Page 1: User Manual
Merlin PLUS IP / ISDN / POTS Codec User Manual Software Version: Build 2.16.80 Manual Version: v2.0_20170808 August, 2017...
Page 2: Table Of Contents
Table of Contents Part I Warnings & Safety Information Part II How to Use the Documentation Part III Glossary of Terms Part IV Getting to know Merlin PLUS Part V Merlin PLUS Rear Panel Connections Part VI Merlin Front Panel Controls...
Page 3: Contents
........................... 126 6 Configuring POTS ........................... 134 7 Configuring Input/Output Settings ........................... 139 8 Configure Mono or Stereo Peer-to-Peer Programs in Merlin ........................... 143 9 Configure 2 Mono Peer-to-Peer Answering Programs in Merlin ........................... 154 © Tieline Pty. Ltd. 2017...
Page 4 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 10 Configure Mono or Stereo + IFB Dialing Programs ........................... 159 11 Configure Mono or Stereo + IFB Answering Programs ........................... 171 12 Configure 2 Mono or Stereo + IFB Answering Programs ........................... 177 13 Configure 6 x Mono Peer-to-Peer Answering Programs ...........................
Page 5: Contents
........................... 313 11 Declaration of Conformity ........................... 315 12 Trademarks and Credit Notices ........................... 316 Part XXVI Merlin PLUS Specifications Part XXVII Appendix A: RS232 and Control Port Wiring Part XXVIII Appendix B: DB25 Wiring Index © Tieline Pty. Ltd. 2017...
Page 6: Part I Warnings & Safety Information
PERMANENT DAMAGE MAY OCCUR! If you are unfamiliar with any facility, check that the line you are using is NOT a digital line. If the Tieline codec becomes faulty due to the use of a digital phone system, the WARRANTY WILL BE VOID.
Page 7 This Warranty does not apply if the product has been damaged by accident or misuse or as the result of service or modification performed by anyone other than Tieline. With the exception of the warranties set forth above, Tieline makes no other warranties, expressed or implied or statutory, including but not limited to warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, which are hereby expressly disclaimed.
Page 8: Part Ii How To Use The Documentation
Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 How to Use the Documentation Manual Conventions Warnings: Instructions that, if ignored, could result in death or serious personal injury caused by dangerous voltages or incorrect operation of the equipment. These must be observed for safe operation.
Page 9: Part Iii Glossary Of Terms
Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Glossary of Terms AES/EBU Digital audio standard used to carry digital audio signals between devices AES3 Official term for the audio standard referred to often as AES/EBU Basic Rate Interface for ISDN services Directory Number for ISDN...
Page 10 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 SDP defines the type of audio coding used within an RTP media stream. It works with a number of other protocols to establishes a device’s location, determines its availability, negotiates call features and participants and adjusts...
Page 11: Part Iv Getting To Know Merlin Plus
The 1RU Merlin PLUS rack mount codec is designed to rapidly expand your remote capability. Merlin PLUS has the ability to manage up to 6 bidirectional mono connections, which saves money on codec hardware costs and reduces studio rack space requirements. Connect to IP codecs or smartphones using Report-IT, as well as ISDN and POTS codecs via optional plug-in transport modules.
Page 12 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 · Support for multiple languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese, French and Chinese. · Connect to all Tieline IP codecs and Report-IT iOS/Android suite of Apps. © Tieline Pty. Ltd. 2017...
Page 13: Part V Merlin Plus Rear Panel Connections
Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Merlin PLUS Rear Panel Connections XLR Analog and AES3 Inputs XLR IN1/AES3 and IN 2 are balanced line inputs. Input 1 can also be used as an AES3 (AES/EBU) digital input. This input accepts both mono and stereo digital AES3 signals.
Page 14 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Aux Mic/Line Input AUX IN 6.35mm (1/4") balanced auxiliary mic or line input. Headphone Out/Aux Line Out HP/AUX OUT 6.35mm (1/4") software configurable stereo headphone output, or balanced auxiliary line output. The front panel HEADPHONE output and rear panel HP/AUX OUT share the same hardware output.
Page 15: Part Vi Merlin Front Panel Controls
Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Merlin Front Panel Controls The hardware front panel interface features menu navigation buttons, an LCD display with PPM metering and a dialing keypad. Navigation Buttons The codec has four arrow shaped navigation buttons for navigating codec menus and adjusting levels, and an OK button for selecting menu items.
Page 16 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Front Panel LED Descriptions LED Description Alarm The ALARM LED flashes red when an alarm is active in the codec. It stops flashing and illuminates solid red after an alarm has been acknowledged. User (SIP) The USER LED flashes orange when registering to an active SIP server account.
Page 17: Part Vii Navigating Menus
Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Navigating Menus All main codec menus can be launched from the Home screen which includes: Features Codec Home Screen Elements 1 Screen Name The name of the current screen 2 Connect Select to connect and adjust connection settings...
Page 18 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Codec Menu Overview Following is an overview of the codec menus from the Home screen. Note: file playback may not be supported in all codecs. © Tieline Pty. Ltd. 2017...
Page 20 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 IP Setup Menu Navigation After selecting IP and a connection mode use Setup to adjust connection settings. © Tieline Pty. Ltd. 2017...
Page 21 E.g. Session Type and Data are not displayed when configuring Sessionless IP connections. · Default settings may also change depending on the session type selected, e.g. Tieline Session versus SIP or Sessionless. ISDN Menu Navigation Select Connect > ISDN to configure ISDN dialing settings using the codec front panel.
Page 22 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 POTS Menu Navigation Select Connect > POTS to configure POTS dialing settings using the codec front panel. Note: default settings are surrounded by square brackets. © Tieline Pty. Ltd. 2017...
Page 23: Settings Menu
Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Settings Menu Press the SETTINGS button on the codec front panel to access a wide range of configuration settings. © Tieline Pty. Ltd. 2017...
Page 24: Part Viii Merlin Plus Input Levels And Ppms
Tieline G5 reference scale setting. The default Tieline G5 audio reference scale displayed on the PPMs when you connect to a Tieline G5 codec is -38dBFS to 0dBFS (e.g. Merlin, Genie, Bridge-IT and ViA codec families). Using this reference scale audio peaks can safely reach 0dBFS without clipping, providing 18dB of headroom from the nominal 0vu point.
Page 25 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Configure Tieline G3 Codec Audio Reference Scales Genie, Merlin, Bridge-IT and ViA codecs have more audio headroom than Tieline G3 audio codecs, therefore the audio metering reference scale needs to be adjusted when these codecs connect to a Commander or i-Mix G3 codec.
Page 26 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Configure Report-IT Audio Reference Scales The Report-IT setting is used for compatibility when streaming audio using Tieline's Report-IT smartphone application. 1. Press the SETTINGS button. 2. Navigate to Audio and press 3. Navigate to Ref Level and press 4.
Page 27 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 2 x Mono Peer-to-Peer Connection Metering The codec is capable of creating two independent mono audio stream connections simultaneously. In this situation the codec will display outgoing connection 1 audio on PPM1 for input 1 and use PPM 2 to display return audio. Outgoing connection 2 audio will be displayed on PPM3 for input 2 and PPM 4 displays the return audio.
Page 28 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 1 x Stereo Peer-to-Peer + IFB Metering This program transmits a bidirectional stereo audio stream and a separate bidirectional mono IFB communications audio stream. Incoming and outgoing audio for both audio streams is displayed on the PPMs.
Page 29 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Metering 6 Bidirectional Peer-to-Peer Mono Audio Streams By default the PPMs display input (encoder) audio levels when up to 6 mono audio streams are configured within a program. Inputs 1-6 are mapped to PPMs 1-6.
Page 30 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 4. Use the down navigation button to highlight Input Level and press the button. 5. Navigate to the channels you want to adjust and press 6. Press the number on the keypad corresponding to the channel you want to toggle on or off. E.g.
Page 31 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Auxiliary Input Adjustment The codec has 1 x 6.35mm (1/4") Mic/Line level Jack on the rear panel. By default the input is Off and can be configured by: 1. Selecting the SETTINGS button. 2. Navigate to Audio and press the button.
Page 32 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 instructions. Intelligent Gain Control (IGC) The codec's inbuilt DSP limiter automatically takes care of any instantaneous audio peaks that occur in demanding broadcast situations. Input IGC (Intelligent Gain Control) is enabled by default and is automatically activated at +20 dBu (G5 audio scale) and +14dBu (G3 audio scale) to prevent audio clipping.
Page 33: Part Ix Configuring Aes3 Input Audio
Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Configuring AES3 Input Audio The codec has an IN1/AES3 input on the rear panel of the codec for AES3 (AES/EBU) format audio. This balanced 110 ohm female XLR input can operate effectively over distances of up to 100 meters and accepts both mono and stereo AES3 signals.
Page 34 (Note: this is the same as the AES Rx Clock setting in Tieline G3 codecs). The codec will initially try to use the signal on AES inputs 1 and 2 as the clock to which the AES outputs are synchronized. If unavailable, it will then attempt to use inputs 3 and 4 or inputs 5 and 6 in that order.
Page 35: Part X Merlin Plus Headphone/Aux Output
Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Merlin PLUS Headphone/Aux Output The codec has a 6.35mm (1/4") RTS stereo HEADPHONE output for monitoring inputs and return audio. If you are using analog inputs or digital inputs you will see audio metering on the PPMs and can monitor it with the headphones.
Page 36 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Navigate to the source you want to monitor and press . Options include: 1. Default: the default factory program headphone mix 2. Audio Stream: monitors the selected codec audio stream. 3. Inputs: monitors the codec inputs (i.e. encoders).
Page 37: Part Xi Inserting Hardware Modules
Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Inserting Hardware Modules Two slots are available for inserting optional ISDN or POTS connection modules into the codec. The module slots are numbered as follows. Inserting or Removing a Module Ensure the codec is not powered up when inserting or removing modules. Where possible use anti-static precautions to help minimize the chance of static charges damaging the highly sensitive circuitry.
Page 38: Part Xii About Isdn Modules
The NT-1 is a relatively simple device that converts a 2-wire U interface into the 4-wire S/T interface. If you have an NT-1 device connected to the U interface line then you will require a Tieline Euro ISDN G5 module (S/T interface - model: TLISDNEUROG5). If you don’t have an NT-1 device installed then the Tieline US ISDN G5 module (U interface - model: TLISDNUSG5) will be required.
Page 39: Isdn Module Settings
To configure the codec to dial using ISDN for the first time: 1. Ensure that the correct country setting is configured in your codec via Settings > System > Country. 2. If you are dialing between two Tieline codecs you normally only need to configure an ISDN dialing program via Connect >...
Page 40 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Important Note: ISDN Sync should be displayed when an ISDN line is connected to the codec. This appears regardless of whether you have configured the ‘ISDN Line Type’ correctly. and press 3. Navigate to Accept button.
Page 41 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 6. If you are in the US enter DN and SPID numbers as required, or in other regions enter DN or MSN numbers as required. Navigate to each DN, SPID or MSN and press the...
Page 42: Isdn Answering Configuration
Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 ISDN Answering Configuration 12.2 Important Note: For more detailed information about ISDN Answer Config parameters, including bonding and 'route' configuration etc., please see Configuring ISDN Answering the HTML5 Toolbox Web-GUI manual. ISDN Answering Configs are used to determine how codec ISDN modules will behave when answering ISDN calls.
Page 43 Tieline session data from the caller and configure its own algorithm settings according to that. If it fails to receive Tieline session data within 5 seconds (i.e. a non-Tieline codec is calling, or a Tieline codec with session data disabled), it will use the settings in the ISDN Answering Config instead.
Page 44 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Reset ISDN Answer Configs To reset ISDN answering settings to factory defaults: 1. Navigate to Settings > Answering > ISDN Answer Configs > Reset ISDN Answer Configs and then press the button. 2. Select Yes and press the button.
Page 45: Part Xiii About Pots Modules
Important Note: It is possible to connect two concurrent POTS connections, however the codec will not bond two POTS connections. Connecting to G3 Codecs using POTS The codec will successfully connect to Tieline Commander G3 and i-Mix G3 codecs over POTS. These Tieline G3 codecs may use: ·...
Page 46: Pots Module Settings
All POTS G5 modules are capable of making analog voice calls. It may be necessary to make an analog call to dial a telephone hybrid, or to use for communications, or because there is no Tieline codec at the other end of the link. Remember analog voice calls are only 3 kHz audio quality. To select analog phone answering mode in a POTS G5 module navigate to Settings >...
Page 47 Calls are answered based on the settings in Config 1 & 2 via Settings > Answering > POTS Answer Configs. Adjustments to these Config settings are not normally necessary when connecting between Tieline codecs. Default settings may need to be adjusted when connecting to non-Tieline codecs over POTS (see POTS Answering Configuration for more info).
