Cacophony Forums
Unofficial Mackie User Forums => DL1608/DL806/DL32R/ProDX Mixers => Topic started by: BlendedMix on May 03, 2013, 08:43:42 AM
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I apologize for the length of this post even before I get started. You have been so helpful on the boards, and I've learned a TON from reading what you and others have contributed. That's a good thing, because I'm new to this game. I got asked to help a PTO at an elementary school acquire and have a sound system installed. The DL sounded perfect for the application for a lot of reasons, so here I am...in quest of knowledge.
The system is in their "cafetorium." They had what I guess was at least a 23 year old Ducane system from when the school was originally built. So it's a big step up, and the music teacher is an older lady who has some technical knowledge, but not much. There's the boring background...sorry.
I felt the DL was the perfect system, because my hope is to get everything set up for the different types of performances they typically conduct (talent shows, presentations, plays, choir performances, etc.), and store them so that recalling them will have the appropriate inputs and levels at the touch of a button. I think that is much more reasonable for them to learn than having someone truly understand all of the knobs and buttons that control a "traditional" analog mixing board. We hope to make it as much of a "set it and forget it" type of approach as we can. While I realize that flies in the face of what a really good sound engineer would ever recommend, the whole goal here is to make it as user friendly as possible. As they learn the system, they can learn and do more.
The biggest limitation I'm facing is with the music. I've hit some barriers regarding the Airport Express, and the school districts tech dept. is up in arms about adding another network within the school. The ultimate goal was:
1. Un-dock the iPad and have a few people trained on how to recall snap shots, and learn the basics of how to adjust the channel volumes.
2. Stream music via the Airport Express to supply backing tracks, which they utilize in many of their performances.
3. ELIMINATE the need for anyone to be on the stage where the sound system is located in order to run it. It is rack mounted inside a Gator Case on the side wall of the stage.
Right now, we're using a Rapco adaptor with a 3.5mm jack and volume control that goes from either a CD player, computer, or iPhone output, and we have it running into a XLR mic input (channel 5 to be exact). That seems to work just fine, and allows them to play music from up to 20 feet out in front of the stage (XLR cable length).
I would LOVE to find a way to make that more streamlined, but I'm fearful that they will ultimately not allow us to have another wireless network, even though I explained in detail that it would be password protected, and that it doesn't even need internet. Apparently, they are concerned about the confusion it would cause school employees using wireless devices.
I'm in a bit of a pickle, because I made this decision based on how easy it would ultimately be with the wireless streaming, but no one ever involved the tech dept., and we didn't see this issue coming.
I'm open to any suggestions.... ;)
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Keep in mind that if you are forced to use the school's wireless network that anyone on it with an iOS device can download the Master Fader or My Fader app and control the DL1608 - it has zero security built-in and normally relies upon being on a secured private wireless network :( .
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Shades of yesteryear! Back in the 60' we ran into the almighty IT God anytime you quoted a "Computer". Most Scientists despised their involvement and we soon learned that there was a simple solution to the problem. We called them "Controllers" and the IT God vanished. Unfortunately your horse is out of the corral so closing the gate won't help. Ideally, what I call XDM http://cacophony.aspinock.com/index.php?topic=355.0 would have served you well in this situation. That's a set it and forget it and no fingers on environment (front panel lockout). I know it well. I have been using it in this environment for many years (Middle School class room and auditorium). To deal with the streaming audio you may want to turn to the other solution in the 2.4 gig realm Bluetooth or the equivalent. I use a setup that actually takes the output of the DL and sends it to my speakers. Anything to rid myself of CABLES. In your case it would use any stereo output from an iPod etc and sent it to the DL. I have used it in close proximity to a 2.4 gig WIFI with no interference. It will use 2 input channels on the DL but I believe you probably have lots open. The unit will require a power source ie. batteries or AC. Here is their link http://audioengineusa.com/Store/Audioengine-W2 . I use their W3 (I'm PC based) you may want to look at their W2. Tell the tech dept. that you found a better solution that doesn't use WIFI, networks etc..
