Voltera D - VenueTune Configuration
Voltera D amplified loudspeaker controllers provide two options for configuration, management, and deployment.
- Tesira Software: A Voltera D may be programmed using Tesira software, either as a standalone solution or as part of a larger Tesira system.
- VenueTune Software: Alternately, if the site consists of just Voltera D devices, Biamp's VenueTune software may be used for a streamlined, loudspeaker-centric approach built around Phases and Actions.
This article provides additional information if configuring Voltera D from VenueTune software. If the following conditions apply, then VenueTune is a great option for configuring the system.
- The person designing and/or deploying the system prefers a loudspeaker perspective and the ability to lay it out so that the workspace reflects the actual installation
- Loudspeaker grouping is desired as an option for optimizing or monitoring the system
- Analog inputs will remain localized to each Voltera D; either to support failover or to just act as a local analog input.
- AVB is not required.
VenueTune software is available to download from Biamp.com.
VenueTune
For more information on starting your first project with VenueTune, please see the Getting Started section of the VenueTune Help System. The Help System provides contextual guidance based on the current portion of the software you are working in. Simply select 'F1' to launch the help file to the topics related to the current phase or action.
Factory Reset
Voltera D ships ready for VenueTune. It is running a fixed layout file that VenueTune modifies based on the configurations made in each phase and action. If a Voltera D has previously been configured as part of a Tesira system, it can be reverted to using VenueTune by running a factory reset.
Each Voltera D has a recessed reset button on the rear of the unit.
- First, locate the analog input ports on the rear of the unit.
- Next, locate the small hole approximately 1/4-inch (0.6 cm) to the right of the analog inputs. The reset button is recessed just inside.
- Find a suitable tool to insert into the hole and gently push the button - you should feel a small click as the button depresses slightly.
- Press and hold the reset button for at least 10 seconds and then release. The reset process will begin after a few moments.
This reverts Voltera D to running the default VenueTune configuration.
IP address management
Voltera D has two network interfaces labeled 1 and 2. Port 1 (P1) provides a control connection for device discovery, management, and programming. Port 2 (P2) supports network media (Dante and AES67). P2 can also support control communications if deployed in a single cable topology.
VenueTune supports DHCP, APIPA, or static address assignment of the Voltera D P1 control port. The Dante interface on P2 supports DHCP or APIPA assignment. Static IP address assignment is not available for the Dante interface.
By default, the Voltera D is set for DHCP. If no DHCP server is present, an APIPA address will be configured. VenueTune will discover any Voltera D units that are in the same subnet and broadcast domain as the selected network interface.
Selecting the top left collapsible menu > Network Settings will show the dialog for selecting the PC's network adapter
If DHCP or APIPA is intended, then no other IP address consideration would need to be made within VenueTune.
If static IP is required for the control interface, then selecting Device Settings provides a dialog to enter the Subnet and Gateway information shared by all Voltera D units that will be part of this configuration. Entering a gateway address is required. 0.0.0.0 may be entered if one is not defined for the network.
Once the Subnet and Gateway have been defined for the project, select Accept.
The IP address is assigned to the virtual amplifier objects within VenueTune. This static IP is entered in the Design Phase > Amplifiers Action > Control IP Settings. Each Voltera D must have a unique static IP address entered. Once this configuration is linked and associated with the physical devices, the IP settings will be pushed to the hardware.
Please note, if changing IP to a different subnet, the PC running VenueTune will need to be updated to an IP address in the same range before further communication and configuration can be started.
Input management and failover
When configuring Voltera D from VenueTune, local analog inputs are specific to the device they are connected to. Failover from digital to analog input is available and inputs can be manually toggled between digital or analog sources for each loudspeaker channel. Please see the Input section of the VenueTune help system for additional information.
Loss of digital media on any channel will trigger failover for all channels. Dante failover is detected when a loss of a link to the media network is detected, or loss of the Dante subscription. The indicator to the left of the channel's source type will highlight to indicate whether Digital or Analog is the current active source.
Pre Dante Failover
Channels 1-2 are receiving audio over Dante, with a backup analog source connected to input 1 of the Voltera D.
Both channels are configured to failover to analog input 1 using the analog routing drop down.
Post Dante Failover
Voltera D detects a loss of Dante flow and fails over to the defined analog input.
