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Sonifex Net-Log Handbook

Audio logger
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Net-Log
Audio Logger
Manufacturers of audio & video
products for radio & TV broadcasters

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Summary of Contents for Sonifex Net-Log

  • Page 1 Net-Log Audio Logger Manufacturers of audio & video products for radio & TV broadcasters...
  • Page 2 Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of the vendor. Sonifex Ltd shall not be liable for any loss or damage whatsoever arising from the use of information or any error contained in this manual.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Contents Contents Product Warranty - 2 Year Extended Maximum Network Connections Sonifex Warranty & Liability Terms & Conditions Connecting Net-Log To Your Network 1. Definitions IP Addresses 2. Warranty Subnet Masks Unpacking Your Product Installing Net-Log-Win Software Repairs & Returns...
  • Page 4 Contents 6. Playing & Downloading Time Command Track List Display Date Command Play Download Reply Error Codes 9. Options Play Program Saving and Loading Options Play Stream Record Options Play File 7. Archiving Disable The Archiving Process Override Enabled Configuring Archival To A Networked PC Format Mode Alarm Enabled...
  • Page 5 Archive Warn Info Font Archive Alarm Network Stats User Font Information Audio Header Info 10.The Administrator Play Program Log Licenses About Sonifex Net-Log Accounts Editor 12.Auto-Archive “admin” Introduction “user1” to “user25” Licensing “guest” The Net-Log List Function Access – View The Status Bar Function Access –...
  • Page 6 13.Net-Log Scheduler Fig 3-5: Net-Log-Win Serial Utility Introduction Database Connection Status Fig 3-6: Detail of Net-Log-Win Serial Utility Primary and Backup Schedules Fig 3-7: Diagram of a Null Modem Cable Database Locations Fig 3-8: Diagram of ‘straight through’ and ‘crossover’ CATS cables...
  • Page 7 Fig 11-1: Net-Log Tools Menu. Fig 11-2: Net-Log Connections Screen Fig 11-3: Net-Log Status Screen Fig 11-4: Net-Log Stats Screen Fig 11-5: Net-Log Audio Header Info Screen Fig 11-6: Play Program Log Screen Fig 11-7: Net-Log About Screen Fig 12-1: The Status Screen...

  • Page 8: Warranty

    To register your product, please go online to www.sonifex.co.uk/register Sonifex Limited — 61 Station Road — Irthlingborough — Northamptonshire — NN9 5QE — United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0)1933 650 700 — Fax: +44 (0)1933 650 726 — Email: technical.support@sonifex.co.uk — Internet: www.sonifex.co.uk...
  • Page 9 ‘the Contract’ means the quotation, these Conditions of Sale and any other document incorporated in a contract between the Company and the As standard, Sonifex products are supplied with a 1 year back to base Purchaser. warranty. In order to register the date of purchase and so that we can keep...
  • Page 10 Warranty the defect has not arisen from a design made, furnished or At the request and expense of the Purchaser the Company will test specified by the Purchaser; the Goods to ascertain performance levels and provide a report of the results of that test. The report will be accurate at the time of the vii.

  • Page 11: Repairs & Returns

    Repairs & Returns Fuse Rating Please contact Sonifex or your supplier if you have any problems with your The product is supplied with a single fuse in the live conducting path of the Sonifex product. Email technical.support@sonifex.co.uk for the repair/ mains power input.

  • Page 12: Weee Directive

    Australasian 3 flat pin to IEC lead Zealand placed on the case. Sonifex Ltd will be happy to give you information about local organisations that can reprocess the product when it reaches its “end Connect the equipment in accordance with the connection details and of use”, or alternatively all products that have reached “end of use”...

  • Page 13: Introduction

    Introduction 1. Introduction The Net-Log The Net-Log is a 1U rack-mount, hardware audio recorder, designed General Overview primarily for audio logging in a broadcast environment. It is able to record up to 4 mono, or 2 stereo audio feeds, which are saved onto a large internal...