Page 48 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 In the initial connection phase, the modems perform a process called ‘training’, to analyze the line and compensate for frequency and phase response. This also cancels out any echo that may be present. The codec will then 'renegotiate' the link downwards to the highest possible bit rate where line quality is greater than 70%.
Page 49: Pots Answering Configuration
Connection setting preferences are normally exchanged via session data sent between two Tieline codecs when a connection is established. If you answer a call from a non-Tieline codec you will need to create an answering "Config" to determine the settings used when connecting, and designate which module will answer the call (if more than one POTS module is installed).
Page 50 Important Note: On the Comrex codec select its "Music" algorithm. Please note that 9.6kbps connections are not supported by the Comrex codecs. 7. If required you can specify the audio stream Route when answering a call from a non-Tieline codec, then press the button.
Page 51 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Reset POTS Answer Configs To reset POTS answering settings to factory defaults: 1. Navigate to Settings > Answering > POTS Answer Configs > Reset POTS Answer Configs and then press the button. 2. Select Yes and press the button.
Page 52: Part Xiv About Sip
SIP peer-to-peer connection involves two codecs connecting to each other directly using an IP address, as you would for a standard Tieline IP call. The difference is that a Tieline IP call uses proprietary Tieline session data to negotiate call parameters (e.g. algorithm and bit rate) when a call is established, whereas a peer-to-peer SIP connection uses Session Description Protocol (SDP) for this purpose.
Page 53 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Some SIP servers route RTP audio through the SIP server as well and Tieline recommends avoiding this type of server whenever possible. Otherwise you will be reliant on the SIP server for streaming broadcast audio packets and most servers are not designed for mission critical packet streaming.
Page 54: Configuring Sip Interfaces
Failover and SmartStream PLUS redundant streaming are not available with SIP connections. · When connecting to a Tieline G3 codec using SIP you need to manually select the G3 audio reference level in the codec. To do this select SETTINGS > Audio > Ref Level >...
Page 55 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 4. Select Disable to disable the interface before editing settings. 5. Select Edit and then press to individually select and configure SIP interface settings. 6. Navigate to each field in turn and press the button to edit SIP interface settings as required.
Page 56: Configuring Sip Accounts
Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Configuring SIP Accounts 14.2 Getting Started Up to 6 SIP accounts can be configured in the codec and registering codecs for SIP connectivity is simple. First, select the SIP server to which you will register your codec. On a LAN this may be your own server, or it could be one of the many internet servers available.
Page 57: Tieline Pty. Ltd
Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 5. Navigate to each field in turn and press the button to enter SIP account credentials. Select and use the Change Account Answer Route screen to route Answer Route incoming calls to this SIP account to a specific audio stream. The route setting in this...
Page 58: Part Xv Language Selection
Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Confirming Account Registration There are three symbols displayed on the screen next to an account which indicate SIP account registration status. Symbol Description Cross symbol indicates the account is not yet registered. Hourglass symbol indicates account registration is currently being attempted.
Page 59: Part Xvi About Program Dialing
Tieline Genie and Merlin codecs use programs to connect to another codec. A Program configures a Tieline codec to send or receive one or more Audio Streams based upon the particular application the codec is being used for at any given time. The attributes of the audio stream and associated connections are embodied within a program when it is created, including the configuration, dialing and answering parameters.
Page 60 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Creating Programs Only the simplest peer-to-peer (point-to-point) programs can be created using the codec front panel. The HTML5 Toolbox Web-GUI contains a Program Manager panel with a wizard for configuring program settings and backup connections. Edit settings easily at the touch of a button and use existing programs as templates for creating other programs.
Page 61: Part Xvii Multiple Stream Programs
Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Peer-to-peer connection configured via the codec front panel Multiple Stream Programs Programs can be configured to connect a single audio stream to multiple destinations, or connect multiple audio streams to different destinations. 2 x Mono Peer-to-Peer Programs A 2 x Mono Peer-to-Peer program includes two mono audio streams.
Page 62: Part Xix Mono Or Stereo + Ifb Programs
2. A separate bidirectional mono IFB audio stream for communications. 2 x Mono or Stereo + IFB Programs This program is designed to allow a Merlin PLUS codec at the studio to answer calls from two incoming Merlin or Merlin PLUS codecs and receive: 1.
Page 63: Part Xxi Getting Connected Quickly
2. Press the HOME button to return to the Home screen, select Connect > IP > Tieline and press the button. Note: Select SIP or Sessionless instead of Tieline if these connections are required.
Page 64 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 3. Use the RETURN button to delete any numbers if already entered, then use the numeric KEYPAD to enter the IP address of the codec you want to dial, using the buttons to enter the periods in the IP address (or use the Virtual Keyboard). Next, press the down navigation button to select Setup and press Important Note: The codec remembers recent IP addresses just like a cell-phone.
Page 65 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 8. Press the down navigation button to select FEC (forward error correction) and press view selection options. Use the navigation buttons to select the FEC percentage you want to use and press 9. When configuration is complete press the RETURN button to navigate backwards to the Connect IP screen that the IP address was entered into.
Page 66: Monitoring Ip Connections
Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Monitoring IP Connections 21.2 Connection Details The number of active audio streams and connections is displayed on the Home screen via Cxns. In the following image two connections (left bracketed number) and two audio streams (right bracketed number) are currently in use.
Page 67 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Feature Description 1 Lost Packets Packets sent that failed to arrive 2 Empty (Jitter Indicates how often the jitter buffer ‘reservoir’ empties causing loss of Buffer) audio 3 Late Packets The number of packets that arrive late, i.e. after audio play out...
Page 68: Steps To Connect Over Isdn
Home screen, select Connect > ISDN and press button. 3. Navigate to Setup and press the button. 4. Select whether to dial with Tieline Session Data or select Sessionless if dialing a non-Tieline codec, then press the button. © Tieline Pty. Ltd. 2017...
Page 69 Important Note: By default, when Tieline codecs dial they send call configuration settings to the remote codec using Tieline Session Data. This configures the codec receiving the call with matching algorithm, sample rate and bit rate settings. This does not occur when dialing to non-Tieline devices, therefore Sessionless must be selected to provide compatibility.
Page 70 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 11. If you are dialing over multiple B channels to create a bonded connection select the next destination, e.g. Destination 2, and use the numeric KEYPAD to enter the next ISDN number you want to dial. Do this for all B channel destinations.
Page 71: Monitoring Isdn Connections
21.5 Steps to Connect over POTS The following procedure explains how to create a custom peer-to-peer program and dial another Tieline codec over POTS using the front panel keypad and navigation buttons. Important Notes: · POTS Connection Tips and Precautions for valuable information about setting up and maintaining reliable POTS connections.
Page 72 7. Select an algorithm, then press the button. 8. Select Tieline Codecs session data when connecting to another Tieline codec or Sessionless when dialing to non-Tieline POTS codecs. Important Notes: To dial a Comrex® Vector, Matrix® or BlueBox® codec over POTS select the Other algorithm and Sessionless.
Page 73 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 9. Select the Dial Route to use for this audio stream if one is required, then press the button. Note: See Configuring POTS Answering for more information on Dial Route and Answer Route tags. These can be useful when routing multiple audio streams.
Page 74: Monitoring Pots Connections
Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Monitoring POTS Connections for more details on monitoring the different POTS connection states. 21.6 Monitoring POTS Connections Monitoring POTS Calls when Dialing and Connecting 1. When dialing and connecting: · The CONNECTED LED on the front of the unit will flash green.
Page 75: Load And Dial Custom Programs
Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Load and Dial Custom Programs 21.7 Custom programs stored on the codec are simple to load and dial from the codec front panel. 1. Press the HOME button to return to the Home screen. 2. Use the navigation buttons to select Programs and press the button.
Page 76: Speed Dialing Connections
Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Auto Reconnect using ISDN 1. Press the HOME button to return to the Home screen, select Connect, then select ISDN and press the button. 2. Navigate to Auto Recon and press to toggle between Enabled and Disabled.
Page 77: Dial/Disconnect Multiple Audio Stream Programs
Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 3. Navigate to an available speed dial number and press the button. 4. Navigate to a program in the Program List and press the button to select and assign a program. Speed Dialing There are two ways to speed dial.
Page 78: Dialing Sip Connections
3. It is not possible to renegotiate the connection bit rate over a SIP connection. 4. When connecting to a Tieline G3 codec using SIP you need to manually select the G3 audio reference level. To do this select SETTINGS >...
Page 79 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Dialing Peer-to-Peer SIP Connections SIP can be used to make direct peer-to-peer calls to different brands of IP codecs with public IP addresses, or between two codecs over a LAN which do not pass through firewalls. Peer-to-peer SIP calls are often used to connect to other brands of codecs and perform call and session management tasks.
Page 80: Creating A Multicast Client Program
Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 4. Navigate to a registered SIP account and press 5. The SIP Account is now selected and the codec will attempt to establish the connection via a SIP server. Important Notes: · Configuring SIP Accounts for instructions on entering SIP account details into the codec.
Page 81 To learn more about programs see the section titled About Program Dialing. · Relay functionality is available for multicast connections between Tieline codecs. · See Toolbox web-GUI documentation for more detailed information about configuring multicast client programs. 1. Press the HOME button to return to the Home screen, select Connect >...
Page 82 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 6. Click to configure the Jitter Buffer from either Auto Jitter Adapt or Fixed Buffer Level , then and enter the Jitter Depth, which must be between 12ms and 5000ms depending on the algorithm you select, then press Important Notes: Automatic or fixed jitter buffer settings can be adjusted on individual client codecs as required.
Page 83: Deleting Programs
2. Use the navigation buttons to select Connect and press the button. 3. Select IP and press the button. 4. Select Tieline session mode and press the button. Note: algorithm profiles are only available for Tieline session connections. © Tieline Pty. Ltd. 2017...
Page 84 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 5. Use the down navigation button to select Setup and press the button. 6. Select Algorithm and press the button. Use the right navigation button to select Profile. 8. Select the profile you want from the Favorite, Mono or Stereo menus.
Page 85: Merlin Algorithm Profiles
Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Merlin Algorithm Profiles 21.17 The following algorithm profiles are programmed into Merlin codecs. Profiles Algorithm Mono/Stereo Sample Rate (kHz) Bit rate (kbps) Mono Stereo Stereo HE-AAC Mono HE-AAC Stereo HE-AAC Stereo AAC-LD Mono AAC-LD Stereo...
Page 86: Merlin Backup Options
SIP or sessionless IP connections. SmartStream PLUS Redundant IP Streaming Tieline’s proprietary SmartStream PLUS IP technology ensures you’re always on the air. The codec features dual Ethernet IP ports allowing two completely independent IP connections. There are three levels to SmartStream PLUS IP streaming.
Page 87 IP networks like the internet. These combined measures ensure Tieline is capable of offering a rock solid IP audio solution for distributing IP audio economically and efficiently across broadcast networks. See the procedures for...
Page 88: Lock Or Unlock A Program In The Codec
Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 configure FEC on each of these data streams. For more info on FEC see Configuring Forward Error Correction. Auto Reconnect Auto Reconnect is the simplest form of connection backup whereby the codec will redial a lost connection continuously until it is either: ·...
Page 89: Locking The Front Panel
Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 7. Press the RETURN button to exit the warning message. Important Note: It is only possible to lock custom programs in a codec. If Lock Program is enabled and you load a new custom program in the codec, Lock Program remains enabled and locks the most recently loaded custom program.
Page 90: Part Xxii Connecting To The Toolbox Web-Gui
Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Connecting to the ToolBox Web-GUI There are two graphical user interface (GUI) options for configuring and connecting Tieline G5 codecs: 1. HTML5 Toolbox Web-GUI: fully configure codec settings, create dialing programs and dial, hangup and monitor connections.
