xNode

Installation & User’s Guide

Manual Rev 2.0 - January 2016

p/n 1490-00081-002
 Notices and Cautions
CAUTION:
The installation and service instructions in this manual are for use by qualified personnel only. To avoid electric shock,
do not perform any servicing other than that contained in the operating instructions unless you are qualified to do so.
Refer all servicing to qualified personnel.

This instrument has an autoranging line voltage input. Ensure the power voltage is within the specified range of 100-
240v. The ~ symbol, if used, indicates an alternating current supply.

This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts you to the presence of uninsulated, dangerous voltage
inside the enclosure – voltage which may be sufficient to constitute a risk of shock.

This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts you to important operating and maintenance instructions.
Read the manual.

CAUTION: DOUBLE POLE/NEUTRAL FUSING

The instrument power supply incorporates an internal fuse. Hazardous voltages may still be present on some of the
primary parts even when the fuse has blown. If fuse replacement is required, replace fuse only with same type and
value for continued protection against fire.

WARNING:
The product’s power cord is the primary disconnect device. The socket outlet should be located near the device
and easily accessible. The unit should not be located such that access to the power cord is impaired. If the unit is
incorporated into an equipment rack, an easily accessible safety disconnect device should be included in the rack
design.

To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not expose this product to rain or moisture. This unit is for indoor use only.

This equipment requires the free flow of air for adequate cooling. Do not block the ventilation openings in the top
and sides of the unit. Failure to allow proper ventilation could damage the unit or create a fire hazard. Do not place
the units on a carpet, bedding, or other materials that could interfere with any panel ventilation openings.
Notices and Cautions • ii

If the equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the protection provided by the equipment
may be impaired.

© 2016 Axia Audio - Rev 2.0

 WARNUNG:
Die Installations-und Serviceanleitung in diesem Handbuch ist für die Benutzung durch qualifiziertes Fachpersonal.
Um Stromschläge zu vermeiden führen Sie keine andere Wartung durch als in dieser Betriebsanleitung aufgeführt,
es sei denn Sie sind dafür qualifiziert. Überlassen Sie alle Reparaturarbeiten qualifiziertem Fachpersonal.

Dieses Gerät hat eine automatische Bereichseinstellung der Netzspannung.

Stellen sie sicher, dass die verwendete Netzspannung im Bereich von 100-240V liegt.
Das Symbol ~, falls verwendet, bezeichnet eine Wechselstromversorgung.

Dieses Symbol, wo immer es auftaucht, macht Sie auf nicht isolierte, gefährliche elektrische
Spannung (ausreichend um einen Stromschlag hervorzurufen) innerhalb des Gehäuses aufmerksam.
Spannungen.

Dieses Symbol, wo immer es auftaucht, weist Sie auf wichtige Bedienungs-und Wartungsanleitung
hin. Lesen Sie die Bedienungsanleitung.

ACHTUNG: ZWEIPOLIGE ABSICHERUNG / NULLEITER ABSICHERUNG

Das Netzteil des Gerätes hat eine interne Sicherung eingebaut. Auch wenn die Sicherung durchgebrannt ist, können
auf einigen primären Bauteilen noch gefährliche Spannungen vorhanden sein. Wenn ein Austausch der
Sicherung erforderlich ist, ersetzen Sie die Sicherung nur mit gleicher Art und Wert für den kontinuierlichen
Schutz gegen Feuer.

WARNUNG:
Das Gerätenetzkabel ist die Haupttrennvorrichtung. Die Steckdose sollte sich in der Nähe des Gerätes befinden und
leicht zugänglich sein. Das Gerät sollte nicht so angeordnet sein, dass der Zugang zum Netzkabel beeinträchtigt
ist. Wird das Gerät in ein Rack eingebaut, sollte eine leicht zugängliche Sicherheitstrennvorrichtung in den Rack-
Aufbau mit einbezogen werden.

Um die Gefahr von Stromschlägen zu verringern, darf dieses Produkt nicht Regen oder Feuchtigkeit ausgesetzt
werden. Dieses Gerät ist nur für die Benützung im Innenbereich. Dieses Gerät erfordert freie Luftzirkulation für
eine ausreichende Kühlung. Blockieren sie nicht die Lüftungsschlitze auf der Geräteoberseite und den Seiten des
Gerätes. Unzureichende Belüftung kann das Gerät beschädigen oder Brandgefahr verursachen. Platzieren Sie
das Gerät nicht auf einem Teppich, Poster oder andere Materialien welche die Lüftungsöffnungen beeinträchtigen
könnten.
Notices and Cautions • iii

Wird das Gerät anders als in der, vom Hersteller angegebenen Weise verwendet, kann der, durch das Gerät gegebene
Schutz beeinträchtigt werden.

© 2016 Axia Audio - Rev 2.0

 USA CLASS A COMPUTING DEVICE INFORMATION TO USER. WARNING:
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio-frequency energy. If it is not installed and used as directed by
this manual, it may cause interference to radio communication. This equipment complies with the limits for a class
a computing device, as specified by fcc rules, part 15, subpart j, which are designed to provide reasonable protection
against such interference when this type of equipment is operated in a commercial environment. Operation of this
equipment in a residential area is likely to cause interference. If it does, the user will be required to eliminate the
interference at the user’s expense. Note: objectionable interference to tv or radio reception can occur if other devices
are connected to this device without the use of shielded interconnect cables. Fcc rules require the use of shielded
cables.

CANADA WARNING:
“This digital apparatus does not exceed the class a limits for radio noise emissions set out in the radio interference
regulations of the Canadian department of communications.”
“Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites applicables aux appareils
numériques (de class a) prescrites dans le règlement sur le brouillage radioélectrique édicté par le ministère des
communications du Canada.”

CE CONFORMANCE INFORMATION:
This device complies with the requirements of the EEC council directives:

• 93/68/EEC (CE MARKING)

• 73/23/EEC (SAFETY – LOW VOLTAGE DIRECTIVE)

• 89/336/EEC (ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY)

Conformity is declared to those standards: EN50081-1, EN50082-1.

Notices and Cautions • iv

© 2016 Axia Audio - Rev 2.0

 xNode Manual
© 2014-2016 TLS Corp. Published by Axia Audio/TLS Corp. All rights reserved.

TRADEMARKS
Axia Audio and the Axia and xNode logos are trademarks of TLS Corp. All other trademarks are the property of
their respective holders.

NOTICE
All versions, claims of compatibility, trademarks, etc. of hardware and software products not made by Axia Audio
which are mentioned in this manual or accompanying material are informational only. Axia makes no endorsement
of any particular product for any purpose, nor claims any responsibility for operation or accuracy. We reserve the
right to make improvements or changes in the products described in this manual which may affect the product
specifications, or to revise the manual without notice.

WARRANTY
This product is covered by a five year limited warranty, the full text of which is included in this manual.

UPDATES
The operation of Fusion is determined largely by software. We routinely release new versions to add features and fix
bugs. Check the Axia Audio web site for the latest. We encourage you to sign-up for the email notification service
offered on the site.

FEEDBACK
We welcome feedback on any aspect of Fusion, or this manual. In the past, many good ideas from users have made
their way into software revisions or new products. Please contact us with your comments.

SERVICE
You must contact Axia before returning any equipment for factory service. We will need your unit’s serial number,
located on the back of the unit. Axia will issue a return authorization number, which must be written on the exterior
of your shipping container. Please do not include cables or accessories unless specifically requested by the Technical
Support Engineer. Be sure to adequately insure your shipment for its replacement value. Packages without proper
authorization may be refused. US customers, please contact Axia Technical Support at +1-216-622-0247. All other
customers should contact local representative to make arrangements for service.
Notices and Cautions • v

© 2016 Axia Audio - Rev 2.0

 We Support You...
BY PHONE / FAX:

• You may reach our 24/7 Support team anytime around the clock by calling +1-216-622-0247.

• For billing questions or other non-emergency technical questions, call +1-216-241-7225 between 9:30 am
to 6:00 PM, USA Eastern time, Monday through Friday.

• Our Fax number is +1-216-241-4103.

BY E-MAIL:

• Technical support is available at [email protected].

• All other questions, please email [email protected].

VIA WORLD WIDE WEB:

The Axia Audio web site has a variety of information which may be useful for product selection and support.
The url is telosalliance.com.

REGISTER YOUR PRODUCT

Did you know that all Telos Alliance products come with a 5-Year Warranty? Take a moment to activate your
coverage online at telosalliance.com/product-registration/ .

AXIA AUDIO
1241 Superior Avenue E.
Cleveland, OH., 44114 USA

+1-216-241-7225 (phone)
+1-216-241-4103 (fax)
+1-216-622-0247 (24/7 technical support)

[email protected]
We Support You • vi

[email protected]

© 2016 Axia Audio - Rev 2.0

 Table of Contents
Notices and Cautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii Chapter Seven: GPIO xNode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
We Support You . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vi Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
A Note from Frank Foti . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . viii Simple Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Other Web Interfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Chapter One: Introducing the xNode . . . . . . . . . 1 Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
The Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Analog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Chapter Eight: Mixed Signal xNode . . . . . . . . . . 36
AES/EBU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Microphone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Simple Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
GPIO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Mixed Signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Appendix A: GPIO Logic Table Samples . . . . . . . . 40
HTML Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 GPIO Operator’s Microphone Logic . . . . . . . 40
GPIO Control Room Guest Microphone Logic . . 41
Chapter Two: Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 GPIO Producer’s Microphone Logic . . . . . . . 42
Fast Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 GPIO Line Input Logic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Assigning an IP address manually . . . . . . . . 8 GPIO Codec Logic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Assigning an ID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 GPIO Telephone Hybrid Logic . . . . . . . . . . 45
iProbe configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 GPIO Control Room Monitor Logic . . . . . . . . 46
Web interface configuration (“Simple setup”) . . 9 GPIO Computer Playback Device Logic . . . . . 47
Restoring Defaults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Appendix B: xNode Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Chapter Three: The xNode in depth . . . . . . . . . . 11 Microphone Preamplifiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Mounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Analog Line Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Optional Surface Mount kit . . . . . . . . . . 11 Analog Line Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Optional Rack Mount kit . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Digital Audio Inputs and Outputs . . . . . . . . . 48
Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Frequency Response . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Simple Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Latency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Web interface (Advanced options) . . . . . . . . 15 Dynamic Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Equivalent Input Noise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
QOS (Audio xNodes) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise . . . . . . . . 49
PTP characterizations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Crosstalk Isolation, Stereo Separation and CMRR 49
Meters (Audio xNodes) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Power Supply AC Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Mixer (Audio xNodes) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Operating Temperatures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Destinations (Audio xNode) . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Dimensions and Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Table of Contents • vii

Sources (Audio xNode) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Appendix C: AES67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Chapter Four: Analog xNode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Network synchronization setup . . . . . . . . . . 50
Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 AES67 Multicast connection setup . . . . . . . . 51
AES67 Unicast Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Chapter Five: AES xNode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Appendix D: Telos Alliance Limited Warranty . . . . 54

Chapter Six: Microphone xNode . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

© 2016 Axia Audio - Rev 2.0

 War of the Waves
Dear Valued Customer,
It’s with great pride and a tip of the hat to an incredible team that I congratulate you on your new Telos Alliance
product. Everything we do here at the radio division of the Telos Alliance is with one end goal in mind: To help
broadcasters declare victory in extremely competitive environments. By purchasing this product from us, in essence,
you have declared war on your competition.