  • Page 14: Net-Log Control Software

    Archiving may not be necessary Net-Log works in conjunction with a software control package that runs as the large hard drives used in Net-Log can, depending on the format or bit under Windows. This package consists of Net-Log-Win, Net-Util and Net-Log rate of the recordings, hold several weeks of audio.

  • Page 15: Network

    Introduction are used, the Net-Log Auto-Archive package offers the ability to archive Network audio data from up to 20 Net-Logs simultaneously. The speed of the network connection on Net-Log is 10Mbps, and the physical connection is made via a Audio Inputs BNC connector for coax cables, or a RJ45 connector for twisted pair cabled networks.

  • Page 16: Required Hardware

    .wav files. Likewise, recordings made using G.729A are converted to the same Windows supported format by a software codec embedded in the Net-Log-Win software. Therefore, Net-Log-Win client PC’s can play audio in both formats using a single audio card. It is recommended to use a PC with the following minimum specification:...

  • Page 17: Net-Log Hardware

    47–63Hz, peak 60W, 30W average. There is an external fuse for the mains Input level >12dBu input that is rated at 2A. We recommend that the Net-Log is operated from an uninterruptable power supply. It should be noted that the record header is written regularly during the record process so if the power fails the data lost will be limited.

  • Page 18: Record Control/Indicator

    This red coloured LED is used to warn of loss of data during a recording recorded and can also be used to give limited control over the recording. process. If the Net-Log is about to overwrite data that has not been When pressed, the button will flash indicating that a record start or stop archived on to a remote computer then this indicator will start to flash.

  • Page 19: Audio Inputs/Input Level Control

    Net-Log Hardware Alarm Outputs And Remote Inputs And Outputs Audio Inputs/Input Level Control The audio inputs consist of four 3-pin XLR connectors (2-channel stereo, The remote connector is a 15 pin male D-type, which has four remote 4-channel mono) with independent level gain controls for each input, inputs to control recording, four record tally outputs to indicate which accessible through the rear-panel using a flat-blade screwdriver.

  • Page 20: Set-Up & Installation

    Network Topology illuminate. The network that the Net-Log is connected to must be a dedicated network, if you are to guarantee the audio being available for play streaming. The Connect a constant audio signal at the required peak level to Input 1.

  • Page 21: Maximum Network Connections

    160kbps or less. hour) and the archive process has time to catch-up when there is no, or If you have two pairs of stereo channels on a Net-Log set at different bit- little, play streaming. rates, the total number of people that can Play stream them is governed by the combined bit rates of the play streaming.

  • Page 22: Connecting Net-Log To Your Network

    DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) and DNS Class A (Domain Name System). Host ID To help in your selection of an IP Address for the Net-Log, following is a Network ID brief description of how IP Addresses and Subnet Masks work. Class B...

  • Page 23: Subnet Masks

    Entering Network Settings list and click on the link provided. The Net-Log-Win installation will To do this you need to start the Net-Log-Win Serial Utility (Fig 3-5 & 3-6), begin as shown in Fig 3-4. Simply follow and connect one of your PC’s available serial ports to the Net-Log’s serial the on screen instructions to proceed.

  • Page 24: Fig 3-5: Net-Log-Win Serial Utility

    IP Address of the Default Gateway to the IP Address of the bridge. If you are using the Net-Log on an isolated network or directly to a single PC, then set the Default Gateway IP Address to that of the Net-Log.

  • Page 25: Fig 3-7: Diagram Of A Null Modem Cable

    (labelled “5”). This writes the information to the Net-Log, and stores it in the system ROM. If at anytime you need to check the IP Address of the Net-Log you can simply press the Reload button (labelled “6”). This loads the current network settings from the Net-Log and displays them.

  • Page 26: Fig 3-9: Details Of Net-Util Tool Buttons

    Net-Log as the message Once all the required information has been entered window can only display the most recent messages. into the Net-Log you are ready to connect the unit to The fourth, fifth and sixth buttons select the desired your network.
  • Page 27 Start-up and Login, which gives an explanation of the logging procedure and how to enter your Net-Log into the device list. Note: It is important to fully configure each Net-Log prior to use. Once a successfully connection has been established, refer to section 10 which...

