Ashly mXa-1502 User's Guide

mXa-1502

16 x 4 Mixer

Comprehensive DSP

Two channel Amplifier

Operating Manual

• Click the yellow box on any page to return to the table of contents

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mXa-1502 • Operating Manual

mXa-1502 • Operating Manual

Important Safety Instructions •

1. Read these instructions.

2. Keep these instructions.

3. Heed all warnings.

4. Follow all instructions.

5. To reduce the risk of fire or

electric shock, do not expose
this apparatus to rain or
moisture.

6. Do not use this apparatus near

water.

7. Clean only with dry cloth.

8. Do not block any ventilation

openings. Install in accordance
with the manufacturer’s
instructions.

9. Do not install near any heat

sources such as radiators,
heat registers, stoves, or other
apparatus.

10. Do not defeat the safety

purpose of the polarized or
groundingtype plug. A polarized
plug has two blades with
one wider than the other. A
grounding type plug has two
blades and a third grounding
prong. The wide blade or the
third prong are provided for your
safety. If the provided plug does
not fit into your outlet, consult
an electrician for replacement
of the obsolete outlet.

11. Protect the power cord

from being walked on or
pinched particularly at plugs,

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within
an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the
user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous
voltage” within the product’s enclosure that may
be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of
electric shock to persons. The exclamation point
within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert
the user to the presence of important operating
and maintenance instructions in the literature
accompanying the device.

convenience receptacles, and
the point where they exit from
the apparatus.

12. Only use attachments/

accessories specified by the
manufacturer.

13. Use only with the cart, stand,

tripod, bracket, or table
specified by the manufacturer,
or sold with the apparatus.
When a cart is used, use
caution when moving the cart/
apparatus combination to avoid
injury from tip-over.

14. Unplug this apparatus during

lightning storms or when
unused for long periods of time.

15. Refer all servicing to qualified

service personnel. Servicing is
required when the apparatus
has been damaged in any way,
such as power-supply cord or
plug is damaged, liquid has
been spilled or objects have
fallen into the apparatus, the
apparatus has been exposed
to rain or moisture, does not
operate normally, or has been
dropped.

Consignes de sécurité à lire attentivement

n’accepte pas la fiche, consulter

Le symbole de la flèche dans un triangle équilateral
symbolisant la foudre est prévu pour sensibiliser
l’utilisateur à la présence de tension de voltage
non isolée à l’intérieur de l’appareil. Elle pourrait
constituer un danger de risque de décharge élec­trique pour les utilisateurs. Le point d’excl mation
dans le triangle équilatérale alerte l’utilisateur de la
présence de consignes qu’il doit d’abord consulter
avant d’utiliser l’appareil.

1. Lisez ces instructions.

2. Conservez ces instructions.

3. Observez les avertissements.

4. Suivez ces instructions.

5. Pour réduire le risque de feu

ou la décharge électrique, ne
pas exposer cet appareil pour
pleuvoir ou l’humidité.

6. Ne pas utiliser l’appareil près de

l’eau.

7. Le nettoyer à l’aide d’un tissus

sec.

8. Ne pas bloquer les ouvertures

de ventilation, installer selon les
consignes du fabricant.

9. Eloigner des sources de chaleur

tel: radiateurs, fourneaux ou
autres appareils qui produisent
de la chaleur.

10. Ne pas modifier ou amputer

le système de la mise à terre.
Une prise avec mise à terre
comprend deux lames dont
une plus large ainsi qu’une mise
à terre: ne pas la couper ou
la modifier. Si la prise murale

WARNING: THIS APPARATUS MUST BE GROUNDED (EARTHED)

un électricien pour qu’il
remplace la prise désuète.

11. Protéger le cordon de secteur

contre tous bris ou pincement
qui pourraient l’endommager,
soit à la fiche murale ou à
l’appareil.

12. N’employer que les accessoires

recommandés par le fabricant.

13. N’utiliser qu’avec les systèmes

de fixation,chariots, trépied
ou autres, approuvés par le
fabricant ou vendus avec
l’appareil.

14. Débrancher l’appareil lors des

orages électriques ou si inutilisé
pendant une longue période de
temps.

15. Un entretient effectué par un

centre de service accrédité
est exigé si l’appareil a été
endommagé de quelque façon:
si il a été exposé à la pluie,,
l’humidité ou s’il ne fonctionne
pas normalement ou qu’il a été
échappé.