After all, the majority of Telos Alliance employees were broadcasters themselves once, and the products we’ve
developed over the years have been designed as solutions to specific issues faced on the front lines of our industry.
We’re right there in the trenches with you and have the weapons you need in your arsenal.

Telos Systems is a catalyst to out-of-this-world sound, with the most powerful and popular broadcast telephone
systems in the industry; IP/ISDN codecs and transceivers; plus processing/encoding for streaming audio. We built an
industry on the back of these amazing telephony systems, and they are still going strong.

While we at the Telos Alliance never forget our roots,  we are also blazing trails in terms of new technologies like
stream-encoding and AoIP, so that all types of broadcasters can excel in this ever-evolving digital world.
Omnia Audio not only lets you stand out on the dial with your unique signature sound via legendary audio
processors, audio codecs, and microphone processing, it lets you give your listeners a better streaming experience
across devices with innovative stream encoding/processing software and hardware.

Axia Audio is a driving force behind the AES67 AoIP standard, and its networked AoIP radio consoles,  audio
interfaces, networked intercom, and software products continue to move AoIP adoption forward and help
broadcasters streamline operations with cohesive, smart, and feature-rich AoIP ecosystems.

Last, but certainly not least, 25-Seven has traditionally been known for its audio delays, but its Voltair watermark
monitor/processor has made a name for itself more recently as the disruptive product that helped broadcasters take
back their ratings and harness the true power of their listening audiences.

You work so hard on your programming day-in and day-out, it deserves technology that will optimize sound and
performance at every point in the airchain and online. Armed with Telos products, you have what you need to set
A Note From Frank Foti • viii

your competition squarely in your crosshairs.

With that, I’ll leave you to prep your armaments. I hope that you will enjoy your Telos Alliance products for many
years to come!

Sincerely,
Frank Foti
CEO, The Telos Alliance

© 2016 Axia Audio - Rev 2.0

 Chapter One:
Introducing the xNode
xNodes are a family of compact half-rack Livewire audio and logic interfaces with advanced features.
The xNode family:
• Analog Input/Output xNode: 4 Stereo Analog Line-level Inputs, 4 Stereo Analog Line-level Outputs
• AES/EBU Input/Output xNode: 4 Stereo Digital AES-3 Inputs, 4 Stereo Digital AES-3 Outputs
• Microphone Input/Output xNode: 4 Mic Inputs, 4 Stereo Analog Line-level Outputs
• GPIO Logic xNode: 6 GPIO Ports, each with 5 Opto Inputs and 5 Opto Outputs
• Mixed Signal Input/Output xNode: 1 Mic/Line Analog Input, 2 Analog Line Inputs, 1 AES-3 Input, 3 Ana-
log Line Outputs, 1 AES-3 Output, 2 GPIO Ports, each with 5 inputs and 5 outputs.
• Each of the xNodes support IEEE 802.3af power over Ethernet (PoE) .
• xNodes have a front panel OLED display for setup and status.
• The rear panel contains the audio input/output connectors, the Ethernet connectors and an IEC AC input-
connector.
• The xNodes are in small form factor, 1U Half-Rack.
• Two mounting kits are available as options; Surface-mount or Rack-mount.
• Dual 100BT Ethernet ports, usable as mirroring redundant ports or as a single Livewire port and separate
management port.
• Thermal sensor monitors temperature and provides notification of over-temp condition.
• IEEE 1588 synchronization support
• Ravenna stream routing support
Introducing the xNode • 1

© 2016 Axia Audio - Rev 2.0

 The Front Panel

Figure 1-1: xNode Front Panel

The xNode uses the OLED display on the left hand side to provide status information and assist with initialsetup.

Figure 1-2: xNode OLED Display

Introducing the xNode • 2

© 2016 Axia Audio - Rev 2.0

 Rear Panel
The rear panel will vary between the xNodes. xNodes will have an IEC connector and two Ethernet ports.

PoE Port

Figure 1-3

The top Ethernet port accepts PoE power and the lower port does not. The remainder of the rear panel will depend
on the model of xNode.

Analog
Four stereo inputs and four stereo outputs are available in parallel through the RJ45 ports or the DB-25 ports. Pinout
information is available in Chapter 4.
Introducing the xNode • 3

AES/EBU
Four AES-3 inputs and four AES-3 outputs are available in parallel through the RJ45 ports or the DB-25 ports. Pin-
out information is available in Chapter 5.

© 2016 Axia Audio - Rev 2.0

 Microphone
Four Microphone inputs and four stereo analog line-level outputs available on RJ45 or DB-25 connector. Pinout
information is available in Chapter 6.

GPIO
6 DA-15 ports, each with 5 Opto Inputs and 5 Opto Outputs. Pinout information is available in Chapter 7.

Mixed Signal
1 Mic/Line Analog Input
2 Analog Line Inputs
1 AES-3 Input
3 Analog Line Outputs
1 AES-3 Output
2 GPIO Ports, each with 5 inputs and 5 outputs.
Chapter 8 covers pin outs of the mixed xNode.

HTML Interface
xNodes provide basic configuration from the front panel interface. Further setup or maintenance is available through
an HTML interface (otherwise known as a web interface). Accessing this interface requires a PC that is on the same
network as the xNode and has an IP address within the same subnet. Using a web browser, the IP address of the
xNode is typed into the URL request field. Upon accessing the device, an authentication process is required.
The default username and password are:
Introducing the xNode • 4

Username: user
Password: (none)

What is meant by subnet?

In this text, the term subnet is used to designate the network portion of an IP address. An IP address,
192.168.1.15, has a network prefix and a host number. Where one ends and the other begins is defined by
the subnet mask. A common class C network will have a “netmask” of 255.255.255.0. Compining these two
values, 192.168.1.15 255.255.255.0 defines the network prefix (subnet) as 192.168.1 and defines the host
number as 15. So two devices within the same subnet would have the same prefix, but required to have
different host numbers. 192.168.1.15 and 192.168.1.25 for example.

© 2016 Axia Audio - Rev 2.0

 The home page will show system information.

Node ID: (shown if ID assigned): An xNode can be assigned an ID which is used to assist with IP addressing and
channel numbering.
Software Version: The code version which is used by the xNode.
Temperature: The temperature reading of the internal censor. Alarm status will appear if the temperature is above
acceptable limits.
Sync (in audio xNodes): Indication if the device is receiving sync from the network. A solid SYNC indication
represents synchronization with the network.
Net1 and 2: Status of the network ports and which is the active port.
Offline Power and Power Over Ethernet: Status of power sources.
System Uptime: The amount of time since the last bootup.
From the Home page are links to other options. These links are covered in Chapter 3-8.

Using iProbe will allow a user to see all devices on the network. A left click on a device icon will enable the
user to open the configuration user interface (UI). This UI is presented on the screen of iProbe and is the
HTML interface as mentioned here. Authentication is the same through iProbe as with a web browser.
Introducing the xNode • 5

© 2016 Axia Audio - Rev 2.0

 Chapter Two:
Configuration
There are different options for how the xNode can be configured; iProbe, assigning an ID to the xNode, or manually
configuring the IP address. In the fast setup, we will use the ID method. Following subsections of this chapter will
cover the other methods in detail.

Fast Setup
• Apply power to the xNode and wait for the boot process to complete showing you a home screen identify-
ing the xNode and version.
• Press the top button, the screen button, twice to reach the ID page which shows you a Node ID with no
value, Channel numbers 1-8 and no IP address (shown in Figure 2-1)
• Press the second button, pencil icon, for 10 seconds to enter into edit mode.

Figure 2-1

• With the cursor shown, you can use the top button (I+) to increment value and the bottom button ( ) to
move the cursor to the next position. Press “next” button twice and press the increment button once to give
the ID value of 1 to the xNode. (You’ll give a different ID number to each xNode you install.)
• Pressing the move button one additional time completes edit mode and automatically configures the xNode
with IP address 10.216.0.101 and channel numbers of 101 – 108.
• That’s actually the end of fast setup! With IP and channel numbers configured, you can attach the xNode to
your network and begin connecting sources. But let’s continue on for some quick customization.
• Connect a cross over cable between a computer and the xNode or connect the xNode to the appropriately
configured switch.
2: Configuration • 6

• Set a static IP address to your computer that has a link to the xNode directly or through a network switch.
(an IP address of 10.216.0.100 would be suitable)
• Open a browser and type in the IP address of the xNode (10.216.0.101) into the URL field.
• Default Authentication is:
Username: user
Password: (there is no password)

© 2016 Axia Audio - Rev 2.0

 • Select the Simple Setup button to enter into a simple configuration screen for the xNode. The options avail-
able will vary based on the xNode.
• Enter descriptive text in the Source Name fields which describe what devices are connected to the xNode (e.g.
CD player, Turntable, PC Out-1, Aux Input)
• Enter descriptive text into the Name field under the Destination section which documents what is connected
to the xNode’s outputs (e.g. Control Room Monitors, Headphone, CF Recorder, STL input)

Figure 2-2

• The next step would be to define the audio that is present at the output. This is done by choosing the browse
button next the channel text box. A popup will appear with a list of sources that are present on the network.
A sample of three xNodes freshly installed into a network is shown in figure 2-2. At this point, not many
sources have been configured with valuable descriptive names. Hopefully you see the value of the good
practice in using the naming fields. Once you have configured all your xNode sources and other Livewire
devices, this browse popup will have more descriptive information which will help you locate the correct
source to assign to an output (Destination).

If you notice in figure 2-2, the three xNodes are showing a default host name which provides little assistance to
the end user. To resolve this you can select the System link under the Advanced Options to change the host name to
something more descriptive (e.g. Studio1-MICs, TOC-AES1, SATRCK-GPIO1).With a descriptive host name ap-
plied to the xNode, a listing of available audio streams will be displayed in a more descriptive manner, i.e., Host-
2: Configuration • 7

Mic@Studio1-MICs Guest1@Studio1-MICs CD1@Ctrl1-AES WXYZ-tune@TOC-ANA1, etc.

You’re done! These steps were designed to get you up and running quickly, but if you need more details on other
configuration options, please continue to read this chapter.

For additional information on a particular xNode, look at the following chapters which are dedicated to each
model.

© 2016 Axia Audio - Rev 2.0

 Assigning an IP address manually
If the IP value assigned in the previous steps do not fit within your Livewire network plan or you wish to configure
by manual process, you can assign an IP address from the front panel by pressing the page button (top button) until
the IP page is shown.
Press and hold the edit button (bottom button) for 10 seconds.

Figure 2-3

A cursor will appear in the Address field. Use the top button to increment and the bottom button to move the cursor
to the next position. After 30 seconds of no activity the Edit view will cancel back to the status view. Edit the IP ad-
dress to your needs. Press the next button (bottom) to move the cursor to the next line which is the Netmask setting.
Use the top button to increment the mask to your needs. Press the next button to move to the next line. The NET is
highlighted. Pressing the top button will toggle between the two ports allowing you to select which port is active.
Press the next button (bottom) one more time to complete the edit process. If the cursor returns to the address field,
then an incorrect value has been entered.

NOTE: You can change the node ID but maintain the same IP address by pressing the increment button
when the IP address is highlighted in the Node ID page. This will toggle between a custom address or the
new address created though the auto configuration process.

Once the xNode has the desired IP value, you can log into the HTML interface with a PC that has a static IP value
within the same subnet as the xNode and connected to the same network. Later in this chapter the Simple Setup
HTML interface is covered. Each following chapter is dedicated to a specific xNode and covers in detail the HTML
pages. .