Page 91 1. Click to launch the HTML5 Toolbox Web-GUI. 2. When you launch Toolbox for the first time an authentication dialog prompts you to enter the user name "admin" and password "password" to login, then click the OK button. Tieline highly recommends you change the password (see Changing the Default Password).
Page 92 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 5. If you still can't connect, click the Advanced button in the LAN Settings dialog and ask your IT administrator to assist you with entering the IP address of the codec into the Exceptions pane of the Proxy Settings dialog.
Page 93: Security And Changing The Default Password
Tieline default ports can also ensure the codec is more difficult to discover by external parties. 3. Ports 80 and 8080 are commonly used to access the Tieline codec web server. You can add an additional layer of security by translating these ports on the WAN side of your network into non-standard port numbers.
Page 94 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Creating a New Password The authentication login password can be changed at any time using the codec keypad and LCD SCREEN. Note that passwords are case sensitive: 1. Press the SETTINGS button. 2. Use the navigation button to select WebGUI and press the button.
Page 95: Part Xxiii Using The Html5 Toolbox Web-Gui
Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Using the HTML5 Toolbox Web-GUI The following sections provide an overview of the different configuration panels available within the codec's HTML5 Toolbox Web-GUI. Navigate with the mouse pointer to the Menu bar at the top of the Web-GUI screen and click to select and open each panel in turn.
Page 97 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Connect Panels: Load & Connect Programs & Manage Audio Streams Connections Panel Feature Description 1 Program Connect Click to connect/disconnect all audio streams in a program. Disconnect button 2 Audio Stream Connect / Click to connect/disconnect all connections in an audio stream.
Page 98 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Feature Description Program list The list of saved programs in the codec. Create New Program Click to create a new program using the program wizard. button Delete Selected Click to delete all selected programs Program button Create New Program Click to create a new program using the program wizard.
Page 99 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Scheduler Panel Feature Description Date selection Select the days you wish to view in the scheduler. Add event button Click to create a new scheduled event. View type Click to select the timeframe or timeline view of scheduled events.
Page 100 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Scheduler History Feature Description 1 Grouping Drag and drop a column header to group event history by that column, e.g. Codec Time. 2 Event History List View the codec's history of scheduled events. 3 Purge Scheduler Click to clear all event history displayed.
Page 101 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Audio Menu Panels Inputs Panel Important Note: Tieline codecs have different input configurations, therefore the image shown may not reflect the number of inputs displayed in your codec Web-GUI. Feature Description Settings button Click to adjust input Name, Type, Polarity Inverted and IGC settings.
Page 102 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Feature Description PPM Mode Select a preferred PPM meter mode. Options include Program Default, Input, Decoder, HP Monitor and Input / Output PPM Meters 6 PPM meters using dBFS metering Close button Click to close the panel.
Page 103 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Alarms Panels: Configure & Monitor Alarms Configure Alarms Panel Feature Description 1 List of alarm types Click to select an alarm type to configure. 2 Enable Alarm check-box Click the Enabled check-box to enable the currently selected alarm.
Page 104 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Current Alarms Feature Description 1 Current alarm description View a list of active alarms in the codec 2 Close button Click to close the panel Alarm History Feature Description 1 Alarm history description View the history of previous alarms in the codec.
Page 105 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Transport Panels There are several Transport panels which can be opened in the Web-GUI. Each panel provides specific transport-related configuration settings and options. Click to select and open each panel. As an example, the Network panel is displayed with network interface configuration options. A brief description of the other panels is also provided.
Page 106 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 13 SIP Accounts Click to open the panel and edit SIP account settings. Up to 6 SIP accounts are supported. 14 SIP Filter Lists Add trusted network codecs to the URI Whitelist. Add SIP URIs to the URI Blacklist and add user agents to the User Agent Blacklist to deny them access to the codec.
Page 107 Description 1 Close button Click to close the panel. 2 Tieline Session Edit the Tieline session and alternative session port used by the codec. 3 RS232 Click Baud rate to adjust the baud rate used by the RS-232 serial port on the codec. Select the check-box to Enable Flow Control.
Page 108 5 Event Logs Click to download user-viewable event logs 6 Support Logs Click to download diagnostic information that can be sent to Tieline support About Panel Details of the codec Toolbox and firmware version, as well as the codec serial number. Note: the codec name displayed will vary by product type.
Page 110: Using The Html5 Toolbox Quick Connect Web-Gui
Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Using the HTML5 Toolbox Quick Connect Web-GUI 23.1 The HTML5 Quick Connect Web-GUI is designed for simple peer-to-peer connections and non- technical users. It has a reduced feature-set and allows users to: 1. Load existing programs in a codec via the Program Loader panel and then dial via the Quick Connect panel.
Page 111 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 2. The Check-box symbol appears next to the program name to confirm it has been loaded and the Load button changes to an Unload button. To unload a program click the Unload button. Dial a Loaded Program 1.
Page 112 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Disconnect a Loaded Program 1. Click the Disconnect button in the Quick Connect panel. 2. Click Yes in the confirmation dialog to disconnect the connection. © Tieline Pty. Ltd. 2017...
Page 113 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Dial Peer-to-Peer over IP with Quick Connect Important Notes: · Click the Unload button in the Program Loader panel if a program is currently loaded. · The transcriptor algorithm is for closed captioning and not normal broadcast configurations.
Page 114 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Dial Peer-to-Peer over ISDN with Quick Connect Important Notes: · Click the Unload button in the Program Loader panel if a program is currently loaded. · The transcriptor algorithm is for closed captioning and not normal broadcast configurations.
Page 115 Tieline G5 reference scale setting. The default Tieline G5 audio reference scale displayed on the PPMs is -38dBFS to 0dBFS (e.g. Merlin, Genie, Bridge-IT and ViA codec families). Using this reference scale audio peaks can safely reach 0dBFS without clipping, providing 18dB of headroom from the nominal 0vu point.
Page 116: Configuring Ip Settings
An IP address is a unique address to identify a device on a TCP/IP network. Your codec uses dual IP protocol stacks to allow your codec to work on both IPv4 and IPv6 networks. Tieline codecs support both DHCP (default) IP addressing and static IP addresses for dialing IPv4 connection endpoints.
Page 117 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 If you want to dial a codec with a public IP address you simply dial the IP address to connect. If you want to dial a codec with a private IP address you need to perform network address translation (NAT).
Page 118 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 DHCP IP addresses are automatically assigned and can change each time you connect to your Internet Service Provider, or to your own local area network (LAN). By default the codec is programmed for DHCP-assigned IP addresses.
Page 119 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Auto Address Assignment 1. Click the Edit button in the Network panel to configure settings. 2. By default the codec is programmed for connecting to an IPv6 router which automatically allocates IPv6 address details, as displayed in the following example.
Page 120 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 network for them to be supported in your codec. Reconfigure Default Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Interfaces It is possible to reconfigure the default Primary (ETH1), Secondary (ETH2) and Tertiary (Wi- Fi) interfaces in the codec. As an example, you may want to select Primary as the dialing interface in a program and then copy this program onto multiple codecs.
Page 121: Configure Fuse-Ip Bonding
Wikipedia at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dscp. 23.3 Configure Fuse-IP Bonding Tieline’s proprietary Fuse-IP data aggregation technology uses a point-to-point tunnel between two codecs to bond multiple IP interfaces (peers). Fuse-IP automatically distributes data over any two bonded interfaces, which may include: ·...
Page 122 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 7. Double-check all settings on both the server and client codecs if the message Started, dialing server... persists after turning Fuse-IP On. Configuring a Fuse-IP Remote Client 1. Open the HTML5 Toolbox Web-GUI and click Transport and then Fuse-IP.
Page 123 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 3. Leave the default Fuse-IP Port as 8999 in most situations unless this port is already in use, e.g. you have multiple codecs behind a firewall using Fuse-IP, therefore you need to allocate a different port for each Fuse-IP tunnel. Note: the port number on the client and server codecs must be the same.
Page 124: Line Hunt Call Answering
Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Fuse-IP Enabled & no tunnel created Fuse-IP enabled & tunnel created 8. Double-check all settings on both the server and client codecs if the message Started, dialing server... persists after turning Fuse-IP On. Important Notes: ·...
Page 125 This is particularly useful for identifying inbound callers when using line hunt answering mode. Any Tieline G5 codec dialing into a codec can display a designated Caller ID in the Connection panel. In the following example, Studio A and Studio B have called into the codec using a specific caller ID, which is displayed next to the stream name.
Page 126: Configuring Isdn
Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 23.5 Configuring ISDN Two slots are available for inserting optional ISDN modules into the codec. These can be configured using the codec front panel or the HTML5 Toolbox Web-GUI. See About ISDN Modules additional information on ISDN.
Page 127 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 2. Click to select Module 1 or Module 2. 3. Click the Edit button to configure settings. 4. Click the drop-down arrow for Accept select whether to allow or disallow circuit switched voice and data calls. The default setting allows Data only.
Page 128 ISDN Answer Configs are used to determine how codec ISDN modules will behave when answering ISDN calls. The following image explains the difference between answering calls from Tieline codecs sending session data, and non-Tieline codecs making sessionless ISDN calls. Codecs sending Tieline Session Data contain all the information required to connect, e.g.
Page 129 Expected dialing behaviors, e.g. if B channels should bond or not, and whether audio streams need to use Dial and Answer Route tags. · The type of call being received by the codec, e.g. Tieline (with Tieline Session Data) versus non-Tieline sessionless calls. ·...
Page 130 Bonding Setting Behavior Bonded Unbonded (May Calls using the same algorithm from the same Tieline codec, Bond) or sessionless calls, will attempt to bond when received. Calls using incompatible algorithms will not be bonded Bonded Only Will only bond compatible algorithms. This mode will reject incompatible calls which cannot be bonded, e.g.
Page 131 Config 1-4 in ISDN Answer. You can also select the default algorithm. For example, if a call from a non-Tieline codec is being received via B Channel 1 on Module 1 (i.e. no Dial Route has been specified in the dialing codec): 1.
Page 132 If it fails to receive Tieline session data within 5 seconds (i.e. a non- Tieline codec is calling, or a Tieline codec with session data disabled), it will use the settings in the ISDN Answering Config instead.
Page 133 Allow Answering of Sessionless ISDN Calls Only Select Sessionless Only when answering ISDN calls from non-Tieline codecs only. When Sessionless Only is selected, the codec will not wait to receive the Tieline session data. This reduces the time taken to answer an inbound sessionless call.
Page 134: Configuring Pots
The default Config settings for POTS modules are designed to suit Tieline codecs. These settings will need to be adjusted to connect to non-Tieline POTS codecs or connect in Analog Phone mode.
Page 135 Calls are answered based on the POTS Answer settings in Config 1 & 2. Adjustments to these Config settings are not normally necessary when connecting between Tieline codecs. They are usually adjusted when connecting to non-Tieline codecs over POTS (see...
Page 136 Expected dialing behaviors and encoding, e.g. whether audio streams use Route tags and which algorithm is used. If you answer a call from a non-Tieline codec you will need to create an answering "Config" to determine which module in the codec will answer the call and the settings used when connecting.
Page 137 · The Other algorithm. This configuration will accept the settings from an incoming Tieline codec when it dials with session data enabled. It will also allow the codec to answer a call from a Comrex POTS codec supporting the Other algorithm setting.
Page 138 POTS connections. When dialing Tieline to Tieline over POTS using the Merlin or Genie family of codecs, you can configure a Dial Route in the dialing codec's program and a corresponding Answer Route in the answering codec's program. This will ensure a particular audio stream is routed between two codecs consistently.
Page 139: Configuring Input/Output Settings
Config 1 or 2 in POTS Answer. You can also select the default algorithm. For example, if a call from a non-Tieline codec is received via POTS Module 1 (i.e. no Dial Route has been specified in the dialing codec): 1.
