Application has come up where I need to interface (14) ME-1’s with an SQ console. The thought f investing as much in 2 hubs as I have for the console is a tough pill to swallow- and I’m seeking experienced users who may have come across third party switch options . I hear they exist but haven’t tried any. Perhaps some of you here have a solution that’s less than 4k? Would love to hear your experiences.
Daisy chain the ME’s with own PSU?
Hopefully you have read the A&H article on this subject. https://support.allen-heath.com/hc/en-gb/articles/4403292650641-ME-Compatibility-with-third-party-switch
I think you can probably find some cheap layer 2, POE, 10/100 switches on Amazon or similar sites. Look for some 5-8 port switches which should be in the sub $30 range. Buy one and see if it will work. If it does, purchase 1-2 more (depending on the number of ports you need total) and daisy chain them together.
I have… and while I believe all sound be fine? I was simply looking to see if the forum had some feedback to how best it should be done or no, bite the bullet…..
Money is not the defining issue here but if it can be done more cost effectively, I’d love to hear of a solid solution that worked
Thanks for your reply!
Unfortunately, in this scenario that won’t work as they will be spread out across a stage.
POE will be a requirement. …
I considered going the DIY route, but in the end found a complete ME system including ME-1 and the ME-U for a good price (used), so I never explored the option further.
I think the key is sticking with 10/100 layer 2 switches. That being said, I believe you can use a 10/100/1000 switch as long as your can manually set the switch ports used for ME devices to only 10/100 speed. If you try to use a 10/100/1000 port on “autosense” for speed, I don’t believe it works correctly.
I think that having two smaller switches would also be helpful by splitting the stage in two. By placing one switch on each side of the stage (or front/back, etc), you won’t have to run the ME1/500 cabling as far vs running a single larger switch and home running every cable back to the single switch.
I recently purchased a couple of small 10/100 POE switches for use with a few IP Controllers that we have. I’ve linked the exact model I’m using below. It works great in that use case, but I can’t say if they would work for ME use or not. The POE supply on this switch works out to 15w/port which is suggested power requirement for the ME-1 units. Just buy it from a retailer that you can return it to no questions asked (like Amazon) in case it doesn’t work.