................................................7 
Compliance..................................................................7 
FCC .....................................................................7 
ICES-003..............................................................7 
CHAPTER 2: Local Operation .............................8
Front Panel ..................................................................8 
Rear Panel ...................................................................9 
Channel Displays ........................................................ 10 
Preset / Config Menu................................................... 11 
Preset Selection................................................... 11 
Current Version................................................... 11 
Current IP Address............................................... 11 
Reset IP Address ................................................. 11 
Get USB Configs.................................................. 11 


Page4

CHAPTER 3: Technical Info............................ 12
Table 3–1: iAM-MIX Specifications.......................... 12 
Figure 3–1: IAM-MIX Block Diagram....................... 14 
CHAPTER 4: Using the iAM-MIX Web GUI.......... 15
Web Browser / Control Device ...................................... 15 
First Time- IP Assignments........................................... 15 
Dashboard................................................................. 16 
Sign In...................................................................... 17 
Channel Naming ......................................................... 18 
Configuration - Setup.................................................. 18 
Configuration - Presets Management ............................. 20 
System Setup ............................................................ 21 
Active Devices............................................................ 21 
Network Setup ........................................................... 22 
Database Management ................................................ 23 
Export Configuration ............................................ 23 
Import Configuration............................................ 23 
Save / Restore Database (DB)...................................... 24 
APPENDIX A: ................................................ 25
Software Upgrades ........................................ 25
Introduction............................................................... 25 
Download the Software................................................ 25 
Installing the Software ................................................ 25 


Page5

CHAPTER 1: Installation
Introduction
Overview
The iAM-MIX units are 1RU multichannel multi-source audio monitors with multiple
standard copper connections and multiple SFP module options facilitating optical
fiber and high density coax connections. Refer to Specifications section or contact
Wohler sales for more information.
The iAM-MIX has individual channel volume controls and mute switches. Any
channel from any source stream may be audibly monitored and mixed with the
other selected channels. The IAM-MIX is small, low-cost, and simple to operate. Its
setup configuration can easily be copied to other IAM-MIX units.
Setups are created with a web browser over a network connection. Each iAM-MIX
can be configured with a number of presets. Nothing about the configurations of
those predefined setups can be changed from the front panel. This prevents less
experienced or hurried operators from making accidental setup changes that could
compromise their usage of the unit. It also reduces operator training to a minimum.
Safety
Instructions
1. Read, keep, and follow all of these instructions; heed all warnings.
2. Do not use this equipment near water.
3. Use only a dry cloth to clean the equipment.
4. Do not block any ventilation openings.
5. Do not install near any heat source such as a radiator, heat register, amplifier, or
stove.
6. Do not attempt to plug the unit into a two-blade outlet (withonly two prongs of
equal width).
7. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plug’s
source on the equipment and at the socket.
8. Use only the attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
By design, this monitor will only plug into a three-prong outlet for your safety. If the
p
lug does not fit into the outlet, contact an electrician to replace the obsolete outlet.


Page6

9. Unplug the equipment during lightning storms or when unused for long periods
of time.
10. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing will be required
under all of the following conditions:
a. The equipment has been damaged in any way, such as when the power-
supply cord or plug is damaged.
b. Liquid had been spilled or objects have fallen onto the equipment.
c. The equipment has been exposed to rain or moisture.
d. The equipment does not operate normally.
e. The equipment has been dropped.
Safety Symbols
Mounting
The unit is designed for a standard 19" rack. Install it at ear/eye level for best high
frequency response and visual observation of the display screens. Please adhere to
the following clearances:
Clearance Surface
24”Front
3”Rear
2”Sides
1.75”TopandBottom(ifeitherradiates heat)
0”TopandBottom(ifno heat)
Heat Dissipation
The ambient temperature inside the mounting enclosure should not exceed 40°
Celsius (104° Fahrenheit). Adjacent devices can be rack mounted (or stacked) in
proximity to the unit if this temperature is not exceeded. Otherwise, allow a 1RU
(1.75”/44.45mm) space above and below the unit for air circulation.