  • Page 28: Startup & Login

    Net-Log can be made respectively. netlog; or by supplying the information indicated on the form by email to If 2, or 5, users are using a Net-Log and another user tries to access it, a netlog.support@sonifex.co.uk. Sonifex will endeavour to return the license message will be displayed telling them that the allotted number of licenses codes as quickly as possible.

  • Page 29: The Login Procedure

    The Device List Editor designated logger. If the user enters incorrect information, they will be To enter a Net-Log into the list you must give it a text name and the IP asked to re-enter the User Name and Password.

  • Page 30: First Time Use Of Net-Log

    “OK”. This will return you to the Login screen. Note: Prior to logging on to a new Net-Log for the first time, ensure that the clock on the PC is set correctly as this time will be used to update Net- Log’s onboard clock.

  • Page 31: General Screen Layout

    Startup & Login Fig 4-5: User Details General Screen Layout After logging in, the main screen appears (Fig 4-6). Whether all of the 4 main selection screens (Record, Archive, Play and Options) are displayed will vary depending on the user account that you have logged in with. However, the screen layout will remain the same throughout.

  • Page 32: Disconnect/Log-Off Button

    If you are currently connected to a Net-Log then this button allows you to disconnect and select a different unit. If you are not currently connected to a Net-Log, this allows you to log off and either log on as another user, or exit the application. Note that logging off, or disconnecting, from the Net-Log will not affect the operation of the Net-Log, i.e.

  • Page 33: Recording

    Remote or Serial recording when co-configured with Manual, Program or Auto record mode. Note: The Net-Log can record up to a maximum of 250000 tracks on each configured partition on the hard drive. When the end of a partition is Fig 5-1: Manual Record Screen reached, recording continues at the start of the partition –...

  • Page 34: Manual Recording

    Once recording has started, the Record Control button on the front panel of the Net-Log will light up accordingly, and a track list entry will also be created in the play screen. To stop the recording, press the “Stop” button.

  • Page 35: Saving And Loading Record Programs

    E.g. if the Net-Log is recording at 4pm on a Monday and a new program is Once a recording has ended, the length of the new cut is compared to the loaded at that time which has a record stop at 3pm and record start at 5pm auto start duration.

  • Page 36: Remote Recording

    Record Remotes Option screen. Serial Recording Serial Recording allows external equipment connected to the Net-Log via a serial communications link, to start/stop recordings. There are currently two interfaces supported. See chapter 8 – Serial Control Interface.

  • Page 37: Playing & Downloading

    The “Refresh” button is used to refresh both lists to include any newly recorded Audio recorded on the Net-Log can be accessed in two ways. Firstly, you can tracks. Select the left/right arrow buttons to change the channel.

  • Page 38: Play Program

    Playing & Downloading The file size is calculated as you change the duration and is displayed below Play Program the time and date selection boxes. The Play Program screen allows audio downloads to be scheduled. Each program contains details of the audio to be downloaded, the format of To download a complete track, ensure the “Select audio by cut”...

  • Page 39: Play Stream

    Playing & Downloading The lower part of the Play Program screen shows the details of the selected directory of the selected folder is created using the program name, and the program. Click on an existing program in the list to load the details. Use the file is saved to this sub-directory.

  • Page 40: Play File

    The Play File screen is split into two parts; play control and the play list. access the audio from the Net-Log and to stream it across your network. Audio files are loaded into the play list by pressing the “Open…” button, The Recorded Time and Recorded Date are displayed during playback.

  • Page 41: Fig 6-5: Play File Screen

    MAC Address of the Net-Log that it was recorded on and the name of the recording, etc. The origination time and date of the file, together with the file name and file duration, are displayed when the corresponding entry in the play list is selected or played.

  • Page 42: Archiving

    Net-Log. Additionally, the server could then be used to make permanent archives on to CD-R, DAT, or DVD-R, using conventional low-cost IT technology.