Page 140: Configuring Input Settings
Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Important Note: 15 volt phantom power can only be supplied on the Auxiliary input; this is disabled by default. Adjusting Audio Levels To adjust input audio levels, click on the input slider and drag it to the desired input gain level.
Page 141 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 3. Click Save to confirm the new setting. Important Notes: See Configuring AES3 Input Audio for more information about the digital inputs and outputs. Adjusting IGC 1. Click the Input Settings symbol. 2. Select IGC (Intelligent Gain Control) and then Auto, Fixed or Off as required.
Page 142 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 3. Click Save to store the new setting. Renaming Inputs 1. Select the Input Settings symbol on the input being renamed. 2. Click in the Name text box to enter a new name, or edit an existing name.
Page 143: Configure Mono Or Stereo Peer-To-Peer Programs In Merlin
Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 23.8 Configure Mono or Stereo Peer-to-Peer Programs in Merlin The Program Manager panel incorporates a wizard to configure a new program and all audio stream settings. Before you configure a new codec program consider if: ·...
Page 144 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 · Select Mono/Stereo Peer-to-Peer, or if you want to use an existing program as a template, select this option. Then click Next. Important Note: When you decide to use an existing program as a template, the new program inherits all the settings of the template program and you can adjust these settings as required by continuing through the program wizard.
Page 145 G5 codec. 1. Auto: The codec will dial the G3 codec and connect in mono or stereo. Note: This is overridden in a Merlin or Merlin PLUS codec when a G3 Main + IFB use-case is configured.
Page 146 The Local Audio Port is used by the local codec to receive audio from the remote codec. When Tieline Codecs is the Session Protocol selected (using Tieline session data), the default port value for the Local Audio Port is Automatic.
Page 147 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Important Notes: · If you select Sessionless as the Session Protocol then RFC-compliant FEC is displayed. Configuration instructions are displayed in the right-hand pane. · FEC Delay is only available when the FEC percentage is 100%. This is designed to delay the sending of FEC packets for a predetermined period after the primary audio stream's packets are sent.
Page 148 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Important Note: Dual SmartStream PLUS redundant streaming over both Ethernet ports mitigates lost packets on either link and will provide IP network backup if an IP link is lost. To learn more about SmartStream PLUS redundant IP streaming see http://www.tieline.com/Transports/SmartStream-IP...
Page 149 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Select POTS Codec in the Mode drop-down menu to encode/decode using POTS, or select Analog Phone to configure a standard analog phone call, then click Next. Next, enter the phone number of the codec or device you want to dial. When multiple POTS modules are installed, click the Via drop-down menu and select Module 1 or Module 2 to specify which POTS module will dial.
Page 150 The time frame against which lost data is measured Keep Alive The keep connection alive time before failing over to a backup connection; Tieline RTP pings every second to confirm connectivity Failback Parameters Select the check-box to fail back to a higher priority...
Page 151 For IP select the Session Protocol and Audio Port. Important Note: The Local Audio Port is the port used by the local codec to receive audio from the remote codec. When Tieline Codecs is the Session Protocol selected (using Tieline session data), the Local Audio Port is automatically configured as UDP audio port 9000 by default for the first audio stream connection.
Page 152 · A non-WheatNet-IP Tieline codec can be configured to trigger a logic IO (LIO) in a Tieline WheatNet-IP codec. Up to 64 logic IOs are available in Genie Distribution and Merlin PLUS WheatNet-IP codecs, as well as 4 physical GPIOs.
Page 153 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 The newly created program will be displayed in the left pane within the Program Manager panel and in the Program Loader panel. Select and connect audio streams in a program using the Connections panel, or dial the program manually using the codec front panel.
Page 154: Configure 2 Mono Peer-To-Peer Answering Programs In Merlin
It is possible to create two simultaneous mono peer-to-peer audio stream connections with different codecs. This is similar to a 'Dual Mono' profile in G3 Tieline codecs. The following program wizard procedure displays the configuration screens to create an answering connection for each incoming call.
Page 155: Tieline Pty. Ltd
G5 codec. 1. Auto: The codec will dial the G3 codec and connect in mono or stereo. This is overridden in a Merlin or Merlin PLUS codec when a G3 Main + IFB use-case is configured.
Page 156 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 5. Configure the transport settings: For IP click the drop-down Session Protocol menu and select Tieline Codecs and ensure the Any check-box is not selected, then click Next to specify individual algorithm, jitter buffer and FEC settings, or create another answering connection.
Page 157 · A non-WheatNet-IP Tieline codec can be configured to trigger a logic IO in a Tieline WheatNet-IP codec. Up to 64 logic IOs are available in Genie Distribution and Merlin PLUS WheatNet-IP codecs, as well as 4 physical GPIOs.
Page 158 When this program is loaded, any Tieline G3 codec dialing in using IP1 (using default Tieline IP port settings) will be routed to output 1. A codec dialing in using IP2 will be routed to output 2.
Page 159: Configure Mono Or Stereo + Ifb Dialing Programs
Configure Mono or Stereo + IFB Dialing Programs 23.10 This program is designed to allow remote Merlin and Merlin PLUS codecs to dial a Merlin or Merlin PLUS codec at the studio and transmit: 1. A bidirectional mono or stereo audio stream connection.
Page 160 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 · POTS is not supported for stereo audio stream connections. · To learn more about programs see the section titled About Program Dialing. 1. Open the HTML5 Toolbox Web-GUI and click Connect in the Menu Bar, then select Program Manager to launch the Program Manager panel.
Page 161 G5 codec. 1. Auto: The codec will dial the G3 codec and connect in mono or stereo. This is overridden in a Merlin or Merlin PLUS codec when a G3 Main + IFB use-case is configured.
Page 162 FEC settings and configure a failover connection or SmartStream PLUS for this audio stream (recommended). Note: If you connect multiple remote codecs simultaneously to a Merlin PLUS codec at the studio (when creating 2 x Mono or Stereo Peer-to-Peer + IFB connections), use Remote Audio Port 9020 to configure the second mono/stereo dialing connection at the studio.
Page 163 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Important Notes: · If you select Sessionless as the Session Protocol then RFC-compliant FEC is displayed. Configuration instructions are displayed in the right-hand pane. · FEC Delay is only available when the FEC percentage is 100%. This is designed to delay the sending of FEC packets for a predetermined period after the primary audio stream's packets are sent.
Page 164 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Important Note: Dual SmartStream PLUS redundant streaming over both Ethernet ports mitigates lost packets on either link and will provide IP network backup if an IP link is lost. To learn more about SmartStream PLUS redundant IP streaming see http://www.tieline.com/Transports/SmartStream-IP...
Page 165 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Next, enter the phone number of the codec or device you want to dial. When multiple POTS modules are installed, click the Via drop-down menu and select Module 1 or Module 2 to specify which POTS module will dial. Next, click Save Program to save the program with default settings, or click Next to specify algorithm settings and configure a backup connection if required (recommended).
Page 166 · A non-WheatNet-IP Tieline codec can be configured to trigger a logic IO in a Tieline WheatNet-IP codec. Up to 64 logic IOs are available in Genie Distribution and Merlin PLUS WheatNet-IP codecs, as well as 4 physical GPIOs.
Page 167 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 · Connection-related rules are not displayed in Answer only programs. 5. Click Next to configure the IFB audio stream. Configure the Bidirectional IFB Audio Stream When you have finished configuring SmartStream PLUS, Auto Reconnect or a backup connection, proceed with configuration of the IFB audio stream in the wizard.
Page 168 2 x Mono or Stereo Peer-to-Peer + IFB connections), use Remote Audio Port 9030 to configure the second IFB connection at the studio. IFB audio over this audio stream connection will be routed via audio input/output 6 on the studio Merlin PLUS codec.
Page 169 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Click the check-box to select Enable Redundant SmartStream PLUS and configure dual Ethernet SmartStream IP streaming. Alternatively, click Next to configure Auto Reconnect or a failover connection, whereby the alternative connection is dialed if the primary connection fails.
Page 170 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Select POTS Codec in the Mode drop-down menu to encode/decode using POTS, or select Analog Phone to configure a standard analog phone call, then click Next. Next, enter the phone number of the codec or device you want to dial. When multiple POTS modules are installed, click the Via drop-down menu and select Module 1 or Module 2 to specify which POTS module will dial.
Page 171: Configure Mono Or Stereo + Ifb Answering Programs
1. A bidirectional mono or stereo audio stream connection. 2. A separate bidirectional mono IFB audio stream for communications. A remote Merlin, Merlin PLUS or ViA codec can dial into a studio Merlin or Merlin PLUS codec to create these audio stream connections.
Page 172 · The auxiliary input is used by default for the IFB communications channel in Merlin codecs. In Merlin PLUS codecs the auxiliary input and XLR input 3 are mixed together by default for 1 x Mono/Stereo + IFB programs. ·...
Page 173 G5 codec. 1. Auto: The codec will dial the G3 codec and connect in mono or stereo. This is overridden in a Merlin or Merlin PLUS codec when a G3 Main + IFB use-case is configured.
Page 174 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 5. Configure the transport settings: For IP click the drop-down Session Protocol menu and select Tieline Codecs and ensure the Any check-box is not selected. Important Note: The Local Audio Port is the port used by the local codec to receive audio from the remote codec.
Page 175 · A non-WheatNet-IP Tieline codec can be configured to trigger a logic IO in a Tieline WheatNet-IP codec. Up to 64 logic IOs are available in Genie Distribution and Merlin PLUS WheatNet-IP codecs, as well as 4 physical GPIOs.
Page 176 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 10. Configure the transport settings: For IP click the drop-down Session Protocol menu and select Tieline Codecs and ensure the Any check-box is not selected, then click Next. Important Note: When Tieline Codecs is the Session Protocol selected (using Tieline session data), the Local Audio Port is automatically configured as UDP audio port 9010 by default for the second audio stream.
Page 177: Configure 2 Mono Or Stereo + Ifb Answering Programs
Configure 2 Mono or Stereo + IFB Answering Programs 23.12 This program is designed to allow a Merlin PLUS codec at the studio answer calls from two incoming ViA, Merlin or Merlin PLUS codecs and receive: 1. Two bidirectional mono or stereo audio stream connections.
Page 178 · If your Merlin PLUS codec at the studio will receive both mono and stereo peer-to- peer + IFB calls from different remote sites at different times, we recommend you...
Page 179 G5 codec. 1. Auto: The codec will dial the G3 codec and connect in mono or stereo. This is overridden in a Merlin or Merlin PLUS codec when a G3 Main + IFB use-case is configured.
Page 180 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 5. Configure the transport settings: For IP click the drop-down Session Protocol menu and select Tieline Codecs and ensure the Any check-box is not selected. Important Note: The Local Audio Port is the port used by the local codec to receive audio from the remote codec.
Page 181 · A non-WheatNet-IP Tieline codec can be configured to trigger a logic IO in a Tieline WheatNet-IP codec. Up to 64 logic IOs are available in Genie Distribution and Merlin PLUS WheatNet-IP codecs, as well as 4 physical GPIOs.
Page 182 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 10. Configure the IFB transport settings: For IP click the drop-down Session Protocol menu and select Tieline Codecs and ensure the Any check-box is not selected, then click Next. Important Note: When Tieline Codecs is the Session Protocol selected (using Tieline session data), the Local Audio Port is automatically configured as UDP audio port 9010 by default for the second audio stream.
Page 183 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 12. Continue through the steps in the wizard to complete configuration of the second program audio stream and second IFB audio stream, in the same way as the first audio streams were configured. Click Save Program at the end of this process and then click Finish. This program...
Page 184: Configure 6 X Mono Peer-To-Peer Answering Programs
Configure 6 x Mono Peer-to-Peer Answering Programs 23.13 It is possible for a Merlin PLUS codec at the studio to create six simultaneous bidirectional mono peer-to-peer audio stream connections with different remote codecs or smartphones using the Report-IT app. The following image displays the default audio port settings used when creating a 6 x Mono Peer-to-Peer Program.
Page 185 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Routing 6 Incoming Mono Audio Streams to Specific Codec Outputs Important Notes: Before you start program configuration please note: · You cannot edit a program when it is currently loaded in the codec. · Some drop-down menus and settings may be greyed out intentionally depending on features available and the transport selected (e.g.
Page 186 G5 codec. 1. Auto: The codec will dial the G3 codec and connect in mono or stereo. This is overridden in a Merlin or Merlin PLUS codec when a G3 Main + IFB use-case is configured.
