MOTU AVB Switch User Guide

Safety Precautions and Electrical Requirements

CAUTION! Read this Safety Guide before you begin installation or operation. Failure to comply with safety instructions could result in bodily injury or equipment damage.

HAZARDOUS VOLTAGES: Contact may cause electric shock or burn. Turn off unit before servicing. ⚡

WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR OTHER MOISTURE.

CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER OR FACEPLATES. NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS

1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use the product near water.
6. Cleaning - Unplug the product from the power supply and clean only with a dry cloth.
7. Ventilation - Do not block any ventilation openings.
8. Heat - Do not install near heat sources. Operating Temperature: 10°C to 40°C (50°F to 104°F).
9. Power Sources - Operate only from the type of power source indicated on the marking label.
10. Power supply cord - Protect the power supply cord from being walked on or pinched.
11. Disconnect - The main power supply plug is considered the disconnect device and shall remain readily operable.
12. Accessories - Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
13. Surge protection - Unplug the product during lightning storms or when unused for long periods.
14. Servicing - Do not attempt to service yourself; refer all servicing to qualified personnel.
15. Damage requiring service - Unplug and refer servicing to qualified technicians if the power supply plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled, the product has been exposed to rain or water, it does not operate normally, it has been dropped, or exhibits a distinct change in performance.
16. Replacement Parts - Ensure service technician uses manufacturer-specified parts.
17. Safety Check - Ask technician to perform safety checks after service.

FCC COMPLIANCE

This equipment has been type tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. If this equipment causes interference, try correcting it by relocating the receiving antenna, increasing separation between equipment and receiver, or plugging into a different circuit.

WARNING: Changes or modifications to this device not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user's authority to operate the equipment under FCC rules.

License Agreement and Limited Warranty

Software License: Using the software indicates acceptance of the license agreement terms. Mark of the Unicorn, Inc. (MOTU) owns the program and documentation, protected by copyright and trade-secret laws. Use is limited to license terms. You may use on one computer, transfer between computers (removing old copies), and make backup copies. You may NOT distribute, rent, lease, sublicense, provide for service business, translate, adapt, reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble without MOTU's written consent.

Software Warranty: MOTU warrants disks to be free from defects for ninety (90) days from purchase. This warranty does not cover damage from accident, abuse, or misapplication.

Hardware Warranty: MOTU warrants equipment against defects in materials and workmanship for TWO (2) YEARS from the original retail purchase date. Warranty activation requires user account creation at motu.com within 90 days of purchase. This warranty applies only to hardware; software is covered by separate statements.

Warranty Service: Contact MOTU technical support for verification and Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA). Return product with prepaid transportation charges. Use original packing material and insure shipment. Include name, address, phone, email, problem description, and dated bill of sale. Do not include accessories. Print RMA number clearly on the box.

Warranty Exclusions: This warranty does not apply if the equipment has been damaged by accident, abuse, misuse, or misapplication; modified without permission; or if the serial number is removed or defaced. Exclusions include: equipment purchased from unauthorized resellers, used equipment, equipment purchased in another country, normal wear and tear, damage from improper installation/connections, damage in transit, or physical damage (water, cracks, dents, burns, etc.).

Implied Warranties: All implied warranties, including merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, are limited to two (2) years from the original retail purchase date.

Limitation of Liability: MOTU is not responsible for special, incidental, or consequential damages, including lost profits, downtime, or data loss.

Update Policy: Complete and return the Purchaser Registration Card to MOTU to be eligible for program updates.

Copyright: © 2021, 2020 by Mark of the Unicorn, Inc. All rights reserved.

Quick Reference

The MOTU AVB Switch is a 6-port Gigabit Ethernet switch designed for Audio Video Bridging (AVB) networks.

Front Panel Description:

The front panel features six 1 Gigabit AVB NETWORK ports and a power indicator.

• Port 1-6: 1 Gigabit AVB NETWORK ports for connecting AVB devices, other switches, or standard Ethernet devices.
• PWR LED: Indicates that the unit has power and is switched on.
• Port LEDs (per port): The left LED glows solid when a network connection is established. The right LED flashes to indicate signal activity.

Cabling Note: Use CAT-5e or CAT-6 cables for network connections. For local connections, patch cables can be used, but may reduce maximum cable run length.