  • Page 43: Buffer Size

    The When this box is ticked, all available audio is archived each time a recording warn time is the amount of time prior to data loss on the Net-Log (5 mins to is ended.

  • Page 44: Beginning To Archive

    Fig 7-2: Archive Screen. If you want to stop the archive process, simply select the “Stop” button. Note: You can only archive audio data from the Net-Log that you are currently logged on to. If you disconnect, all archiving will stop. See section 12 –...

  • Page 45: Serial Control Interface

    This additional data is then displayed in the Play screens cut list. The Net-Log can currently support up to 128 microphones. Fig 8-1: Control Options Screen...

  • Page 46: Disabled

    Net-Log shown in the Net-Log selector. The settings relating to this interface allow the available record channels The cut list display in the Play screen in Net-Log-Win will now show two to be associated with specific microphone numbers. Each channel is additional columns: Mic and Name (see Fig 8-3).

  • Page 47: Televic Ce2500 Protocol

    The closing contact on the AOP2500 can then be used to control the remote inputs on Net-Log. See “Record Remotes” in Section 10 for more details on setting up the remote inputs and Section 13 for the pin descriptions of the remote connector.

  • Page 48: System Synchronisation

    Serial Control Interface CRC is the 16 bit sum of the ASCII chars STX, ID & Data “M” indicates command type “0002” indicates the microphone number ETX is the end transmit character (0x0D) “Mr Joe Bloggs” is the speakers name Examples of the 7 commands are as follows: “058D”...

  • Page 49: Amx/Crestron Interface

    Speed of Commands & Responses: mode, COM2 must be used. The safest and most reliable method of issuing a batch of RS232 commands to the Net-Log, is to send a command and then wait for a response before Baud rate: 19200 sending the next command.

  • Page 50: Record Start Command

    “STOP:ch\n\r” DATE: = reply identifier Reply: “ACK\n\r” or “ERR:ee\n\r” dd/mm/yyyy = current date of Net-Log in GMT where: STOP: = command identifier hh.mm.ss = current time of Net-Log in GMT ch = channel 1,3 for stereo or 1,2,3,4 for mono...

  • Page 51: Options

    PC. This can be particularly useful if you have more than one Net- Log and you want each machine to share a similar configuration. To save the options for the connected Net-Log, select File, Save As from the main menu. A dialogue will be displayed allowing you to specify the location and name of the file that will be used to store the current configuration information.

  • Page 52: Mode

    Options Mode Stop Duration In Manual mode, recording is started and stopped via the Record Start Sets the period of time that the input audio level must stay below the stop button in the record screen. threshold level to complete the end of an auto recording. This value is in seconds.

  • Page 53: Alarm Enabled

    This screen (Fig 9-3) displays the current play default settings. These Amount of data that has to be available before archiving can start. settings apply to the PC currently running Net-Log-Win and are not saved on the currently connected Warn time prior to data loss Net-Log.

  • Page 54: Use Defaults

    This screen (Fig 9-4) displays the current settings of the record remote Enables the corresponding options in the play download screen. inputs for the Net-Log. The two pairs of audio input channels can be set-up independently. There are three settings for the remotes, and these are: Folder Selects the default folder where downloaded audio files will be written.

  • Page 55: Disabled

    The contacts on the remote connector are disconnected when an alarm condition occurs. Clock Source Options When updating the RTC clock, the Net-Log gets it’s source from either the clock of the connected PC, or the Sonifex Mentor Server (Fig 9-5). For more information about how Net-Log uses the time settings see Section 10.

  • Page 56: Control Options

    Fig 9-6: Control Interface Options This screen (Fig 9-8) displays the options specific to the appearance of Net-Log-Win. Two fonts used in the Net-Log-Win screens can be changed to Televic CE2500 allow different character sets to be displayed such as Japanese.

  • Page 57: Info Font

    (except the MAC address) by selecting the Network Settings menu in the administrator menu or by using the Net-Log-Win serial utility, whereby the settings are downloaded to the Net-Log via the serial port. The MAC Address is also stored in the BWF header of an archive or download file.