Assigning an ID
The method of setting an xNode with an ID was covered in the Fast Setup. Some details of this option were left out.
To review the ID method: After the xNode has booted, the title page should show on the OLED display, showing the
name of the node and the software version running. The top button acts as the page toggle function. Press the top
button until the Node ID page is shown. Press and hold the lower button (represented by the pencil icon) for 10 sec-
onds A cursor appears following the word Node. Use the top button to increment the cursor value and use the lower
button to move to the next position. After 30 seconds of no activity, the edit page will reset back to the status page.
2: Configuration • 8

Select a unique ID for the xNode. Press the lower button one last time to finalize the edit and return to the status
view. The node has now been given an IP address and the inputs have been given unique channel numbers.

MORE ON ID VALUES: Number ranges of 1-99 (nn) support small-to-medium networks with up to 99 nodes.
The node ID determines the IP address (10.216.0.1nn) and the source channel numbers (nn01-nn08).

Number ranges of 100-319 (abc) support large networks with up to 2299 nodes. When the 3 digit ID is being
used, a second level identifier becomes available with range of d=<0-9>. The node ID determines IP address
in range: 10.216.ab.1cd. Channel numbers: abcd1-abcd8.

© 2016 Axia Audio - Rev 2.0

 Once the xNode has been assigned an ID value, the device has an IP address that can be used to access its HTML
configuration interface. Each input has been assigned a unique Livewire channel number. The next configuration
steps are to enter in descriptive names to the inputs and outputs and to assign Livewire sources to the destinations.
The Simple Setup page is covered later in the chapter and details of each xNode are available in following chapters.

Figure 2-4

iProbe configuration
When an xNode boots and it has no configuration, it will broadcast a bootp request within 4 seconds. The broad-
casts will continue with an increasing delay between messages and randomization until a configuration is set. iProbe
includes a bootp function which will observe the request and provide an option to respond or ignore.

A counter at the bootstrap configuration button will appear when a bootp request is received by iProbe (version 1.2).
Clicking on the button will open the Device Bootstrap and Configuration window.

From the window view, select the device that has issued a bootp request. The configuration options will appear al-
lowing you to push a New IP address, New subnet mask, and a Configuration. If you have no backup configuration
to send, then apply an IP address and proceed to log into the device through the iProbe interface, and configure it per
the “web interface configuration”.

Web interface configuration (“Simple setup”)

Initially accessing the user interface of the xNode will require authentication. The default authentication is:
Username: user
2: Configuration • 9

Password: (none)

The initial page is the Home page. Select the “Simple setup” button.

The setup page will vary based on what xNode you are configuring. If it is an audio xNode, there will be a section
for Sources and a section for Destinations. If GPIO (General Purpose Input/Output) functionality is on the xNode,
there will be section for GPIO.

© 2016 Axia Audio - Rev 2.0

 In the Sources section you will provide a name value to help identify the audio source in network advertisements.
If a unique ID was assigned to the node, the sources were automatically given channel numbers. Sources are the
xNode’s audio inputs. These inputs are known within the network as sources and go to Destinations.

Destinations of the xNode are the audio outputs. The Name field is used for documenting what is connected to the
audio output port. Channel field is where you select an audio stream from the network to provide audio for the out-
put. If you don’t know the channel number, use the browse button immediately to the right to search the network for
the desired source. Selecting the source from the pop-up window will populate the channel value of the Destination
field.

The GPIO section provides a name field for documenting the purpose of the port. The channel field is used to either
enter in another node’s IP and port for GPIO routing, or a Livewire channel for Control surface logic. More on this
topic is covered in Chapter 7.

Restoring Defaults
Performing factory reset will clear all configurations and return the xNode to a “blank canvas”. To restore default,
execute the following steps.
• Disconnect all power from the xNode, then press and hold the two front panel buttons.
• Apply power to the xNode while continuing to press the buttons.
• xNode will show a countdown timer for factory reset. When the timer reaches 0, release the two buttons.
2: Configuration • 10

© 2016 Axia Audio - Rev 2.0

 Chapter Three:
The xNode in depth
This chapter covers details of the xNode family that are shared in common. The xNode is a 1U half-rack device that
can be mounted to a flat surface or in an equipment rack with optional accessories.

All xNodes have a common user interface with settings for advanced configuration and maintenance..

Mounting
Optional Surface Mount kit
The optional surface mount kit (p/n 2011-00077) consists of two brackets that are used to secure the xNode to a
wall, under a desk, or almost any flat surface.

The brackets secure to the side of the xNode, towards the front panel. There are four holes which are used for secur-
ing metal work to the xNode.

Figure 3-1
3: The xNode in depth • 11

© 2016 Axia Audio - Rev 2.0

 Secure the bracket to the xNode with included screws in the desired configuration.

Figure 3-2 Outward configuration

Figure 3-3: Inward configuration

Optional Rack Mount kit

The optional rack mount kit (p/n 2011-00076) provides the ability to secure the xNode into an equipment rack.

Figure 3-4: Short rack ear

3: The xNode in depth • 12

Figure 3-5: Long rack ear

© 2016 Axia Audio - Rev 2.0

 Figure 3-6: Spacer

Single xNode
Secure the short rack ear to one side of the xNode.
Secure the long ear to the opposing side of the xNode.

Figure 3-8

Double xNode
Remove the top lid from both xNodes. Place two xNodes side by side. Place the spacer between the two xNodes.

Figure 3-9a
3: The xNode in depth • 13

© 2016 Axia Audio - Rev 2.0

 Use the four(4) screws provided to secure the two nodes together.

Figure 3-9b

Replace the lids on the xNodes. Secure the short rack ears to either side of the two xNodes.

Figure 3-10

Web interface (System options)

The first time an HTML request is issued to a xNode, a login and password is requested. The default authentication is:
Username: user
Password: (none)

Home
The home page shows system information and acts as the default page for xNodes.
Node ID (shown if ID assigned): An xNode can be assigned an ID which is used to assist with IP addressing and
channel numbering.

Software Version: The code version which is used by the xNode.

3: The xNode in depth • 14

Temperature: The temperature reading of the internal sensor. Alarm status will appear if the temperature is above
acceptable limits.

Sync (in audio xNodes): A solid SYNC indication represents synchronization with the network.

Net1 and Net2: Shows the status of the xNode’s Ethernet ports and indicates which port is active.

Offline Power and Power Over Ethernet: Status of power sources.

System Uptime: The amount of time since the last boot up.
The Home page also has a button, “Simple Setup”, which links to the Simple Setup page.

© 2016 Axia Audio - Rev 2.0

 Simple Setup
Simple Setup aggregates all of the xNode’s basic config settings on one page, such as ID, source and destination
names, GPIO assignments, phantom power, and asynchronous options. The top portion of the page shows Node ID
settings and would reflect the number applied from the front panel in setup. There are check boxes to permit the
enabling of the software to automatically give the device a host name or Livewire channel numbers based on the ID
value. Auto channel numbering follows these rules:

• Node ID in range nn=<1-99> - Channel numbers: nn01-nn08.

• Node ID in range abc=<100-319>, with second level identifier d=<0-9> - Channel numbers: abcd1-abcd8.

In audio xNodes there are three radio buttons that control the matrix mixer and general device operation. The Stereo
4x4 or Mono 8x8 options disable the matrix mixer functionality (explained later in this chapter) and configure the
device for those modes. The Mix/Custom mode enables the matrix mixer and allows for customization of mono,
stereo, and mixing configurations.

Figure 3-11

Web interface (Advanced options)

Advanced options are mainly used in Audio xNodes. The following are the links that are found under the Advanced
classification.

System
The System page provides network settings, SNMP settings, Syslog settings, authentication password, and firmware
control.

Host name: Name of the device on the network. Up to 12 characters using only letters, numbers, or hyphens (no
spaces or special characters). Host name is auto populated when you assign an ID to the xNode providing a unique
name. You may customize this field if you desire.
3: The xNode in depth • 15

Network address: The IP address of the device, as configured either manually or via the Setup button or iProbe
software. The address can be changed here, but once you apply the changes, you will lose connection
and will need to connect to the device with the new IP address you just assigned.

Beginning with software version 1.2, you may configure a management port. By default, NET2 address will be
assigned to 0.0.0.0, which defines the second port as a redundant network port. If you’d rather forsake redundancy
for a separate management port which does not pass Livewire audio, then set an IP address for the NET2 field, then
define which port is the management port and which is the Livewire port.

© 2016 Axia Audio - Rev 2.0

 Mask: The netmask is a filter to which helps to define the subnetwork. This is a topic covered in networking material
widely available. For simplicity, a value of 255.0.0.0 is a wide open filter and a value of 255.255.255.254 is a very
narrow filter. If you are not familiar with how subnetting works, please refer to your network administrator. A value
of 255.255.255.0 is usually suitable for most cases.

Gateway: The gateway is a device that handles requests and responses from devices that are in different subnets. A
gateway is what is needed when dealing with more than a single subnet. If creating a Livewire network on a dedi-
cated local area network (LAN), then the value of the gateway can likely be ignored. If not familiar with the function
of gateways, please ask your network administrator.

Livewire enabled ports: Default setting is for NET1 and NET2 to be Livewire enabled ports. This provides
redundant network ports for audio and control to the same IP address. If you’d rather forsake redundancy to have
a separate management port which is removed from the high bandwidth audio traffic, than apply a value to NET2,
then select which port is to be Livewire enabled, and which is the management port.

NTP server: Specify the sync server if using NTP as the synchronization source. This mode of sync is only good for
Standard streams and used for unique  applications.

System location: Define system location for SNMP

System contact: Define system contact for SNMP

SNMP community name: Define the community for SNMP functionality

Syslog server: IP address of the computer which is running a syslog server application.

Syslog severity level filter: The 8 standard syslog levels are available for selection.

User password: The authentication password can be changed be entering in the password twice in the two fields.

Firmware version: The xNode uses two storage banks to store software for the xNode. Switching to a new version
of software is done by selecting the other radio button and pressing Apply button.

NOTE Selecting a new version of software to operate under requires a reboot of the xNode. Rebooting will
3: The xNode in depth • 16

cause any audio streams to be interrupted until the reboot completes.

If Bank 1 is empty, use the Browse function to locate the desired software that has been downloaded to your com-
puter. Once the file is selected, pressing the Apply button will upload the software into the bank. The process will
not interrupt the operation of the xNode. Once complete, the System page will return and the two banks will show
versions of software.

© 2016 Axia Audio - Rev 2.0

 If operating with Bank 1, and you wish to upload a different version, you will select the “commit this version to
Bank 0” and press Apply button. This will move the code to Bank 0 and empty Bank 1.

QOS (Audio xNodes)

Synchronization: Livewire’s clocking system is automatic and largely transparent to end users. If no clock is pres-
ent on the network, Axia devices negotiate a master by means of priority settings and the lowest MAC address. If a
device comes online into a network that has a clock present, it will not generate clock unless it has priority setting of
7. The xNode does permit variance in determining the source of clock.

Clock mode: Livewire clock priority 3 (the default setting) is suggested for a typical Livewire network. The higher
the priority number given to a node defines the preferred device to become clock master. A value of 7 insists the de-
vice becomes master. Livewire STL Snake mode, Master or Slave, are options for applications where a node is at the
remote end of an STL link. (Live streams are not supported while in this mode.) If the application is two dedicated
nodes at either end of a link, one will be selected to Master and the other to Slave. If the remote node is to connect
to a larger network at the studio side, the option to select is Slave—you don’t want the remote node creating clock
for the larger facility. PTP/IEEE 1588 ARB clock class 248 is the option to enable the xNode to participate in the
execution of the best master clock algorithm for a PTP (Precision Time Protocol) network (enabling it to be a master
PTP clock). PTP/IEEE 1588 slave enables the xNode to synchronize to a PTP network. There are various options
in the PTP category to allow the node to be a master of both PTP and the Livewire network or to be a slave to a
PTP grand master but a master to the Livewire network. This permits the xNode to behave as a gateway of sorts for
network synchronization between AES67 devices and legacy Livewire devices. NTP slave is for special applications
that synchronize from an NTP source. (Live streams are not supported under NTP mode.)

