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MH10f Merger Hub

MH10f
Merger Hub
The 10-port MH10f supports bidirectional parallel Pro64® connections with integrated fiber optic connectivity.
MH10f Merger Hub
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MH10f Merger Hub
MH10f Merger Hub
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  • Distribute and merge up to 10 Pro64 A-Net streams over Cat-5e or fiber
  • 8 EtherCon bidirectional Pro64 A-Net ports
  • 2 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet SFP slots
  • Supports single- and multi-mode SFP fiber transceivers
  • Three channel-routing configurations
  • Supports redundant cable paths
  • Internal universal power supply; IEC power connector
  • Four-pin XLR Connector for optional backup DC power

The MH10f Merger Hub features the same basic functionality as the MH10 Merger Hub, but replaces ports 9 and 10 with 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet SFP slots which can be outfitted with either single- or multi-mode fiber optic transceivers (available separately; no SFP modules ship with the product).

Similar to a familiar Ethernet switch, but with features and performance designed specifically for networking and distributing audio, the MH10f offers unprecedented flexibility and simplicity in system design. The MH10f features ten bidirectional A-Net® ports. Eight ports use EtherCon RJ45 connectors, while the remaining two feature SFP slots.

In Pro64 systems running in Auto Mode, the Merger Hub creates a single network stream which is redistributed out all ten ports. This ensures that all 64 audio channels are available throughout the network, regardless of the physical location of any audio input or output. Channels can be physically located off any combination of the ten ports, even if they go through multiple Mergers.

In a Manual Mode system, the Merger Hub provides three preset configurations, allowing users to optimize the way each point merges and distributes audio channels. Each configuration preserves the bidirectionality of the system, even as inputs are separated physically off various legs of a hub.

The MH10f can also be used to provide the protection of a backup cable for main runs, as in a digital snake. The Merger Hub will also merge Aviom's Virtual Data Cable? data, allowing Pro64 devices to send and share control data effortlessly over long cable distances (up to 400ft/120m over Cat-5e between devices).

The MH10f features the security of a rear-panel four-pin XLR connector for optional backup DC power.

Single-mode or multi-mode fiber transceivers can be installed in the MH10f, depending on the needs of the application or the type of fiber cabling available. The fiber transceivers and fiber cable type (single/multi) must match in order to properly communicate.

Aviom has tested the following SFP transceivers and found them to work with no problems:

  • LAN Basics model OT-2001 (multi-mode)
  • LAN Basics model SFP-3103 (single-mode)
  • Avago HFBR 57EOPZ
  • Finisar FTLF 1217P2BTL
  • Planet MGB-LX (single-mode)

Gigabit (1 Gbps) SFP transceivers are not supported.

LED Indicators: A-Net Active, x10
A-Net: 8 EtherCon® RJ45 connectors, rear panel
2 100Mbps Ethernet SFP fiber optic transceiver slots, rear panel
A- Net Cable Length 400 feet (120 meters) between devices (Cat-5e);
Fiber optic performance varies according to the type of transceivers used (single/multi)
SFP Transceiver Requirements: 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet; Class 1 laser device
SFP: use duplex LC connector
Gigabit (1 Gbps) SFP transceivers are not supported
Power Supply: 100-240VAC 50-60Hz, 24W
Internal switching type; IEC connector
Backup DC Power Inlet: 24VDC, 2.0 amp max.
4-pin XLR (Pin 1: GND; Pin 4: 24VDC)
Dimensions: 1U: 19"w x 8"d x 1.75"h (482.6 x 203 x 44 mm)
Weight: 8 pounds (3.63 kg)

16x16 Yamaha Console Interconnect with 6416Y2 Cards
16x16 Yamaha Console Interconnect with 6416Y2 Cards
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In this system, a pair of 6416Y2 cards are set up to link two Yamaha® digital consoles. By setting each card to transmit and receive a unique region of the Pro64 network, the operators can easily transfer audio signals between the consoles digitally.

Digital splits of the audio from either or both consoles can be created simply by adding Pro64 output modules set to the same channel range as the channels you want to copy. The digital splits can be analog, digital, or even additional Yamaha consoles with 6416Y2 cards installed.

Up to 64x64 channels can be transferred between two consoles in this manner by populating the consoles with additional 6416Y2 A-Net cards.

Add the MH10 or MH10f Merger Hub to this system to provide additional distance between the Pro64 devices or add parallel connectivity.

Line Drawing: PDF | DWG

32x32 Yamaha Console Interconnect with 6416Y2 Cards
32x32 Yamaha Console Interconnect with 6416Y2 Cards
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In this system, a pair of Yamaha® digital consoles are linked with a 32x32 Pro64 digital snake that uses just one Cat-5e cable between the two locations. Each console has two 6416Y2 cards installed, each of which can provide 16 inputs and 16 outputs simultaneously. By setting each card to transmit and receive a unique region of the Pro64 network, the operators can easily route and transfer audio signals between the consoles digitally.

Digital splits of the data from either console can be created by adding Pro64 output modules set to the same channel range as the channels you want to copy. The digital splits can be analog, digital, or even additional Yamaha consoles with 6416Y2 cards installed.