  • Page 58: 10. The Administrator

    Fig 10-1: Net-Log Administrator Menu Licenses This screen displays how many users the Net-Log is licensed for and also allows the administrator to enter more licenses. (See Fig 4-2) Accounts Editor The Accounts Editor (Fig 10-2) can be accessed via the Administrator menu...

  • Page 59: Function Access - View

    The Administrator Function Access – View There are four check boxes associated with this restriction control (Fig 10-3) If checked, the currently selected user will be able to view that specific function but will not be able to change the operation of that specific function in any way.

  • Page 60: The Onboard Clock

    Clock. If you are using the PC clock option and you want to keep the Net-Log If the RTC has drifted, then the start time of any new cuts will not be a true clock accurate to within 10 seconds, you will need to do this every 2-3 days.

  • Page 61: Updating Firmware

    (shown by the Record Control button on the front of the Net-Log simply select the “Firmware Update” option in the Administrator Net-Log being lit), after which the Net-Log will restart and is ready for use menu, you will then be given a warning and asked to confirm your action.

  • Page 62: Resetting The Net-Log

    The Administrator Resetting The Net-Log This option is a sub menu of system in the administrator menu. This is used to restore all the configuration settings to factory defaults. It also deletes all the tracks contained on the Net-Log.

  • Page 63: 11. Tools

    The Tools menu (Fig 11-1) contains a number of useful tools to check on the being over-recorded are hidden from the Play screen cut list. performance and status of the Net-Log unit. There is also a Delete Cuts sub- menu, although this is only available to users who have record access.

  • Page 64: Net-Log Status

    Archive Active Net-Log Status Data is currently being archived from the specified channel. This screen (Fig 11-3) displays the status of the Net-Log and All the Input Channels. Described over leaf are all the status indicators. Archive Warn Loss of data is about to occur on the specified channel.

  • Page 65: Network Stats

    Fig 11-3: Net-Log Status Screen Network Stats This screen (Fig 11-4) displays the rate of transmission between the Net-Log and connected Client, and also displays the status messages transmitted to and from the Net-Log. This is useful for network traffic monitoring.

  • Page 66: Play Program Log

    This screen (Fig 11-7) accessible from the help menu shows the software versions of the Net-Log-Win and the currently connected Net-Log. The current status of the License on the currently connected Net-Log is also shown here. The information on this screen is mainly used for debugging and version checking.

  • Page 67: 12. Auto-Archive

    Whilst this is satisfactory for most set-ups with one Net-Log unit, a more automated When Auto-Archive logs on to the Net-Log, it uses one of the user accounts solution is required for installations of two or more Net-Log units. Net-Log to do this.

  • Page 68: Performance

    Net-Log(s). This is achieved in one of two ways. To manually connect to a Net-Log, right click on the Net-Log name on the left side on the screen and then select Connect. Once a connection has been established, and the archive rights of the account used to logon to the Net-Log has been confirmed, archiving can begin.

  • Page 69: System Name

    Auto-Archive Fig 12-4: The Settings Screen Fig 12-3: Net-Log Device List System Name Enter a meaningful name to describe this particular system. This name will appear in the applications caption bar and any emails sent from this system. This can be especially useful if two or more Auto-...

  • Page 70: Force Record Stop At Midnight

    This feature requires Auto-Archive to be logged-in to reports. the Net-Log units over the turn of midnight. • SMTP Address – TCP/IP address of your e-mail server. • Address To – E-mail address of recipient. Must contain only one address Auto-Delete Archives and in the format: user@your-company.com...

  • Page 71: The Control Screen

    The Control Screen The Control Screen can be used to start and stop recordings, and also start Fig 12-7: The Control Screen and stop the archive process on each of the designated Net-Log units. See Fig 12-7. The Archive Screen...

  • Page 72: The Event Log Screen

    Fig 12-9: The Event Log Screen Fig 12-8: The Archive Screen Reports The Event Log Screen There are a number of e-mailed reports available from Net-Log Auto- The Event Log Screen lists noteworthy events in chronological order. See Fig Archive. 12-9.