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mXa-1502 • Operating Manual

FCC Compliance

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC
Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:

■ This device may not cause harmful

interference

■ This device must accept any

interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation

Note: This equipment has been tested
and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15
of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed
to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference in both a commercial
and residential installation. This equipment
generates, uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and
used in accordance with the instructions,
may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur
in a particular installation. If this equipment
does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined
by turning the equipment off and on, the user
is encouraged to try to correct the interference
by one or more of the following measures:

Unpacking

As a part of our system of quality control,
every Ashly product is carefully inspected
before leaving the factory to ensure flawless
appearance.

After unpacking, please inspect for any
physical damage. Save the shipping carton
and all packing materials, as they were
carefully designed to reduce to a minimum the
possibility of transportation damage should the
unit again require packing and shipping. In the
event that damage has occurred, immediately
notify your dealer so that a written claim to
cover the damages can be initiated.

The right to any claim against a public
carrier can be forfeited if the carrier is not
notified promptly and if the shipping carton
and packing materials are not available for
inspection by the carrier. Save all packing
materials until the claim has been settled.

About Ashly

Ashly Audio was founded in 1974 by a
group of recording engineers, concert sound
professionals, and electronics designers. The
first products were elaborate custom consoles
for friends and associates, but business quickly
spread to new clients and the business grew.

The philosophy we established from the
very beginning holds true today: to offer only
the highest quality audio tools at an affordable
cost to the professional user − ensuring
reliability and long life. Years later, Ashly
remains committed to these principles.

Ashly’s exclusive five-year, worry-free
warranty remains one of the most generous
policies available on any commercial- grade
product. The warranty covers every product
with the Ashly brand name, and is offered at no
extra cost to you.

Please read this entire manual to fully
understand the features and capabilities of this
product.

■ Reorient or relocate the receiving

antenna.

■ Increase the separation between the

equipment and receiver.

■ Connect the equipment into an outlet on

a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.

■ Consult the dealer or an experienced

radio/TV technician for help.

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mXa-1502 • Operating Manual

mXa-1502 • Operating Manual

Table of Contents

1 Introduction ...................

1.1 Product overview ................

1.2 Product features .................

2

Installation Requirements

2.1 Electrical and wiring ...........

2.2 Mechanical ........................

2.3 Cooling ..............................

2.4 Network .............................

2.5 Browser & resolution ...........

3 Front Panel Features .......

3.1 Mounting holes . .................

3.2 Cooling vents . ....................

3.3 Device reset switch . ...........

3.4 Channel LEDs . ....................

3.5 Select buttons . ...................

3.6 Status LEDs . .......................

3.7 Power switch . .....................

3.8 Bridge LED . ........................

4 Rear Panel Features ........

4.1

Mic/line inputs

4.2 Stereo line inputs ...............

4.3 Aux out 1 & 2 ......................

4.4 VCA 1-3 input ....................

4.5 Data connection ................

4.6 Trigger 1-8 input ................

4.7

GPO logic outputs 1 & 2

4.8 Amp 1 & 2 fault output .......

4.9 Standby .............................

4.10 Ethernet port ......................

4.11 Output mode ......................

4.12 Speaker outputs .................

4.13 AC inlet ..............................

4.14 Model information ..............

....................

5 Network Discovery .........

5.1 Windows 10 .......................

5.2 OSX ....................................

...

.......

5.3 iOS .....................................

.  .............................

5.5 What if Discovery Fails? ......

6 AquaControl Software .....

6.1 Dashboard screen ..............

a. Launch remote mixer ......

b. Launch remote DCA ........

c. Launch quick setup .........

6.2 Signal chain screen ............

a. Mic inputs 1-8 .................

b. Stereo inputs 9-12 ..........

c. Mixers 1-4 .......................

d. Speaker & Aux 1-2 ..........

e. Presets ............................

f. Input DSP .........................

g. Output DSP .....................

DSP blocks ......................

Audio meter ..................

Autoleveler ...................

Brick wall limiter ............

Compressor ..................

DCA gain .......................

Delay ............................

Feedback suppressor ...

Gain ..............................

Gate ..............................

Graphic equalizer ..........

High-pass filter .............

Low-pass filter ..............

Parametric equalizer .....

Signal generator ...........

VCA gain .......................

Ambient noise comp. ....

Crossover .....................

FIR filter ........................

h. Mixers/Automixer ...........

i. Ducking ............................

j. Routing ............................

6.3 Settings screen ...................

a. General settings ..............

Firmware update ...........

Real time clock..............

b. Panels > Front panels ......

Disable power switch ....

Disable LEDs .................

Sleep mode setup .........

Remote power on/off ....

Software standby .........

c. Panels > Front buttons .....