PTP characterizations
PTP domain number: (0 – 127) A domain is one or more PTP devices communicating with each other. A domain
association is used to define communication messages. A value of 0 is standard.

PTP delay mechanism: (E2E or P2P) PTP supports two methods of time correction which alter messaging be-
tween devices. All devices within the network should use the same mechanism. The recommended setting is to use
End-to-End (E2E) since more networked devices prefer to support this option.

PTP clock priority1/priority2: Priority setting from 0-255 is used in the best master clock algorithm (BMC) to
determine a Grandmaster. Lower numbers have higher priority.
3: The xNode in depth • 17

PTP clock sync interval: Is the time for sending synchronization messages. A setting of -4 is 16 messages in 1
second. A setting of 1 is 1 message in 2 seconds. The default setting is 0, 1 message per second.

AES Sync Source: Used to select the desired input to be utilized as an external clock source. This typically would
be used to sync the output ports to a rate different than 48kHz. (Only available on AES/EBU node.)

AES Output Sync: Defines the clock for the AES/EBU digital audio output ports (AES/EBU xNode and mixed
xNode). The default is to follow the internal 48kHz clock. If an alternate rate is needed, select the other option.

© 2016 Axia Audio - Rev 2.0

 Master Node Clock Timebase: The default is to use the internal 48kHz clock present in the xNode for network
synchronization. If there is good reason to use an external source, you would select the other option. It is suggested
to maintain the default (AES/EBU xNode and mixed xNode).

Mute AES Output: An option for turning off the digital AES/EBU stream if no network stream is received.

Livewire Advertisement Slot: An option to define a specific time slot in which the node will send advertisement
information to the network. The default is 0, random. In extremely large facilities, it is possible for several nodes to
randomly become synced in this function. This condition can create jitter issues leading to audio clicks. To resolve
this, each device would need a unique slot value. For most facilities, the 0 value will be suitable.
Live Audio / Clock Streams: These options define the tagging of the packet for Live Audio and clock. Don’t
modify these settings unless instructed to do so by Axia Support.

AES67 / Standard Audio Streams: These options define the tagging of the packet for streams that are not the
Live Audio streams. These should only be adjusted by personnel that understand the options, or by instruction
from Axia support.

Meters (Audio xNodes)

The meter page uses a Java script to provide real time meter representation of the audio at the inputs and outputs.
The meter page shows a stereo channel or a mono channel based on the configuration of the xNode and the amount
of channels enabled. The meters are represented in dBFS. Below the meters are gain adjustment buttons which allow
for 1dB adjustment (Large button) and 0.1dB adjustment (Small button).
3: The xNode in depth • 18

Figure 3-12

© 2016 Axia Audio - Rev 2.0

 Mixer (Audio xNodes)
Introduced in software version 2.0 is the matrix mixer functionality. The most typical configuration of xNode would
be in the Stereo 4x4 mode. In this mode the functionality of the mixer is locked, and the viewer is not able to make
any changes. To unlock the functionality, press the “Enable Custom Mode” button found at the top right. Now the
viewer can left click a cross point and a pop-up appears for setting the cross point at 0dB (unity gain), setting with a
specific gain, or clear the cross point.

Figure 3-13

The mixer view is organized with inputs into the xNode as rows and outputs from the xNode as columns. Inputs and
outputs are composed of physical connections and network streams. In the case of an AES/EBU input on port 1 of
the AES/EBU xNode turning into the first network stream source of the xNode, the mixer will show the following
view (without the arrows, which are added for clarity).
3: The xNode in depth • 19

© 2016 Axia Audio - Rev 2.0

 Figure 3-14

Another example with the AES/EBU xNode is all four physical inputs are turned into the first four network stream
sources and a fifth network stream source is the sum of three AES/EBU inputs as shown in figure 3-15.

Figure 3-15

Notice that the name of the fifth output is changed, and this is accomplished by entering text into the Source Name
field of the Sources page.

The possibilities of what you can achieve with the matrix mixer are quite broad, just keep an eye on the utilization
counter present to the top right of the mixer.
3: The xNode in depth • 20

© 2016 Axia Audio - Rev 2.0

 Destinations (Audio xNode)
The Destination page typically defines the audio outputs of the xNode. An xNode has four stereo audio output ports,
with the ability to split each stereo channel into two mono outputs. With the introduction of 2.0 software, the Desti-
nation page has a new distinction of being more than an xNode outputs view but also a network stream input view.
Historically network stream inputs were always turned into physical outputs. With the matrix mixer function men-
tion previously, these network stream inputs can be turned into network stream outputs. The Destination page is your
view into controlling these network stream inputs. The historical use of network inputs being turned into physical
outputs will still be more common, but it is important to point out this new distinction in order for you to understand
the mixer functionality of 2.0.

Figure 3-16

The first column is the Name field, used for documenting the physical output or network stream input, which is best
labeled as a destination. For example, SpeakerAMP could document that the destination is to the speaker amplifier.
The Channel column is used to define the network source being called for to this destination. You may type in the
channel number or use the browse button to search the network for the desired source. The Type column defines the
stream type that is being called. Livewire stream types are known as “From Source,” “To Source,” or in some cases
“Surround.” The “To Source” option is a special dynamic return audio known as a backfeed. A backfeed is a channel
automatically generated by Axia consoles for talkback, mix-minus, etc. The Gain column provides adjustment for
the destination from the range of -72dB to +24dB.
3: The xNode in depth • 21

© 2016 Axia Audio - Rev 2.0

 Sources (Audio xNode)
The Sources page typically defines the physical audio inputs of the xNode. The corresponding network streams are
given a name and a unique channel number that is used to distribute through the network. The xNode provides an
auto-numbering process when you ID the xNode through the node ID process described in Chapter 2.

Source Name column is used to identify the physical input or network stream generated by the xNode (for documen-
tation sake) and is also used in source advertisement through the network.

Channel column is the unique number for each source. This will auto-populate based on the ID given to the xNode.
It is critical that each source in the network has a unique number, not shared with any other source.

Stream Mode column defines how the audio is packetized. Live stereo is the original Livewire stream intended for
microphone or other live audio content that needs a lower delay. A packet contains 12 samples or 250us of audio.
Low Latency Stereo is an option for support of Ravenna and AES67 streams. The packet contains 1ms of audio (48
samples). Standard Stereo is the high efficiency stream that contains 240 sample (5ms of audio), maximizing the
packet size at 1522 bytes. This option is intended for suitable sources, such as playback machines that can use the
higher efficiency with slightly more latency.

Input Gain column provides adjustment of -72dB to +24dB for line level audio and +77dB for microphone audio
inputs. When a source is enabled through the stream mode, an RTSP link will appear under the Source row. This
link can be given to a media player that supports RTSP as well as 24-bit PCM streaming audio for direct auditioning
of the audio stream. VLC 1.1.11, for instance, is a cross-platform media player that supports RTSP. An AES67 SDP
stream description is also provided.

Unicast Link
Unicast Link page allows configuration of multichannel audio link between locations connected with an Ethernet
network without support for IP multicasting. In particular it can be used as a studio transmitter link. The page func-
tions as a configuration wizard and applying the settings makes changes in audio routing setup and other options
presented on the Sources, Destinations, and QoS pages.

Unicast Link is by default bidirectional. The connection protocol supporting Unicast Link is Real Time Streaming
Protocol (RTSP), which is a TCP/IP protocol. Audio is sent using unicast UDP/IP protocol. A basic setup involves
setting one xNode to Passive, the first radio button. The second xNode will be configured with the IP address of
the remote “Passive” xNode in the “Connect To” field. Connection Status area provides diagnostic information of
3: The xNode in depth • 22

the established link. When the connection is successful, the icons turn green and Stream active / RTSP OK status is
displayed. The Setup interface allow you to save six presets, which can be different remote nodes. Selecting a preset
is a fast way of changing the link destination.

© 2016 Axia Audio - Rev 2.0

 <FIGURE 3-17>
If the node is connected to a network with firewall, in order to allow Unicast Link connections, TCP and UDP ports
listed on the WEB page need to be configured. The following ports are used:
TCP/554 RFC 2326 Real Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP)
UDP/7000 Livewire synchronization protocol
UDP/16384 Audio RTP stream to destination #1
UDP/16386 Audio RTP stream to destination #2
UDP/16388 Audio RTP stream to destination #3
UDP/16390 Audio RTP stream to destination #4

The basic setup establishes four bidirectional streams. If the needs are for less audio links, bandwidth utilization can
be reduced if the settings are customized. This is done by disabling unused channels through the Source page. The
setup wizard mention above would have set all source streams to standard stereo.

In Unicast Mode, the front panel presents the link status information as triangles below the meters.
• If no triangle is shown, the Source and Destination port is not configured for Unicast.
• If the triangle is blinking, the port is configured for Unicast, but there is no active connection.
• When the triangle is displayed solid on, there is a Unicast Link established to that port.
3: The xNode in depth • 23

© 2016 Axia Audio - Rev 2.0

 Chapter Four:
Analog xNode
There are 4 two-channel (8 one-channel) inputs with the analog xNode. With default settings, the xNode will gener-
ate 4 Livewire stereo sources. You may also configure the inputs separately as different sources and generate up to 8
Livewire mono sources.

Rear Panel

Figure 4-1: Analog xNode Rear Panel

The analog xNode uses RJ45 style connectors and 25 pin D-sub connectors for audio I/O, providing an option to
either use standard CAT5e patch cables or D-Sub breakout cables for audio wiring.

The top 4 RJ-45 style ports are line level analog inputs. The bottom 4 RJ-45 style ports are line level analog outputs.

The pinout of an RJ-45 port

PIN FUNCTION
1 Left Channel
Input/Output +
2 Left Channel
Input/Output -
3 Right Channel
Input/Output +
4 Ground
4: Analog xNode • 24

5 Not Used
6 Right Channel
Input/Output -
7 Not Used
8 Not Used

© 2016 Axia Audio - Rev 2.0

 The pinout of the DB-25 connector follows established Pro Audio conventions. Breakout cables can be acquired
from your audio supply company.

The pinout of the DB-25

PIN FUNCTION
1 Channel 4b/8 +

2 Channel 4b/8 Gnd

3 Channel 4a/7 -
4 Channel 3b/6 +
5 Channel 3b/6 Gnd
6 Channel 3a/5 -
7 Channel 2b/4 +
8 Channel 2b/4 Gnd
9 Channel 2a/3 -
10 Channel 1b/2 +
11 Channel 1b/2 Gnd
12 Channel 1a/1 -
13 not used
14 Channel 4b/8 -
15 Channel 4a/7 +
16 Channel 4a/7 Gnd
17 Channel 3b/6 -
18 Channel 3a/5 +
19 Channel 3a/5 Gnd
20 Channel 2b/4 -
21 Channel 2a/3 +
22 Channel 2a/3 Gnd
23 Channel 1b/2 -
24 Channel 1a/1 +
25 Channel 1a/1 Gnd
4: Analog xNode • 25

© 2016 Axia Audio - Rev 2.0

 Chapter Five:
AES xNode
The AES xNode provides four inputs. By default this will generate 4 Livewire stereo sources. You may also separate
the 2 channel AES inputs as different sources and generate up to 8 Livewire dual mono sources.