  • Page 73: Error Report

    Error Report Startup/ Shutdown Error reports are generated when a communication error has occurred with a single Net-Log unit. The error type will be included within the report. Auto-Archive automatically sends a confirmation email whenever the application is started or closed.

  • Page 74: The Schedule Screen

    Fig 12-10: Sharing and Security Selection The Schedule Screen Locate the ‘c:\program files\sonifex\net-log auto-archive\schedule’ folder The scheduling feature of Net-Log Auto-Archive can only be accessed if the using Windows Explorer, right-click and select ‘Sharing and Security’ from computer has a Sonifex D:Scribe Server dongle fitted.
  • Page 75 Net-Log Scheduler software. Auto-Archive can only successfully start and stop recordings from the schedule when the required Net-Log is online and logged-in with a user of sufficient rights to the record process.

  • Page 76: 13. Net-Log Scheduler

    Archive to schedule recordings on upto twenty Net-Log units. maintenance. Primary and Backup Schedules The Net-Log Schedule application can be configured to use up to two databases on separate Auto-Archive computers. This arrangement can be used as a primary and a backup system.

  • Page 77: Database Locations

    Net-Log Scheduler The list of available Net-Log units and thier channels is derived from each Net-Log Auto-Archive in the system. Each Auto-Archive should name its corresponding Net-Log units identically to those Net-Logs in the opposite system which have the same function.

  • Page 78: Create A New Event

    Select the appropriate Net-Log and Channel to record, and enter the correct Once a scheduled event has expired (passed the stop date/time) the event start date/time, end date/time and give the recording a meaningful name.

  • Page 79: Refreshing The Schedules

    Net-Log Scheduler Fig 13-6: A Schedule List Showing Multiple Recordings Refreshing the Schedules The primary and backup schedules automatically refresh every 2 minutes. To force a refreshed view of the schedules, press the “REFRESH” button.

  • Page 80: 14. Technical Specification

    G.729A: Dual Mono, Mono Please note that the audio specification of the play output depends on the soundcard that you have installed in your PC. Net-Log is a recording Minimum PC Specification device and has no audio output of its own.

  • Page 81: Mp2 Record Data Rates

    MP3 Data Rates Supported For Play Download formats. If more than one channel is used then the duration will need to be The selectable mp3 bit rates for Play Download in Net-Log-Win are shared. dependant on the sample rate of the original recording as follows:...
  • Page 82 Technical Specification Network Connector (RJ45): Alarm Outputs/Remote Inputs And Outputs (15 Pin D-Type Plug): Pin No. Signal Direction Description Pin No. Signal Direction Description Transmit Data (Positive) Relay Alarm Output Relay Common Common Transmit Data (Negative) Alarm Output Relay N/C to Pin 1 Receive Data (Positive) Relay N/C activates for both Archive and Hard...
  • Page 83 Technical Specification Record Tally Output 4. Open REMOTE_ Remote Input 2 short to Ground collector driver (Channel 4, Right (Remote record Channel 2, Right input 2) REMOTE_ input 1) Set to momentary or latching action via the Options, Record Remotes screen. Remote Input 3 short to Ground (Remote record Channel 3, Left input REMOTE_...

  • Page 84: Glossary

    The degree of amplification, or attenuation, applied to a signal can be either mono or stereo but will still be signal. treated a single channel. If the Net-Log is formatted to use dual mono then this is considered as providing 2 Gateway A router that links one network to another.
  • Page 85 Glossary kbps Acronym for kilo (thousand) bits per second The Total Harmonic Distortion is the percentage presence of signals outside the measured frequency Light Emitting Diode. range. Link A connection to a network. Shorthand for Transmitter Mbps Acronym for Mega (million) bits per second Acronym for Universal Time Code which is an internet reference time based on Greenwich Mean Time MPEG...
  • Page 86 Notes...
  • Page 87 Notes...
  • Page 88 . s o n i f e x . c o . u k t:+44 (0)1933 650 700 f:+44 (0)1933 650 726 sales@sonifex.co.uk...

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