How it Works
DigiGrid
Loading...
DLI Series
User Manual
67 pgs10.13 Mb0

DigiGrid DLI Series, DLS Series, DLI, DLS User Manual

DIGIGRID DLS/DLI
1
DIGIGRID DLS/DLI
2
Table of Contents
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................................................5
1. Getting Started .................................................................................................................................................................................7
1.1 System Requirements ..............................................................................................................................................................7
1.2 Registration ..................................................................................................................................................................................7
1.3 Software Installation .................................................................................................................................................................7
1.4 Hardware.......................................................................................................................................................................................9
2. I/O mode: Integrating Pro Tools HD/HDX and HD Native Systems into a SoundGrid Network .......................... 12
3. I/O Mode: Setting Up SoundGrid Studio ............................................................................................................................... 20
DLS/DLI
DIGIGRID DLS/DLI
4. SGP Mode: Adding DigiLink-Compatible I/Os to a SoundGrid Network .................................................................... 43
5. SGP Mode: Setting up SoundGrid Studio .............................................................................................................................. 48
4
DIGIGRID DLS/DLI
6. SGP Mode: Device Control Panels .............................................................................................................................................52
7. SGP Mode: Patching From the Network ................................................................................................................................. 62
Appendix: DLI/DLS Specications ................................................................................................................................................. 66
Appendix: Installation Notes ........................................................................................................................................................... 67
5
DIGIGRID DLS/DLI
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for choosing the DigiGrid DLI/DLS interface for SoundGrid systems. In order to get the most out of your product, please take some time to read this manual. We also suggest that you become familiar with our support sites: www.digigrid.net and www.waves.com/support. There you will nd an extensive answer base, the latest tech specs, detailed installation guides, software updates, and current information about licensing and registration.
About SoundGrid and DiGiGrid DLI/DLS
SoundGrid is a scalable infrastructure that provides a variety of cost-eective, high-quality solutions for recording studios. It can be congured in many ways, with many hardware possibilities, to provide a very exible work environment. This framework is managed by the SoundGrid Studio Application, which congures the network, assigns and manages I/Os, controllers and servers, and patches audio throughout the system. Any user, anywhere on the SoundGrid network, has access to all available network I/O devices. Adding a SoundGrid DSP server enables recording and monitoring in very low latency and moves processing from the host to the server.
DiGiGrid DLI is an interface that links Pro Tools HD/HDX or HD Native audio workstations to a SoundGrid network. This enables you to work with a Pro Tools HD system as you normally do, while gaining access to the resources of a SoundGrid network. You can also use DLI to add DigiLink-compatible I/O hardware to a SoundGrid network. DLI provides up to 64 I/O channels and is suitable for project studios as well as large, complex facilities.
DigiGrid DLS provides this same bridge between Pro Tools HD/HDX and HD Native audio workstations and the SoundGrid network. In addition, DLS adds a DSP server that ooads processing from the DAW and greatly increases the number of plugins that can be used simultaneously.
6
DIGIGRID DLS/DLI
How to Use this Manual
DiGiGrid DLI and DLS each work in two dierent modes for two dierent purposes. You may want your Pro Tools HD/HDX or HD Native to have more I/Os and more plugins processing. Or you may want to add DigiLink-compatible I/Os to your networked Native DAWs. A DLS or DLI unit can only be in one mode at a time. If you use two or more units they can be in dierent modes.
For this reason we’ve divided this manual into three main sections:
■
Getting Started An overview of DiGiGrid DLI/DLS, plus system requirements, installation, product licensing, etc.
■
I/O mode: Integrating Pro Tools HD/HDX and HD Native Systems into a SoundGrid Network (Chapters 2-3): Everything you
need to know about connecting, conguring, and working in I/O mode in order to integrate Pro Tools HD/HDX and HD Native systems, DigiLink-compatible I/O devices, and the SoundGrid Studio System.
■
SGP Mode: Adding DigiLink-Compatible I/Os to a SoundGrid Network (Chapters 4-7): This section describes the various ways
to add DigiLink-compatible I/O devices to a SoundGrid network.
