Tieline Merlin PLUS User manual

Merlin PLUS IP Codec

User Manual

Software Version: Build 2.8.30

Manual Version: v1.2_20140327

March, 2014

Merlin PLUS Manual v1.22

Table of Contents

Part I Warnings & Safety Information 5

Part II How to Use the Documentation 6

Part III Glossary of Terms 7

Part IV Getting to know Merlin PLUS 9

Part V Merlin PLUS Rear Panel

Connections 11

Part VI Inserting Hardware Modules 13

Part VII Merlin Front Panel Controls 14

Part VIII Navigating Menus 16

Part IX Merlin PLUS Input Levels and

PPMs 22

Part X Configuring AES3 Input Audio 30

Part XI Merlin PLUS Headphone/Aux

Output 32

Part XII About ISDN Modules 34

................................................................................................................................... 351 ISDN Module Settings

................................................................................................................................... 372 ISDN Answering Configuration

Part XIII Language Selection 39

Part XIV About Program Dialing 40

Part XV Multiple Stream Programs 42

Part XVI 6 x Mono Peer-to-Peer Programs 42

Part XVII Mono or Stereo + IFB Programs 43

Part XVIII 2 x Mono or Stereo + IFB

Programs 43

Part XIX Getting Connected Quickly 44

................................................................................................................................... 441 Stepsto Connect over IP

................................................................................................................................... 462 Stepsto Connect over ISDN

3Contents

................................................................................................................................... 483 Creating a Multicast Client Program

................................................................................................................................... 514 Load and Dial Custom Programs

................................................................................................................................... 515 Disconnecting a Connection

................................................................................................................................... 516 Dialing SIP Peer-to-Peer

................................................................................................................................... 527 Dialing SIP Addresses

................................................................................................................................... 538 Dial/Disconnect Multiple Audio Stream Programs

................................................................................................................................... 549 Monitoring IP Connections

................................................................................................................................... 5610 Monitoring ISDN Connections

................................................................................................................................... 5611 Redialing a Connection

................................................................................................................................... 5612 Programming Auto Reconnect

................................................................................................................................... 5613 Speed Dialing Connections

................................................................................................................................... 5714 Deleting Programs

................................................................................................................................... 5715 Selecting Algorithm Profiles

................................................................................................................................... 5916 Merlin Algorithm Profiles

................................................................................................................................... 5917 Merlin Backup Connections

................................................................................................................................... 6018 Lock or Unlock a Program in the Codec

................................................................................................................................... 6119 Locking the Front Panel

Part XX Connecting to the ToolBox

Web-GUI 62

................................................................................................................................... 621 Opening the Web-GUI & Login

................................................................................................................................... 652 Changing the Default Password

Part XXI Using the Web-GUI 66

................................................................................................................................... 731 Configuring IP Settings

................................................................................................................................... 762 Configuring ISDN

................................................................................................................................... 813 Configuring Input/Output Settings

................................................................................................................................... 844 Configure Mono or Stereo Peer-to-Peer Programsin Merlin

................................................................................................................................... 915 Configure 2 Mono Peer-to-Peer Answering Programs in Merlin

................................................................................................................................... 946 Configure Mono or Stereo + IFB Dialing Programs

................................................................................................................................... 1037 Configure Mono or Stereo + IFB Answering Programs

................................................................................................................................... 1078 Configure 2 Mono or Stereo + IFB Answering Programs

................................................................................................................................... 1149 Configuring 6 x Mono Peer-to-Peer Answering Programs

................................................................................................................................... 11810 Configuring Multicast Client Programs

................................................................................................................................... 12111 Dial and Disconnect a Program

................................................................................................................................... 12212 Dial/Disconnect Multiple Audio Streams

................................................................................................................................... 12313 View/Edit/Delete Programs

................................................................................................................................... 12514 Configuring SIP Settings

................................................................................................................................... 12715 Configuring SIP Programs

................................................................................................................................... 13016 Reset Factory Default Settings

................................................................................................................................... 13017 Backup and Restore Functions

................................................................................................................................... 13218 Import and Export Programs

................................................................................................................................... 13419 Lock or Unlock Programs

Merlin PLUS Manual v1.24

................................................................................................................................... 13420 Configuring IP Packet QoS

................................................................................................................................... 13521 Configuring SNMP in the Codec

................................................................................................................................... 13622 Download Logs

................................................................................................................................... 13723 Configuring Alarms

................................................................................................................................... 14224 RS232 Data Configuration

................................................................................................................................... 14325 Creating Rules

................................................................................................................................... 14626 Upgrading Codec Firmware

Part XXII Front Panel Configuration Tasks 148

................................................................................................................................... 1481 Configuring IP via the Front Panel

................................................................................................................................... 1502 Selecting an Algorithm

................................................................................................................................... 1543 Configuring the Jitter Buffer

................................................................................................................................... 1574 Configuring Forward Error Correction

................................................................................................................................... 1595 Configuring Encode/Decode Direction