Source select ................

Preset recall ..................

Sub-preset recall ..........

d. Panels > Rear panels .......

Mic input LEDs ..............

Mic phantom pwr ..........

Mic gain ........................

VCA input status ...........

Trigger input status .......

Output mode status ......

Bridge mode enable ......

Standby pin polarity ......

GPO pin toggle ..............

e. Network ..........................

MAC address ................

DHCP config .................

Static IP config ..............

f. Security ...........................

Admin ...........................

Guest admin .................

Operator .......................

View only ......................

6.4 Events screen .....................

a. Event list..........................

b. Scheduled events ...........

c. Triggered events .............

6.5 Diagnostics screen .............

7 Remote Control ..............

7.1 VCA level control ................

7.2 Trigger logic inputs ............

7.3 GPO logic outputs ..............

7.4 Amp fault logic outputs ......

7.5 Remote standby .................

7.6 Ashly remotes ....................

a. WR-1.0 and WR-1.1 ........

b. WR-1.5 ............................

c. WR-2 ...............................

8 Amplifier Protection ........

9 Troubleshooting .............

10 Specifications ...............

Power amplifier ...................

AquaControl™ software ......

Dimensions .........................

11 Block Diagrams ..............

12 Limited Warranty ............

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mXa-1502 • Operating Manual

1 Introduction

Thank you for your purchase of the mXa-1502
Mixer Amplifier. This product combines state
of the art Class D multi-mode amplifier design
with eight mic inputs and 4 stereo line inputs
for a total of 16 analog inputs.

The mXa-1502 comes standard with
comprehensive DSP processing including
ducking, matrix mixing, tone generation,
integrated Ethernet control using Ashly
AquaControl™ software, remote control,
triggered/scheduled events, auxiliary outputs,
and more. Please read this entire manual to
fully understand the features and capabilities
of this product.

1.1 Product Overview

The mXa-1502 is a two-channel 150W power
amplifier with independently selectable output
modes for low impedance (2/4/8 Ohm), 25V,70V,
or 100V, plus two AUX line level outputs, each
driven by one of four independent mixers. Each
mixer front end has access to the same eight
quality mic/line inputs and four stereo line inputs.

DSP includes matrix routing and mixing per mixer,
ducking, EQ, FIR filters, limiting/compression,
noise gates, automixing, autoleveling, ambient
noise compensation, crossover, delay, and more.
Add to all that event scheduling/triggering, remote
control, event based logic outputs, fault logic
outputs, and more.

1.2 Product Features

• Two 150W amplifiers, configurable for low-

impedance, 25V, 70V, or 100V output

• Eight balanced Mic/Line inputs, +48V

phantom power, four stereo -10dBV line
level inputs using RCA jacks

• Four independent mixers, two Aux outputs

• Ashly AquaControl server-based software,

runs on most web-browsers, no app to install

• Password protected security roles for admin,

guest admin, operator, view only

• Presets, sub-presets, and templates

• DSP ducking, automixer, autoleveler, FIR

filter, comp/limiter, EQ, crossover, more

• Real-Time-Clock for programming

scheduled events or event sequences

• Eight programmable triggered event logic

inputs, two event driven logic outputs, two
amplifier fault logic outputs

• Three assignable VCA level control inputs

• Automatic sleep mode, less than 4W,

defeatable, plus remote contact closure or
event driven power standby

• Front panel LEDs for temp, current, signal,

clip, mute, bridge mode, protect, sleep,
com, and power switch disable

• Universal switch mode power supply with

active power factor correction (PFC)

2 Installation Requirements

2.1 Electrical and Wiring

The mXa-1502 is designed with a universal
power supply, compatible with 100-240VAC,
50-60Hz. Always use the power cord supplied
with your unit. Do not remove AC ground.

Always use high quality shielded cable for
input signals, and use a balanced input signal
when possible. To avoid possible system noise
or oscillation, avoid running low level signal
wires parallel to speaker outputs or AC wiring,
especially over long distance. Before testing
the system, double check all connections and
settings. Refer to the specifications section
of this manual for input, output, Ethernet, and
other amplifier properties to consider during
installation.

2.2 Mechanical

The mXa-1502 is 1RU, and is designed to fit in
a standard 19-inch equipment rack. Use four
screws when mounting the amplifier to the
front rack rails. Rear support is recommended
for mobile or touring use (see mechanical

drawing).

The mXa-1502 is configured and controlled
using server-based Ashly AquaControl™
software, compatible with most browser
enabled devices. AquaControl is served from
the mXa-1502, installing an application on
your computer, phone, or tablet is unnecessary.

