Waves Audio DiGiGrid DLS -DLI User Guide
DIGIGRID DLS/DLI
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DIGIGRID DLS/DLI
DLS/DLI
Table of Contents
1. Getting Started .................................................................................................................................................................................7
1.1 System Requirements ..............................................................................................................................................................7
1.2 Registration ..................................................................................................................................................................................7
1.3 Software Installation .................................................................................................................................................................7
1.4 Hardware.......................................................................................................................................................................................9
1.5 Modes of Operation ................................................................................................................................................................ 11
2. I/O mode: Integrating Pro Tools HD/HDX and HD Native Systems into a SoundGrid Network .......................... 12
2.1 Connections for Pro Tools HD/HDX in I/O Mode .......................................................................................................... 14
2.2 Connections for Pro Tools HD Native in I/O mode ....................................................................................................... 17
3. I/O Mode: Setting Up SoundGrid Studio ............................................................................................................................... 20
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3.1 Firmware Status and Updates ............................................................................................................................................. 23
3.2 Adding a Server ........................................................................................................................................................................ 24
3.3 I/O Mode: Pro Tools and DLI/DLS Settings ...................................................................................................................... 24
3.3.1 Pro Tools Playback Engine Settings ........................................................................................................................ 24
3.3.2 Pro Tools I/O Devices Setup Page ........................................................................................................................... 25
3.3.3 Pro Tools Hardware Setup Page ............................................................................................................................... 27
3.4 I/O Mode: Device Control Panels ........................................................................................................................................28
3.5 Clocking in I/O Mode .............................................................................................................................................................. 31
DIGIGRID DLS/DLI
3.5.1 Clocking Example #1: DLI/DLS is SoE Master; 192 is Loop Sync Master .................................................... 31
3.5.2 Clocking Example #2: DLI/DLS is SoE Slave and Loop Sync Master ............................................................ 33
3.6 Using a DSP Server for Added Processing Power ......................................................................................................... 35
3.6.1 Basic Setup ...................................................................................................................................................................... 35
3.6.2 Reserving Channels ..................................................................................................................................................... 36
3.6.3 Waves Startup Preferences ........................................................................................................................................ 37
3.7 Patching from the Network ..................................................................................................................................................40
4. SGP Mode: Adding DigiLink-Compatible I/Os to a SoundGrid Network .................................................................... 43
4.1 Connections: I/O Mode vs. SGP Mode .............................................................................................................................. 43
4.2 Currently Supported Devices .............................................................................................................................................. 43
4.3 Basic SGP Conguration ........................................................................................................................................................ 44
4.3.1 Connecting One DigiLink-Compatible I/O Device in SGP Mode ................................................................. 44
4.3.2 Adding a Server to an SGP System ......................................................................................................................... 46
4.3.3 Adding More DigiLink-Compatible I/O Devices to a DLI/DLS: SGP Mode ................................................ 47
5. SGP Mode: Setting up SoundGrid Studio .............................................................................................................................. 48
5.1 Setting Up the Driver .............................................................................................................................................................. 49
5.2 Setting the DAW Playback Engine for SGP Mode ........................................................................................................ 49
5.3 Adding SoundGrid Devices .................................................................................................................................................. 51
5.4 Firmware Status and Updates ............................................................................................................................................. 52
DIGIGRID DLS/DLI
5.5 Adding a Server ........................................................................................................................................................................ 52
6. SGP Mode: Device Control Panels .............................................................................................................................................53
6.1 SGP Mode: Controlling Clock ............................................................................................................................................... 58
6.2 SoundGrid Studio Sample Rate Control .......................................................................................................................... 61
7. SGP Mode: Patching From the Network ................................................................................................................................. 63
7.1 Device-to-Device Patching .................................................................................................................................................. 64
7.2 eMotion ST Mixer Patching .................................................................................................................................................. 64
7.3 StudioRack.................................................................................................................................................................................. 69
Appendix: DLI/DLS Specications ................................................................................................................................................. 70
Appendix: Installation Notes ........................................................................................................................................................... 71
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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-eective, high-quality solutions for recording studios. It can
be congured in many ways, with many hardware possibilities, to provide a very exible work environment. This framework is
managed by the SoundGrid Studio Application, which congures 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
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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 ooads processing from the DAW and greatly increases the number of plugins that can be
used simultaneously.
DIGIGRID DLS/DLI
How to Use this Manual
DiGiGrid DLI and DLS each work in two dierent modes for two dierent 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 dierent modes.
For this reason we’ve divided this manual into three main sections:
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Getting Started An overview of DiGiGrid DLI/DLS, plus system requirements, installation, product licensing, etc.
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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, conguring, 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.
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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.
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Throughout this manual, we refer to DLI and DLS interfaces as “DLI/DLS” whenever purpose, connection, conguration, and
application are the same for both devices. When referring to something unique to a specic model, we use that model’s name only.
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 conguration.
1.1 System Requirements
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Pro Tools HD/HDX or HD Native system with at least one available DigiLink port (I/O mode only)
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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)
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SoundGrid Studio installed on all computers
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The required DigiLink cables
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Cat 5e or Cat 6 Ethernet cables
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Mac or PC (consult www.waves.com for current OS and Pro Tools compatibility)
1.2 Regist ration
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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:
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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.
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eMotion ST, a software mixer that provides low-latency plugin processing and monitor mixing.
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 dierences 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.