The AES xNode provides four AES outputs. By default the outputs will be an AES stream based on a single
Livewire stream. The option is available to create an AES stream (Left and Right) which is composed from two dif-
ferent Livewire streams.

Rear Panel

Figure 5-1: AES xNode Rear Panel

The AES xNode uses RJ45 style connectors and 25 pin D-sub connectors for audio I/O, providing an option to either
use standard CAT5e patch cables or D-Sub connector breakout cables for audio wiring.

The top 4 RJ-45 style ports are AES/EBU inputs. The bottom 4 RJ-45 style ports are AES/EBU outputs.

The pinout of an RJ-45 port

PIN FUNCTION
1 AES Input/Output +

2 AES Input/Output -
3 Not Used
4 Not Used
5 Not Used
5: AES xNode • 26

6 Not Used
7 Not Used
8 Not Used

© 2016 Axia Audio - Rev 2.0

 The pinout of the DB-25

PIN FUNCTION
1 Not Used

2 Not Used
3 Not Used
4 Not Used
5 Not Used
6 Not Used
7 AES Ch4 +
8 AES Ch4 Gnd
9 AES Ch3 -
10 AES Ch2 +
11 AES Ch2 Gnd
12 AES Ch1 -
13 Not Used
14 Not Used
15 Not Used
16 Not Used
17 Not Used
18 Not Used
19 Not Used
20 AES Ch4 -
21 AES Ch3 +
22 AES Ch3 Gnd
23 AES Ch2 -
24 AES Ch1 +
25 AES Ch1 Gnd
5: AES xNode • 27

© 2016 Axia Audio - Rev 2.0

 Chapter Six:
Microphone xNode
The microphone xNode has four mono inputs.

The microphone xNode provides four analog 2-channel outputs, line level. By default the outputs will be stereo au-
dio from an audio source from the network. This may be configured differently so that the 2 channel analog output
delivers two mono streams.

Rear Panel

Figure 6-1: Microphone xNode Rear Panel

The microphone xNode uses RJ45 style connectors and 25 pin D-sub connectors for audio I/O, providing an option
to either use patch cables or breakout cables for audio wiring to either use standard CAT5e patch cables or D-Sub
connector breakout cables for audio wiring.

The top 4 RJ-45 style ports are analog, mono inputs. The bottom 4 RJ-45 style ports are line level analog outputs.

The pinout of an RJ-45 port

PIN FUNCTION
1 MIC +
6: Microphone xNode • 28

2 MIC -
3 Not Used
4 Ground
5 Not Used
6 Not Used
7 Not Used
8 Not Used
shld GND

© 2016 Axia Audio - Rev 2.0

 The pinout of the DB-25

(Microphone Inputs 1-4)

PIN FUNCTION
1 Not Used

2 Not Used
3 MIC Ch4 -
4 Not Used
5 Not Used
6 MIC Ch3 -
7 Not Used
8 Not Used
9 MIC Ch2 -
10 Not Used
11 Not Used
12 MIC Ch1 -
13 Not Used
14 Not Used
15 MIC Ch4 +
16 MIC Ch4 Gnd
17 Not Used
18 MIC Ch3 +
19 MIC Ch3 Gnd
20 Not Used
21 MIC Ch2 +
22 MIC Ch2 Gnd
23 Not Used
24 MIC Ch1 +
25 MIC Ch1 Gnd
6: Microphone xNode • 29

© 2016 Axia Audio - Rev 2.0

 (Analog Line Outputs 1-4)

PIN FUNCTION
1 Channel 4b/8 +

2 Channel 4b/8 Gnd

3 Channel 4a/7 -
4 Channel 3b/6 +
5 Channel 3b/6 Gnd
6 Channel 3a/5 -
7 Channel 2b/4 +
8 Channel 2b/4 Gnd
9 Channel 2a/3 -
10 Channel 1b/2 +
11 Channel 1b/2 Gnd
12 Channel 1a/1 -
13 Not Used
14 Channel 4b/8 -
15 Channel 4a/7 +
16 Channel 4a/7 Gnd
17 Channel 3b/6 -
18 Channel 3a/5 +
19 Channel 3a/5 Gnd
20 Channel 2b/4 -
21 Channel 2a/3 +
22 Channel 2a/3 Gnd
23 Channel 1b/2 -
24 Channel 1a/1 +
25 Channel 1a/1 Gnd
6: Microphone xNode • 30

© 2016 Axia Audio - Rev 2.0

 Chapter Seven:
GPIO xNode
The GPIO xNode provides 6 DA-15 ports. Each port provides 5 GPI (opto isolated inputs) and 5 GPO (solid state
relays). Each port is capable of driving a combined current of 100mA. Each GPI pin should be limited to 20mA of
current.

The web interface provides configuration control as well as a real time view on each of the GPI and GPO pins
through a Java script in the web interface.

Rear Panel

Figure 7-1: GPIO xNode Rear Panel

The illustration below shows the connector pinouts; 5 inputs and associated common return, 5 output relays and as-
sociated common, a +5 volt power source, and power source ground.

Figure 7-2
7: GPIO xNode • 31

© 2016 Axia Audio - Rev 2.0

 The maximum allowed external power supply for logic control is 48 volts DC. The use of current limit-
ing resistor is required for some voltages.

INPUT
VDC External Series Resistor

5 0
6 0
12 680 @ 1/4 watt
24 1.8k @ 1/2 watt
48 3.9k @ 1 watt

Using external power supplies is the recommended method in order to avoid possible ground loops between equipment.

Take note to use current limiting resistors per Figure: 7-3 if the voltage supplied is above 6vdc. The intention is to
limit the current to 20mA for each GPI pin. If the equipment being controlled is electrically isolated, than the use of
the GPIO port’s power supply is acceptable.

Figure 7-3

Figure 7-4
7: GPIO xNode • 32

Axia GPIO accessory modules are designed to interface directly to the GPIO port. The DA-15 connector on the back
of an accessory module is a direct pin-to-pin match to the GPIO port of the xNode. Premade cables of this configu-
ration are commonly available through companies that specialize in interconnect cable assembly products.

The GPO portion of the GPIO ports are solid state relays. Current should be limited to a combined 100 mA through
all the pins of a port. Maximum allowed voltage is 24 volts. The following diagram shows the recommended con-
nections for outputs with the use of an external power supply.

© 2016 Axia Audio - Rev 2.0

 Figure 7-5

If the device being controlled is electrically isolated, than the 5vDC supply can be used, maintaining a 100mA limit
on current drawn.

Figure 7-6

The Axia accessory modules use the 5vDC supply to illuminate LED based buttons. So a one-to-one pin connection
is all that is needed between any accessory modules and a GPIO port.

Note that all of the inputs and outputs on a specific GPIO port are “grouped together”. The 5 “Outputs” are on 5
separate output pins, however, they share the same “Common Return” connection on Pin #7. Similarly, the 5 “In-
puts” pins would be pulled to ground to activate them, and they share a common pin for a high-side rail, on Pin #10.
If more than one remotely-controlled device is to be connected to a single 15-pin I/O port, you must make sure that
the two units in question have the same ground potential or ground loops will occur. Therefore, it is recommended
that only one remote device be connected to each I/O port connector to assure complete electrical isolation.
7: GPIO xNode • 33

Figure 7-7

Tid bit of worthless knowledge: The D-sub series of connectors was invented by ITT C orporation, in
1952. Cannon’s part-numbering system uses D as the prefix for the whole series, followed by one of A, B,
C, D, or E denoting the shell size, followed by the number of pins. Each shell size usually corresponds to a
certain number of pins: A with 15, B with 25, C with 37, D with 50, and E with 9. For example, DB25 denotes
a D-sub with a 25position shell size and a 25-position contact configuration which was common in the onset
of personal computers. When the PC serial port transitioned to the use of a 9-pin connector, they were often
labeled as DB9 instead of DE9 connectors, due to an ignorance of the fact that B represented a shell size. It
is now common to see DE9 connectors sold as DB9 connectors.

© 2016 Axia Audio - Rev 2.0

 Simple Setup
The GPIO xNode has a simple setup page which provides access to the node ID (a node ID was likely already
assigned from the front panel at install) and configuration of the 6 GPIO ports. Included also in the page is a Java
script which provides status on each of the inputs and outputs.

Figure 7-8

Each port is represent by a row. The name column is used to assist with documenting the function of the port (or
the device which is connected to the port). The Channel column is used to configured the port. The input and output
columns show a grouping of boxes that represent each of the 5 GPIs and 5 GPOs. A high state (not active) is repre-
sented by a black box. A low state (active) is represented by a green state.

Configuration of a port can be accomplished in three different ways.

1. Port routing – The GPI activity on a port will trigger the GPO of the port you are configuring. (you are
routing the GPIs of a port to another port’s GPOs). This is done by entering in the IP address of the device
with a GPIO port followed by a forward slash and the port number. 10.216.0.121/5 – equates to port 5 at
address 10.216.0.121 new line 127.0.0.1/1 assigned to port 1 would be a loopback; GPI activity on the port
would trigger the GPO of the same port (used for testing)
2. Channel assignment – The GPIO port will follow the logic as defined by a control surface. Axia control
surfaces have predefined logic for a source loaded to a fader. The logic is shared on the network through the
use of the unique channel number for a source. Refer to appendix A for common predefined functions. To
assign a port to a channel, either manually type in the channel number in the field OR use the browse button
to search the network for advertised sources.
Pathfinder control – The Pathfinder series of products has the ability to observe GPIO activity as well as
7: GPIO xNode • 34

3.
trigger GPO activity. Nothing is required to configure in the GPIO xNode, all the configuration is done in
Pathfinder. Please refer to Pathfinder documentation for detailed information.

© 2016 Axia Audio - Rev 2.0

 Other Web Interfaces
The GPIO xNode does not have any complexity to it, so there are no advance web pages to worry about.

Home
The Home page is the default page and provides information on the device ID, software version, system temp, net-
work interface status, power supply status, and uptime. There is no sync information as in other xNodes because the
GPIO xNode is not an audio device and therefore does not require audio synchronization.

System
The system page provides access to IP settings, logging options, password change, and software control. The system
page is covered in more detail in chapter 3, section Web Interface.
7: GPIO xNode • 35

© 2016 Axia Audio - Rev 2.0

 Chapter Eight:
Mixed Signal xNode
The Mixed Signal xNode has one switched analog input (either microphone or analog stereo), two analog stereo inputs,
one AES/EBU input, three analog stereo outputs, one AES/EBU output, and 2 GPIO ports (5GPI/5GPO per port).

Rear Panel
The Mixed Sigal xNode uses RJ45 connectors for analog and AES audio, and an XLR connector for the selectable
Mic input.

Figure 8-1: GPIO xNode Rear Panel

The top 4 RJ-45 style ports are inputs; three analog inputs followed by one AES/EBU input. The bottom 4 RJ-45
style ports are outputs; three analog outputs followed by one AES/EBU output.

The XLR-F connector is used as an analog input with the intention of it being a microphone input.

PIN FUNCTION
1 Shield

2 Positive
3 Negative

The pinout of an RJ-45 port

8: Mixed Signal xNode • 36

PIN FUNCTION
1 Left Channel /AES
Input/Output +
2 Left Channel /AES
Input/Output -
3 Right Channel
Input/Output +
4 Ground
5 Not Used
6 Right Channel
Input/Output -
7 Not Used
8 Not Used

© 2016 Axia Audio - Rev 2.0

 The illustration shows the connector pinouts; 5 inputs and associated common return, 5 output relays and associated com-
mon, a +5 volt power source, and power source ground.