• Protection: Shorted output, over-

temperature, power supply fault, output DC,
mains fuse, in-rush current limiting

• Certifications: FCC, CE, RoHS

• Ashly Five year warranty

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mXa-1502 • Operating Manual

2.3 Cooling

Air vents on the front and side panels must
have access to free flowing room temperature
air. Air is drawn in through the front-right and
right-side vent holes and blown out through
the front-left vent holes. It is not necessary
to leave empty rack spaces above or below
the amplifier. See the BTU/hr table in the
specifications section for thermal output
characteristics.

3.3 Device Reset Switch

There are two levels of device reset, Admin
reset or Factory Default reset, determined by

how long you press and hold this recessed switch
during a cold-boot power-up.

3.4 Channel LEDs

The red Clip/Mute LEDs flash when output
reaches 100% of rated power. Note that there
is no clip detector for input levels. This LED also
lights solid when the output channel is muted.

2.4 Network

The mXa-1502 is compatible with 10MB,
100MB, or 1GB Ethernet. Connect its Ethernet
jack to a network switch or router, or connect
directly to a computer. A solid yellow LED on the
Ethernet jack indicates a good connection. The
green LED blinks to indicate network activity. If
there is no LED activity, backtrack through cables,
routers, or switches to find the problem. See

section 5 for detailed instructions on mXa-1502

network discovery.

2.5 Browser and Resolution

Supported browsers include Chrome, Edge,
and Safari. The software requires a minimum
screen resolution of 1024 x 768. For best
experience using a tablet, a minimum screen
size of 10" is recommended.

3 Front Panel Features

3.1 Mounting Holes

For rack mounting. Always use all four screws.

3.2 Cooling Vents

Cool air enters the front-right and right-side
vents and is blown out the left front vents.

A cold-boot power-up means AC power is removed
before initiating reset, ie unplugging the AC cord.

To initiate reset, first press and hold in the reset
switch using a pencil-tip or paperclip, then
insert the power cord or turn on the power
outlet the device is plugged into. During the
reset process, all channel LEDs will light up from
bottom to top, followed by the four status LEDs.

To cancel reset before it completes, release the
reset switch before the green Signal LEDs turn on.

1) Admin reset changes the Admin User ID

password back to <secret>, but preserves
all other user IDs/passwords, presets, and
settings. Use this level if you forgot the admin
password.

To perform an Admin reset, release the reset
switch after the green signal LEDs turn on,
but before Bridge, Protect, Disable, and
Sleep LEDs turn on.

2) Factory Default reset deletes all User

IDs and passwords, deletes all presets, and
restores all settings to factory default. Use this
level to completely scrub the device clean of
any previous programming.

To perform a complete Factory Default
reset, release the reset switch after
Protect, Disable, and Sleep

Bridge,

LEDs turn on.

The green signal LEDs light when the output
voltage reaches -18dBu below rated output.

The green current LEDs confirm that amplifier
output is being delivered to a speaker load.

The yellow temp LEDs indicate that the
amplifier channel has reached an excessively
high operating temperature and will gradually
attenuate the signal to compensate. If unable
to sufficiently cool the channel, the amplifier
will put itself into protect mode.

3.5 Select Buttons

The four select buttons are initially
unassigned. They can be programmed in
software to perform preset/sub-preset
recall or source select. To program select
buttons in AquaControl™ software, go to
[Settings>Panels>Front Button Settings].

3.6 Status LEDs

Com LED - indicates Ethernet activity,
and will also light for 10 seconds after
pressing "Identify Device" in the software
Settings>Network section.

Protect LED indicates the amplifier has
encountered a fault condition and has shut
down its power supply.

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mXa-1502 • Operating Manual

Sleep LED turns on when the amplifier is in
sleep mode, as configured in software. To set
sleep mode on/off, plus set the audio inactivity
time before the amplifier goes to sleep, go to
[Settings>Panels>Front Panel].

The Disable LED is lit when the power switch
has been disabled from software.

3.7 Power Switch

The power switch turns the unit on or off, and
also flashes when in standby. The power switch
can be disabled in software. To disable the
power switch, go to [Settings>Panels>Front

Panel>Enable Front Panel Power Button].

3.8 Bridge LED

This green LED indicates the amplifier has been
set to BRIDGE mode from software. To select
Bridge mode, go to [Settings>Panels>Rear

Panel>Bridge Mode].

4 Rear Panel Features

4.1 Balanced Mic/Line Inputs

Use these for wiring 3-wire balanced inputs (G,
+, -) using the provided Euroblock connectors.