Page 187 IP audio stream connection made by any Tieline codec; port 9010 is used by default for a second IP connection. Merlin PLUS default ports for mono connections 3 to 6 are 9020, 9030, 9040 and 9050. If you need to change this setting on your remote dialing codec, or in your Report-IT smartphone application, this will need to be adjusted accordingly in the answering codec.
Page 188 · A non-WheatNet-IP Tieline codec can be configured to trigger a logic IO in a Tieline WheatNet-IP codec. Up to 64 logic IOs are available in Genie Distribution and Merlin PLUS WheatNet-IP codecs, as well as 4 physical GPIOs.
Page 189 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 10. Configure the transport settings for this connection: For IP click the drop-down Session Protocol menu and select Tieline Codecs and ensure the Any check-box is not selected, then click Next. Local Audio Port 9010 is used by default for a second IP connection.
Page 190 · A non-WheatNet-IP Tieline codec can be configured to trigger a logic IO in a Tieline WheatNet-IP codec. Up to 64 logic IOs are available in Genie Distribution and Merlin PLUS WheatNet-IP codecs, as well as 4 physical GPIOs.
Page 191: Configure 6 X Mono Peer-To-Peer Answering Programs
Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 to 6 are 9020, 9030, 9040 and 9050. If you need to change this setting on your dialing codec, or in your Report-IT smart phone application, this will need to be adjusted accordingly in the answering codec.
Page 192 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 1. Open the HTML5 Toolbox Web-GUI and click Connect in the Menu Bar, then select Program Manager to launch the Program Manager panel. 2. Click the New Program button to open the wizard and: ·...
Page 193 IP audio stream connection made by any Tieline codec; port 9010 is used by default for a second IP connection. Merlin PLUS default ports for mono connections 3 to 6 are 9020, 9030, 9040 and 9050. If you need to change this setting on your remote dialing codec, or in your Report-IT smartphone application, this will need to be adjusted accordingly in the answering codec.
Page 194 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 · Alternatively, select a Fixed Buffer Level and enter the Jitter Depth, which must be between 12ms and 5000ms depending on the algorithm you select. · Local and Remote FEC settings if required. ISDN settings are determined by ISDN module answering settings. For more details see Configuring ISDN Answering.
Page 195 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 4. Configure silence threshold parameters for enabling a preferred backup option, as well as resume thresholds for reactivating a previous source. Important Notes for File Playback: · Ensure MP3 recordings used are not variable bit rate files.
Page 196 · A non-WheatNet-IP Tieline codec can be configured to trigger a logic IO in a Tieline WheatNet-IP codec. Up to 64 logic IOs are available in Genie Distribution and Merlin PLUS WheatNet-IP codecs, as well as 4 physical GPIOs.
Page 197 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 3. Configure the transport settings for this connection: For IP click the drop-down Session Protocol menu and select Tieline Codecs and ensure the Any check-box is not selected, then click Next. Local Audio Port 9010 is used by default for a second IP connection.
Page 198: Configure Multicast Client Programs
Important Note: The default Merlin PLUS answering program uses audio port 9020 for a third audio stream IP connection. Merlin PLUS default ports for mono connections 3 to 6 are 9020, 9030, 9040 and 9050. If you need to change this setting on your dialing codec, or in your Report-IT smart phone application, this will need to be adjusted accordingly in the answering codec.
Page 199 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 · To learn more about programs see the section titled About Program Dialing. · Always dial the multicast server codec connection first before connecting multicast client codecs. · Multicast client codecs will display return link quality (LQ) only. The Return reading represents the audio being downloaded from the network locally.
Page 200 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 5. Follow the instructions on the right-hand side of the panel to configure the transport settings for the connection, then click Next. Note: select UDP/IP +RTP for RFC compliant streaming. Important Note: See RS232 Data Configuration...
Page 201 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Important Notes: Automatic or fixed jitter buffer settings can be adjusted on individual client codecs as required. There is no jitter buffer setting on the server codec because it never receives audio packets. 9. Click the Enable Auto Reconnect check-box to turn this feature on, then click Next.
Page 202 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 3. Click the drop-down arrow to select an Output Audio Source option. 4. Configure silence threshold parameters for enabling a preferred backup option, as well as resume thresholds for reactivating a previous source. 5. After configuring Output Audio Source options you can: i.
Page 203: Configuring Sip
· A non-WheatNet-IP Tieline codec can be configured to trigger a logic IO in a Tieline WheatNet-IP codec. Up to 64 logic IOs are available in Genie Distribution and Merlin PLUS WheatNet-IP codecs, as well as 4 physical GPIOs.
Page 204 · When connecting to a Tieline G3 codec using SIP you need to manually select the G3 audio reference level. To do this select Home screen > Settings > Audio > Reference Level > Tieline G3. In addition, select the following on the G3 codec prior to dialing.
Page 205 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 23.16.1 Configuring SIP Interfaces The codec supports dialing over two SIP interfaces simultaneously. Important Notes: 1. SIP interfaces are disabled by default. 2. SIP1 is configured to use ETH1 by default, which is mapped to the Primary Via interface by default.
Page 206 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 23.16.2 Configuring SIP Accounts Up to 6 SIP accounts can be configured in the codec and registering codecs for SIP connectivity is simple. First, select the SIP server to which you will register your codec. On a LAN this may be your own server, or it could be one of the many internet servers available.
Page 207 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 3. Enter the SIP account details into the relevant text boxes, including the registration Timeout (which shouldn't need to be adjusted from the default setting). Also ensure a SIP Interface is selected (e.g. SIP1 or SIP2.) The SIP interface contains settings related to ports and the selected Via interface, e.g.
Page 208 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 6. In the Toolbox Web-GUI the red SIP indicator adjacent to the codec Online indicator also changes to green when an account is currently registered in the codec and ready to be used when dialing over SIP.
Page 209 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 23.16.3 Configure SIP White and Blacklists The SIP Filter Lists panel allows filtering of SIP URIs and User Agents to provide greater security for your codec connections. For example, add trusted network codecs to the URI Whitelist in this panel and only codecs using these SIP URIs will be able to connect.
Page 210: Configure Peer-To-Peer Sip Programs
Please note that caller ID, dial routes and G3 profile information can not be used for SIP connections because Tieline session data is replaced by SDP for SIP connections.
Page 211 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 4. This audio stream connection in the wizard will allow the codec to dial. Enter the name of the connection in the text box, then click Next. 5. Follow the instructions on the right-hand side of the panel to configure the transport settings for the connection: Ensure that you select: ·...
Page 212 The default UDP audio port when using SIP for a peer-to-peer connection is 5004 in Tieline codecs. To contact a codec that is behind a firewall or NAT-enabled router, it is essential that this and all other relevant ports are open and forwarded to the other device.
Page 213 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 9. Click Next to select the check-box if you want to Enable Auto Reconnect. 10. Click Next to name the answering connection for when calls are received by the codec. 11. Click Next to configure the Session Protocol as SIP for the answering connection to receive a SIP call.
Page 214: Configure Multiple Stream Sip Programs
· A non-WheatNet-IP Tieline codec can be configured to trigger a logic IO in a Tieline WheatNet-IP codec. Up to 64 logic IOs are available in Genie Distribution and Merlin PLUS WheatNet-IP codecs, as well as 4 physical GPIOs.
Page 215 Programs. Please note that caller ID, dial routes and G3 profile information can not be used for SIP connections because Tieline session data is replaced by SDP for SIP connections. 4. This audio stream connection in the wizard will allow the codec to dial. Enter the name of the connection in the text box, then click Next.
Page 216 · Tieline codecs automatically add "sip:" to the address you enter in the Address field when dialing, so it's not necessary to add this. 7. Click the drop-down arrows on the right-hand side of each active drop-down menu to adjust the Encoding, Sample rate or Bit rate parameters.
Page 217 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 8. Click to configure: · Auto Jitter Adapt and the preferred auto jitter setting using the drop-down arrow for Buffer priority. It is also possible to configure the Minimum depth and Maximum depth of jitter over the connection.
Page 218 · A non-WheatNet-IP Tieline codec can be configured to trigger a logic IO in a Tieline WheatNet-IP codec. Up to 64 logic IOs are available in Genie Distribution and Merlin PLUS WheatNet-IP codecs, as well as 4 physical GPIOs.
Page 219: Answering Multiple Sip Peer-To-Peer Calls
Answering Multiple SIP Peer-to-Peer Programs. Please note that caller ID, dial routes and G3 profile information can not be used for SIP connections because Tieline session data is replaced by SDP for SIP connections. 2. Continue through the wizard and configure the second dial and answer stream connections in a similar way to the first audio stream connections.
Page 220 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 route in each audio stream matching the routes used for each SIP account you have registered to the codec. In this way, when a call is received via a particular account, the call is routed to the audio stream with the matching audio answer route. This process also reliably predetermines which inputs and outputs are used on the answering codec (e.g.
Page 221: Load, Unload And Dial A Program
Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 · Failover and SmartStream PLUS redundant streaming are not available with SIP connections 23.20 Load, Unload and Dial a Program To load and dial a program it is necessary to open the Program Loader panel and Connections panel.
Page 222 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 2. Click the audio stream Connect/Disconnect symbol and then click Connect; this connects all connections associated with this audio stream. 3. Click the connection Connect/Disconnect symbol and then click Connect; this connects an individual audio stream connection.
Page 223 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 3. Click the connection Connect/Disconnect symbol to disconnect an individual audio stream connection. © Tieline Pty. Ltd. 2017...
Page 224: Delete A Program
Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Unloading a Program 1. Click to select the loaded program in the Program Loader panel and then click Unload to unload the program in the codec. 23.21 Delete a Program click 1. Open the HTML5 Toolbox Web-GUI and Connect in the Menu Bar, then click Program Manager to open the Program Manager panel.
Page 225: Adjusting The Connection Bit Rate
Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Important Notes: Any program that is currently loaded or listed in the Sheduler Events panel cannot be deleted. 23.22 Adjusting the Connection Bit Rate 1. Open the HTML5 Toolbox Web-GUI and click Connect, then select Connections to open the Connections panel.
Page 226: Backup And Restore Functions
Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 2. Click one of the available reset options to adjust codec settings, or reboot the codec. Note: Hover with the mouse pointer over the Information symbol to view a tool-tip for each reset option. 3. A confirmation dialog appears for each option; click Yes to proceed.
Page 227 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Files can also be used to copy configurations onto other similar codecs. Programs are essentially connection profiles that may include: · Program, audio stream and connection names. · IP address, port, algorithm, jitter buffer, FEC and bit rate settings (etc.) for audio stream connections.
Page 228: Lock Or Unlock Programs
Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 4. Click Restore and select the .tgz file you want to load onto the codec. A Success dialog confirms the files have been restored. Note: The codec will automatically reboot if you restore system settings.
Page 229: Configuring Snmp In The Codec
Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Important Note: · A black Padlock symbol appears next to the program name in the Connections panel and in the Program Loader panel, to indicate a program is locked in the codec. · It is only possible to lock custom programs in a codec.
Page 230: Download Logs
1. Open the HTML5 Toolbox Web-GUI and click Help in the Menu Bar, then click Resources. 2. Click Download Logs. 3. Save the file to your computer and then send the .zip file to Tieline support via support@tieline.com © Tieline Pty. Ltd. 2017...
Page 231 2. Click Download Event Log to view the log in a new web-browser window. Clearing Logs This option should only be used if instructed to by Tieline support staff. To clear all event and other logs in the codec via the front panel, see the...
Page 232: Using The Program Scheduler
Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Using the Program Scheduler 23.28 The program Scheduler is a powerful tool which facilitates automatically connecting and disconnecting programs using a simple calendar-based user interface. Key features include: · Drag and drop to add programs into the scheduler.
Page 233 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 3. Add a Title, and adjust the Start and End time for each event. It is also possible to adjust the frequency of an event, e.g. daily, weekly or monthly. 4. Click Save to add the new event to the Scheduler panel.
Page 234 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 2. Two options are presented if the event is a recurring event: · Edit the current event you have selected, or · Edit all events in the series. 3. Select the preferred option and edit settings in the Event, then click Save to store all changes.