WARNING:
The symbol to the left warns of electric shock hazard inside the unit.
Disconnect the power cord before removing access panels when installing
upgrades. Only qualified service personnel are to operate the equipment
with covers removed, and are to exercise caution to avoid personal injury.
To reduce noise, the monitor does not have any fans. As a result,the heat
generated by the class D power amplifiers, power supplies, and other
components is vented by slots in the sides and back of the unit. Therefore,
as a safety precaution, you must allow proper ventilation on these surfaces.


Page7

Sympathetic Vibration
Sympathetic vibration from other equipment (cables, etc.,) in the rack may be
serious enough to interfere with the unit’s sound quality. If you experience
sympathetic vibrations, use thin card stock, felt, foam, or weather-stripping
between the vibrating surfaces. Tie loose cables securely with cable ties.
Mechanical Bracing
The 1RU chassis is securely attached to the front panel. In addition, the chassis has
mounting tabs through which you attach it to the rack rail. This feature will reduce
or eliminate rear bracing requirements in many mobile/portable applications. The
weight of internal components is distributed fairly evenly around the unit.
Electrical Interference
Be careful to avoid mismatched cable types and other similar causes of undesired
reflections in digital signal systems. If severe enough, such reflections can result in
corruption of the digital data stream. As with any audio equipment, maximum
immunity from electrical interference requires the use of shielded cable; however,
satisfactory results can sometimes be obtained without it. The internal circuitry
ground is connected to the chassis.
Power
The unit comes with a standard external 18VDC/3.9A external power supply that
connects to an A/C mains power source (100 to 240 VAC, 1.5A, 50/60Hz) using an
IEC power cord.
When the mains plug or appliance coupler is used as the disconnect device, the
disconnect device should remain operable.
Compliance
FCC
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A
digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is
operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful
interference, in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at
their own expense.
ICES-003
This Class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe A est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du
Canada.


Page8

CHAPTER 2: Local Operation
Front Panel
The 8-channel version, with dedicated master volume, is shown below. The 16-
channel version operates similarly, except that control strip #16 can function as a
normal mix channel or as master volume.
Figure 2–1: Front Panel Layout
We use audio mixer terminology of “strips” when referring to generic control
functions or individual items within a control (strip) group.
The control strip display label default is to display the input type and channel
number, but may be changed at the Web GUI to be any displayable text or
numbers.
Speakers: Audio monitoring is achieved through the use of class D
amplifiers driving two (left/right) wide range speakers.
Headphone Jack: A 1/4" jack for an optional headphone is provided on the
front panel. Speaker audio mutes when headphones are plugged in.
Channel Volume/Mute: Rotating the Volume knob adjusts the individual
level of each corresponding channel. Pressing the
knob mutes or unmutes
channel.
Master Volume controls levels and mutes/unmutes the entire mix.
Preset / Config Switch: Pressing this switch activates a menu for preset
selection and configuration status information.
USB 2.0 Port: This USB Type A connector allows you to use a flash drive
(not supplied) to perform software updates and copy system configurations
to another IAM-MIX or to a PC.
The number above the channel control strips does not indicate any particular source
channel number or arrangement. Strip numbers only serve as references for channel
configurations at the Web GUI level. Different presets typically have different
channel numbers assigned to control strips.
Right
S
p
eaker
Control-Strip
Displays
Left
S
p
eaker
Control
Stri
p
s
Headphone Preset/Config Switch
USB Por
t
Volume/Mute Controls


