Networking for StudioLive™ Mixers Remote Control

1 Introduction

StudioLive Series III and AI-series mixers can be directly connected to a standard LAN network for remote control using UC Surface or QMix-UC. StudioLive Series III mixers can also be networked to a Mac® or Windows® computer to control Studio One Artist.

This guide provides best practices for establishing a stable control network for your StudioLive mixer and covers essential networking basics to help troubleshoot potential issues. Companion guides are available for UC Surface, QMix-UC, and Studio One DAW Control Mode for StudioLive Series III mixers.

Note: While this guide discusses networking terminology and best practices, PreSonus provides support only for networking issues directly related to PreSonus hardware.

1.1 What You Will Need

In addition to your StudioLive mixer, the following are required to network your mixer and use the companion software accessories:

• Wireless Router: A wireless router is required to remotely control your StudioLive mixer using UC Surface or QMix-UC for iOS® or Android™. This device facilitates data flow between your mixer, tablet, mobile device, and computer via a single Ethernet cable (detailed in Section 2.1). [Wi-Fi Signal]
• Ethernet Cable: Your mixer requires a hardwired connection to your Wireless Router. These are available at most electronics dealers. [Ethernet Cable]
• Tablet or Touch-equipped Computer (recommended for UC Surface): PreSonus® UC Surface offers comprehensive controls for mixing without being tied to the mixer's hardware surface. It is designed for both Apple iPad® and Android™™™ tablets. It also runs on Windows, allowing the use of a Windows Surface or touch-equipped laptop for remote control. [Tablet and Laptop]
• Mobile Device (required for QMix-UC): QMix-UC enables performers to wirelessly control monitor (aux) mixes onstage and in the recording studio from their mobile devices. It supports both iOS and Android mobile devices. [Smartphones]

1.2 Additional Resources

This guide focuses on networking procedures for control purposes only. Additional reference guides are available for the following:

Hardware Guides:

• StudioLive Series III Console Mixer Owner's Manual: Provides hardware functions for StudioLive Series III console mixers (StudioLive 64S, StudioLive 32S, StudioLive 32SX, StudioLive 32SC, StudioLive 32, StudioLive 24, StudioLive 16).
• StudioLive Series III Rackmount Mixer Owner's Manual: Details hardware functions for StudioLive Series III rackmount mixers (StudioLive 32R, StudioLive 24R, StudioLive 16R).
• StudioLive AI-Series Console Mixer Owner's Manual: Covers hardware functions for StudioLive AI-Series console mixers (StudioLive 32.4.2AI, StudioLive 24.4.2AI, StudioLive 16.4.2AI).
• StudioLive AI-Series Rackmount Mixer Owner's Manual: Explains hardware functions for StudioLive AI-Series rackmount mixers (StudioLive RM/RML32, StudioLive RM/RML16).

Software Guides:

• Capture 3 Reference Manual: Describes Capture, a digital-audio multitrack-recording application for quick and easy recording.
• QMix-UC Reference Manual: Details features and functions of QMix-UC for all StudioLive mixer models, allowing up to 16 users to remotely control Aux Mixes via smartphone.
• Studio One Integration Reference Manual: Covers Studio One Artist, included with every StudioLive mixer, and its integration features as a powerful DAW.
• UC Surface Reference Manual: Describes features and functions of UC Surface for all StudioLive mixer models, enabling remote control of mixer functions or using tablets as additional screens.
• Using Your StudioLive as an Audio Interface with Universal Control Reference Guide: Explains Universal Control features and using your StudioLive mixer as an audio interface with DAW applications.

Additional Resources:

• StudioLive Series III AVB Networking Guide: Covers advanced AVB audio networking configuration for StudioLive Series III mixers.
• StudioLive Series III Stage box Mode Addendum: Details using StudioLive Series III rackmount mixers as stageboxes for console mixers.
• StudioLive Series III Studio One DAW Control Addendum: Explains how StudioLive Series III console mixers can control Studio One and Studio One Artist.

2 Networking Basics

A network connects two or more devices (computers, iPads, Android devices, networkable mixers) for intelligent data sharing. For StudioLive mixers and their companion software, this data is control data. A network can be as simple as a StudioLive mixer connected to an iPad via a wireless router.

The network type used by StudioLive mixers is a Local Area Network (LAN), connecting devices within a close proximity (e.g., same house, office, or campus).

Please note: While some information applies to standard LANs, this section specifically addresses requirements and best practices for configuring a control network for your StudioLive mixer.

Common terms encountered when configuring your control network:

• Node: Any device connected to a network (computer, iOS/Android device, mixer, etc.).
• Segment: A part of a network separated by a router, switch, or bridge.
• Topology: Describes how each node connects to the network.
• Media Access Control (MAC) Address: The physical address of a network node, identifying the manufacturer and serial number of its Network Interface Card (NIC).

2.1 Routers and Switches

When connecting multiple devices on a LAN, you can use a hub, switch, or router. For StudioLive control networks, a router is mandatory. If your router has an integrated switch and requires more Ethernet ports, you can connect an additional switch to your router.

