Martin Audio MLA MINI, Advanced User'S Manual

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MLA Mini Advanced User Guide V1.0
37
MLA MINI
ADVANCED USER GUIDE
U-Net topologies
The U-Net protocol uses a fault-tolerant redundant ring topology, so connections “daisy-chain”
between all units on the network, going first to
U-NET 1 on the first network device, e.g., an
MSX sub; then from U-NET 2 on that sub to U-NET 1 on the next MSX sub and so on, before
finally making a return connection back to the unused U-Net port on the first network device
to complete the loop. Note that a loop topology may employed with or without using a Merlin
processor: examples of each scenario are given in the options shown below. The U-Net network
will operate perfectly well without a closed loop but it is strongly recommended to use this
topology so that the network will continue to work in the event of a cable break or unplugged
connector.
Network options
Bearing in mind the points made above (“U-Net topologies”), the diagrams below show the
possible data interconnections that can be used with MLA Mini systems of two different sizes.
Option 1 to 3 are for a single 4 x Mini + MSX array; Options 4 and 5 are for a pair of arrays of
the same configuration, and Options 6 to 10 are for systems double this size – eight Minis + 2
MSX subs per side. The interconnection principles in these examples can easily be adapted for
use with larger systems.
Option 1
Option 1
PC to MSX via USB
MINI
USB
USB
USB (5m Maximum)
In this simple example, a single USB connection is used between the PC and the MSX’s USB
port. No operational redundancy is provided by this arrangement.