Page 235 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 View Event History To view the history of scheduled events in a codec click Connect in the Menu Bar, then select Scheduler History to launch the Scheduler History panel. Press the Purge Scheduler History button to delete all events listed.
Page 236: Configuring Alarms
Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 1. Generate a PDF view of scheduled events. 2. Adjust the Scheduler Timezone. 3. Enable / Disable the Scheduler. 4. Clear all Scheduled Events. 23.29 Configuring Alarms Open the HTML5 Toolbox Web-GUI and click Alarms in the Menu Bar to open and view panels used to configure and monitor a range of alarms.
Page 237 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 5. Click Save to store the new settings. Note: The following System and Audio alarms are available: Alarm Alarm Explanation Type PSU Failure System Raises an alarm if one or both PSUs fail Input Silence...
Page 238 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 4. Click Save to store the new settings for the selected alarm. Configuring Alarm Dissemination Severity Alerts Alerts for each alarm severity level are configured using the Alarm Dissemination panel. 1. Open the HTML5 Toolbox Web-GUI and click Alarms, then click Alarm Dissemination to open the panel..
Page 239 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Configuring Input Silence Detection Parameters When configuring an Input Silence alarm it is also necessary to configure the audio silence thresholds and timeout duration. 1. Click Input Silence to select the alarm. 2. Click Edit to configure alarm settings.
Page 240 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Viewing Current Alarms Active alarms are indicated by: 1. The red Alarm Symbol flashing in the toolbar of the HTML5 Toolbox Web-GUI screen. 2. All new alarms being listed in the Current Alarms panel. settings.
Page 241 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Alarm State Front Panel Alarm Web-GUI Alarm Symbol Acknowledged Solid red Stops flashing, remains solid red Deactivating Alarms An alarm is deactivated automatically when the alarm state is reversed. E.g. if power is restored after a PSU Failure alarm, or if audio is restored after an Input Silence alarm.
Page 242: Rs232 Data Configuration
The codec supports both in-band and out-of-band data depending on the connection transport and algorithm you are using. RPTP data is automatically enabled when using the Tieline Music or MusicPLUS algorithms over any transport. Over IP it is also possible to enable synchronized out-of- band data using any algorithm.
Page 243 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 · Only the dialing codec needs to be configured to send RS232 data. Session data sent from the dialing codec will configure all other compatible codecs (non-G3) when you connect. © Tieline Pty. Ltd. 2017...
Page 244: Creating Rules
Important Note: · A non-WheatNet-IP Tieline codec can be configured to trigger a logic IO in a Tieline WheatNet-IP codec. Up to 64 logic IOs are available in Genie Distribution and Merlin PLUS WheatNet-IP codecs, as well as 4 physical GPIOs.
Page 245 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Note: Connection-related rules are not displayed in Answer only programs. Configure Rules with the Rules Panel To view rules options: 1. Open the Toolbox HTML5 Web-GUI and click Control in the Menu Bar, then click Rules to display the Rules panel.
Page 246 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 4. Check the Rule Summary and click Create Rule to save the settings. Rule 2: Use Control Port Inputs to Connect and Disconnect a Program This rule is used to connect and disconnect a selected program when different codec control port inputs are turned on.
Page 247 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 3. Check the Rule summary and click Create Rule to save the settings. Rule 4: Synchronize a Local Input with a Local Relay Output Use this rule allow a local codec's control port input to change the state of a local relay output.
Page 248 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 4. Check the Rule summary and click Create Rule to save the settings. Deleting Rules 1. Open the Toolbox HTML5 Web-GUI and click Rules in the Menu Bar to display the Rules panel. 2. Click to select the rule you want to delete.
Page 249: Adjusting Codec Time And Date
Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Adjusting Codec Time and Date 23.32 Network Time Protocol (NTP) is a networking protocol for clock synchronization between computer systems over packet-switched, variable-latency data networks. By default Use NTP time is enabled in the codec and it will synchronize with ntp.tieserver.com. When the codec is attached to a network it will automatically ping the selected NTP server every two hours and update the time in the codec.
Page 250: Upgrading Codec Firmware
Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Upgrading Codec Firmware 23.33 To download the latest codec firmware visit http://www.tieline.com/Support/Latest-Firmware. See Upgrading Firmware via USB to upgrade codec firmware using a USB stick with new firmware copied onto it. New Firmware Notifications By default the HTML5 Web-GUI integrates with TieServer to automatically update users when a firmware upgrade is available.
Page 251 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 5. We recommend clearing your browser cache after the upgrade is complete. The short cuts for this are: · Google Chrome: shift+Ctrl+delete · Mozilla Firefox: Ctrl+shift+delete · Internet Explorer: Ctrl+shift+delete · Safari: Ctrl+alt+e © Tieline Pty. Ltd. 2017...
Page 252: Part Xxiv Front Panel Configuration Tasks
Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Front Panel Configuration Tasks The following sections explain how to configure codec settings using the front panel LCD SCREEN and KEYPAD. 24.1 Configuring IP via the Front Panel Checking IP Address Details in the Codec 1.
Page 253 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 3. Use the down navigation button to select ETH1, ETH2, Wi-Fi or a VLAN interface. 4. Select Usage and then the appropriate control and/or streaming mode for the connection. Next, press the button. 5. Select IPv4 Mode and press the button.
Page 254 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 4. Select IPv6 Mode and press the button. 5. Select Auto, Manual or Off and press the button. By default the codec is configured to allow the codec to automatically receive IPv6 address information from an IPv6 enabled router.
Page 255: Ip Via Mapping
Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 5. Select Usage and press the button. 6. Select the mode of operation for this VLAN (e.g. Control & Streaming, Streaming only, Control Only) and press the button. 7. Use the down navigation button to scroll to VLAN Priority.
Page 256 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 may be an Ethernet port and for another it may be a Wi-Fi interface. This allows you to configure site-specific settings to suit available network interfaces at different remote locations. 1. Press the SETTINGS button.
Page 257: Connecting Over Wi-Fi
Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Connecting over Wi-Fi 24.3 The codec supports connecting over Wi-Fi using a cellular USB dongle attached to the USB port on the front panel. A Wi-Fi connection can be used for codec Control and/or Streaming.
Page 258 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 2. Navigate down to the preferred Wi-Fi network and press the button to select it. 3. Navigate to Password, then press the button. Use the codec's navigation buttons to select the alphanumeric characters on the LCD SCREEN and enter the network password. Press the Enter button on the LCD SCREEN to complete password configuration.
Page 259: Inverting Input Polarity
Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Inverting Input Polarity 24.4 The codec supports inverting input polarity which is useful if two inputs are out of phase with each other. To invert polarity: 1. Press the SETTINGS button. 2. Use the navigation buttons to select Audio and press the button.
Page 260: Connecting With Fuse-Ip Bonding
Connecting with Fuse-IP Bonding 24.5 Fuse-IP is a proprietary Tieline IP bonding technology allowing a user to aggregate data by bonding multiple IP interfaces (peers) and establishing a “tunnel” between two Tieline codecs. A streaming connection can be established after the tunnel is created. Fuse-IP automatically distributes data over any two bonded interfaces, which may include: ·...
Page 261 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Important Note: Ensure Fuse-IP is disabled prior to configuration. Navigate to Fuse-IP Status press the button to disable Fuse-IP if it is enabled. Navigate down to Fuse-IP Mode Server and press the button to select if the codec is at the studio.
Page 262 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Important Note: Ensure Fuse-IP is disabled prior to configuration. Navigate to Fuse-IP Status press the button to disable Fuse-IP if it is enabled. Navigate to Fuse-IP Mode Client and press the button to select if it is the remote codec.
Page 263 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 8. Navigate to Server Serial Number to enter the serial and press the button number of the server codec to which you are connecting (or select a previously entered serial number via ), then History...
Page 264 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 experienced. To determine the jitter over each link you can connect and stream audio over each interface separately and look at the jitter reading displayed on the Connection Statistics screen. · Use a dotted quad IPv4 address when configuring the Fuse-IP Server Address.
Page 265: Selecting An Algorithm
Overview of Tieline Algorithms 1. The Tieline Music algorithm is optimized for audio bit rates as low as 19.2kbps with only a 20 millisecond encode delay. It offers 15 kHz mono from 24kbps to 48kbps. 2. Tieline MusicPLUS delivers up to 20 kHz mono from 48kbps upwards. It can also deliver up to 20 kHz stereo from 96kbps upwards, offering huge savings on your IP data bills and outstanding audio quality.
Page 266 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Overview of aptX Enhanced Audio Coding aptX® Enhanced audio coding is used by thousands of radio stations to deliver very low delay audio for IP broadcasts and is ideal for high quality studio-to-transmitter links and audio distribution. It delivers outstanding audio quality with exceptionally low delay across a range of IP networks.
Page 267 For example, if MP2 algorithms are used, program delays will be much longer than when using Tieline Music or MusicPLUS algorithms. This is due to the additional inherent encoding delays involved when using MP2 algorithms. This can be a major consideration for live applications that integrate remotes into a broadcast.
Page 268 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Algor- Audio Algor- rate over- Audio Quality and Recom m ended Band- ithm ic per channel head Features applications for on-air ithm Delay connectio w idth · · Linear/PCM 16/24 bit sample rate x 80kbps...
Page 269 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 · · MPEG Layer 3 Up to 100ms 64kbps 8.5 - High quality voice High quality remotes, 15kHz 13.3kbps and music STLs and audio · Moderate bit distribution · rates Use w hen bidirectional ·...
Page 270 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 · to 288kbps Extremely low connection bandw idth (24bit;48kHz) delay at high bit is available and very rates low delay is highly · Highly cascade desirable. · resilient Resilient w ith multiple encodes/decodes w hen required ·...
Page 272: Configuring The Jitter Buffer
LAN versus wireless networks. The concept of jitter buffering is displayed visually in the following image. Jitter-buffer management is encompassed within Tieline's SmartStream IP technology which can: · Remove duplicate packets.
Page 273 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 With Tieline codecs you can configure either a fixed or automatic jitter buffer and the settings you use depend on the IP network over which you are connecting. Over LANs, WANs and wireless networks the automatic jitter buffer generally works well. It adapts automatically to prevailing IP network conditions to provide continuity of audio streaming and minimize delay.
Page 274 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Algorithm Tieline Session Data SIP Connections Connections Linear (Uncompressed) Tieline Music Tieline MusicPLUS G.711 G.722 MPEG Layer 2 MPEG Layer 3 LC-AAC HE-AAC v.1 HE-AAC v.2 AAC-LD AAC-ELD Opus aptX Enhanced Configuring Automatic Jitter Buffering (Default Setting) 1.
Page 275 5. Fixed (F): This state is displayed if the jitter buffer is fixed. Configure the Jitter Buffer on the Answering Codec Session data is exchanged when a Tieline codec dials another Tieline codec and this configures the answering codec algorithm, bit-rate and jitter buffer etc. Depending on the capability of your network infrastructure, you may want to independently configure the jitter buffer settings on the answering codec.
Page 276: Configuring Forward Error Correction
S:99 R:99, as it is of no benefit otherwise. Tieline and RFC2733 compliant FEC settings are outlined in the following table with their bit rate ratios. © Tieline Pty. Ltd. 2017...
Page 277 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 FEC Setting Bit rate Ratios Connection Use Tieline 2733 100% A simultaneous dual-redundant Recommended to stream (1:1 ratio) is sent from used over (Lowest codec. Twice wireless delay) connection bit rate is required to international operate the codec using the connections.
Page 278 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 8. Select the remote codec FEC setting in the Remote FEC screen and press Important Note: FEC can only be programmed for use with the Music and MusicPLUS algorithms. Configuring RFC 2733 FEC in the Codec (Sessionless Connections only) 1.
Page 279: Configuring Encode/Decode Direction
Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 As an example, if you want 15 kHz mono (using the Tieline Music Algorithm) you will need at least a 24kbps connection for audio. Adding 100% FEC will add another 24kbps making your bit rate 48kbps plus some overhead of around 10kbps is required.
Page 280: Enabling Relays & Rs232 Data
RPTP data is automatically enabled when using the Tieline Music or MusicPLUS algorithms over any transport. Over IP it is also possible to enable synchronized out-of- band data using any algorithm.
Page 281: Configuring Tcp/Udp Ports
Important Note: A non-WheatNet-IP Tieline codec can be configured to trigger a logic IO in a Tieline WheatNet-IP codec. Up to 64 logic IOs are available in Genie Distribution and Merlin PLUS WheatNet-IP codecs, as well as 4 physical GPIOs.