Once you are up and running with the mode you’re using, you might look through the other section in order to learn more about DLI/DLS. For example, SGP mode has more clocking options, so I/O users can study the SGP clock section to better understand how DLI/DLS manages clock.
Throughout this manual, we refer to DLI and DLS interfaces as “DLI/DLS” whenever purpose, connection, conguration, and application are the same for both devices. When referring to something unique to a specic model, we use that model’s name only.
7
DIGIGRID DLS/DLI
1. GETTING STARTED
A DLI/DLS unit has two DigiLink ports, each of which can carry up to 32 channels, for a total of 64 channels. The actual number of channels is determined by the number of Pro Tools cards or by conguration.
1.1 System Requirements
■
Pro Tools HD/HDX or HD Native system with at least one available DigiLink port (I/O mode only)
■
DigiLink-compatible I/O hardware device: 96 I/O, 192 I/O, HD Omni, etc. (consult www.waves.com for a current list of compatible
devices)
■
SoundGrid Studio installed on all computers
■
The required DigiLink cables
■
Cat 5e or Cat 6 Ethernet cables
■
Mac or PC (consult www.waves.com for current OS and Pro Tools compatibility)
1.2 Registration
Register your DLI/DLS device at the DiGiGrid or Waves websites: www.digigrid.net or www.waves.com. The hardware device serial number appears on a label on the bottom of the unit. After registering your product, you can download SoundGrid software from the Waves website.
1.3 Software Installation
DLI/DLS interfaces work within a SoundGrid network, so all SoundGrid components should be installed. The DigiGrid DLI/DLS installer includes:
■
The SoundGrid Studio Application, which manages all SoundGrid network resources and assigns devices to computers.
■
The SoundGrid ASIO/Core driver, which serves as a bridge between the DAW and the SoundGrid network.
■
StudioRack, a software plugin rack or ‘chainer’ that hosts up to eight plugins and can move their processing from the DAW to the
SoundGrid server.
■
eMotion ST, a software mixer that provides low-latency plugin processing and monitor mixing.
8
DIGIGRID DLS/DLI
User manuals for all of these products are available on the Waves website (www.waves.com). Refer also to the manuals for Pro Tools and for your DigiLink-compatible I/O devices. Install the Waves or third-party plugins you will be using with StudioRack or eMotion ST. Native plugins and SoundGrid plugins operate in the same manner. Their dierences are technical rather that functional, but SoundGrid plugins are necessary in SoundGrid environments.
Licenses
DigiGrid I/O devices use Waves software and drivers to interface with your studio system. Using the DigiGrid DLI and DLS with SoundGrid Studio doesn’t require any type of licensing. Waves-accompanying applications such as eMotion ST and StudioRack do. Waves SoundGrid licensing is layered, so you can rst nd the system that best meets your current needs, and scale up later.
■
The StudioRack Native license allows plugin processing on local CPU. All Waves Native plugins are compatible.
■
The StudioRack SoundGrid license enables you to ooad your plugin processing to a DSP server. You can use StudioRack with
local CPU or SoundGrid processing. Requires SoundGrid plugins.
■
The eMotion ST license enables low-latency monitoring while recording, as well as complex personalized monitor mixes. License your SoundGrid components using the Waves License Center, an application that manages licenses for all Waves products. Consult Waves Customer Service for details about upgrading to SoundGrid plugins.
Device Firmware
Firmware is a small program that runs on your device. It enables DLI/DLS to communicate correctly with SoundGrid Studio. Each time you update the SoundGrid Studio Application, the most recent DLI/DLS rmware in included with the updated installer. When you next launch SoundGrid Studio, you will learn if all devices are running the most current rmware. This process is discussed in the section “Setting Up SoundGrid Studio.”
Both DLI and DLS contain I/O rmware. DLS contains separate rmware for its server.
9
DIGIGRID DLS/DLI
1.4 Hardware
DLI is a 1U rack-mounted device.