If an unbalanced input signal is used, wire its
hot signal to (+), its ground to (-), and leave the
mXa-1502 input ground pin for that channel
unconnected. Maximum input level is +21dBu.

4.2 -10dBV Unbalanced Stereo Line

Inputs

These RCA jacks are used for stereo line level
inputs (-10dBv). Note: Unbalanced line level
sources may reference their outputs to a
different ground than this amplifier, creating
the potential for ground loop hum. Always use
short cable lengths for unbalanced signals,

routed away from AC, video, or data cables, and
make every effort to use a common grounding
point for all devices. In the event there is still
ground loop hum, isolate the unbalanced input
signal by using an in-line isolation transformer.

4.3 AUX Out 1 & 2

AUX outputs offer additional and independent
post-DSP signals for driving other amplifiers or
processors. AUX outputs are configured in the

Signal Chain>Routing section. AUX outputs use

balanced signals, maximum output level is +21dBu.

4.4 VCA 1-3

A VCA (voltage controlled amplifier) is used to
remotely control one or more VCA gain blocks
placed in the software signal chain. Ashly WR­1, WR-1.1, and WR-1.5 remotes can be wired
to VCA 1-3 input pins to control the assigned
VCA gain. See section 7 for example.

4.5 Data

These four pins for serial data control are inactive,
reserved for future remote control devices. No
currently available Ashly remote hardware is
compatible with this port.

4.6 Trigger 1-8

Eight contact closure pins can trigger mXa­1502 events or action sequences that have
been programmed in software. See section

6.1c, 6.4, and 7.2 for details and available

event action types.

4.7 GPO 1 & 2

These pins provide logic outputs referenced to
the ground* and +5V* pin found on the same
connector. Logic output changes are generated
from presets, triggers, or scheduled events,
and can be assigned high or low in software.
See section 7.3 for example.

4.8 Amp 1 & 2 Fault

Fault output pins are logic-high (+5V*) when
the amp channel is on and ok, but transition to
logic-low (0V*) when the amp channel is off or in
a protect/fault state. See section 7.4 for details.

*For GPO and fault outputs, the +5V pin can source
up to 30mA to drive an LED or control system input.
The ground pin can sink up to 200mA to provide a
ground path for an external relay system.

4.9 Standby

Wire the Standby pin to a remote switch to a
place the amp into standby mode. The power
switch LED flashes when the amp is in standby
mode. Standby pin contact polarity can be set in
software for standby when the switch is closed, or
standby when open. See section 7.5 for details.

4.10 Ethernet Port

The RJ-45 connects to an Ethernet network
or directly to a PC for Ashly AquaControl™
software control.

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mXa-1502 • Operating Manual

4.11 Output Mode

This DIP switch independently configures
channels 1 & 2 for low impedance, 25V, 70V,
or 100V output. When the amplifier is set to
bridge mode, the channel 1 DIP switch settings
determine output mode.

4.12 Speaker Outputs

Use this connector to wire amplifier outputs
to speakers or to constant voltage line
transformers. The 7.62mmm Euroblock
connectors accept up to 12 ga. speaker wire.

4.13 AC Inlet

Used for the detachable AC cord. Use only
the factory supplied AC cord. WARNING:

Do not remove or lift the AC mains ground
connection.

4.14 Model Information

A sticker placed on the side or back of the
amplifier shows serial number, MAC address,
mains voltage, and mains power/current
consumption.

5 Network Discovery

Before using the software, your device must
first recognize and connect with the mXa­1502 through an Ethernet network (DHCP)
or via a direct connection to a PC (Link Local).
AquaControl uses the default web browser
installed on your device. Supported browsers
include current versions of Chrome®, Edge®,
and Safari®.

Ethernet Connection: The mXa-1502

comes configured with automatic IP
assignment as the default. This means you
must initially connect its Ethernet jack to a
network via a router or other device capable

of automatic IP assignment (DHCP), or
alternatively connect it directly to a computer
(Link Local).

DHCP:

router/LAN that the mXa-1502 Ethernet jack
is connected to. Apply power to each device
and wait for them to boot up and receive their
IP assignments from the router. Wait a couple
minutes for the DHCP server to assign IP
addresses to each device. Follow the instructions
below for your computer or mobile device type to
discover and connect with the mXa-1502.

Connect your computer to the same

Link Local: When the mXa-1502 is configured

for Automatic IP, it can be connected directly to
a computer.

