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Audio Over IP (AoIP)-Dante
To Audio Over IP or not to Audio Over IP. That should not be the question. The answer is a definitive yes. This should be a decision of adding another layer to the arsenal of audio options toolkit. We all still need analog and digital audio. Just add IP to that kit. Of the options available, from proprietary LiveWire and Wheatnet, to what may be considered standard, the choice is yours. Do not be fooled by AES67 claims. Think about what you want to do and why. I chose Audinate Dante. It compliments what I have and moves us into the future. And for my system it is integrated with Sierra Automated Systems (SAS) 32KD and Bravo. (It even supports AES67.) Choose wisely.
I know you have read about AoIP. I know you know about AoIP. I know you use AoIP. Any modern codec is using AoIP as we all use the Internet to feed audio remotely. The basics of creating an AoIP network is simple. You need a network. The main part of this network is your switch. Do not use a hub. Make it a good switch. Design your network for at least 1 GB. Depending what you decide on a platform, you may need a DHCP server, and possibly some high-end switches. Some will want to Subnet and use VLANs on existing networks. I am of the belief of making things simple, so I chose to create a completely independent and isolated network. I chose Dante.
What makes Dante “simple?” Many things, but the main is the fact it does not require any special hardware. No special switches. No special configurations. In addition to that it does not require DHCP. The IP addresses are automatically assigned by Dante just like the automatic addressing Windows does when a DHCP server is not available. I chose to manually, or statically, assign the IP addresses. To manage Dante, the machine that has the Dante Controller has two NICs (Network Interface Card), so one is assigned an IP address for the Dante network. As the audio in the broadcast facility is contained here alone, there is not need for a gateway. I have 59 devices, so the assignment and manually configuring of the Dante portion may take time, but once it is done, it is done.
You ask about automation and playback computers. Two NICs. Ask me how many times I have been off air with this configuration. I dare you. Zero. Keep that in mind. Each machine has 1GB NICs. All studios have CAT6 cable home runs to the switch. Avoid multiple switches if you can. This is in line with keeping things simple.
And that is the basic framework that I use. Keep it simple. Don’t try and do too much at once. Get used to what you are doing.
Next post will be the basics of Dante. I will cover the Dante Controller basics.
In the meantime, check some Audinate links while you plan your system:
So You’re Adding Dante to Your Network?
Broadcast: Radio
Cheers!
NAB Convention Is Upon Us!
I sit here gathering up my “notes” and listening to my Blues channel on Pandora; NAB is around the corner. No way, it is here! I leave tomorrow! Wow. I have an agenda. The company has an agenda. The show has an agenda. My job is to make them all mesh. Of course it will not prevent me from doing some “vendor disruptions”.
I need to visit vendors regarding remote controls. Burk, Audemat, and Davicom come to mind. Any other suggestions? I’m familiar with Burk. I like the concept and white paper by Audemat, though some reports from the local boys across town will curl your hair. Davicom I’ve seen via web meeting and should be usable. How far do I want to go? This could be fun.
We will attempt to crash the NexGen, so be prepared RCS. We like to dig and we want to push buttons; simultaneously. We did this to WideOrbit and they passed. Others failed in an endless loop in the past, so maybe everyone is robust compared to then. Should be fun.
I will be at the NUG (Nautel Users Group) on Sunday. Hey, that app you posted in the Waves newsletter does not work through VPN. I look forward to seeing what’s new and how things are. I also want to see the advanced AUI presentation.
To bad Verizon won’t be there. Maybe even HTC and Samsung. No VPN through hotspots? NAT issue? Come on, now. How do we run our stuff securely, leave it on an open network? Security first, people. If WiFi is available on the floor or nearby, I will be happy to show you a VPN connection w/VNC to my Nautel transmitters on an eReader, a.k.a. cheap tablet.
I will be talking with SAS (Sierra Automated Systems) regarding my system and integration with our next automation system being mandated by the company. (I’ll elaborate later, and will be a subject of review) I have a studio upgrade coming.
Tieline will get a visit. I see a new box and they did not send me one to play with. Does that mean I can break it at the show? Also I noticed an application to manage the Tieline remote gear. Well, where is it? I know I have 8 boxes I could manage. I like pushing updates. I also like to add and subtract profiles as necessary. Let’s have at it! Oh, and where is the Android app?
I will visit Sage and ask to tear about the Digital Endec. EAS and CAPS is coming and we are to upgrade this year anyways. Just a few questions and a look at the box. This is the one we have decided on.
I’ll visit with Studer as they want to meet with me regarding consoles. This is not a formal thing, but would be cool if it led somewhere. I am quite happy with my SAS Rubicons and SLs. If it leads to anything, it is design, like I know anything about that; I install and make ’em work.
It just piles up. I notice a hard time for Audemat. Hopefully we are discussing remote control and not that stupid Golden Eagle box. I had to reboot that thing 3 times yesterday just to get diversity delay readings! Ouch. The multipath at the studios isn’t much help either.
I think I will swing by Harris and tell them that my Flexstar dropped off once again without any reason. Once in 1 year is a major improvement! Of course a week after that occurred I get an email talking about their new transmitters. WT>>>> I have a “young” transmitter, I cannot get another. There is other competition out there! 😉 (See my article in the Waves newsletter….) I want to see the STL solutions provided by these guys, too. This means I will be visiting Moseley, too. I have Moseley and Intraplex.
Gosh, I just remembered I wanted to look at some audio test gear and modulation monitors that work. The ones I have are in a word, worthless. They will make good air monitors for HD, though.
I will hit the usual suspects as time permits. I have a lot to do with only 2 days on the floor. I’m a bit disappointed I may not get to see interactive and video. I want to delve into some of that and see what ideas I can come away with.
Hope to see you all at the show! Walk up and smack me if you wish to talk.
Cheers!
Tech Notes from the Field 