Figure 8-2

The maximum allowed external power supply for logic control is 48 volts DC. The use of current
limiting resistor is required for some voltages.

INPUT
VDC External Series Resistor

5 0
6 0
12 680 @ 1/4 watt
24 1.8k @ 1/2 watt
48 3.9k @ 1 watt

Using external power supplies is the recommended method to avoid possible ground loops between equipment.
8: Mixed Signal xNode • 37

Figure 8-3

© 2016 Axia Audio - Rev 2.0

 Take note to use current limiting resistors per the above chart if the voltage supplied is above 6vdc. The intention is
to limit the current to 20mA for each GPI pin. If the equipment being controlled is electrically isolated, than the use
of the GPIO port’s power supply is acceptable.

Figure 8-4

Axia GPIO accessory modules are designed to interface directly to the GPIO port. The DA-15 connector on the back
of an accessory module is a direct pin-to-pin match to the GPIO port of the xNode. Premade cables of this configura-
tion are commonly available through companies that specialize in interconnect cable assembly products.

The GPO portion of the GPIO ports are solid state relays. Current should be limited to a combined 100 mA through
all the pins of a port. The following diagram shows the recommended connections for outputs with the use of an
external power supply.

Figure 8-5

If the device being controlled is electrically isolated, than the 5vDC supply can be used, maintaining a 100mA limit
on current drawn.
8: Mixed Signal xNode • 38

Figure 8-6

© 2016 Axia Audio - Rev 2.0

 The Axia accessory modules use the 5vDC supply to illuminate LED based buttons. So a one-to-one pin connection
is all that is needed between any accessory modules and a GPIO port.

Note, all of the inputs and outputs on a specific GPIO port are “grouped together”. The 5 “Outputs” are on 5 separate
output pins, however, they share the same “Common Return” connection on Pin #7. Similarly, the 5 “Inputs” pins
would be pulled to ground to activate them, and they share a common pin for a high-side rail, on Pin #10. If more
than one remotely-controlled device is to be connected to a single 15-pin I/O port, you must make sure that the two
units in question have the same ground potential or ground loops will occur. Therefore, it is recommended that only
one remote device be connected to each I/O port connector to assure complete electrical isolation.

Figure 8-7

Simple Setup
Simple Setup page provides the only configuration access to the two GPIO ports. Each port is represent by a row.
The name column is used to assist with documenting the function of the port (or the device which is connected to
the port). The Channel column is used to configure the port. The input and output columns show a grouping of boxes
that represent each of the 5 GPIs and 5 GPOs. A high state (not active) is represented by a black box. A low state
(active) is represented by a green state.

Configuration of a port can be accomplished in three different ways.

1. Port routing – The GPI activity on a port will trigger the GPO of the port you are configuring. (you are
routing the GPIs of a port to another port’s GPOs). This is done by entering in the IP address of the device
with a GPIO port followed by a forward slash and the port number. 10.216.0.121/5 – equates to port 5 at
address 10.216.0.121 127.0.0.1/1 assigned to port 1 would be a loopback; GPI activity on the port would
trigger the GPO of the same port (used for testing)
8: Mixed Signal xNode • 39

2. Channel assignment – The GPIO port will follow the logic as defined by a control surface. Axia control
surfaces have predefined logic for a source loaded to a fader. The logic is shared on the network through
the use of the unique channel number for a source. Refer to Appendix A for common predefined functions.
Refer to the control surface manual for updated information on these functions. To assign a port to a chan-
nel, either manually type in the channel number in the field OR use the browse button to search the network
for advertised sources.
3. Pathfinder control – The Pathfinder series of products has the ability to observe GPIO activity as well as
trigger GPO activity. Nothing is required to configure in the GPIO xNode, all the configuration is done in
Pathfinder. Please refer to Pathfinder documentation for detailed information.

Any manual entries made into fields will require you to save the work by pressing the APPLY button.

© 2016 Axia Audio - Rev 2.0

 Appendix A:
GPIO Logic Table Samples
GPIO Operator’s Microphone Logic
Name Pin Type Notes

INPUTS
ON Command 11 Active Low Input Turns channel ON
OFF Command 12 Active Low Input Turn channel OFF
TALK (to Monitor 2) Command 13 Active Low Input Activates the TALK TO MON2
function and routes mic audio
to the Talkback bus.
MUTE Command 14 Active Low Input Mutes channel outputs
TALK (to PREVIEWED 15 Active Low Input Activates the TALK button
SOURCE) Command on every source currently in
preview and routes mic audio
to the Talkback bus.
OUTPUTS
ON Lamp 1 Open Collector to Logic Com- Illuminates when channel is
mon Return ON unless TALK or MUTE is
active
OFF Lamp 2 Open Collector to Logic Com- Illuminates when channel is
mon Return OFF
TALK (to Monitor 2) Lamp 3 Open Collector to Logic Com- Illuminates when TALK TO
mon Return MON2 is active
MUTE Lamp 4 Open Collector to Logic Com- Illuminates when MUTE is
mon Return active
TALK (to PREVIEWED 5 Open Collector to Logic Com- Illuminates when TALK to
SOURCE) Lamp mon Return PREVIEWED SOURCE is
active.
POWER & COMMON
Source Common 7 Logic Common Connect to ground of source
device or to Pin 8
Logic Common 8 Internal 5 Volt return Can be connected to Pin 7
if source is not providing
common
A: GPIO Logic Table Samples • 40

Logic +5 Volt Supply 9 Logic Supply, Individually Can be connected to Pin 10 if

Fused source is not providing volt-
age; active only when source
has been assigned to channel.
Input Common 10 Common for all 5 inputs Connect to power supply of
source device or to Pin 9
NOT CONNECTED 6

OUTPUT
COMMON
OUT OUT OUT OUT OUT
RETURN
N/C 5 4 3 2 1
ØV (GND)
SOURCE
8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

15 14 13 12 11 10 9

IN IN IN IN IN IN +5 V
5 4 3 2 1 COM POWER GPIO v.”ZA” 4/2009
+ SOURCE

© 2016 Axia Audio - Rev 2.0

 GPIO Control Room Guest Microphone Logic

Name Pin Type Notes

INPUTS
ON Command 11 Active Low Input Turns channel ON
OFF Command 12 Active Low Input Turn channel OFF
TALK (to CR) Command 13 Active Low Input Mutes channel outputs and
routes source audio to PVW
speakers
MUTE Command 14 Active Low Input Mutes channel outputs
NOT CONNECTED 15
OUTPUTS
ON Lamp 1 Open Collector to Logic Com- Illuminates when channel is
mon Return ON unless TALK or MUTE is
active
OFF Lamp 2 Open Collector to Logic Com- Illuminates when channel is
mon Return OFF
TALK (to CR) Lamp 3 Open Collector to Logic Com- Illuminates when TALK is
mon Return active
MUTE Lamp 4 Open Collector to Logic Com- Illuminates when MUTE is
mon Return active
NOT CONNECTED 5
POWER & COMMON
Source Common 7 Logic Common Connect to ground of source
device or to Pin 8
Logic Common 8 Internal 5 Volt return Can be connected to Pin 7
if source is not providing
common
Logic + 5 Volt supply 9 Logic Supply, Individually Can be connected to Pin 10 if
Fused source is not providing volt-
age; active only when source
has been assigned to channel.
Source Supply 10 Common for all 5 inputs Connect to power supply of
source device or to Pin 9
NOT CONNECTED 6
A: GPIO Logic Table Samples • 41

OUTPUT
COMMON
OUT OUT OUT OUT OUT
RETURN
N/C 5 4 3 2 1
ØV (GND)
SOURCE
8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

15 14 13 12 11 10 9

IN IN IN IN IN IN +5 V
5 4 3 2 1 COM POWER
+ SOURCE
GPIO v.”ZA” 4/2009

© 2016 Axia Audio - Rev 2.0

 GPIO Producer’s Microphone Logic

Name Pin Type Notes

INPUTS
ON Command 11 Active Low Input Turns channel ON
OFF Command 12 Active Low Input Turn channel OFF
TALK (to MONITOR 2) 13 Active Low Input Activates the TALK to MON2
­Command function and routes mic audio
to the Talkback bus.
MUTE Command 14 Active Low Input Mutes channel outputs
TALK (to PREVIEWED 15 Active Low Input Activates the TALK button
SOURCE) Command on every source currently in
Preview and routes mic audio
to the Talkback bus.
OUTPUTS
ON Lamp 1 Open Collector to Logic Com- Illuminates when channel is
mon Return ON unless TALK or MUTE is
active
OFF Lamp 2 Open Collector to Logic Com- Illuminates when channel is
mon Return OFF
TALK (to MONITOR 2) Lamp 3 Open Collector to Logic Com- Illuminates when TALK to
mon Return MON2 is active.
MUTE Lamp 4 Open Collector to Logic Com- Illuminates when MUTE is
mon Return active
TALK (to PREVIEWED 5 Open Collector to Logic Com- Illuminates when TALK to
SOURCE) Lamp mon Return PREVIEWED SOURCE is
active.
POWER & COMMON
Source Common 7 Logic Common Connect to ground of source
device or to Pin 8
Logic Common 8 Internal 5 Volt return Can be connected to Pin 7
if source is not providing
common
Logic + 5 Volt supply 9 Logic Supply, Individually Can be connected to Pin 10 if
Fused source is not providing volt-
age; active only when source
has been assigned to channel.
Source Supply 10 Common for all 5 inputs Connect to power supply of
source device or to Pin 9
A: GPIO Logic Table Samples • 42

NOT CONNECTED 6

OUTPUT
COMMON
OUT OUT OUT OUT OUT
RETURN
N/C 5 4 3 2 1
ØV (GND)
SOURCE
8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

15 14 13 12 11 10 9

IN IN IN IN IN IN +5 V
5 4 3 2 1 COM POWER
+ SOURCE
GPIO v.”ZA” 4/2009

© 2016 Axia Audio - Rev 2.0

 GPIO Line Input Logic

Name Pin Type Notes

INPUTS
ON Command 11 Active Low Input Turns channel ON
OFF Command 12 Active Low Input Turns channel OFF & sends
100 msec STOP pulse
PREVIEW Command 13 Active Low Input Turns preview ON
RESET Command 14 Active Low Input Turns channel OFF, while not
sending a STOP pulse
READY Command 15 Active Low Input Illuminates OFF lamp to indi-
cate source’s readiness
OUTPUTS
ON Lamp 1 Open Collector to Logic Com- Illuminates when channel is
mon Return ON
OFF Lamp 2 Open Collector to Logic Com- Illuminates when channel is
mon Return OFF and READY is active
PREVIEW Lamp 3 Open Collector to Logic Com- Illuminates when PREVIEW
mon Return is ON
START Pulse 4 Open Collector to Logic Com- A 100 msec pulse when the
mon Return channel status changes from
OFF to ON
STOP Pulse 5 Open Collector to Logic Com- A 100 msec pulse when the
mon Return channel status changes from
ON to OFF
POWER & COMMON
Source Common 7 Logic Common Connect to ground of source
device or to Pin 8
Logic Common 8 Internal 5 Volt return Can be connected to Pin 7
if source is not providing
common
Logic + 5 Volt supply 9 Logic Supply, Individually Can be connected to Pin 10
Fused if source is not providing
voltage; active only when
source has been assigned to
channel.
Source Supply 10 Common for all 5 inputs Connect to power supply of
source device or to Pin 9
NOT CONNECTED 6
A: GPIO Logic Table Samples • 43

OUTPUT
COMMON
OUT OUT OUT OUT OUT
RETURN
N/C 5 4 3 2 1
ØV (GND)
SOURCE
8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

15 14 13 12 11 10 9

IN IN IN IN IN IN +5 V
5 4 3 2 1 COM POWER
+ SOURCE
GPIO v.”ZA” 4/2009

© 2016 Axia Audio - Rev 2.0

 GPIO Codec Logic

Name Pin Type Notes

INPUTS
ON Command 11 Active Low Input Turns channel ON
OFF Command 12 Active Low Input Turns channel OFF
TALK (to CR) Command 13 Active Low Input Mutes channel outputs and
routes source audio to PVW
speakers
MUTE Command 14 Active Low Input Mutes channel outputs
TALK (to SOURCE) Command 15 Active Low Input Allows an external button
to activate channel TALK TO
SOURCE function.
OUTPUTS
ON Lamp 1 Open Collector to Logic Com- Illuminates when channel is
mon Return ON unless TALK or MUTE are
active

OFF Lamp 2 Open Collector to Logic Com- Illuminates when channel is

mon Return OFF.
TALK (to CR) Lamp 3 Open Collector to Logic Com- Illuminates when TALK is
mon Return active
MUTE Lamp 4 Open Collector to Logic Com- Illuminates when MUTE is
mon Return active
TALK (to SOURCE) Lamp 5 Open Collector to Logic Com- Illuminates when the channel
mon Return TALK TO SOURCE function is
active.