................................................................................................................................... 1596 Enabling Relays& RS232 Data

................................................................................................................................... 1607 Configuring TCP/UDP Protocols

................................................................................................................................... 1618 Configuring QoS for IP Packets

................................................................................................................................... 1629 Reset and Restore Factory Default Settings

................................................................................................................................... 16310 Configuring SNMP Settings

................................................................................................................................... 16311 Test Mode

Part XXIII Reference 164

................................................................................................................................... 1641 Regular Maintenance

................................................................................................................................... 1652 Tips for Creating Reliable IP Connections

................................................................................................................................... 1663 Merlin Compliancesand Certifications

................................................................................................................................... 1674 FCC Compliance Statements

................................................................................................................................... 1695 Software Licences

................................................................................................................................... 1776 Trademarks and Credit Notices

Part XXIV Merlin PLUS Specifications 178

Part XXV Appendix A: RS232 and Control

Port Wiring 180

Part XXVI Appendix B: DB25 Wiring 181

Index 183

Merlin PLUS Manual v1.2

1 Warnings & Safety Information

1. Both appliance power cables must be removed from the device for Power Disconnection.

2. Remove the phone cable from the POTS interface before servicing.

THUNDERSTORM AND LIGHTNING WARNING:

DO NOT USE Tieline codecs during thunderstorms and lightning. You may suffer an injury

using a phone, Tieline codec, or any device connected to a phone during a thunderstorm.

This can lead to personal injury and in extreme cases may be fatal. Protective devices can

be fitted to the line, however, due to the extremely high voltages and energy levels involved

in lightning strikes, these devices may not offer protection to the users, or the Tieline

codec and equipment connected to the codec.

Secondary strikes can occur. These secondary strikes are induced by lightning strikes

and also produce dangerously high currents and energy levels. You only need to be near

an object struck by lightning to lead to personal injury or damage to equipment. e.g. if you

are located near a lighting tower at a sports facility, water features and drains on golf

courses, you may be affected by these secondary strikes.

Damage to personnel and Tieline codecs may occur during thunderstorm, even if the codec

is turned off but remains connected to the phone or ISDN system, LAN or the power.

ANY DAMAGE TO A TIELINE PRODUCT CAUSED BY LIGHTNING or an ELECTRICAL

STORM WILL VOID THE WARRANTY. Use of this product is subject to Tieline's

SOFTWARE LICENSE and WARRANTY conditions, which should be viewed at

www.tieline.com/support before using this product.

DIGITAL PHONE SYSTEM WARNING:

DO NOT CONNECT YOUR Tieline CODEC TO A DIGITAL PHONE SYSTEM.

PERMANENT DAMAGE MAY OCCUR! If you are unfamiliar with any facility, check that

the line you are using is NOT a digital line. If the Tieline codec becomes faulty due to the

use of a digital phone system, the WARRANTY WILL BE VOID.

WARNING:

HIGH LEAKAGE CURRENT. EARTH CONNECTION ESSENTIAL BEFORE CONNECTING

SUPPLY.

If the total leakage current exceeds 3.5 mA, or if the leakage current of the connected

loads is unknown, connect the supplementary ground terminal to a reliable ground

connection in your facility.

Supplementary ground connection

A supplementary ground terminal is provided on the codec to connect the unit to a ground

connection. The ground terminal has an M4 stud with M4 retaining nuts and is compatible

with all grounding wires. Remove only NUT 2 to connect your ground wire. The ground wire

must have a suitable lug. When refitting NUT 2 ensure that both NUT 1 & NUT 2 are

correctly tightened to establish and maintain a proper earth connection.

6 Merlin PLUS Manual v1.2

Disclaimer

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this manual we are not responsible for

any errors or omissions within it. The product specifications and descriptions within this manual will

be subject to improvements and modifications over time without notice, as changes to software and

hardware are implemented.

2 How to Use the Documentation

Manual Conventions

Warnings: Instructions that, if ignored, could result in death or serious personal injury

caused by dangerous voltages or incorrect operation of the equipment. These must be

observed for safe operation.

Cautions: Instructions warning against potential hazards, or to detail practices that must

be observed for safe operation and to prevent damage to equipment or personnel.

Important Note: Information you should know to connect and operate your codec

successfully.

Information specific to IP connections.

Information specific to ISDN connections.

Typographic Conventions

Codec software elements are in Arial bold, e.g. Contacts

Codec hardware elements are in bold Capitals, e.g. KEYPAD

Help Button

Press the (information/help) button when navigating codec menus to display a dialog

suggesting the actions which can be performed from within the current menu.

Merlin PLUS Manual v1.2

3 Glossary of Terms

AES/EBU

Digital audio standard used to carry digital audio signals between devices

AES3

Official term for the audio standard referred to often as AES/EBU

BRI

Basic Rate Interface for ISDN services

Directory Number for ISDN

DNS

The Domain Name System (DNS) is used to assign domain names to IP

addresses over the World-Wide Web

Domain

A group of computers or devices on a network which are administered with

common rules and procedures. Devices sharing a common part of the IP

address are said to be in the same domain

DSCP

The Differentiated Services Code Point is a field in an IP packet header for

prioritizing data when traversing IP networks

Fail over

Method of switching to an alternative backup audio stream if the primary

connection is lost.