Key Features:

• No configuration necessary; the switch self-configures and manages device discovery, configuration, and resource allocation.
• Establishes and maintains accurate timing and synchronization among all connected devices.
• Negotiates audio routing and guarantees audio integrity, regardless of other network traffic.
• Consolidates audio, synchronization, and control.

For more information, see Chapter 2, "Networking" (page 8).

Quick Start Guide

Thank you for purchasing a MOTU AVB Switch! The MOTU AVB Switch is a "plug-and-play" device. Simply connect the included power supply to power it on, make your network connections, and you are ready to go.

For a summary of AVB networking benefits, see Chapter 1, "About the MOTU AVB Switch" (page 7), and for building networks with multiple switches, see Chapter 2, "Networking" (page 8).

To check for the latest firmware version, see Appendix A, "Updating Firmware" (page 13). For configuring ports for non-AVB operation, see Appendix B, "Configuring non-AVB ports" (page 14).

To access the latest resources for the MOTU AVB Switch, visit: https://motu.com/en-us/products/avb/avb-switch/downloads/

Chapter 1: About the MOTU AVB Switch

IEEE 802.1 Compliant AVB Networking

Audio Video Bridging (AVB) is an extension to Ethernet engineered for real-time, low-latency, synchronized streaming of audio and video. AVB provides a true A/V standard integrating networking technology with professional audio/video.

Use the MOTU AVB Switch for All Your AVB Needs

The MOTU AVB Switch allows quick and easy building of AVB-compliant audio/video networks with six 1-Gigabit AVB ports. It offers compatibility with standard Ethernet and provides benefits like plug-and-play operation, guaranteed quality of service (QoS), and self-regulated network resource management.

Plug-and-Play Operation

Connect MOTU AVB devices with standard CAT-5e or CAT-6 cables. The switch supports automatic device discovery and network bandwidth management without requiring IT expertise.

Standard Cabling

Use standard CAT-5e or CAT-6 Ethernet cables up to 100 meters long between the MOTU AVB Switch and other AVB devices or switches.

1-Gigabit Operation

1-Gigabit operation maximizes AVB capabilities, offering high audio channel counts and very low network latency.

Guaranteed Quality of Service (QoS)

In an AVB network, audio and video streams are maintained regardless of other network traffic. AVB's Stream Reservation Protocol ensures guaranteed QoS for each stream.

Network-Wide Clock and Sync

AVB provides a network-wide time base for better-than-sample-accurate phase lock across all connected audio devices, with timing accuracy down to the nanosecond. Network-wide sync can be established with one click.

Support for Standard Ethernet

AVB can coexist with standard Ethernet, allowing connection of devices like Wi-Fi routers, Ethernet hubs, and other Ethernet networks. Any port on the MOTU AVB Switch supports standard Ethernet and can be configured for non-AVB operation.

Chapter 2: Networking

Overview

The MOTU AVB Switch enables expanded, customized audio network systems.

About AVB

Audio Video Bridging (AVB) is an IEEE 802.1 extension for high-performance audio and video networking. It integrates networking technology with high-end audio, offering:

• Open Industry Standard: Developed by IEEE, not proprietary.
• High Channel Counts: Supports hundreds of network channels.
• Extremely Low Latency: Guarantees low-latency, real-time performance.
• Guaranteed Quality of Service (QoS): Prioritizes audio streams to maintain integrity.
• Network-Wide Clocking and Sync: Nanosecond-accurate timing across devices.
• True Plug-and-Play Operation: Automatic device discovery and management.
• Support for Standard Ethernet: Cooperates with existing Ethernet devices and infrastructure.
• Long Cable Runs: Supports up to 100 meters with CAT-5e/CAT-6, longer with fiber optics.

MOTU's AVB Implementation

MOTU's implementation is fully interoperable with 3rd party AVB devices and fine-tuned for MOTU devices, offering:

• Support for Multiple Computer Hosts: All devices sync to the network's master clock.
• Gigabit Ethernet: Provides higher bandwidth for more devices.
• Over 500 Channels of Network Audio: Supports numerous audio streams simultaneously.
• Exceptionally Low Network Latency: As low as 0.6 ms.
• Star Configuration: More flexible than daisy-chaining.
• Web Interface: Control via MOTU Pro Audio Control web app.
• Support for Standard Ethernet: Ports can be used for command, control, and Internet access.