POWER & COMMON

Source Common 7 Logic Common Connect to ground of source
device or to Pin 8
Logic Common 8 Internal 5 Volt return Can be connected to Pin 7
if source is not providing
common
Logic + 5 Volt supply 9 Logic Supply, Individually Can be connected to Pin 10
Fused if source is not providing
voltage; active only when
source has been assigned to
channel.
A: GPIO Logic Table Samples • 44

Source Supply 10 Common for all 5 inputs Connect to power supply of

source device or to Pin 9
NOT CONNECTED 6

OUTPUT
COMMON
OUT OUT OUT OUT OUT
RETURN
N/C 5 4 3 2 1
ØV (GND)
SOURCE
8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

15 14 13 12 11 10 9

IN IN IN IN IN IN +5 V
5 4 3 2 1 COM POWER
+ SOURCE
GPIO v.”ZA” 4/2009

© 2016 Axia Audio - Rev 2.0

 GPIO Telephone Hybrid Logic

Name Pin Type Notes

INPUTS
ON Command 11 Active Low Input Turns channel ON
OFF Command 12 Active Low Input Turns channel OFF
PREVIEW Command 13 Active Low Input Turns preview ON
RESET Command 14 Active Low Input Turns channel off while not
sending a STOP pulse
READY Command 15 Active Low Input Illuminates OFF lamp to indi-
cate source’s readiness
OUTPUTS
ON Lamp 1 Open Collector to Logic Com- Illuminates when channel is
mon Return ON
OFF Lamp 2 Open Collector to Logic Com- Illuminates when channel is
mon Return OFF
PREVIEW Lamp 3 Open Collector to Logic Com- Illuminates when PREVIEW
mon Return is ON
START Pulse 4 Open Collector to Logic Com- A 100 ms PULSE is sent when
mon Return channel is first turned ON or
when PVW is first selected
STOP Pulse 5 Open Collector to Logic Com- A 100 ms PULSE sent when
mon Return channel is turned OFF.
POWER & COMMAND
Source Common 7 Logic Common Connect to ground of source
device or to Pin 8
Logic Common 8 Internal 5 Volt return Can be connected to Pin 7
if source is not providing
common
Logic + 5 Volt supply 9 Logic Supply, Individually Can be connected to Pin 10
Fused if source is not providing
voltage; active only when
source has been assigned to
channel.
Source Supply 10 Common for all 5 inputs Connect to power supply of
source device or to Pin 9
NOT CONNECTED 6
A: GPIO Logic Table Samples • 45

OUTPUT
COMMON
OUT OUT OUT OUT OUT
RETURN
N/C 5 4 3 2 1
ØV (GND)
SOURCE
8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

15 14 13 12 11 10 9

IN IN IN IN IN IN +5 V
5 4 3 2 1 COM POWER
+ SOURCE
GPIO v.”ZA” 4/2009

© 2016 Axia Audio - Rev 2.0

 GPIO Control Room Monitor Logic

Name Pin Type Notes

INPUTS
MUTE CR Command 11 Active Low Input Mutes CR monitors and Pre-
view speakers
DIM CR Command 12 Active Low Input Allows external dimming of
CR monitor speakers.
Enable EXT PREVIEW Com- 13 Active Low Input Feeds External Audio Input to
mand PREVIEW
TALK TO EXT Command 14 Active Low Input Turns on Talk to External
Audio.

Not used. 15 Active Low Input

OUTPUTS
CR ON AIR Lamp 1 Open Collector to Logic Com- Illuminates whenever CR
mon Return monitors are muted
DIM CR Lamp 2 Open Collector to Logic Com- Illuminates whenever control
mon Return room monitors are DIMMED
PREVIEW Lamp 3 Open Collector to Logic Com- Illuminates when PREVIEW is
mon Return active.
TALK TO EXT Lamp 4 Open Collector to Logic Com- Illuminates when Talk to
mon Return External is active.
TALK (to CR) Active Lamp 5 Open Collector to Logic Com- Active whenever a source has
mon Return activated its TALK (to CR)
function
POWER & COMMON
Source Common 7 Logic Common Connect to ground of source
device or to Pin 8
Logic Common 8 Internal 5 Volt return Can be connected to Pin 7
if source is not providing
common
Logic + 5 Volt supply 9 Logic Supply, Individually Can be connected to Pin 10
Fused if source is not providing
voltage; active only when
source has been assigned to
channel.
Source Supply 10 Common for all 5 inputs Connect to power supply of
A: GPIO Logic Table Samples • 46

source device or to Pin 9

NOT CONNECTED 6

OUTPUT
COMMON
OUT OUT OUT OUT OUT
RETURN
N/C 5 4 3 2 1
ØV (GND)
SOURCE
8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

15 14 13 12 11 10 9

IN IN IN IN IN IN +5 V
5 4 3 2 1 COM POWER
+ SOURCE
GPIO v.”ZA” 4/2009

© 2016 Axia Audio - Rev 2.0

 GPIO Computer Playback Device Logic

Name Pin Type Notes

INPUTS
ON Command 11 Active Low Input Turns channel ON
OFF Command 12 Active Low Input Turns channel OFF & sends
100 msec STOP pulse
PREVIEW Command 13 Active Low Input Turns preview ON
Not Used 14 Active Low Input
READY Command 15 Active Low Input Illuminates OFF lamp to indi-
cate source’s readiness
OUTPUTS
NEXT Pulse 1 Open Collector to Logic Com- A 100 mS PULSE sent when
mon Return ON button is depressed, ex-
cept when initially turned ON.
OFF Lamp 2 Open Collector to Logic Com- Illuminates when channel is
mon Return OFF and READY is active
PREVIEW Lamp 3 Open Collector to Logic Com- Illuminates when PREVIEW
mon Return is ON
START Pulse 4 Open Collector to Logic Com- A 100 ms PULSE sent when
mon Return channel is first turned ON.
STOP Pulse 5 Open Collector to Logic Com- A 100 ms PULSE sent when
mon Return channel is turned OFF.
POWER & COMMON
Source Common 7 Logic Common Connect to ground of source
device or to Pin 8
Logic Common 8 Internal 5 Volt return Can be connected to Pin 7
if source is not providing
common
Logic + 5 Volt supply 9 Logic Supply, Individually Can be connected to Pin 10
Fused if source is not providing
voltage; active only when
source has been assigned to
channel.
Source Supply 10 Common for all 5 inputs Connect to power supply of
source device or to Pin 9
NOT CONNECTED 6
A: GPIO Logic Table Samples • 47

OUTPUT
COMMON
OUT OUT OUT OUT OUT
RETURN
N/C 5 4 3 2 1
ØV (GND)
SOURCE
8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

15 14 13 12 11 10 9

IN IN IN IN IN IN +5 V
5 4 3 2 1 COM POWER
+ SOURCE
GPIO v.”ZA” 4/2009

© 2016 Axia Audio - Rev 2.0

 Appendix B:
xNode Specifications
Microphone Preamplifiers
• Source Impedance: 150 ohms
• Input Impedance: 4 k ohms minimum, balanced
• Nominal Level Range: Adjustable, -75 dBu to
-20 dBu
• Input Headroom: >20 dB above nominal input
• Phantom power: +48VDC, switchable

Analog Line Inputs

• Input Impedance: >40 k ohms, balanced
• Nominal Input Range: Selectable, +4 dBu or -10dBv
• Input Headroom: 20 dB above nominal inputMeta

Analog Line Outputs

• Output Source Impedance: <50 ohms balanced
• Output Load Impedance: 600 ohms, minimum
• Nominal Output Level: +4 dBu
• Maximum Output Level: +24 dBu

Digital Audio Inputs and Outputs

• Reference Level: +4 dBu (-20 dB FSD)
• Impedance: 110 Ohm, balanced
• Signal Format: AES3 (AES/EBU)
• AES3 Input Compliance: 24-bit with sample rate conversion
• AES3 Output Compliance: 24-bit
• Digital Reference: Internal (network timebase) or external reference 48 kHz, +/- 2 ppm
• Internal Sampling Rate: 48 kHz
B: xNode Specifications • 48

• Input Sample Rate: 32 kHz to 192 kHz

• Output Sample Rate: 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz
• A/D Conversions: 24-bit, Delta-Sigma, 256x oversampling
• D/A Conversions: 24-bit, Delta-Sigma, 256x oversampling

Frequency Response
• Any input to any output: +/- 0.5 dB, 20 Hz to 20 kHz

Latency
• Analog Input to Analog Output, 2.75ms including network, converters, and mixing process
• Digital Input to Digital Output, 1.75ms including network mixing engine (ASRC off)

© 2016 Axia Audio - Rev 2.0

 Dynamic Range
• Analog Inputs to Analog Outputs 108dB referenced to 0dBFs, 111dB A-weighted
• Analog Inputs to Digital Outputs 110dB referenced to 0dBFs, 113dB A-weighted
• Digital Inputs to Analog Outputs 112dB referenced to 0dBFs, 115dB A-weighted
• Digital Inputs to Digital Outputs 126dB

Equivalent Input Noise

• Microphone Preamp: -128 dBu, 150 ohm source, reference -50 dBu input level

Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise

• Mic Pre Input to Analog Output: < 0.005%, 1 kHz, -36dBu input, +18dBu output
• Analog Input to Analog Output: < 0.005%, 1 kHz, +18dBu input, +18dBu output
• Analog Input to Digital Output: < 0.004%, 1 kHz, +18dBu input, -6dBFs output
• Digital Input to Analog Output: < 0.004%, 1 kHz, -6dBFs input, +18dBu output
• Digital Input to Digital Output: < 0.0003%, 1 kHz, -20dBFs

Crosstalk Isolation, Stereo Separation and CMRR

• Analog Line channel to channel isolation: 90dB minimum, 20Hz to 20kHz
• Analog Line stereo separation: 85dB minimum,
20Hz to 20kHz
• Analog Line Input CMRR: 80dB minimum, 20Hz to 20kHz
• Microphone Input CMRR: >60 dB, 20 Hz to 20 kHz