Page 282 (port used by the local codec to receive audio from the remote codec). It is also possible to configure the remote and local audio ports for a codec using Tieline session data to establish IP connections. This may be required because some firewalls require symmetric port configuration.
Page 283: Configuring Qos For Ip Packets
Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 "Tieline Codec" Port Configuration If using the Tieline Codec setting for call establishment (i.e. Tieline session data is enabled), you can also change the default audio ports if required. · The default value for the Remote Audio Port is 9000 ·...
Page 284: Tieline G3 Profile Compatibility
Tieline G3 Profile Compatibility The codec is able to support dialing to Tieline Commander and i-Mix G3 codecs in various modes: 1. Auto: The codec will dial the G3 codec and connect in mono or stereo. This is overridden in a Merlin or Merlin PLUS codec when a G3 Main + IFB use-case is configured.
Page 285: Reset And Restore Factory Default Settings
7 Clear Logs Deletes codec event and log history. Note: This should only be performed if instructed to by Tieline support staff. Important Note: After restoring factory defaults, always reboot the codec using the Reboot Codec function, not by removing power from the codec.
Page 286 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 3. Navigate to the preferred option from those available and press the button. 4. Select Yes and press the button to confirm the reset function. Reset and Restore Factory Defaults using the Web-GUI Reset Factory Default Settings to use the HTML5 Toolbox Web-GUI to reset and restore factory defaults.
Page 287: System Backup And Restore
Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 System Backup and Restore 24.15 The Reset / Backup menu allows users to backup and restore Program and Scheduler information and/or system data. Backup or restore data using an external USB stick attached to the USB PORT on the front panel of the codec.
Page 288 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 8. A confirmation dialog is displayed when the file has been saved successfully. 9. Select Safely Remove a USB Stick before removing the USB stick from the codec's USB PORT. 10. A confirmation dialog appears when it is safe to remove the USB stick from the codec.
Page 289: Configuring Snmp Settings
Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 5. Select the preferred backup option and press the button. 6. Select the file to restore from the USB stick and press the button. 7. A dialog confirms data has been restored successfully. 8. Select Safely Remove a USB Stick before removing the USB stick from the codec's USB PORT.
Page 290: Adjusting The Lcd Screen Display
Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 3. Navigate to each setting in turn and press the button to adjust and save each new setting. Important Note: For more information on SNMP codec settings see Configuring SNMP in the Codec. 24.17 Adjusting the LCD Screen Display Adjusting LCD Screen Contrast Levels 1.
Page 291: Adjusting Time Settings
Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Important Note: The default Auto Dim time-out is reduced from 30 seconds to 10 seconds when the Auto Lock function is enabled (to lock the front panel controls). Disabling Auto Dim mode will override all time-out periods and the LCD will remain fully illuminated at all times.
Page 292: Upgrading Firmware Via Usb
Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Upgrading Firmware via USB 24.20 To download the latest codec firmware visit http://www.tieline.com/Support/Latest-Firmware. Copy the firmware file onto a USB stick and then use the following procedure to perform a firmware upgrade. 1. Insert a USB stick with the latest firmware into the USB port on the front panel of the codec.
Page 293: Installing A Security Certificate
Installing a Security Certificate 24.21 Tieline codecs support installation of Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) security certificates to deliver an additional layer of security when connecting to IP networks. The digital SSL security certificate authenticates the codec and provides more secure encrypted HTTPS browser connections. The codec supports installing a private key as well as an intermediate and SSL certificate.
Page 294 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 7. Select Certificate and navigate to the SSL Certificate (.crt) file on the USB stick and press button. 8. If an Intermediate Certificate has been supplied, select Intermediate and navigate to the Intermediate Certificate (.crt) file on the USB stick and press the button.
Page 295 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Remove SSL Security Certificates To remove installed SSL security certificates from a codec: 1. Press the SETTINGS button. 2. Use the navigation buttons to select Web-GUI and press the button. 3. Navigate down to SSL and press the button.
Page 296: Part Xxv Reference
Tieline recommends that the racks in which codecs are installed are thoroughly evacuated to ensure proper airflow from the bottom to the top. Where space is available, a 1RU gap between codecs will assist in minimizing internal temperature build up.
Page 297: Installing The Codec At The Studio
The following instructions are intended to help you configure your internet connection and Tieline codecs at the studio to enable incoming calls over the internet from a remote Tieline codec. It is assumed that you have a basic understanding of your IP network and how to configure IP devices. If...
Page 298 The following table lists the firewall ports you need to open for each model of Tieline codec if they are dialing your router at the studio. If the remote codec is also connected to a LAN with a firewall you may also need to open the ports at the remote end of the link to connect successfully.
Page 299 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Firewall Ports Commander G3 / Bridge-IT / Bridge-IT Merlin and Genie ViA Codec i-Mix G3 XTRA Codec Families IP1 Session IP1 Audio Session Audio Session Audio Port Session Audio Port Port: 9002 Port: Port (Proto):...
Page 300 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 6. The Static IP address menu is revealed after DHCP is disabled. Use the navigation buttons to select IPv4 Static IP and press 7. Use the numeric KEYPAD to enter the IP address and press to store the setting.
Page 301 Diagnosing Port Blocking via the Remote Codec LQ If you attach your Tieline codec at the remote site to a LAN with access to the internet you can often dial and connect to the studio without any problem. It is less likely that a firewall will block outgoing TCP and UDP ports.
Page 302 How do I determine which end is blocking data flow? Tieline test codec firewalls have the default Tieline TCP and UDP ports open. You can dial into these test codecs (or other codecs you know are configured correctly) from your recently configured studio and remote codecs and use the LQ readings to diagnose whether your studio or remote codec firewall is blocking your data packets.
Page 303: Understanding Ip Networks
(DHCP) and static. Most ISPs assign a dynamic public IP address by default, which can often change without you knowing. This is suitable for a quick demo of your Tieline codec, but for a permanent installation you will need to request a permanent static public IP address.
Page 304 Port Forwarding: Tieline TCP and UDP Port Settings For your Tieline Codec to communicate over the public internet an IP Address alone is not sufficient. In TCP/IP and UDP networks the codec port is the endpoint of your connection. Ports are doorways for IP devices to communicate with each other.
Page 305: Tips For Creating Reliable Ip Connections
256 kbps for a studio codec and 64 kbps for a field unit connection. 5. Use good quality equipment to connect your codecs to the internet. (Tieline successfully uses Cisco® switching and routing equipment.): ·...
Page 306: Testing Ip Network Connections
Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 7. Use a dedicated DSL/ADSL line for your codecs. Do not share a link with PCs or company networks. The only exception to this rule is if an organization has network equipment and engineers that can implement and manage quality of service (QoS) on its network.
Page 307 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Ping the Codec A ping test can be used to test whether it is possible to reach a codec or any device over an IP network. A ping test measures: · The round-trip time of packets.
Page 308: Testing Isdn Connections
Tieline Genie Distribution, Merlin, Merlin PLUS and ViA audio codecs support multiple connections using a variety of connection transports such as IP, ISDN and POTS. Tieline codecs support using Tieline session data, which assists with configuration and routing of multiple incoming calls to these codecs.
Page 309 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 In the following example we will configure two incoming sessionless ISDN audio stream connections (Note: Genie Distribution and Merlin PLUS support up to 4 sessionless ISDN audio streams/connections using 2 ISDN modules and 4 B channels).
Page 310 B channel then that’s all you need to do. If, however, you want each non-Tieline codec to use the same B channel and be routed to the same codec output consistently, you must configure this in the site config for the ISDN module via Settings >...
Page 311: Pots Connection Tips & Precautions
POTS Operation Precautions POTS performance is greatly affected by the quality of the line being used. Precautions must be taken to ensure the Tieline codec is not sharing the line with other devices. Please remove these possible sources of interference: ·...
Page 312 Telco. POTS Exchange Problems On most good POTS lines, Tieline codecs can achieve a 28.8kbps connection at a line quality of approximately 50% or greater. If you are not able to achieve this level of operation, you may have a problem with your line, or the line at the other end of the connection.
Page 313: Merlin Compliances And Certifications
Simply place the ADSL/DSL filter between the POTS line and your codec to remove the interference. 3. Tieline USA has a POTS test codec you can dial on +1-317-913 6911 to facilitate line tests at each end of your connection to diagnose line problems.
Page 314 No user serviceable parts are contained in this product. If damage or malfunction occurs, contact TIELINE Pty Ltd for instructions on repair or return. This equipment cannot be used on a telephone company provided coin service. Connection to Party Line service is subject to state tariffs.
Page 315: Declaration Of Conformity
Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Declaration of Conformity 25.11 © Tieline Pty. Ltd. 2017...
Page 316: Trademarks And Credit Notices
Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Trademarks and Credit Notices 25.12 1. Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. 2. Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 10 are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
Page 317: Part Xxvi Merlin Plus Specifications
Sample Frequencies Sample 8kHz, 16kHz, 24kHz, 32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz Frequencies Algorithms Tieline Music, Tieline MusicPLUS, G.711, G.722, MPEG-1 Layer 2, MP3, LC-AAC, HE-AAC and HE-AACv2, AAC-LD, AAC-ELD, Opus, 16/24 bit aptX Enhanced IP (uncompressed) Linear PCM16/24 bit 48kHz sampling Data and Control Interfaces USB 2.0 Host port on the front panel...
Page 318 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Front Panel Interfaces Display 256 x 64 monochrome LCD Keypad 21 button keypad Navigation 5 button keypad General Size 1U x 19" Rackmount 19” x 1 ¾” x 13½” [482mm (W) x 44mm (H) x 343mm (D) including rear...
Page 319: Part Xxvii Appendix A: Rs232 And Control Port Wiring
Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Appendix A: RS232 and Control Port Wiring Relays The codec uses a DB15 connector to facilitate use of four CMOS solid state relays for the control of equipment, consisting of four relay closures and four opto-isolated outputs.
Page 320: Part Xxviii Appendix B: Db25 Wiring
Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 RS232 Pin-outs and Data Connections Pin INTERFACE Female DATA Male DB9 DB9 (RS232) DCE (RS232) DTE No Connection No connection TX Data RX Data RX Data TX Data No connection No connection Signal Ground Signal Ground...
Page 321 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Analog DB-25 Wiring Pinouts Digital AES3 (AES/EBU) DB-25 Wiring Pinouts © Tieline Pty. Ltd. 2017...
Page 322: Index
Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 deactivating Index enabling history indications input silence - 2 - lost connection managing program failure 2 x Mono/Stereo + IFB Answer Program PSU failure configure SmartStream PLUS purge history HTML5 Toolbox configuration scheduled event failed...
Page 323: Tieline Pty. Ltd
POTS Dialing speed dialing default algorithm profiles Connection disconnecting IP link quality hanging up IP statistics how to connect Connection bit-rate - HTML5 how to connect ISDN Connections POTS dialing © Tieline Pty. Ltd. 2017...
Page 324 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Dialing Ground terminal speed dialing GUI ports Disconnecting - H - DSCP configuration Dual mono connection metering Hanging up a connection Headphone out - E - Headphones monitoring audio output levels Ethernet ports stereo connections...
Page 325 Language selection - HTML5 Toolbox module settings LCD screen monitoring connections adjusting contrast network types auto dim function non-Tieline codecs LED Descriptions sessionless calls Line hunt testing about © Tieline Pty. Ltd. 2017...
Page 326 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 HTML5 Toolboxconfiguration Line hunt configuring Linear audio MPEG Layer 2 Link quality Multicast - HTML5 Toolbox IP monitoring about IP return link quality HTML5 Toolbox client config IP send link quality Multicasting front panel configuration...
Page 327 Reset dial multiple connections factory default settings dialing programs disconnect multiple connections user settings how do they work Reset defaults - HTML5 Toolbox lock factory default settings Mono or stereo + IFB programs session data © Tieline Pty. Ltd. 2017...
Page 328 Merlin PLUS User Manual v2.0 Reset defaults - HTML5 Toolbox SmartStream user settings SNMP front panel config Restore factory defaults via front panel SNMP - HTML5 Toolbox configuring settings RS232 configuration via codec downloading MIB files setting descriptions RS232 - HTML5 Toolbox...
Page 329 & time panel firmware panel Fuse-IP panel inputs panel IP via mapping panel ISDN answer panel licensing panel modules panel network panel © Tieline Pty. Ltd. 2017...