Mode switches (I/O vs. SGP)
DigiLink ports
Clock In and Out
Two Ethernet ports
Mains
Recovery Switch
SGP mode indicator
Network status indicator
I/O mode indicator
Power button and indicator
DLI Front Panel
DLI Rear Panel
10
DIGIGRID DLS/DLI
DLS is a 2U rack-mounted device
SGP mode indicator
Network status indicator
I/O mode indicator
Power button and indicator
DLS Front Panel
Mode switches (I/O vs. SGP)
DigiLink ports
Clock In and Out
Two Ethernet ports
Mains
Recovery Switch
Service USB ports
DLS Rear Panel
11
DIGIGRID DLS/DLI
1.5 Modes of Operation
DLI/DLS oers two modes of operation.
I/O Mode – For Pro Tools HD/HDX and HD Native Systems
In I/O mode, a Pro Tools HD system joins a SoundGrid network. Pro Tools HD/HDX processing cards and HD Native interfaces connect with DigiLink-compatible I/O devices. These in turn couple with a DLI/DLS interface, which is part of the SoundGrid network. Pro Tools HD can now access all SoundGrid devices. Plugins processing is carried out on a SoundGrid DSP server, and all Pro Tools resources and functionality are maintained.
SGP Mode – For Any Native DAW
The SGP mode integrates DigiLink-compatible I/O hardware into a SoundGrid network. This supplies extra I/Os for any Native DAW on the network. Sound processing takes place on a SoundGrid DSP server or is performed locally on Native DAWs. Pro Tools PCI or Thunderbolt interfaces are not used, and all connections between the Digilink compatible I/O hardware and the DAW are made via the DLS and SoundGrid Network using the SoundGrid Studio patch.
12
DIGIGRID DLS/DLI
2. I/O MODE: INTEGRATING PRO TOOLS HD/HDX AND HD NATIVE SYSTEMS
INTO A SOUNDGRID NETWORK
If you’re comfortable connecting and conguring DigiLink-compatible I/O devices, then it will not be dicult to integrate the DLI/ DLS and SoundGrid network with a Pro Tools HD/HDX or HD Native system. Like any Pro Tools peripheral, DLI/DLS devices are controlled from the Pro Tools Hardware Setup page, and, depending on conguration, may appear on the Pro Tools I/O Setup page as up to four 192 Digital I/Os.
Because DLI/DLS oers two completely dierent modes of operation—I/O and SGP—the hardware must be set to the proper mode. On the rear panel of a DLI/DLS unit are two switches, one for each port. To ensure proper operation, both switches must be set to “I/O.” Before changing connections or switch position, turn o the DLI/DLS and all connected DigiLink-compatible I/O devices.
Mode indicator - Front Panel
Mode Swiches - Back Panel
13
DIGIGRID DLS/DLI
How Many Channels Can I Use?
A DLI/DLS device has two DL ports, each of which can carry up to 32 channels. The number of channels that you can use varies depending on hardware and number of ports, connections, and assignments. Here are some examples of the number of I/O channels that can be added to Pro Tools HD/X hardware systems.
Hardware Connection Number of I/O Channels
DLS/DLI DigiLink-compatible I/O expansion port 16 mono
DLS/DLI Directly to Avid PCI/e, single port 32 mono
DLS/DLI Port 1, directly to Avid PCI/e, single port
Port 2, DigiLink-compatible I/O expansion port
48 mono
DLS/DLI Directly to Avid PCI/e, two ports 64 mono
A single DLI/DLS supports a maximum of 64 channels.
Important-Some DigiLink-compatible I/Os cannot connect to the DLI/DLS via their secondary DigiLink port.
Once hardware is connected and congured, go to the Pro Tools I/O Setup page to conrm the number of channels you have available. You will see at least one additional 192 Digital I/O devices (up to 4 192 Digital I/Os, each with 16 I/O channels).
The following examples present in a scaled manner how to connect the DLI/DLS into an existing setup.
Important – DLI/DLS Port 1 must be used before Port 2. If only one port is used, it must be Port 1.
14
DIGIGRID DLS/DLI
2.1 Connections for Pro Tools HD/HDX in I/O Mode
This is a simple conguration with one DigiLink port.
■
HD Core card connects to the primary port of the DigiLink-compatible I/O.