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The StudioRack Native license allows plugin processing on local CPU. All Waves Native plugins are compatible.
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The StudioRack SoundGrid license enables you to ooad your plugin processing to a DSP server. You can use StudioRack with
local CPU or SoundGrid processing. Requires SoundGrid plugins.
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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.
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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.
DIGIGRID DLS/DLI
1.4 Hardware
DLI is a 1U rack-mounted device.
DLI Front Panel
SGP mode indicator
Network status indicator
I/O mode indicator
Power button and indicator
DLI Rear Panel
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Mode switches
(I/O vs. SGP)
DigiLink ports
Clock In and Out
Two Ethernet ports
Mains
Recovery Switch
DIGIGRID DLS/DLI
DLS is a 2U rack-mounted device
DLS Front Panel
SGP mode indicator
Network status indicator
I/O mode indicator
Power button and indicator
DLS Rear Panel
Mode switches
(I/O vs. SGP)
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DigiLink ports
Clock In and Out
Two Ethernet ports
Mains
Recovery Switch
Service USB ports
DIGIGRID DLS/DLI
1.5 Modes of Operation
DLI/DLS oers 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.
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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 conguring DigiLink-compatible I/O devices, then it will not be dicult 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 conguration, may appear on the Pro Tools I/O Setup page
as up to four 192 Digital I/Os.
Because DLI/DLS oers two completely dierent 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.
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Mode indicator - Front Panel
Mode Swiches - Back Panel
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
DLS/DLI Directly to Avid PCI/e, two ports 64 mono
48 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 congured, go to the Pro Tools I/O Setup page to conrm 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.
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DIGIGRID DLS/DLI
2.1 Connections for Pro Tools HD/HDX in I/O Mode
This is a simple conguration 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.
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DLI/DLS connects to the SoundGrid network via Ethernet.
This conguration, which uses one DLI/DLS DigiLink port, provides 16 channels.
DiGiGrid DLS
WC / Loopsync*
In Out
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DigiLink Interface
Primary Port
Expansion Port
Ethernet
DL2
DL1
* Dependent on Clock Mode setting
in the DLS/DLI control panel
1
Ethernet
DigiLink
Clock
Analog
DIGIGRID DLS/DLI
In the next example, two DigiLink ports are used. This conguration provides 48 channels.
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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.
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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
WC / Loopsync*
In Out
DigiLink Interface
Primary Port
Expansion Port
Ethernet
DL1
DL2
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Ethernet
DigiLink
Clock
Analog
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* Dependent on Clock Mode setting
in the DLS/DLI control panel
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
WC / Loopsync*
In Out
In this conguration, 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.
Ethernet
DigiLink
Clock
* Dependent on Clock
Mode setting in the DLS/
DLI control panel
DigiLink Interface
DigiLink Interface
DigiLink Interface
DigiLink Interface
Primary Port Expansion Port
WC / Loopsync*
In Out
Primary Port Expansion Port
WC / Loopsync*
In Out
Primary Port Expansion Port
WC / Loopsync*
In Out
Primary Port Expansion Port
1 2
1 2
DiGiGrid DLS
DL1 DL2
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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 conguration yields 48 channels and uses the DLS’s buit-in DSP server.
DiGiGrid DLS
WC / Loopsync*
Out
DigiLink Interface
Primary PortInExpansion Port
Ethernet DL2
DL1
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1 2
Ethernet
DigiLink
Clock
Analog
Thunderbolt
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 conguration yields 64 channels and uses the DLS’s built-in DSP server.
DiGiGrid IOC
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Ethernet DL2Ethernet
DL1
1 2
Ethernet
DigiLink
Clock
Analog
Thunderbolt
DIGIGRID DLS/DLI
Adding a Server to a DiGiGrid DLI
Each of the above conguration 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 conguration.
DigiLink Interface
WC / Loopsync*
In Out
Primary Port Expansion Port
Server
DiGiGrid DLI
DL1Ethernet
DL2
1 2
Ethernet
DigiLink
Clock
Analog
* Dependent on Clock
Mode setting in the
DLS/DLI control panel
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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 congure 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 eectiveness, 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
MacPC
When SoundGrid Studio opens you will see the Setup page.
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DIGIGRID DLS/DLI
The rst time you launch SoundGrid Studio, the Wizard will open. It scans the network, inventories its assets, and then congures the
devices. If the Wizard does not start automatically, click the Start Auto Cong button, which is next to the Network Port.
Choose “NEXT” to start automatic conguration. This will take a few moments. Choose “CANCEL” to congure manually.
If the Wizard cannot locate the requested SoundGrid network devices, this means
If the Wizard cannot locate the requested SoundGrid network devices, this means the
devices might be o or not connected properly. In such a case the Wizard will allow
you to rescan the network or work as a Driver node slaved to another system. For more
information please refer the SoundGrid Studio User Guide.
When conguration is complete, close the window. If there is still a problem, you can
congure 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.
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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).
DIGIGRID DLS/DLI
To add another SoundGrid device, click on the arrow in an empty rack slot. From the list of available
devices, choose the one that you want to add, in this case, a DiGiGrid MGB coaxial MADI interface. In this
image the DLS is grayed out, and therefore unavailable, since it’s already claimed (in this case, by you).
The new device is visible in the rack slot. Unless changed by the user, it remains the clock slave and is
colored green.
Use the same menu to change the assignment of clock master from one device to
another, or to remove the device from the rack slot.
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