Tieline Merlin PLUS User Manual

Part XVII Multiple Stream Programs

Part XVIII 6 X Mono Programs

Part XXII Connecting to the Toolbox Web-GUI

Part XXIII Using the HTML5 Toolbox Web-GUI

Configure Mono or Stereo + IFB Dialing Programs

Configure Mono or Stereo + IFB Answering Programs

Configure 2 Mono or Stereo + IFB Answering Programs

Configure 6 X Mono Peer-To-Peer Answering Programs

Configure 6 X Mono Peer-To-Peer Answering Programs

Configure Multicast Client Programs

Configuring SIP

Configure Peer-To-Peer SIP Programs

Configure Multiple Stream SIP Programs

Answering Multiple SIP Peer-To-Peer Calls

Load, Unload and Dial a Program

Delete a Program

Adjusting the Connection Bit Rate

Reset Factory Default Settings

Backup and Restore Functions

Lock or Unlock Programs

Configuring SNMP in the Codec

Download Logs

Using the Program Scheduler

Configuring Alarms

RS232 Data Configuration

Creating Rules

Adjusting Codec Time and Date

Upgrading Codec Firmware

Part XXIV Front Panel Configuration Tasks

Enabling Relays & RS232 Data

Configuring TCP/UDP Ports

Configuring Qos for IP Packets

Tieline G3 Profile Compatibility

Reset and Restore Factory Default Settings

System Backup and Restore

Configuring SNMP Settings

Adjusting the LCD Screen Display

Adjusting Time Settings

Test Mode

Upgrading Firmware Via USB

Installing a Security Certificate

Part XXV Reference

FCC Compliance Statements

Declaration of Conformity

Trademarks and Credit Notices

Part XXVI Merlin PLUS Specifications

Part XXVII Appendix A: RS232 and Control Port Wiring

Part XXVIII Appendix B: DB25 Wiring

Quick Links

User Manual

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Summary of Contents for Tieline Merlin PLUS