Page9

Rear Panel
Figure 2-2: Rear Panel Layout



 
Power: The IAM-MIX uses an external AC to 18V DC power adapter. The
adapter’s AC inlet is a standard IEC receptacle for 100 to 240 VAC ±10%, 50/60
Hz power connection. Four regional AC power cords, supplied per shipping
region, are available.
GPIO: (future implementation) This DB-9 connector provides 2 input pins and 2
output pins to perform GPIO functions as defined by the Web GUI.
Network Port: The Ethernet port can connect to either a LAN or to a PC to let
you customize the IAM-MIX configuration. It will also allow you to copy system
configurations from one IAM-MIX to another. Lastly, it can be used to update the
IAM-MIX software and firmware.
MADI Inputs & Outputs: (1 Coax, 1 –SFP Optical) Inputs accept AES10 64-
channel MADI input signals at 48 kHz sample rate. All outputs are reclocked
from the selected MADI source. This allows coax to fiber or fiber to coax
conversion. A software license must be installed for SFP ports to function.
Dolby Metadata: This RJ-45 jack transmits metadata from the selected Dolby
bitstream in RS-485 serial data protocol.
AES Out: This BNC jack outputs the same mixed audio as the XLR analog
outputs, as heard from speakers or headphones, but as an AES3id pair.
By design, the supplied AC mains power cord will only plug into a three-prong
grounded outlet for your safety. If the plug does not fit into the outlet, contact an
electrician to replace the obsolete outlet.
The monitor and power adapter have been tested as a combined apparatus to
verify compliance with applicable safety and electromagnetic compliance
standards. Use of another power adapter provided by the user may negate the
compliance or cause the monitor to not perform properly. Wohler Technologies
cannot accept any responsibility for the outcome in such cases.
MADI
SFP-Fiber
Network
Port
MADI
Coax-BNC Analog Audio Outputs (Left & Right)
DC
Power Dolby Metadata
GPIO AES
Out
AES In
A
nalo
g
In
SDI
SFP-Coax or Fiber


Page
10

AES In: These four BNC jacks accept AES3id digital audio pairs at 48 kHz
sample rate. Channels are selected as AES 1-8.
SDI: The two cages provided accept SFP modules compatible with SDI coaxial or
optical signals. Single or dual transceiver arrangements are possible. A software
license must be installed for an SFP port to function.
Analog Inputs: This DB-25 female connectors accepts +10dBu broadcast level
balanced audio. Tascam pinout cables may be used, and can be purchased
Wohler Sales.
Analog Outputs: These male XLR connectors provide two balanced analog
outputs:
Left and Right . The source of these signals is the mix of audio as
monitored by the internal speakers.
Channel Displays
Display information for each channel strip is shown in Figure 2-3 below.
Figure 2-3: Strip-Channel Display

Activity Meters: The activity bargraph meter’s 10-segments provide a quick
indication of signal presence. A floating peak bar above an average level stacked bar
are shown. The meter left/right position(s) also indicates the Mix Assignments. Left
and right meters are displayed when a mono source channel is being sent to both sides
of the speakers, headphones and Line Outputs.
Mute: When a channel is muted, the entire display is inverted for reverse video, with
labels and icons becoming black.
Strip Labels: Two lines of text can be used to identify the audio source by name,
channel number, or other information.
Default labels are shown in the first example above; generic text in the second.
Five or six upper case letters or numbers will typically fit on each line. Since text
character widths vary, the exact number of characters displayed can vary. The right
edge may get cut off if very wide characters are entered.
Lower case text characters are shown as smaller capital letters (small caps) to allow
more characters to be displayed.
Muted (Mixed Left &Right)
Active (Mixed Right)
Activit
y
Meters & Mix Indicators


Page
11

Preset / Config Menu
Operators can select another preset or check machine status by pressing the red
PRESET / CONFIG button on the front panel. It is recessed to prevent accidental
activation. If accidentally pressed, pressing “EXIT MENU” or any button below a
non-illuminated display will exit the menu and return to normal monitor operation
unchanged.
Figure 2-4 Preset / Config Menu
Preset Selection
Pressing control strip (knob) button #1, directly below “SET PRESET” displayed will
display all the available presets by name. The current preset will be highlighted in
reverse video, press it to exit the menu with no changes. Press any other button to
select that preset and exit the menu.
Current Version
Pressing “VERSION AND SN” (#2) shows the software rev and serial number.
Current IP Address
Pressing “SHOW IP ADDR” (#3) displays the IP Address currently set.
Reset IP Address
Pressing “RESET IP ADDR” (#4) changes the unit’s network address to factory
default (172.27.2.2). A confirmation message will ask if you are sure. Answer “NO”
if not sure.
Get USB Configs
Pressing “GET USB CONFIGS” (#5) allows the unit to load presets saved from
another iAM-MIX. Press “YES” to proceed, following prompts on the panel. Press
“NO” to cancel and exit the menu.