Most routers today are wireless. While wired routers exist, they are less common. PreSonus requires a high-quality wireless router for mobile devices and tablets. You can also connect your computer wirelessly for UC Surface and Studio One control.

Network Diagram Description: A diagram illustrates a simple network setup. It shows a StudioLive mixer connected via an Ethernet cable to a wireless router. The router is shown broadcasting a Wi-Fi signal, connecting wirelessly to an iPhone running QMix-UC and an Android Tablet running UC Surface. A laptop is also shown, connectable either wirelessly or via Ethernet.

The router communicates with each device using small data packets, sending data from a Source Address to a Destination Address based on IP Addresses. These IP Addresses are typically assigned dynamically by the router via DHCP, though StudioLive mixers also support Static Self-Assigned and Manual addressing. Refer to the Universal Control and UC Surface Reference Guide for more information.

The router's primary function is to track and route these data packets to and from the correct IP addresses.

In contrast, a network switch acts as a controller, improving the efficiency of information flow between devices on a network. Simply put, a switch creates a network, while routers act as dispatchers, determining the best path for information.

Power User Tip: When connecting your mixer to your router, you may notice both LAN and WAN ports. WAN ports, often labeled 'Internet', are firewalled for ISP communication. PreSonus recommends using only the LAN ports on your router.

3 Adding a Computer

Networking your computer to your StudioLive mixer offers three main advantages:

• UC Surface: Use UC Surface as a second screen for your mixer, and to back up and organize scenes and presets.
• Capture: When networked with your StudioLive, Capture allows saving and recalling mix scenes with your Capture audio, and remote control of mixer digital returns for Virtual Soundcheck.
• Studio One: Networking your StudioLive Series III console mixer with Studio One enables its use as a control surface, with additional integration features. Consult the Studio One StudioLive Integration Reference Guide for details.

3.1 Wired Control

Hardwiring both your mixer and your computer to the same router provides the simplest configuration.

Wired Connection Diagram Description: The diagram shows a StudioLive mixer connected via an Ethernet cable to a network router. A laptop is also connected via an Ethernet cable to the same router. Another diagram shows a touch screen computer connected via Ethernet to the router.

Connect standard CAT5e or CAT6 Ethernet cables from your computer's Ethernet port to a LAN port on the Ethernet router, and from the router to the Control port on the StudioLive's rear panel.

3.2 Wireless Control

Using a wireless router allows remote control of your mixer without additional cabling.

Wireless Connection Diagram Description: The diagram shows a StudioLive mixer connected via an Ethernet cable to a wireless router. The router broadcasts a Wi-Fi signal, connecting wirelessly to a laptop. An iPhone running QMix-UC and an Android Tablet running UC Surface are also shown connected wirelessly to the router.

Connect your mixer and computer to your router as shown. Ensure the mixer's Control port is connected to a LAN port on your router. To connect your computer wirelessly:

Windows 7+

1. Click the network icon in the notification area to open the Connect to Network Control Panel.
2. Select your wireless network name.
3. Enter the password.
4. Click Connect.

macOS 10.8 and later

1. Click the Wireless Status icon in the Menu bar.
2. Select your wireless network name.
3. Enter the password.
4. Click Join.

Power User Tip: If your router is too far from your mixer and computer, Access Points can extend your wireless network and provide additional connectivity.

4 Adding a Tablet

Network Diagram Description: Similar to previous diagrams, this shows a StudioLive mixer connected via Ethernet to a wireless router. The router connects wirelessly to an Android Tablet running UC Surface and a laptop. The laptop is shown with an optional wired connection.

4.1 Connecting Your iPad to Your Network

Follow these steps to connect your iPad:

1. Tap the Settings icon on your iPad.
2. Tap "Wi-Fi".
3. Select the network your StudioLive is connected to and enter the password when prompted. Tap Join.
4. Enter the password when prompted and tap Join.

4.2 Connecting Your Android Tablet to Your Network

Follow these steps to connect your Android tablet:

1. Tap the System Settings icon.
2. Tap "Wi-Fi".
3. Select the network your StudioLive is connected to and enter the password when prompted. Tap Join.
4. Enter the password when prompted and tap Join.

5 Adding a Mobile Device

Network Diagram Description: This diagram illustrates the network setup with a StudioLive mixer connected via Ethernet to a wireless router. The router connects wirelessly to an iPhone running QMix-UC, an Android Tablet running UC Surface, and a laptop. The laptop is shown with an optional wired connection.

5.1 Connecting Your iPhone/iPod touch to Your Network

Follow these steps to connect your iPhone/iPod touch:

1. Tap the Settings icon on your iPhone/iPod touch.
2. Tap "Wi-Fi", ensuring it is set to "On".
3. Under "Choose a Network", select the network your StudioLive is saved on.
4. Tap the network to select it.

5.2 Connecting Your Android Phone to Your Network

Follow these steps to connect your Android phone:

1. Tap the System Settings icon.
2. Tap "Wi-Fi".
3. Select the network your StudioLive is connected to and enter the password when prompted. Tap Join.
4. Enter the password when prompted and tap Join.

Important: Ensure your computer and iOS devices are connected to the same network as your StudioLive mixer each time you plan to remotely control it with UC Surface or QMix-UC.