AHM and DM0 with two FOH locations

dLive dLive General Discussions
1

I wasn’t sure if this was better in the AHM or dLive forum. I can repost in the AHM if needed.

I am working on designing a replacement audio system in a theater. They want the following gear:

  • 1 AHM64

  • 2 CC-10 touch panels

  • 1 DM0

  • 1 S5000 for FOH

  • 2 DT164-W

  • 2 DT168

I have a few questions connecting everything up as their setup is required to be flexible.

First, a few notes:

  • The DT164-W will be installed stage left and right replacing the current analog ties.

  • There will be at least 7 Dante ties throughout the venue to connect the DT168 and other Dante devices.

  • The AHM64 will be the system processor and also a way to get basic control when they don’t want to use the S5000. It will also turn the system on and off via an existing Lyntec panel. There will be two touchscreens installed, one permanent wall mount and one desk mount will move between multiple locations (they don’t want an iPad)

  • The DM0 and AHM64 will be in the same rack

  • They want to have two locations the FOH S5000 can be used from.

OK, now the questions:

  1. If I install the 128x128 Dante card in the DM0 those Dante channels can be routed via Slink to the AHM, correct?

  2. Keeping in mind the amplifiers will be a mix of existing analog input amps and new Dante input amps, any reason to install a Dante card in the AHM64?

  3. If I install the gigaACE card in the DMO to have 2 sets of redundant connections, will that allow the DM0 to automatically select whichever set of connections the S5000 is connected to? This is to allow two locations for the FOH S5000.

  4. If I want to add a third location for a possible monitor mixer could I add another gigaACE card to the DM0?

  5. Any reason to not have Dante and touch panels on the same VLAN? It would minimize the number of switches and wire runs required if they can run on the same VLAN.

EDIT: corrected surface model number

2

Yes. In theory, but your dLive has no S-link.

That is not necessary. For redundant connection, you should choose the S5000, the C series can’t handle redundancy.
You need an extra switch, preferable layer 2 only, connect the two positions to the switch then you can connect the surface wherever you need. The switch must be exclusive for the GigaACE network. For redundancy, build it twice.

3

That is possible, but not the best idea.

I think you should add a Dante card to the AHM and get rid of the idea with another GigaACE card.
It needs too much attention from the user every time you switch positions.

4

Yes. In theory, but your dLive has no S-link.

But Slink is basically all of A&H’s protocols on one port, correct? So I could use a gigaACE card to get me 64x64 between the DMO and AHM.

That is not necessary. For redundant connection, you should choose the S5000, the C series can’t handle redundancy.
You need an extra switch, preferable layer 2 only, connect the two positions to the switch then you can connect the surface wherever you need. The switch must be exclusive for the GigaACE network. For redundancy, build it twice.

Thank you, that makes more sense. Also, I was debating between the C3500 and S5000. In my sleep deprived state when posting I didn’t edit correctly. I have edited my post for clarity.

5

That is possible, but not the best idea.

I think you should add a Dante card to the AHM and get rid of the idea with another GigaACE card.
It needs too much attention from the user every time you switch positions.

Thanks. After sleeping on it a bit I think I might add the Dante card to the AHM just to keep a completely separate Dante network between the AHM and amps. That way it will essentially be hidden from Dante Controller. I wouldn’t want someone to change that routing when patching something.

I’d use the Slink on the AHM to go to the gigaACE expansion card on the DM0 to get 64x64 to the AHM.

6

Again, I think that isn’t a good idea. Since you already have Dante in place. Use it. You don’t need the GigaACE card then.

If you need the mics on both systems, you can patch them to both systems at the same time.

7

Can you expand on why you think that isn’t a good idea? Is it a technical reason or economic reason or something else?

Keep in mind this system will be used by high school students. If they mess around in Dante Controller and repatch the ties between the AHM outputs and the amps it could be a problem.

8

It’s kinda both.
If you have the Dante card in both systems, you can use it for splitting. No technical need for a second card just for splitting.
Put everything on a switch (or two for redundancy) and the rest is software.
To add another card, will make it more complex to the user. And the DM0 needs to be always on, to get the I/O to the AHM.

On the other hand, you will not have preamp control from the AHM in both scenarios, I believe.

But that is a question to an integrator or the support team at A&H.
Maybe @spotter or @NicB can answer this.
I can’t check it, since I don’t have a Dante stage box.

The question regarding the different mix positions for the S5000 is answered to your contentment?

10

For your multi location surface. You could get a netgear AV line switch. Which has a giga-ace vlan profile. 2 switches would be ideal for redundant connection. It could also handle your Dante