Page
12

CHAPTER 3: Technical Info
Table 3–1: iAM-MIX Specifications
Specification Values/Domains
Powerrequirements 100 Vto 240 VAC ±10%, 50/60Hz 
Powerconsumption40 Watts
Dimensions
(HxWxD)
1.75”x19”x6”
(44mmx483mmx52mm)
Weight5.5lbs.(2.5 kg)
SpaceRequired1RUinastandard19” rack
SuppliedAccessoriesPowerAdapter,ACPowerCord
DisplayTypePassiveMatrixOLED
Numbero
f
Displays8/16 (specialorder)
ScreenResolution64H x32V
SampleRate48kHz
De‐Multiplexing
8or16channelsfrom:
16‐channelSD/HD/3G‐SDI
64‐channelAES10MADI
SDIInputs/Outputs
• 1or2SDIInputsorOutputs
Optional–SingleSFPTransceiver:or
DualInput/DualOutputModules
•Multi‐ModeFiber:1SIOptical
SC‐Connector,1300nm
or
Single‐ModeFiber:1SIOpticalSC
Connector,1310nm
MADIInputs/Outputs
• 1MADI BNC,Standard CoaxI/O
Optional–SFPTransceiver:
•Multi‐ModeFiber:1MADIOptical
SC‐Connector,1300nm
or
Single‐ModeFiber:1MADIOptical
SCConnector, 1310nm
Cable/FiberLength(max) 
COAX(suchasBelden1694A):>150m
Multi‐modefiber:1km
Single‐modefiber:10 km


Page
13

Specification Values/Domains
SDIInputTermination75Ohmsunbalanced
AES/EBUInput
Termination75Ohmsunbalanced
AnalogInputImpedance 40kOhmsbalanced
AES/EBU/MADISampling
Rate48kHz
AnalogOutputs‐Stereo XLR‐3Male,balanced+24dBumax
AnalogOutputFrequency
Response40Hzto20kHz(±1dB)
AnalogOutputDistortion
<
0.01%
THD
+
N
AnalogOutputDynamic
Range
>100dB 
AnalogOutputReference
Level
‐20dBFS=+4±1.0dBu 
InternalSpeakers‐Stereo 40mmFullRange
PeakAcousticOutput90dBA SPL(@2feet)
SpeakerPowerRating4WattsRMS,8Wattspeak(eachside)
AcousticFrequency
Response150Hzto16kHz(±5dB)
HeadphoneOut‐Stereo
40 Hz to 20 kHz (±
1dB)
HeadphoneLoad
8ohms to 150 Ohms


Page
14


Figure 3–1: IAM-MIX Block Diagram


Page
15

CHAPTER 4: Using the iAM-MIX Web
GUI
The IAM-MIX Web GUI allows you to customize the monitor’s configuration to suit
your needs. The default presets configure each source’s channels in consecutive
fashion. The following setup steps are not necessary to use the iAM-MIX in the
default configuration.
Web Browser / Control Device
Any web browser application running on any networked device such as desktop or
laptop computer, tablet or smart phone can be used with the iAM-MIX Web GUI.
Tablets would need to be linked to a copper LAN through a Wi-Fi adapter if the
tablet has no network connector.
Phones are not recommended due to their smaller screen size that will require more
scrolling.
The Chrome
®
web browser is recommended for speed and compatibility.
First Time- IP Assignments
The iAM-MIX can operate with a static (fixed) or dynamic (DHCP) IPv4 address. The
address will be 172.27.2.2 when received from the factory or when reset at the
front panel. The iAM-MIX address will need to be changed to some other address to
be compatible with the customer’s network address assignments. Go to iAM-MIX
Network Setup, immediately after this host setup is done, to change the unit’s
address.
The surest way to do this, free of possible network conflicts, is to establish a static
peer-to-peer connection between the setup computer and the iAM-MIX. A
10/100/1000 MHz Ethernet switch may be used in between, but is not required.
Figure 4-1 below shows an example of suitable address settings for the host
computer in a Windows 7 control panel.
Figure 4–1 Host IP Settings