Networking Examples

Networking is ideal for studios, enabling strategic interface placement and simplified cabling. It allows routing audio with near-zero latency between devices and computers.

Studio Setup Example:

Large Studio Facility: Build audio network neighborhoods across multiple rooms or floors, with unified control from anywhere.

Concert Systems: Design scalable, adaptable systems for touring, easily bringing devices online/offline.

Large-Scale Venues: Well-suited for arenas, stadiums, etc., with long cable runs and sub-millisecond latency.

A Quick Guide to Networking

Networking Basics:

• Use CAT-5e or CAT-6 cables for network connections.
• Network cable lengths can be up to 100 meters with standard copper wire, or longer with fiber-optic cables. High-quality shielded cables are recommended for long connections.

Working with AVB Switches:

• Networks of three or more interfaces require an AVB-compatible switch like the MOTU AVB Switch. Non-AVB compatible switches will not work.
• Connect MOTU AVB interfaces to any AVB Switch using their NETWORK ports.
• Connect any port on the MOTU AVB Switch to a Wi-Fi router, LAN, or computer (for web app).
• Expand networks by adding more switches, connecting one switch to another. Avoid creating loops.
• AVB audio cannot pass through more than six switches, but more can be daisy-chained for routing.

Working with Computers on a Network:

• Computers are not required for network operation; control can be managed from tablets or smartphones.
• Recent Macs can stream AVB audio over Ethernet. PCs can be used for command and control.
• All computers and interfaces on the network have full access to each other.
• The MOTU AVB Switch supports 1 Gbit AVB, allowing routing of many audio channels.

Setting Up a MOTU AVB Interface for Networking

MOTU AVB interfaces can broadcast and listen to numerous 8-channel streams. Consult your interface's User Guide for configuration details, including mapping audio to network streams and managing presets.

Support for Standard Ethernet

The MOTU AVB Switch allows connection of standard network devices such as:

• A WiFi router
• An Ethernet hub or switch connected to a local network
• Any other standard networking device

Each port can be independently configured for AVB or non-AVB (standard Ethernet) operation. See Appendix B, "Configuring non-AVB ports" (page 14).

Appendix A: Updating Firmware

MOTU may provide firmware updates to improve performance. To update the firmware:

1. Ensure your computer is on the same network as the MOTU AVB Switch and has internet access.
2. Go to: https://motu.com/en-us/products/avb/avb-switch/downloads/
3. Download and launch the MOTU Discovery app (macOS or Windows).
4. Click the "Firmware Updater" tab. Your switch should appear in the list of AVB devices.
5. If the switch shows "Update to x.xx", click the update arrow. If it says "Up to date", no action is needed.
6. After the update, the switch will reboot and reacquire an IP address. A "Update Successful!" message indicates completion.

(Description of Figure 2-1: The MOTU AVB Switch in MOTU Discovery, showing device status. Description of Figure 2-2: Switch rebooting and acquiring IP address after firmware update.)

Appendix B: Configuring non-AVB Ports

The MOTU AVB Switch automatically detects AVB-capable devices and routes AVB traffic accordingly. Each Ethernet port can be independently configured for AVB or non-AVB (standard Ethernet) operation.

To configure ports:

1. Ensure your computer is on the same network as the MOTU AVB Switch.
2. Go to: https://motu.com/en-us/products/avb/avb-switch/downloads/
3. Download and launch the MOTU Discovery app.
4. Click the "All Devices" tab to see your switch.
5. Click "Open Pro Audio Control" next to the switch to access its settings.
6. In the "Enable AVB" section, check or uncheck ports as desired for AVB or non-AVB operation.
7. Click "Save" to apply changes.

If you have multiple switches, use the "Identify" button to confirm which switch you are configuring; its power LED will flash.

(Description of Figure 2-3: The MOTU AVB Switch in MOTU Discovery. Description of Figure 2-4: The switch settings interface.)

Appendix C: Technical Specifications

*Each Ethernet port can be independently configured to operate as an AVB port or a non-AVB (standard Ethernet) port.