FAQ

FAQ

This is a list of common questions and answers, for most of the answers a detailed description is linked

General questions - IP, Addressing, Multicast etc

• What is SonicIP?

SonicIP is a feature of all Barix audio devices which at the start-up announces the device's IP address to the attached headphones/speakers. This is useful for the technician in the installation phase before the device gets a fixed IP address; e.g. when it is attached to a DHCP network for the first time after unpacking. Typically after the device is configured the SonicIP is switched off not to disturb the listeners in the operational environment if the device is eventually reset.

• What is AutoIP, IPzator, etc.and how do I use them?

These are methods to automatically obtain an IP address if the device is not configured to a fixed address. Read more in this AutoIP Howto

• Do the Barix products support Multicast and IGMP ?

Yes, the Barix products do fully support Multicast and IGMP. However, depending on the firmware and application used, there maybe are some caveats. Read more here: Multicast

• Do the Barix products support IPv6 ?

No, at the current time, no IPv6 support is implemented in the Barix products

• I want to set up a local network with more than 250 devices, what do i have to do ?

No Problem - but you will not be able to use a "class C" address (192.168....). A "private" range well useable for larger networks is 172.16.x.x, with the default netmask 255.255.0.0. This gives you roughly 65000 possible hosts ... should be sufficient ?

• I want to do a broadcast over different subnets, is that possible ?

A broadcast is a local function, read here: broadcast. Broadcasts can not be sent over different subnets. However, you may be able to use Multicast. Barix devices can also provide "rebroadcasting" functionality, which means that a device in a remote network receives a stream and sends it back out to the local network as broadcast or multicast. Using that functionality, a broadcast can be sent to a remote network.

• How do the devices get their IP address ?

When you plug the power supply into the power jack of the device and the other end into the power outlet of the wall, the Barix devices, when using their default configuraton, will search for a DHCP server to get an IP address. If no DHCP Server is found, the device will try to sniff the network to find a "free" IP address. If that does not work either (because there are no other devices generating traffic), the device will pick an IP address of 169.254.x.x, according to the "Auto-IP" standard. In any case, after max. 5 minutes the device will have an IP Address and announce it via the audio interface (headphone interface on encoding products).

• How do I configure the devices ?

You can adjust network settings, streaming destinations, monitoring settings and more with the Web interface. To enter the configuration mode you will need:

• • the IP address announced over the audio outputs (see the Quick Install Guide)
  • a standard web browser

• The device already has a password either I don't remember or I don't know, how do I erase it ?

Enter 25 characters to erase the current password and click on the "Apply" button. Then you can create a new one of up to 24 characters.

• How do I make a "Serial Rescue" of the device if it becomes unreachable ?

First of all you have to do this not by web browser but using a serial crossover cable. Download the corresponding firmware package of the device from Barix' website as usual. Once the firmware is downloaded and unzipped, you will find the file called "_readme1st.txt". Please follow the instructions contained there.

• What if the device is still unreachable after a serial rescue ?

You can still use the "ARP" method to address the device, but for that you need a LOCAL connection. After doing factory defaults, you can ALWAYS use the ARP method or serial method to set up an ip address to the unit and enter the configuration and re-enable it. To use the arp-command to set an IP address to the Exstreamer manually, please do the following:

• • connect power, loudspeaker and the cable to the device
  • open a cmd console at your PC, using Windows do the following: "Start Button" --> "Execute" --> "cmd"
  • type in "arp -s <ip address> <MAC address> (e.g. arp -s 192.168.0.201 00-08-e1-00-6c-e7)
  • type in "telnet <ip address> 1 (e.g. telnet 192.168.0.201 1)

A connection will be initialised. After a short period (app. 2 seconds) you'll get an error message, that´s ok !! Now the device has learned the ip address and you should be able to configure the device through your browser.

Audio FAQ

Instreamer/ Encoding related questions

• Can the Instreamer also encode WMA ?

No. The Instreamer can encode only MP3, PCM or G711.

• Can the Instreamer also encode AACplus ?

No. The Instreamer can encode only MP3, PCM or G711.

• What kind of streams does the Instreamer produce ?

It converts audio from any analog or digital (optical/coaxial S/P DIF) source into:

• • G.711 (aLaw/uLaw) streams at 8 or 24 kHz sample rate,
  • PCM (16 bit) streams at 8 or 24 kHz sample rate or
  • high-quality MP3 streams at adjustable bit rates (VBR) between 35 and 192kbps
  • Encoding up to 48kHz PCM/stereo is possible with alternative firmware.

The audio is encoded in real-time, and the generated audio stream can be distributed, via an IP-based network or the Internet, to one or more receivers or Shoutcast / Icecast-servers.

• How many destinations can I stream to ?

There are up to 8 destinations to stream to. Each one can be directed to a device, or a multi- or broadcast address (destination connection types) or be set up as a listener waiting for a connection to be initiated by the other side (listener connection types). Each entry has its own IP address and Port. See Stream To Considerations on how to set the “Stream to” entries.

• I have set up multiple shoutcast destinations on my Instreamer. Can I use different passwords for different streams?

No, there is only one password common for all shoutcast destinations. If you need multiple passwords use an external shoutcast server and configure the Instreamer as Shoutcast Source streaming to this server.

• I want to play the stream of an Instreamer with Windows Media Player, but it does not work

Windows Media Player can decode VBR MP3 streams as generated by the Instreamer, but in recent versions it does not calculate the buffering correctly. This is *not* a problem on the Barix side, it has been proven to be a problem with WMP. There is a simple workaround: when WMP starts with "buffering", press the play button a second time and the stream will start playing.

• Do you have a product to encode AACplus (or a plan to do this ?)

No. There are no current plans to provide a product with AACplus encoding

Exstreamer related questions

• SonicIP Voice - can i change this and record my own ?

Yes, to do so follow this SonicIP Howto.

Annuncicom related questions

• Can I build an intercom system with Annuncicom?

Yes, use the PS16 as the central station. Follow this howto to set up the system.

• What are the ratings for the relay on the Annuncicom ?

The ratings for the relay are: max 50V/1A

• Does the Annuncicom feature SIP functionality ?

Yes it does. To use the SIP application it is necessary to download the ABCL Kit. ABCL (Audio Barix Control Language) is a free programmable language like basic. The ABCL Kit includes a SIP Client for the Annuncicom. You can download it from the Download section of Barix website (Within "Software Solutions" category)

Control FAQ

X8 related questions

• How do i update an X8 with the latest firmware ?

You need a Barionet to do this. There is a special application for the Barionet which helps in doing this. Here is a detailed howto page on this wiki describing this: X8-Update