Power Supply AC Input

• Auto-ranging supply, 95VAC to 240VAC,
50 Hz to 60 Hz,
• IEC receptacle, internal fuse
• Power consumption: 14 Watts

Operating Temperatures
• 0 degree C to +40 degree C, <90% humidity,
no condensation
B: xNode Specifications • 49

Dimensions and Weight

• 8.5” (22 cm) wide; two may be mounted side-by-side in a standard 1RU rack space (with accessory mounting kit)
• 1.72” (4.4 cm) height, 11.75” (30 cm) depth
• Shipping Weight: 7 lbs. (3.2 kg.)
• Shipping Dimensions: 17” (43.2 cm) length,
• 13” (33 cm) width, 7” (17.8 cm) height

© 2016 Axia Audio - Rev 2.0

 Appendix C:
AES67
AES67 standard defines an interoperability mode for transport of high­performance audio over networks based on
the Internet Protocol. For the purposes of the standard, high­performance audio refers to audio with full bandwidth
and low noise . These requirements imply linear PCM coding with a sampling frequency of 44,1 kHz and higher and
resolution of 16 bits and higher. High performance also implies a low­latency capability compatible with live sound
applications. The standard considers latency performance of 10 milliseconds or less.

xNodes implementation is compliant with the standard supporting interoperability with third party devices. In
particular, the following features are implemented:
• Multicast and unicast Real Time Protocol (RTP) audio streaming
• Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) based connection management for unicast streams
• Transmission of 1ms audio frames in linear PCM 24­bit format
• Ability to receive audio streams containing 1 through 8 channels
• Ability to receive 16­bit as well as 24­bit format
• Support of IEEE1588­2001 Precision Time Protocol standard
• Timestamping outgoing stream with IEEE1588 derived RTP timestamps

Network synchronization setup

AES67 standard requires device to use IEEE1588 network time protocol standard. The Synchronization and QoS
page of the xNode provides the controls to establish the xNode as a system PTP master or slave to a grand master.

Clock mode options allow selecting the operation suitable to the system in which the xNode is being deployed.
• PTP/IEEE 1588 ARB clock class 248 mode allows the node to be a master when no better clock is available
on the network. Since xNodes are not locked to GPS or any other high precision source, only Arbitrary (ARB)
Clock class is provided.
• PTP/IEEE 1588 slave only is recommended for networks with high precision grand masters present.
• Additional options are same as above with Livewire master conditions to allow the xNode to act as a gateway for
synchronization to Livewire legacy products.

PTP domain number should be selected to 0 unless there is a need for multiple clock domains on a network segment.
PTP delay mechanism specifies how the node determines network round trip latency. This setting MUST match the
master clock setting. In practice, End­to­End (E2E) is always used by ordinary clocks and boundary clocks. Peer­to­
Peer (P2P) mechanism was defined to limit amount of traffic reaching the master clock, but is rarely used.
C: AES67 • 50

PTP clock priority1/priority2 numbers provide a control over master clock selection. Lower priority number makes the
clock a preferred choice over devices with a higher number. The range is 0­255, and 128 is the default and middle value.

© 2016 Axia Audio - Rev 2.0

 PTP clock sync interval determines how often clock packets are sent. The faster those packets are sent, the faster and
more accurate synchronization can be achieved. Some IEEE1588 devices do not support lower clock sync interval
than 0.5s, so this setting may need to be adjusted depending on what other networking equipment is used. AES67
recommends an interval of 1⁄8 (8 packets per second). This setting affects behavior of the master clock and does
nothing when the node is a slave.

AES67 Multicast connection setup

xNode transmits a multicast streams as soon as Source is configured with a Livewire channel number or multicast
IP address and Stream Mode is set to a value other than “disabled”. AES67 requires devices to support reception of
at least 1ms frames ­this corresponds to “Low Latency Stereo” Stream Mode setting. Other settings will work if the
receiver supports different frame sizes in addition to the required 1ms.

Figure App-1: Example of a 2-channel, 24-bit, 1ms frame, multicast stream to group 238.194.0.1

The Session Description (SDP) can be downloaded from xNode by clicking on the ‘AES67: Download stream
description (SDP)” link.

In order to receive AES67 multicasts stream the multicast address of the stream would be enter into the Channel/
Address field of the Destination page.

Figure App-2: Example of receiving a multicast stream

This method of configuration for multicast reception requires the source to transmit in PCM 24­bit stereo or 8­channel
format. To receive other forms, follow the multicast group with information about the stream as follows:
{multicast group};{bit rate}/{sample rate}/{channels}
238.194.0.2;L16/44100/2
C: AES67 • 51

Surround 8­channel reception is set up by selecting Destination Type: Surround.

Channel/Address field accepts optional UDP port number following IP address, separated with a “:”. This is useful
option when the port number is different than RTP default 5004.

© 2016 Axia Audio - Rev 2.0

 AES67 Unicast Setup
Each Source of an xNode can be configured as a multicast sender, or unicast port supporting a single listener/
receiver. Unicast configuration is achieved by clearing the Channel/Address field in the Source page setup.

Figure App-3: Example of source configuration for unicast mode.

The media stream is accessed using a SIP URI (Session Announcement Protocol Uniform Resource Identifier). It
contains “sip:” prefix, followed by Source/Destination port number, ‘@’ sign and IP address of the node.

The xNode provides the address on the Sources WEB page so it can be copied conveniently. This can be found next
to the AES67 text. In the figure 3 example, the text to be copied is sip:[email protected].

In Unicast mode, Source accepts SIP connections. There are a few possible scenarios:
• Receive­only connection (SIP Invitation with recvonly attribute specified in the SDP block). After answering,
xNode will start sending stream to the originator of the connection. Media format follows current Source
configuration.
• Send­only connection (SIP Invitation with sendonly attribute specified in the SDP block). After answering,
xNode will start receiving the stream which can be 16­bit or 24­bit with channel count from 1 to 8. This type of a
connection required the corresponding Destination to be not configured (empty Channel/Address) field.
• Bidirectional (default SIP invitation). xNode will receive and send. The media format must be 24­bit. This type of
a connection required the corresponding Destination to be not configured (empty Channel/Address) field.

In order to setup AES67 Unicast stream receive, enter the SIP URI stream address in Channel/Address field of a
destination.

Figure App-4: Example of unicast receive setup

C: AES67 • 52

© 2016 Axia Audio - Rev 2.0

 The xNode makes a SIP call to the specified source. The call is receive­only (issued with recvonly SIP/SDP media
attribute specified).

The xNode will provide status of the unicast connection on the front panel. Small triangle icons below the meters
show the current status:
• If no triangle is shown, the Source and Destination port is not configured for Unicast.
• If the triangle is blinking, the port is configured for Unicast, but there is no active connection.
• When the triangle is displayed solid on, there is a Unicast Link established to that port.

Channel/Address field accepts optional UDP port number in the URI, separated with a “:” from the address part.
This is needed when the port number used by sender is different than SIP default 5060.
C: AES67 • 53

© 2016 Axia Audio - Rev 2.0

 Appendix D:
Telos Alliance Limited Warranty

This Warranty covers “the Products,” which are defined as the various audio equipment, parts, software and acces-
sories manufactured, sold and/or distributed by or on behalf of TLS Corp. and its affiliated companies, collectively
doing business as The Telos Alliance (hereinafter “Telos”).

With the exception of software-only items, the Products are warranted to be free from defects in material and work-
manship for a period of five (5) years from the date of receipt of such Product by the end-user (such date of receipt the
“Receipt Date”). Software-only items are warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period
of 90 days from the Receipt Date. Telos will repair or replace (in its discretion) defective Products returned to Telos
within the warranty period, subject to the provisions and limitations set forth herein.

This warranty will be void if the Product: (i) has been subjected, directly or indirectly, to Acts of God, including (with-
out limitation) lightning strikes or resultant power surges; (ii) has been improperly installed or misused, including
(without limitation) the failure to use telephone and power line surge protection devices; (iii) has been damaged by
accident or neglect. As with all sensitive electronic equipment, to help prevent damage and or loss of data, we strongly
recommend the use of an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) with all of our Products. Telos products are to be used
with registered protective interface devices which satisfy regulatory requirements in their country of use.

This Warranty is void if the associated equipment was purchased or otherwise obtained through sales channels not
authorized by Telos.

EXCEPT FOR THE ABOVE-STATED EXPRESS WARRANTY, TELOS MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS
OR IMPLIED (INCLUDING IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PAR-
TICULAR PURPOSE).

In no event will Telos, its directors, officers, employees, agents, owners, consultants or advisors (its “Affiliates”), or
authorized dealers or their respective Affiliates, be liable for incidental or consequential damages, or for loss, damage,
or expense directly or indirectly arising from the use of any Product or the inability to use any Product either separately
or in combination with other equipment or materials, or from any other cause.
Appendix C: Warranty • 54

In order to invoke this Warranty, the Product must be registered via Telos’ website (found at: http://telosalliance.com/
legal/warranty) at time of receipt by end-user and notice of a warranty claim must be received by Telos within the
above stated warranty period and warranty coverage must be authorized by Telos. Contact may be made via email:
[email protected] or via telephone: (+1) 216-241-7225. If Telos authorizes the performance of warranty
service, the defective Product must be delivered to: Telos, 1241 Superior Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44114 or other
company repair center as may be specified by Telos at the time of claim.

© 2016 Axia Audio - Rev 2.0

 Shipping Costs and Warranty Service:

If the date the customer’s notice of warranty claim is received by Telos (such date the “Warranty Claim Notice Date”)
is within the first 90 days following the Receipt Date, Telos will pay the costs of shipping such warranted Product to
and from the end user’s location, and the cost of repair or replacement of such warranted Product.

If the Warranty Claim Notice Date occurs after the first 90 days following the Receipt Date and before the end of the
second (2nd) year, the customer will pay the freight to return the warranted Product to Telos. Telos will then, at its sole
discretion, repair or replace the warranted Product and return it to the end user at Telos’ expense.

If the Warranty Claim Notice Date occurs between the end of the second (2nd) year following the Receipt Date and
the completion of the fifth (5th) year, the customer will pay the costs of shipping such warranted Product to and from
the end user’s location. Telos will then, in its sole discretion, repair or replace the warranted Product at Telos’ expense.
Telos also reserves the right, if it is not economically justifiable to repair the warranted Product, to offer a replacement
product of comparable performance and condition direct to the customer at a discounted price, accepting the failed
warranted Product as a trade-in.

The end user will in all cases be responsible for all duties and taxes associated with the shipment, return and servicing
of the warranted Product.

No distributor, dealer, or reseller of Telos products is authorized under any circumstances to extend, expand or oth-
erwise modify in any way the warranty provided by Telos, and any attempt to do so is null and void and shall not be
effective as against Telos or its Affiliates.

Out of warranty units returned to the factory for repair may be subject to a $500 evaluation fee, which fee must be
prepaid prior to shipping the unit to Telos. If no repairs are required, the $500 fee will be retained by Telos as an evalu-
ation charge. If repairs are required, the $500 fee will be applied to the total cost of the repair.
Appendix C: Warranty • 55

© 2016 Axia Audio - Rev 2.0

Axia Audio, a Telos Alliance Company • 1241 Superior Ave. • Cleveland, Ohio, 44114, USA • +1.216.241.7225 • TelosAlliance.com
© 2016 TLS Corp. Axia®. The Telos Alliance®. All Rights Reserved. F16/16018