■
DigiLink Port 1 of the DLI/DLS connects to the DigiLink-compatible I/O expansion port.
■
Loop Sync In/Out connected between both devices.
■
DLI/DLS connects to the SoundGrid network via Ethernet.
This conguration, which uses one DLI/DLS DigiLink port, provides 16 channels.
DL1
1
Ethernet
Primary Port
WC / Loopsync*
Expansion Port
In Out
DL2
DigiLink Interface
DiGiGrid DLS
Ethernet DigiLink Clock Analog
* Dependent on Clock Mode setting
in the DLS/DLI control panel
15
DIGIGRID DLS/DLI
In the next example, two DigiLink ports are used. This conguration provides 48 channels.
■
HDX Core card Port 1 connects to primary port of DigiLink-compatible I/O.
■
DigiLink-compatible I/O expansion port connects to DLI/DLS Port 1. This provides 16 channels.
■
HDX Core card Port 2 connects to DLI/DLS Port 2. This provides another 32 channels.
■
Connect DLI/DLS with the host computer via Ethernet.
■
Connect DigiLink-compatible I/O Loop Sync Out to DLI/DLS Loop Sync In. DLI/DLS Loop Sync Out to DigiLink-compatible I/O Loop Sync In. Pay attention to the direction of the loop.
DiGiGrid DLS
DL1
12
Ethernet
Primary Port
WC / Loopsync*
Expansion Port
In Out
DL2
DigiLink Interface
Ethernet DigiLink Clock Analog
* Dependent on Clock Mode setting
in the DLS/DLI control panel
16
DIGIGRID DLS/DLI
This setup includes four DigiLink-compatible I/O devices, two Pro Tools processing cards, and a DLI/DLS. It provides 64 channels that can be used for SoundGrid processing or I/O.
Pro Tools card #1:
■
Pro Tools HD Card 1 Port 1 connects with DigiLink-compatible I/O #1 primary port. I/O #1 Expansion Port connects with I/O #2
primary port.
■
Pro Tools HD Card 1 Port 2 connects with I/O #3 primary port. I/O #3 Expansion Port connects with I/O #4 primary port.
Pro Tools card #2:
■
Pro Tools HD Card 2 Port 1 connects with DLS Port 1. This provides 32 channels.
■
Pro Tools HD Card 2 Port 2 connects with DLS Port 2. This provides another 32 channels.
■
Loop Sync through all devices
■
Ethernet connection between DLS and SoundGrid network
In this conguration, we really just have two sets of two DigiLink-compatible I/O devices, both connected to Pro Tools HD Card 1 - Ports 1 and 2. Pro Tools HD Card 2 connects to the DLS only.
DigiLink Interface
Primary Port Expansion Port
Primary Port Expansion Port
In Out
DigiLink Interface
Primary Port Expansion Port
In Out
DigiLink Interface
Primary Port Expansion Port
In Out
DigiLink Interface
WC / Loopsync*
In Out
DL1 DL2
WC / Loopsync*
WC / Loopsync*
WC / Loopsync*
1 2
1 2
DiGiGrid DLS
Ethernet DigiLink Clock
* Dependent on Clock
Mode setting in the DLS/ DLI control panel
17
DIGIGRID DLS/DLI
2.2 Connections for Pro Tools HD Native in I/O mode
Integrating a Pro Tools HD Native system with a SoundGrid network involves essentially the same steps. In this example, An Avid Omni interface is used as a hardware I/O.
■
Computer’s Thunderbolt port connects to HD Native interface port.
■
DigiLink Port 1 connects to Omni Primary port.
■
Omni expansion port connects to DLI/DLS Port 1. This provides 16 channels.
■
Pro Tools HD Port 2 connects to DLI/DLS DL Port 2. This provides another 32 channels.
■
Loop Sync goes back and forth between Omni and DLI/DLS.
This conguration yields 48 channels and uses the DLS’s buit-in DSP server.
DL1
1 2
Ethernet DL2
Primary PortInExpansion Port
Out
DigiLink Interface
WC / Loopsync*
DiGiGrid DLS
Ethernet DigiLink Clock Analog
Thunderbolt
18
DIGIGRID DLS/DLI
HD Native can be used with SoundGrid IO devices for processing and I/O, no need for any Digilink Compatible I/O. A Digigrid device such as IOC or IOX can be used for analog inputs and outputs.
