With the move to get the best of IT into how audio is transported and utilized, protocols like AVB, Dante and Ultranet are gaining ground while the less expensive of these is the Ultranet protocol.
While we will look at Dante in another post, let's focus of the Ultranet protocol in this post.
The Ultranet protocol is a proprietary network protocol used by Music Tribe products, including the Midas M32 range of consoles, DL32 and DL16 Stage boxes, selected Turbosound Series of Speakers and much more. It's designed to facilitate low-latency, low-jitter digital audio distribution over Ethernet networks, typically using Cat-5 cables.
Ultranet is not an Ethernet-based protocol, even though it uses the same physical cabling. It's a Level 1 protocol, meaning it operates at the hardware level of network technology. This allows for the use of standard Cat-5 cables, but Ultranet devices cannot be directly interfaced with standard Ethernet devices due to the different signaling.
The Ultranet protocol is a key feature in Music Tribe products, providing a digital network solution for audio distribution. Here's how it's utilized across various devices:
- Behringer Consoles: Similar to Midas, Behringer consoles use Ultranet to send multiple channels of audio to personal mixers or speakers with minimal latency and setup complexity.
- Midas DL Series Stage Boxes: These stage boxes can receive and transmit audio via Ultranet, enabling a digital snake setup that reduces the need for heavy analog multicore cables. Multiple DL series devices can be cascaded for expanded input/output capacity.
- Behringer P16 IEM (In-Ear Monitoring): The P16 system uses Ultranet to provide musicians with a personal mix control, sending audio directly to their in-ear monitors. This setup can free up auxiliary outputs on the console and simplify stage cabling.
- Turbosound Speakers: Ultranet-enabled Turbosound speakers can receive digital audio over a single CAT5 cable, which simplifies the audio setup and potentially improves audio quality over long cable runs. It also allows for speaker control and monitoring through the Ultranet network.
Overall, Ultranet enhances the flexibility and efficiency of live sound setups by reducing cable clutter and enabling digital control over the audio distribution network. It's particularly beneficial in complex setups where multiple audio channels need to be routed across different devices and locations..
Let's look at a sample connection using the Ultranet Protocol.
Setting up an Ultranet network with Music Tribe products like the Midas M32, DP48, and DL32 involves a few key steps to ensure proper audio distribution and device communication. Here's a general guide on how to set up an Ultranet network:
1. Connect the Devices:
- Begin by connecting your Midas M32 console to the DL32 stage box using an AES50 cable. This will allow you to send and receive multiple channels of audio between the console and the stage box.
- For the DP48 personal monitor mixers, connect them to the AES50 ports on the M32 or DL32. This will enable the DP48 units to receive the audio channels.
2. Configure the Console:
- On the Midas M32, navigate to the routing section and assign the outputs to the Ultranet. You can choose which channels you want to send to the Ultranet network.
- Make sure that the AES50 connections are properly configured to transmit the audio to the connected stage boxes and personal mixers.
3. Set Up the Stage Boxes:
- If you're using multiple DL stage boxes, you'll need to set them up in a daisy-chain configuration. Ensure that each stage box is set to the correct mode to either send or receive audio signals.
4. Adjust the Personal Monitor Mixers:
- On the DP48 units, assign the groups and channels that each musician needs. Musicians can then adjust their own mix according to their preferences.
5. Test the Network:
- Once everything is connected and configured, send a test signal through the network to ensure that all devices are receiving audio as expected.
- Check for any latency or connection issues and adjust the settings if necessary.
Remember, the exact setup process may vary depending on the specific models and firmware versions of your devices. It's always a good idea to refer to the user manuals for detailed instructions and troubleshooting tips.
For more detailed guidance, including device-specific instructions, you might want to check out tutorial videos and online forums where professionals share their setups and tips.
#MusicTribe #Midas #Behringer #Turbosound #Cat5e #Cat6 #Hub4 #DP48 #P16 #Vibetoolsng
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