1) Unplug any network connections from your

computer and reboot it. Depending on your
computer’s configuration, it may be necessary
to disable WiFi on your laptop before you re-boot
and attempt Link Local connection.

2) Before plugging the mXa-1502 into AC, con-

nect the mXa-1502 Ethernet jack directly to your
computer’s network jack.

3) Connect AC power to the mXa-1502 and wait

approximately two minutes for it to complete the
Link Local negotiation.

4)

Follow the instructions below for Windows 10
or OSX device discovery. If the computer fails to
provide Link Local IP assignment and discovery
fails, the mXa-1502 will automatically revert to
the IP address 169.254.100.100. In this case, you
may need to set your computer’s IP address to the
same subnet, for example 169.254.100.10, and
then type 169.254.100.100 into your web browser
address bar to gain access to the device. You can
also try to connect using the hostname address,
(see ‘What to do if discovery fails’ on next page).

Getting Started:
discover the mXa-1502 based on the device
platform you are using. In all cases, the initial
default AquaControl login credentials will be:

Use the steps below to initially

User ID: “admin” Password: “secret”

5.1 Windows 10

1)

Open the Windows File Explorer (if there is
no icon, type “File Explorer” in the bottom left
Windows search bar), then in the File Explorer
app click on the “Network” section in the left side
pane. A list of all connected network devices
should begin populating. Wait up to several
minutes for the list to complete and skip to step

3. If the list doesn’t populate, you may have
to right-click in the right side pane and select
refresh or enable Windows Network Discovery ­see step 2.

2)

To enable Windows Network Discovery, click
on the yellow warning message at the top of File
Explorer’s right side pane in the Network section.
Repeat Step 1.

3) Your mXa-1502 should appear in the
“Other Devices “ section of the network list
(sometimes referred to as SSDP Plug’N’Play).
The mXa-1502’s MAC address is added to the
end of it’s name. The mXa-1502 MAC address is
printed on a sticker attached to the mXa-1502
back or side panel. Double-click on the device
icon to automatically launch the software.
still do not see your mXa-1502 listed here, go
to step 4, otherwise skip to step 7.

4)

In certain cases, your mXa-1502 may appear
in the “Computer” section of the network list
instead of Other Devices. If this is the case,
double-click on it and proceed to step 5.

5) Double-click on the AquaControl shared
folder and proceed to step 6.

If you

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mXa-1502 • Operating Manual

6) Double-click on the index.html link to
launch the software. Proceed to step 7.

7) Log in to AquaControl software. Enter your
username and password and press the Log In
button. If this is the first log-in to a new unit,
use the factory default credentials “admin” for
login name and “secret” for password.

5.2 OSX

1) From the desktop, click <Go>, then click on
<Network>. The list of all Network devices will
start populating. Wait up to several minutes for
the list to complete.

2) Find your mXa-1502 in the network device
list.

The mXa-1502’s MAC address is added to
the end of it’s name. The MAC address is printed
on a sticker attached to the mXa-1502 back
or side panel.
name.

3) Double click on the resulting <AquaControl>
icon.

4) Double-click on the resulting <index.html>
file to launch the software.

5) Log in to AquaControl software. Enter your
username and password and press the Log In
button. If this is the first log-in to a new unit,
use the factory default credentials “admin” for
login name and “secret” for password.

Double-click on the mXa device

5.3 iOS

1) Use a network device discovery app such as
“Flame®” to see all available network devices.

2) Find the mXa-1502 in the list. Its MAC
address gets added to the end of its name.

3) Tap on the mXa-1502 device to launch
the software. Depending on the app used,

additional address or type lines may need to be
entered before the software will launch.

4) Log in to AquaControl software. Enter your
username and password, then tap the Log In
button. If this is the first log-in to a new unit,
use the factory default credentials “admin” for
login name and “secret” for password.

5.4 Android

1) Install an Android application that can
discover Network Plug’n’Play devices. There
are several apps that can do this. For example,
“UPnP Tool” is a free discovery app available on
the Google Play Store.

2) Launch the UPnP Tool or other network
discovery application and it will provide a list
of all Plug’n’Play devices on your network. You
should see the MXA1502 listed, with its MAC
address appended to the name.

3) Click on the (info) information icon, (“i” in
a circle), to the right of the item to bring up
the details of the product. Then click on the
<presentationURL> link or the <IP address> link
to launch AquaControl. Your default browser
will launch and connect to the device. It is
recommended to use Chrome, Edge or Safari.
Other browsers are not supported and may
not show content correctly. If this is the first
log-in to a new unit, use the factory default
credentials.