■
Computer’s Thunderbolt port connects to HD Native interface port.
■
Pro Tools HD Port 1 connects to DLI/DLS DL Port 1.
■
Pro Tools HD Port 2 connects to DLI/DLS DL Port 2.
■
Connect an Ethernet cable to the host computer and to the DiGiGrid IOC. Note that there are no Loop Sync connections.
This conguration yields 64 channels and uses the DLS’s built-in DSP server.
DL1
1 2
Ethernet DL2Ethernet
DiGiGrid IOC
Ethernet DigiLink Clock Analog Thunderbolt
19
DIGIGRID DLS/DLI
Adding a Server to a DiGiGrid DLI
Each of the above conguration diagrams have included a DLS interface, which has a built-in DSP server. When you work with a DLI interface, which does not have a built-in server, you may choose to expand your SoundGrid network by adding an external server.
To add a server to a SoundGrid network, just plug in an Ethernet cable and assign the SoundGrid Studio Device Racks. When you add a server to the SoundGrid network, the device will appear in the Server Rack but will not yet be allocated. Use the rack menu to assign the server to your computer, as described above. You can also run the SoundGrid Wizard for automatic conguration.
Server
DL1Ethernet
Primary Port Expansion Port
In Out
DL2
DigiLink Interface
WC / Loopsync*
1 2
DiGiGrid DLI
Ethernet DigiLink Clock Analog
* Dependent on Clock
Mode setting in the DLS/DLI control panel
20
DIGIGRID DLS/DLI
3. I/O MODE: SETTING UP SOUNDGRID STUDIO
SoundGrid Studio oversees the SoundGrid network and manages the devices that are part of it. It is used to congure and assign devices, set up system clock, manage the network, and patch audio between devices. Any DAW can join a SoundGrid network. Pro Tools HD/HDX and HD Native systems cannot be controlled directly by SoundGrid Studio, however. They need an intermediary in order to join a SoundGrid network. DLI/DLS functions as such an intermediary.
To maintain network eectiveness, the SoundGrid Studio Application always runs in the background. Bring SoundGrid Studio to the front by clicking on the SoundGrid icon in the Mac Top Bar or the Windows System Tray
When SoundGrid Studio opens you will see the Setup page.
MacPC
21
DIGIGRID DLS/DLI
The rst time you launch SoundGrid Studio, the Wizard will open. The Wizard scans the network, inventories its assets, and then congures the devices. If the Wizard does not start automatically, click the SCAN button, which is next to the Network Port window.
Once it has scanned the system, the Wizard will oer to congure the SoundGrid network. Choose “Next” to start automatic conguration. This will take a few moments. Choose “Cancel” to congure manually. A drop-down menu provides a list of conguration templates. Choose a template that best describes your hardware devices and production needs. You can save and load your own templates
If the Wizard cannot locate the requested SoundGrid network devices, this means you may have chosen an incorrect network port on your computer. Check the physical connections and then click SCAN. When conguration is complete, close the window. If there is still a problem, you can congure your system manually. Use the System Inventory page to assign devices, control the network, and manage clock. To learn how to use this page, please refer to the SoundGrid Studio Application user guide.
SoundGrid Studio uses Ethernet to stream audio between devices on a SoundGrid network. Synchronization clock is also carried over Ethernet. This method of providing clock is called Sync over Ethernet (SoE). SoundGrid I/O devices can clock by other means as well, but SoE is by far the most common (and convenient) way to provide clock information to network devices.
In the SoundGrid Studio Setup page, you will see all devices assigned to your system, each displays the mode, clock status, and sample rate of the I/O. Here the DLS is the SoundGrid network’s clock master device, indicated by its blue color and the icon text: On, Master Clock, INT (48 kHz).
Scan
Loading...
+ 46 hidden pages
Buy Points How it Works FAQ Contact Us Questions and Suggestions Privacy Policy Cookie Policy Terms of Use