L-Acoustics LA NWM Installation Technical Bulletin

Computer Requirements

System:

• Windows 10 to Windows 11
• macOS High Sierra (10.13) to macOS Sequoia (15.1)

Note: LA NWM may not start if Windows is not up to date. Ensure your system is updated using Microsoft Update.

• Screen resolution: 1024 x 768 minimum
• RAM: 1 GB minimum
• Processor speed: 1 GHz minimum

Installer Contents

Windows Installer includes:

• LA Network Manager
• Load Sensor Calibration Tool
• WinPcap (for AVDECC Controller support)

macOS Installer includes:

• LA Network Manager
• Load Sensor Calibration Tool
• LA NWM permissions for AVDECC capabilities

Copyrights

Windows 10 and Windows 11 are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Mac and macOS are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. WinPcap is a trademark or registered trademark of Riverbed.

Updating LA Network Manager

Saving User Presets/Layouts and Current Session

Procedure:

1. Run the installed version of LA NWM.
2. Restore the current Session from the network and save it to a file.
3. For each 4-output physical Unit:
   • Save each user preset (memory locations 1 to 10) to a file.
   • Verify that all Units are on a user preset (memory locations 1 to 10). If not, load a preset from a user preset memory.
4. For each 16-output physical Unit: save each user layout as a local layout.

Results: Saved files can be loaded back after the update. Refer to the LA NWM Help for exceptions regarding LA NWM 1.preset and system files.

Installing LA Network Manager

Important: Firmware updates erase Session parameters and user presets/layouts from amplified controllers. Back up your data first.

Note: Do not use WiFi to connect to physical Units during firmware updates, as this may cause clicking sounds from the loudspeakers. There is no risk of damage.

The firmware package includes firmware for all unit types. LA Network Manager uploads firmware to P1 units first, then to amplified controllers in batches. Units will display "Waiting for reboot" upon update completion.

Procedure:

• macOS: Root password is required.
• Windows: Administrator rights are required.

1. Unzip the downloaded package.
2. Double-click the EXE (Windows) or PKG (macOS) file.
3. Follow the wizard instructions.

Note for Windows users: If a message appears indicating WinPcap is already installed, click Cancel.

4. Update firmware of all units:
   • Run LA NWM in Online mode.
   • Add detected physical Units to the Workspace.
   • Select the Units to be updated.
   • Click the L-Acoustics logo (top left) and select Firmware Updater.
   • Click Update Firmware. This updates both firmware and the factory preset library.

If firmware upload fails on a Unit: Reboot the Unit, close and reopen LA NWM, and repeat the procedure.

If some LA4X units do not restart successfully, refer to "Recovery of continuously rebooting LA4X" (page 4).

5. If applicable, load back saved files.
6. Update your Session files (recommended). Refer to the LA NWM Optimization technical bulletin.

Loading Saved Sessions and User Presets/Layouts

Procedure:

1. Run the latest version of LA NWM.
2. For 4-output Units: From the Preset Loader, drag and drop each saved preset file into the relevant user preset memory of each physical Unit. If presets are from version 1.x or 2.x, a warning message will appear, and unit IP addresses will be highlighted in orange. These presets must be replaced with version 3.x minimum presets.
3. For 16-output Units: From the Preset Selector, click the three dots and select "Load a local layout". The loaded layout can be saved as a user layout.
4. Open the saved session file to recover all settings, which will be automatically converted to the new format.

Updating LA4/LA8/LA4X from Firmware 1.x

LA NWM from version 2.5.1 no longer detects LA4/LA8 Units on firmware version 1.x. LA NWM from version 3.2.0 can no longer update LA4X Units on firmware version 1.5 or lower.

Procedure:

1. Download the LA Network Manager Mac or LA Network Manager Win pack from the L-Acoustics website (Documentation Center > Archives).
2. Install LA NWM 2.4.4 from the October 2016 release pack.
3. Run LA NWM 2.4.4 in Online mode.
4. Add detected physical Units to the Workspace.
5. Select Units with firmware 1.x.
6. Click the L-Acoustics logo (top left) and click Firmware Updater.
7. Click Update Firmware. This automatically updates Units to firmware version 2.7.2.9 (LA4/LA8) or 1.7.2.9 (LA4X).
8. Close LA NWM 2.4.4.
9. Run the latest version of LA NWM in Online mode.
10. Repeat steps 4 to 7. This updates Units to the latest firmware version.

Recovery of Continuously Rebooting LA4X

In rare cases, LA4X amplified controllers may fail to start after a firmware update, indicated by the POWER LED flashing orange. This suggests the auxiliary power-supply board is faulty, possibly due to pre-existing minor damage.

Procedure for short-term recovery:

• Press and hold the encoding wheel for about 5 seconds.
• If the issue persists: Press and hold the encoding wheel. As soon as the POWER LED turns red, release the encoding wheel, press the POWER button for about 2 seconds, then press and hold the encoding wheel again.

What to do next: Contact your L-Acoustics representative as soon as possible to replace the auxiliary power-supply board.