Operation Manual

Network 23
PRO Series Live Audio Systems
Owner’s Manual
Three additional surround modes operate as follows:
• Quad Left – Right – LS – RS routing to matrices 1, 2, 5 and 6.
• Surround Left – Right – Centre – Surround routing to matrices 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6.
• 5.1 surround Left – Right – Centre – Sub – LS – RS routing to matrices 1, 2, 3, 4,
5 and 6.
Network
The MidasNET network of the PRO Series utilises the physical connectivity of Ethernet
(EtherCon® connectors and Cat 5e/copper cable), but replaces its data protocol with
AES50 protocol (implemented as SuperMac) and the HyperMac high capacity system,
which are more suited to high quality, low latency audio distribution. The use of the
AES standard allows straightforward interfacing with any third party hardware that also
utilises this connection.
MidasNET connections carry digital audio, control data and standard Ethernet traffic
bi-directionally down a single cable. Cat 5e cable is used for the ‘local’ connections and
the single digital ‘snake’ (equivalent to a 384-channel analogue multi-core) between
control centre and DL371 Audio System Engine. The combination of audio, control,
clock and third party Ethernet data in a single network means that the hardware
interfaces on a single RJ45 connection.
All system connections are duplicated for full dual redundancy.
Reliability (redundancy)
All critical system connections and most components incorporate integral backup and
recovery strategies such as redeployment of resources, N+1 redundancy or dual
redundancy etc. A modular approach to software, hardware and physical construction
also aids reliability and simplifies servicing. The following lists some examples:
• The DL371 Audio System Engine incorporates N+1 redundant power supplies and
five modules, with the capability to fit an optional sixth spare module. The standard
failure recovery for modules will be redeployment of critical roles typically causing
loss of some less important inputs. With the optional sixth module fitted, the system
will operate as N+1 and there will be no loss of function after redeployment.
• The router is contained in the same rack and incorporates dual HyperMAC
connections in and out.
• The control centre contains dual redundant master controllers, dual GUI screens and
N+1 redundant power supplies.
• All I/O units incorporate dual redundant power supplies, and the DL351 and DL451
are modular in blocks of eight to limit the potential for total audio connection failure.
This resilience strategy provides high reliability performance at a reasonable cost
because it is designed in from the start and not as an afterthought.
Control software
The operating system of the PRO Series is Linux, which is an open-source, stable,
proven operating system (OS). Linux is used in many mission-critical applications
worldwide and has allowed Midas’ software engineers to write a ground-up system that
contains no ‘hidden’ or unused code. This has resulted in an efficient, compact
application, which is quick in operation, quick booting and comparatively easy to debug.
Two copies of the master control software run on separate processors to provide
resilience to failure.