5.5 What to do if Discovery fails?

1) If using a wired DHCP network connection,
and your mXa-1502 still does not appear
on the computer’s network device list, it
may be necessary to disable WiFi on your
PC or MAC before initial discovery, and also
confirm the computer is truly set for automatic
configuration (DHCP).

2) Alternatively, try entering the mXa-1502’s
unique hostname address in your web browser
address bar. The format is: http://MXA1502_
(your mac address).local/

Here is a complete example of a unique
hostname address:

http://MXA1502_0014AAF00036.local/

DHCP and Static IP: The DHCP server (router),
or direct-connected computer may arbitrarily
re-assign a new IP address to the mXa-1502
after the IP lease time expires, or whenever
the mXa-1502 is rebooted. This could require
you to rediscover the mXa-1502 any time its IP
address gets reset by the router or computer.
To avoid future discovery steps on device
reboot, you can assign a Static (permanent) IP
address to the mXa-1502 as shown below:

To assign static IP from AquaControl
software:

Configuration] and select [Manual
Configuration]. Save your settings and note the

IP address for future use. Important: If you are
using a router, a static IP address reservation
for the mXa-1502 must also be entered in
your router’s IP administration settings. Once

the mXa-1502 has been assigned a static IP
address, the address can be entered into the
browser address bar to connect directly to
AquaControl. Important: You must use an IP

address with the same subnet as your router
and computing device. The subnet is the first

three sections of the IP address. For example,

192.168.1 is the subnet section of IP address

192.168.1.100. Tip: The easiest thing to do

is use the IP address that was automatically
assigned to the mXa-1502 by the router/DHCP
server.

Go to [Settings>Network>Network

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mXa-1502 • Operating Manual Ashly AquaControl™ Software

6 AquaControl™ Software

The mXa-1502 uses Ashly's proprietary built-in
server based software for setup and control. It
is not necessary to install an application onto
your computer or mobile device because the
program is already resident on the mXa-1502
and runs on your device browser.

The mXa-1502 continues to be enhanced.
Please verify your current firmware and
update as necessary.

To Update Firmware:

After completing Network Discovery (sec. 5),
check the installed firmware version by going to
the main software Dashboard page.

Check for the latest firmware on the Ashly
website. If a higher version is available, click the
link and download the new mXa-1502 [*.bin] file.

To update firmware, go to the [Settings >
General Settings] page, then click the “Update”
button next to the current firmware revision
text. Click the [+ Firmware File] to browse for the
firmware file you just downloaded. Finally, click
[Install Update] to begin the update process. The
update may take up to 10 minutes to complete
and will confirm when finished. Do not remove

power from the unit during the update process.

Launch the software and login to your mXa-1502.
For new units, the default login credentials are:

User ID: "admin" Password: "secret"

6.1 Dashboard

The dashboard is the software screen where
the mXa-1502 first appears after logging in
with your browser. The dashboard shows the
Ashly device, number of inputs and outputs,
and firmware revision.

In the dashboard, Remote Mixer and Remote
DCA functions can be deployed onto a
remote tablet or mobile device after they
have been configured and assigned to a
limited-access operator by the admin. Go to
[Settings>Security] to set up a new user profile
and permissions, or use Launch Quick Setup to
similarly create a new user account.

6.1a Launch Remote Mixer

A remote mixer would typically be
launched using a tablet or mobile
device, granting an operator
limited permission to control
mixer levels for a specific zone.

In the [Settings>Security] or

Launch Quick Setup

new user profile can be set up
for the operator whereby they
are granted limited access to
the mixer used for that zone's
output. The operator logs in,

screen, a

then launches the remote mixer. Note: In order

to retain the network link, the remote operator
should additionally check [Remember Me] when
first logging in.

6.1b Launch Remote DCA

DCA groups are used to globally adjust the
relative levels of all channels assigned to that
group. In the DSP signal chain, a DCA block
must first be placed on every channel you
wish to assign to a DCA group, then enabled
and adjusted for each DCA group as desired.
A remote operator profile can be created
granting limited permission to use Remote DCA
on a tablet or mobile device.

6.1c Launch Quick Setup

Launch the Quick Setup and run the wizards to
create a new user account, set up the network,
schedule an event, or trigger events.

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mXa-1502 • Operating Manual Ashly AquaControl™ Software

6.2 Signal Chain

Pluggable DSP blocks get placed and edited here. Input signals can be routed to any of four mixers,
then from mixers to power amp or aux outputs. Separate Editor and Diagram views are shown below.
Every channel has a tool icon for creating or loading a DSP template, copying a DSP chain, or adding
mute to a subpreset. DSP functions can be linked across channels using one of 16 link groups.