Page
16

Close the control panel and reboot the host computer after making an IP address
change like this to be sure the change takes effect. Either reconnect to the installed
network or continue with this direct connection to access the iAM-MIX Web GUI.
Make the corresponding address, mask and gateway changes in the iAM-MIX
Network Setup page.
Dashboard
Throughout the Web GUI, other pages are a click or two away on the left side.
System Overview on this Dashboard page shows all preset configurations at a
glance.
The currently selected preset for local operation is shown full color. Other stored,
but not selected, presets have gray backgrounds.
The top row shows which sources are used in the preset. The middle row shows
which channel numbers are assigned to each control strip. Colors in the bottom row
indicate green for active, or red for muted states.
No changes can be made on this screen. Click where it says ‘View Details’, or click
on Configuration / Presets Management in the left navigation pane to make preset
changes.
The lower part of the page shows front and rear panels for setup reference, plus
alerts, status and license information.
6


Page
17

Sign In
Only authorized users should be allowed to make preset and network changes.
Anybody can view status of iAM-MIX units on the network, but logging in with a
password is required to make any changes. When logging in is required to make a
change, the following page will appear. Or login can be done at any time by clicking
on Administrative Account in page upper right and clicking Log In..
The person responsible for setup can please contact Wohler technical Support to
learn the default Email Address (user name) and Password if it has been deleted
from view.
The setup user will remain logged in until the browser window is closed or the
session is disconnected physically or virtually, or log out by clicking
Administrator Account in the upper right of any page.


Page
18

Channel Naming
Each channel can be preassigned a name in the configuration database. These
names will be automatically assigned to the channel-strip label fields in a preset
when selected.
Configuration - Setup
Factory default presets are provided for each input type and the first eight or
sixteen channels in consecutive order. Default mixes are left for odd-numbered
channels and right for even-numbered channels. If one of those simple
arrangements works for your application, there is no need to change any of your
presets, since the monitor can be left set to that preset.
The Configuration page is where the setup can be made in virtually any
arrangement. Clicking through from the Dashboard screen will present that preset
for configuration. Select other presets for editing by clicking on the Recall
Configuration box.


Page
19

If BNC and Optical sources are installed, the MADI Input Selection switch will
appear. Only one can be enabled for each preset, though different presets can use
either one.
Level Meter Indicator will Show or Hide activity meters on front panel displays.
The Input Type box switches between the available inputs. Inputs are enabled by
software licenses and optical input must have an SFP module installed for it to
work. The iAM-MIX loops the selected incoming MADI stream to both coax and fiber
outputs (if installed).
Check the Clock Reference box for the input to serve as clock sync reference. An
SDI or MADI stream may exhibit some audible clicks if it is not synchronized
externally and is not selected as the clock reference.
Channel# is where the source channel for each strip location is set.
The Speaker ON / OFF switch allows channels to be set as active or muted when
the preset is changed. After that, mute/unmute is controlled by the front panel
operator.
Label 1 shows what will be displayed on the upper line of the channel strip, like a
scribble strip on a mixing board. Label 2 is for the lower line displayed. Both labels
will retrieve labels from the Channel Naming page when first selected here. Those
names can be changed for this preset, without affecting Channel Naming labels.
The Display box provides a way to not use one of the labels, for instance if labels
have too many characters for both labels to fit in the display.
Mix is where you can set Left, Right or Left & Right mix assignments for the input
source audio to be heard on front panel speakers and headphones, and how the
rear panel outputs are mixed.


Page
20

Save Configuration stores the preset in the database.
Display Configuration loads the current (edited) preset into the iAM-MIX for test
purposes only. It will not be stored, and cannot be recalled later.
Apply Configuration saves the preset to the database and loads it as the active
preset.
Configuration - Presets Management
Change preset names on this page.