Allen&Heath UNDERSTANDING ACE User Manual
UNDERSTANDING ACE
ACE stands for ‘Audio & Control over Ethernet’ and is a point to point link, created and developed by Allen & Heath.
ACE can be used as a link between iLive MixRack and Surface and also for expansion to other iLive or GLD systems.
iLive fixed format systems are shipped with a built in ACE single connection which allows the mixing surfaces (T112, T80, R72) to be linked
to iDR-16/32/48/64 MixRacks using standard Cat5e cable. This link provides two things:
1) Network connection from the surface (with its built-in touchscreen computer), to the MixRack, where the DSP mix-engine is located.
2) Two-way audio link, so that inputs and outputs (analogue & digital) at the rear of the mixing surface can be patched to the processing input
channels and mixes, or used as insert points. The console’s monitoring section (PAFL) and Talkback also uses channels in the ACE link.
TM
iLive fixed format Surface
The ACE connection is an RJ45 (standard network port) and also
takes the rugged Neutrik ‘Ethercon’ which provides additional strain
-relief and protection for the touring environment.
Systems are shipped with one 3m (10ft) Cat5 cable fitted with
‘Ethercon’ housings.
iLive fixed format MixRack
Only 1 Cat5 cable is needed for Audio and Control link < 120m (400ft)
If a traditional copper multicore ‘snake’ and returns system for ‘Front of House’ is to be used, then the MixRack can be located near to the
mixing surface, and only a short Cat5 ACE link is needed. Alternatively, a longer Cat5 cable can be used to allow the MixRack to be located on
stage, where it can function as the ‘stage-box’ (Mic inputs) and ‘returns’ system (PA, and stage monitor outputs). Surface controls can be
used to adjust the processing system in the MixRack. ‘Local’ input and outputs which can be patched to the MixRack’s 64 DSP input and 32
mix channels are located on the rear of the surface. PAFL monitoring with local and headphones outputs, plus talkback feature are provided
and use the ACE link to carry the audio signals between the MixRack and the console surface. Midi is available at the MixRack and the
Surface, being ‘tunnelled’ over the ACE network bridge.
Cables up to 120m (400ft) in length can be used, but see our recommended & tested cables as published on our website.
Allen & Heath cannot guarantee the performance & reliability of the iLive ‘ACE’ system using Cat5 cables which we have not tested or recommended. Premium touring-grade flexible cables are preferable for live PA work . This includes the short ’Network Bridge’ jumper cable if used
with M-ACE option. Allen & Heath can supply an 80m Neutrik ‘Etherflex’ cable on a drum (AH7000), and a 120m Klotz cable drum (AH8721).
Once the ACE link is connected and the system is powered up, then LEDs near the ACE ports will show Link Active and Error status. Providing
the network addresses of the system (MixRack, Surface, & Touch-screen computer) are compatible, then the touch-screen screen will show
additional system information. Once the Net Bridge is established over the ACE link then there will be a green tick √ shown on the surface link
area of the touch-screen status window. A red cross X indicates bridge connection errors. A ‘traffic light’ system of coloured dots is provided
to display detected errors. System Lock refers to the selected digital audio clock sync source, by default the MixRack internal master.
ACE protocol information
Point to point.
Cable: Cat5e T568A & T568B twisted pair, length up to 120m (400ft). Not all cables reliable at max length - see FAQ & website.
ACE is Ethernet 802.3 IEEE Layer 2 compliant (can use Layer 2 network switches or managed switches).
Note: maximum cable length is 100m(333ft) when connecting over a switch, but this could act as a repeater giving max 100m (333ft) x 2.
48kHz sample rate, 24-bit depth.
64 channels bi-directional PCM audio + 9.6 Mbit/s network control.
ACE network latency <105uS (5 samples).
Redundancy with no audio dropout switchover (zero packet loss) with M-ACE option module.
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GLD-80 Monitor
I/O Module ACE
T-112 FoH
ACE
iDR-48
Port B ACE
ACE
iDR-32
T-80
iDR10
Port A ACE
iLive-144
Port A ACE
ACE
ACE
M-ACE MODULE
An optional ACE card is available to link iLive and/or GLD systems together. Typically this may be desired for front of house / monitor
systems where digital splits of the mic preamps in system A are sent over a Cat5 cable to system B, where independent trim, EQ, processing, FX, and mix-bus structure can be used for the stage musician’s foldback.
M-ACE gives access to 64 input and 64 output channels and can be
fitted to:
Port B expansion slot in iLive fixed format MixRacks (iDR-16,
iDR-32, iDR-48 & iDR-64) or expander (xDR-16)
Port B and/or Port A of iLive modular MixRacks (iDR0, iDR10) if
fitted with the RAB-2 standard.
Port A of iLive modular Surfaces 80/112/144/176 if they are
fitted with the new RAB-2 standard.
I/O Module slot in GLD-80.
The M-ACE option module can be fitted easily; it is installed (front-mounted) with the power off, and has two screws to secure it in place.
Two ACE links are provided offering a ‘zero-packet loss’ changeover in a two-cable system.
APPLICATION EXAMPLES
64 channel digital split
ACE bi-directional link carries digital mic preamps splits, channel direct outs,
and mix signals to be made available to the other system over a Cat5 cable. A
second cable can be used for redundancy.
Mix n Match fixed format and modular iLive
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Equipped with RAB-2, an iDR-10 MixRack can be
fitted with M-ACE allowing iLive fixed format link for
flexible, hybrid systems.
Equipped with RAB-2, an iLive modular Surface can
be fitted with M-ACE allowing iLive fixed format link
for flexible, hybrid systems.
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