GUI

Graphical User Interface

ISDN

Integrated Services Digital Network

ISP

Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are companies that offer customers access to

the internet

Internet Protocol; used for sending data across packet-switched networks

LAN

Local Area Network; a group of computers and associated devices sharing a

common communications link

Latency

Delay associated with IP networks and caused by algorithmic, transport and

buffering delays

MIB

A management information base (MIB) is a database used for managing the

entities in a communications network. This term is associated with the Simple

Network Management Protocol (SNMP).

Multicast

Efficient one to many streaming of IP audio using multicast IP addressing

Multi-unicast

A multi-unicast program (also known as multiple unicast) can transmit a single

audio stream with common connection settings to a number of different

destinations.

MSN

Multiple Subscriber Number for ISDN

Network Address

Translation

(NAT)

A system for forwarding data packets to different private IP network addresses

that reside behind a single public IP address.

Port Address

Translation

(PAT)

Related to NAT; a feature of a network device that allows IP packets to be

routed to specific ports of devices communicating between public and private

IP networks

PSU

Power Supply Unit

QoS (Quality of

Service)

Priority given to different users or data flows across managed IP networks. This

generally requires a Service Level Agreement (SLA) with a Telco or ISP

RTP

A standardized packet format for sending audio and video data streams and

ensures consistency in the delivery order of voice data packets

SDP

SDP defines the type of audio coding used within an RTP media stream. It

works with a number of other protocols to establishes a device’s location,

determines its availability, negotiates call features and participants and adjusts

session management features

SIP

SIP is a common protocol which works with a myriad of other protocols to

establish connections with other devices to provide interoperability

SLA

Service Level Agreements (SLAs) a contractual agreement between an ISP

and a customer defining expected performance levels over a network

8 Merlin PLUS Manual v1.2

SNMP

Simple Network Management Protocol

SPID

Service Profile ID for identifying devices over ISDN networks

STL

Studio-to-transmitter link for program audio feeds

STS

Studio-to-studio audio link

TCP

TCP protocol ensures reliable in-order delivery of data packets between a

sender and a receiver

UDP

User Datagram Protocol: the most commonly used protocol for sending

internet audio and video streams. UDP packets include information which

allows them to travel independently of previous or future packets in a data

stream

Unicast

Broadcasting of a single stream of data between two points

WAN

Wide Area Network; a computer network spanning regions and/or countries to

connect separate LANs

Merlin PLUS Manual v1.2

4 Getting to know Merlin PLUS

The 1RU Merlin PLUS rack mount IP codec is designed to rapidly expand your remote capability.

Merlin PLUS has the ability to manage up to 6 bidirectional mono connections with IP codecs or

smartphones using Report-IT, saving money on codec hardware costs and reducing studio rack

space requirements. It can also deliver high quality bidirectional stereo and full duplex

communications for remote broadcast connections.

Overview of this User Manual

Use this manual to learn how to:

Configure codec 'programs' (please read About Program Dialing for more info).

Adjust audio and connection settings within the codec.

Please read Getting Connected Quickly for an overview of how to adjust and store audio and

connection settings in your codec using 'programs'.

Applications

Merlin PLUS is ideal for studio and remote truck installations and is capable of:

6 simultaneous bidirectional mono remote connections.

1 or 2 Bidirectional mono or stereo remotes, each with a separate bidirectional IFB channel

for communications.

Simple local or remote command and control.

Recallable codec configurations via ‘programs’.

Codec Features

DSP-based architecture designed for continuous operation.

Dual Gigabit (10/100/1000) Ethernet ports with automatic switching for redundancy.

Auto switching, dual redundant AC power supplies.

Uncompressed PCM audio plus the low-delay, cascade resilient aptX® Enhanced algorithm

(capable of up to 24bit, 48kHz audio sampling)

Other popular algorithms including LC-AAC, HE-AAC v1 and v2, AAC-LD, AAC-ELD, AAC-ELDv2,

Opus, MPEG-1 Layer II and III, Tieline Music and MusicPLUS, G.722 and G.711.

SmartStream PLUS redundant streaming for high reliability over IP networks without Quality of

Service.

IPv4 & IPv6 compatible and ready.

Asymmetric algorithmic encode/decode*.

Integrated alarm management.

G5 Toolbox GUI enables remote codec control over WANs.

Compatible with Tieline Codec Management System**.

Low latency in-band RS-232 auxiliary data channel.

Programmable software rules engine via a GUI for Control Port functions.

Streamlined codec wizards and GUI for configuration and control.

*Support for multiple languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese, French and Chinese.

10 Merlin PLUS Manual v1.2

Connect to all Tieline IP codecs and Report-IT iOS/Android suite of Apps.

* Supported in later releases.

** Separate product

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