Add the MH10 or MH10f Merger Hub to this system to provide additional distance between the Pro64 devices or add parallel connectivity.

Line Drawing: PDF | DWG

16 Line-Level Inputs with AES3 Digital Split, Pro64
16 Line-Level Inputs with AES3 Digital Split, Pro64
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Up to 16 line-level signals are patched into a 6416i Input Module and these input channels are assigned to Slots 1-16 within the network. Once active on the Pro64 network, these channels can be output anywhere by simply tuning an output module to the same channel range as the inputs. In this example a 6416dio Digital I/O Module is used to output the signals from the Pro64 network as AES3 digital data. A second 6416dio is used to create a digital split; this 6416dio can be located anywhere in the network.

There is no limit to the number of digital splits; they can be analog, digital, or console cards.

Add the MH10 or MH10f Merger Hub to this system to provide additional distance between the Pro64 devices or add parallel connectivity. 

By adding ASI A-Net Systems Interface to this setup, Pro16 output devices such as the A-16II Personal Mixer can be used to create a monitor system for performers.

Line Drawing: PDF | DWG

Tie Lines With Fiber
Tie Lines With Fiber
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Tie lines can be used to connect rooms, venues, recording studios, classrooms, buildings, production areas, or remote trucks so that users can share data effortlessly.

This system shows four similarly equipped locations that have both analog and digital I/O modules installed. Locations are connected with MH10f Merger Hubs making it easy to use fiber for long distance runs where needed.

Line Drawing: PDF | DWG

48x16 Pro64 Digital Snake with Yamaha Console and Fiber Connectivity
48x16 Pro64 Digital Snake with Yamaha Console and Fiber Connectivity
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This 48x16 digital snake adds the flexibility of two MH10f Merger Hubs?one in the stage rack and one at FOH?allowing Stage and FOH to be connected by Cat-5e or single- or multi-mode fiber. Backup cables of either type may be added.

Both audio and control data are passed seamlessly over the fiber optic link.

Line Drawing: PDF | DWG

Connecting Pro64 Devices

A Pro64® network can be connected in almost any way imaginable with no impact on audio performance. Every cable in a Pro64 network always carries the full capacity of the network, meaning that there are no limitations on the location of input or output modules. Pro64 also supports the use of hubs such as the MH10 and fiber-enhanced MH10f when parallel connections are desired.

Because every Pro64 A-Net® port is always bidirectional and carries the full capacity of the network, all of the ports throughout a network are essentially interchangeable. If you plan to operate your system in Manual Mode (up to 64x64), connecting one device's B port to the next device's A port throughout the system will make tracking signal flow in complex systems more straightforward. If, however, your system will always run in Auto Mode, there is no need to keep track of A-Net connections.

Getting Audio Out of a Pro64 Network

Once a signal is converted to Pro64® A-Net®, any compatible Pro64 device can be used to output the Pro64 data as analog or AES3 digital data as required.

Pro64 network data is also available to any Yamaha devices outfitted with 6416Y2 console cards. Pro64 uses state-of-the-art clock management to guarantee pristine audio performance at every point in the network.

Unlimited lossless digital splits (mic/line analog, Yamaha, or AES3 digital) can be created from anywhere in the network by connecting another Pro64 module with a Cat-5 cable.

Adding a Monitor System to a Pro64 Snake or Network

The ASI A-Net Systems Interface can be used to convert Pro64 A-Net data to the Pro16 format. With an ASI installed, you can output channels from a Pro64 network to the Pro16 AN-16/o Output Module, AV-P2 Output Module, or to a personal monitoring system.

The ASI can output up to four 16-channel streams of data (at 48kHz) from a Pro64 network. At 96kHz, two streams are available(Pro64 channels 1-32), and at 192kHz, one Pro16 stream is available (Pro64 channels 1-16).

Connecting the MH10f with Fiber Optic Cable

The MH10f Merger Hub has eight EtherCon Cat-5 and two fiber optic connectors. With single-mode or multi-mode SFP transceivers installed, ports 9 and 10 on the MH10f can be connected with fiber cabling to increase the distance between Pro64 devices.

This example shows a pair of 6416dio Digital I/O Modules each connected to an MH10f hub. The hubs can be up to 1.5 miles (2.5km) apart using multi-mode fiber, or up to 50 miles (80km) apart using single-mode.

To use fiber with the MH10f first install an SFP transceiver (available separately) into either port 9 or 10 on the hub. The SFP transceivers typically have an LC fiber connector; simply connect your fiber cable to the SFP on each MH10f. Always match the fiber cable (single- or multi-mode) to the type of SFP installed.

Creating Digital Splits - Pro64

Because the full content of the Pro64 network is available at every point in the system, an additional output (or input) location can be added anywhere in the network. Simply connect the desired module (6416o for line-level analog outputs, 6416dio for AES3 outputs, or 6416Y2 card in a Yamaha device) to any open A-Net port, set its A-Net Slot, and activate output channels as desired.

Splits may also be connected in parallel using the MH10 or MH10f Merger Hubs.

Intro to the 6416m Mic Input Module

Ray Legnini, Aviom's Product Research and Development Manager, takes you on a tour of the features and benefits of our revolutionary new 6416m Mic Input Module.
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