6.2a Mic inputs 1-8

• Mute/unmute channel, add DSP blocks. Click

the gear icon at upper left corner of each
channel to set gain or phantom power. Click the
"•••" icon at upper right corner of any channel for
additional copy/subpreset/template functions.
Also see Settings>Panels>Rear Panel.

6.2b Stereo inputs 9-12

• Mute, DSP, Templates

6.2c Mixers 1-4

• Edit mixer routing, adjust levels, ducker,

automixer, show/hide chains, add to sub-preset

6.2d Speaker & Aux 1-2

• Source mixer select, mute, DSP

6.2e

Presets and Sub-Presets get saved to the mXa­1502 for device, scheduled, or triggered recall.
Use sub-presets when faster recall of a subset
of parameters is desired. Before saving a sub­preset, first select any required DSP functions
and select <Add to Subpreset> for each.

Note: Recalling a Subpreset will temporarily
overwrite Preset settings. When the original preset
is recalled, the subpreset settings are canceled.

Templates are files that represent all the
settings for a single channel. Using these
allows settings for certain signal types (such as
mics or playback sources or loudspeakers) to
be quickly loaded or saved for later use.

Presets, Subpresets, & Templates

6.2f Input DSP blocks

Available DSP functions* for input channels:

• Audio Meter

• Autoleveler

• Brick Wall Limiter

• Compressor

• DCA gain

• Delay

• Gain

• Gate

• Graphic Equalizer

• High-Pass Filter

• Low-Pass Filter

• Parametric Equalizer

• Signal Generator

• VCA Gain

*Channel 9-12 DSP functions operate in stereo.

6.2g Output DSP blocks

All input DSP blocks are available on output
channels, plus the following:

• Ambient Noise Compensation

• Crossover

• FIR Filter

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mXa-1502 • Operating Manual Ashly AquaControl™ Software

DSP Blocks

Audio Meter

The audio meter allows the signal to be
monitored at any location in the signal chain.
Display range is -60dBu to +20dBu.

Autoleveler

The auto leveler is a dynamics processor
used to automatically boost or cut a signal to
maintain a user-defined target level.

The target level is the primary setting in the
autoleveler, as it determines the constant level
to which an input is boost or cut.

The autoleveler can be used in situations such
as speech re-enforcement, where an unknown
source level needs to be maintained at a
specific output level. For example, a podium
microphone where different speakers will be
presenting may have an auto-leveler applied to
ensure that strong or soft speakers' voices are
presented at similar output levels.

The controls for the auto leveler are split
into two categories, basic and advanced.
It is recommended you start with the basic
controls, and if fine tuning is required, use the
advanced controls.

Target Level - This is the desired continuous
output level of the signal.

Action - Sets the ratio, hold time, and gain
change rates (see table for definitions). These
settings are general starting points for how the
auto leveler should behave. Action can also be
user defined under advanced controls, with
three drag points available for a more visual
adjustment.

Action Ratio Hold Time Gain Increase Gain Decrease

Aggressive 10:1 5 Seconds 20 ms/dB 5 ms/dB

Normal 4:1 1 Second 50 ms/dB 10 ms/dB

Gentle 2:1 2 Seconds 100 ms/dB 20 ms/dB

Maximum Gain - This is the total amount of
gain the auto leveler may apply before it stops
affecting the signal. Maximum gain controls
the threshold below target using the following
formula:

Threshold Below Target = Max Gain ÷ ( ( 1 ÷ ratio) - 1)

Advanced parameters:

Ratio - This is the ratio of the input level change

in dB to output level change in dB. It determines
the degree of boost or cut applied to a signal
to maintain the target level. The higher the
ratio, the closer the signal above threshold
will approach the target level. However, a
higher level also increases how aggressive the
autoleveler maintains that gain.

Gain Change Rate - Prevents sudden, choppy­sounding level changes to an input signal
having a wide dynamic range.

Hold Time - This is the time after the input
signal falls below the threshold during which
the autoleveler's gain is held constant before
it returns to unity gain. Hold time is used in
conjunction with gain change rate to arrive at a
natural-sounding auto leveler action.

Both the advanced and basic control views
have a visible meter bar. It shows the gain or
attenuation applied by the auto leveler in 1 dB
steps.

Warning: Depending on the settings, it is
possible to apply up to 27dB of gain with the
auto leveler.

Basic Parameters:

Threshold Below Target - Determines the

relative input signal level above which the
autoleveler increases gain, below which no
action is taken.

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