I’m quite surprised that the Ethernet port isn’t auto-sensing. Almost every appliance, whether a television, AppleTV, or printer does this. They’re WiFi by default but automatically switch to Ethernet if you plug in a live cable. This already screwed me at a gig. My DAW is hard-wired only and I forgot to manually switch my CQ-20B to WiFi before I left for a gig. Once at the venue, there was no way to connect by Ethernet to switch to WiFi, so we had no IEMs. Switching back and forth before and after every gig is a major chore.
This comment is not intended to lessen the importance of your feature request. But since you already are required to have an external device to control the CQ-20B, I would suggest getting a network adapter for that device (most likely a USB to Ethernet adapter) so that you can establish a hardwired connection between the two devices should you find yourself in this situation again.
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Requiring additional adapters undermines the best selling point of the CQ series - convenience and portability. It replaced an X18 because I was so impressed by the form factor and claims that the built-in WiFi actually works (unlike the Behringer and Soundcraft). That said, I’ve already lost my WiFI connection multiple times during a gig (though reconnecting is quick) and the need to manually switch between Ethernet and WiFi is just silly. Right now network connectivity has not been a positive experience for me. I love it otherwise…
To be honest, you should never reply on the internal WiFi transmitter on an audio console. I don’t care what brand of equipment you are using, I mean they are inside a metal case which is designed to be placed to make connecting audio I/O easy, not to maximize the effectiveness of a WiFi antenna. External routers/wireless APs are extremely inexpensive and can be placed to optimize the performance of the WiFi system. In addition, this would solve your “WiFi vs Ethernet” issue because it would be Ethernet 100% of the time.
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“Requiring additional adapters undermines the best selling point of the CQ series –”
If that is so, maybe get something from Unifi :-)?
You just need to get a decent basic WIFI router, set it for 5g operation, connect it to the ethernet jack.
Like Brian was getting at, you’ll find the external router works better.
Also, by using an external router, you can place it high up above head height for maximum coverage. If I was ever going to use my CQ-20 for some of the PA hire jobs I do and I didn’t want to use my QU, an external router would be paramount. I wouldn’t like to be trusting the internal WIFI whilst being positioned at the back of a room full of people.
To be honest, you should never reply on the internal WiFi transmitter on an audio console. I don’t care what brand of equipment you are using, I mean they are inside a metal case
That mindset is only acceptable because the previous implementations (Soundcraft, Behringer) are all crap. This really isn’t that hard if they don’t use obsolete chipsets and ill-conceived designs. Again, almost every consumer product has stable WiFi at this point. Also, I haven’t actually had major issues with the WiFi.
In addition, this would solve your “WiFi vs Ethernet” issue because it would be Ethernet 100% of the time.
This is an excellent point that I’ll need to consider if they never upgrade to auto-sensing. It does wreck that I have everything in a self-contained 4U flight case right now.
If that is so, maybe get something from Unifi :-)?IT is my profession. If rock-solid WiFI was my goal, I'd opt for Meraki, Ruckus, or Cisco. Unifi is a decent prosumer product, but has shortcomings appropriate for its price point.
Also, by using an external router, you can place it high up above head height for maximum coverage.
The antenna on the CQ-20B is detachable so you simply need to extend it.
As of the 1.2 firmware, you can now toggle between the Ethernet and Wi-Fi connections by quick-pressing the reset button. It’s not auto-sensing but it’s a good-enough workaround that resolves all of my workflow issues and obviates the need for an external router. Keith mentioned on the v1.2 livestream that they chose not to make both adapters live for network security purposes - which makes perfect sense. All in all, it was a great solution by A&H and just another way that v1.2 was a FANTASTIC update. Bravo A&H!
Hadn’t thought about potential advantages there of hardwiring network to my iPad. Leaving the WiFi free for other duties. Of course there’s still the trip hazard of my iPad flying across the rehearsal room in that solution lol
Thanks for reminder. Time for a play with my iPad adapters.
Cheers
David
I was surprised that you have to manually switch the CQ between ethernet and wi-fi. Every router I’ve used in the last 20 years has automatically supported devices connecting over both ethernet and wi-fi.
But that’s because a “router” is purpose built with one goal in mind - network routing.
These audio consoles are not purpose built to be network routers. There are first and foremost an audio interface. They have limited network capabilities built in to make it easier for the user, but they are not purpose built to be network routers.
Besides, I’ll say it again. No one should be using the built in WiFi capabilities of these types of audio consoles during a show. Get something like a $35 GL-iNet Opal travel router and be done with it.
Auto-sensing Ethernet is not a feature exclusive to purpose-built routers. Literally every consumer appliance with WiFi and Ethernet has auto-sensing - whether it be a TV, Blu-Ray player, or refrigerator. As they explained in the v1.2 live stream, auto-sensing was explicitly disabled for network security reasons. Unlike a home router or all those consumer appliances I cited, a digital mixer will roam from one unknown network to the next, many of which could be insecure. By disabling the auto-sense, A&H dramatically reduces the chance of someone likely unqualified as a network administrator, from inadvertently exposing their CQ or vice versa, the guest network, to all sorts of malicious activities. As a network consultant for nearly 30 years, now retired, I fully agree with their decision.
As to using the built-in WiFi, why even include it if they no one should ever use it? I extended the antenna with a coax cable and it works perfectly. No need for adding an external router. The cost ($35) has nothing to do with it. Any rig already has enough clutter as it is - no need for one more piece of junk that needs its own power supply and is another potential point of failure.
Honestly it should really be dropped IMHO. It would save everyone (customers and A&H support) a lot of time dealing with “network” issues that are related to inherent design flaws of these devices. However customer expectation is that WiFi would be built in, and so manufactures are forced to include it, even if they are loath to do so. In other words, the fact that manufactures include WiFi built in should not be taken as “proof” that the built in WiFi is the best solution. As a 30 year network consultant who likely had to deal with a lot of customer’s dumb WiFi problems, I’m pretty sure you understand this better than most.
And that is a great solution that isn’t hard to implement. However you approach the problem as an experienced IT professional too. The average customer who isn’t experienced in IT isn’t going to know that they should do that, or know how to purchase a compatible antenna (even though they are pretty universal), or feel confident about implementing that solution.
Furthermore, there are limitations with the built in WiFi that can’t be overcome with a better external antenna. Most glaring limitation is the fact that you can’t create your own private WiFi network to use the “control software” with, while at the same time also connecting to another network for internet access. Now admittedly, not every show is going to need internet access, but when you do need it this is a real limitation that has to be dealt with. This limitation doesn’t exist with many of the “travel router” solutions available. Keep in mind that it’s not just internet for the console. These travel routers can easily provide internet access to every device connected to your private network - so your WiFi tablet will have an internet connection and give you the ability to control the console at the same time via your own private network. Or the computer you want to connect to the console via bluetooth to stream music on is easily connected to the same private network which already has internet access. The built in WiFi simply cannot create a private network while at the same time connecting to another network for internet access. So yes, I still stick with my recommendation that people should go out and purchase something like the $35 GL-iNet Opal travel router. Their experience with an external device will be much better than using the built in WiFi and they will “make back” their $35 expense with the amount of time and energy they AREN’T dealing with network issues due to the inherent design limitations of the built in system.
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Leaving aside the sensible issue about always checking you have a reliable backup strategy re wifi.
Surely wifi signals are not just about the transmitter receiver position inside the case. A magnetic antenna on a 3m cable could be positioned above the audience re signal line of sight issues. It’s simply screwed on with standard connector.
Just a thought
Cheers
David