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You can set up the Express router so that it doesnt even broadcast its SSID. That way none of the school employees will even know that it exists, so no worries about confusion. Chances are that unless the schools IT folks are more resourceful than most, they wont even know that your DL network exists. You can also set a network password so that even if someone does find out what SSID to use (eg if someone pokes around on your iPad), they will still need the password before they can access the mixer with another iPad or iPhone.
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If you go the WIFI route make sure you operate in the 5 gig only range. A much cleaner environment for now. One note on the W2 it only has a 30' range the W3 has a 100' range.
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Keep in mind that if you are forced to use the school's wireless network that anyone on it with an iOS device can download the Master Fader or My Fader app and control the DL1608 - it has zero security built-in and normally relies upon being on a secured private wireless network :( .
Hi Road...I'm not going to use the school's wireless network. That was made ABUNDANTLY CLEAR. :D However, as someone else suggested, if there's a way to simply set up a network with the Airport Express, keep the SSID hidden, and require devices to enter a password for access...then I'm golden. I'm far from an expert on that either, but maybe if I work in conjunction with the tech team I can get them on board, and heaven forbid, to actually help a little instead of serving as a roadblock. :(
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You can set up the Express router so that it doesnt even broadcast its SSID. That way none of the school employees will even know that it exists, so no worries about confusion. Chances are that unless the schools IT folks are more resourceful than most, they wont even know that your DL network exists. You can also set a network password so that even if someone does find out what SSID to use (eg if someone pokes around on your iPad), they will still need the password before they can access the mixer with another iPad or iPhone.
That sounds GREAT, and I hope that's something I can accomplish. One snag is....they're already aware of the Airport Express. In fact, it is in the tech groups possession currently, and apparently they've already had a few meetings of the minds to discuss it specifically. :-\ It took a week just to get the iPad back and all they had to do was register it to the district and put the Master Fader app. on it. It's their job...and I get that. I just have to find a way to mediate the thing and get it working.
I have no concerns about anyone gaining access to the iPad. It is locked up in a Gator case, and if someone wants to go to that much trouble, it would be to steal the iPad anyway.
Sorry guys...I didn't mean to litter the board with a discussion on my logistical nightmare out of the box. I appreciate everyone sharing their thoughts on it, and I'm going to sort through them now and hopefully find a way to find a solution. If nothing else, it works how we have it now...it's just not as slick as it could be.
BTW...the assistant principle is very well versed on the iPad, and she picked up on using the system VERY quickly. So I still think we made a good decision, and after EQ'ing the room and getting some levels set, it sounds amazing.
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I'm fully aware of the turf battles and NIH factors with people that have been promoted to their incompetency level. The best solution I found is to bypass them with solutions outside of their control. The Audioengine is one such solution and the W3 frees one from the i* control freaks (Apple). The cost is about $140. Good luck.
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Shades of yesteryear! Back in the 60' we ran into the almighty IT God anytime you quoted a "Computer". Most Scientists despised their involvement and we soon learned that there was a simple solution to the problem. We called them "Controllers" and the IT God vanished. Unfortunately your horse is out of the corral so closing the gate won't help. Ideally, what I call XDM http://cacophony.aspinock.com/index.php?topic=355.0 would have served you well in this situation. That's a set it and forget it and no fingers on environment (front panel lockout). I know it well. I have been using it in this environment for many years (Middle School class room and auditorium). To deal with the streaming audio you may want to turn to the other solution in the 2.4 gig realm Bluetooth or the equivalent. I use a setup that actually takes the output of the DL and sends it to my speakers. Anything to rid myself of CABLES. In your case it would use any stereo output from an iPod etc and sent it to the DL. I have used it in close proximity to a 2.4 gig WIFI with no interference. It will use 2 input channels on the DL but I believe you probably have lots open. The unit will require a power source ie. batteries or AC. Here is their link http://audioengineusa.com/Store/Audioengine-W2 . I use their W3 (I'm PC based) you may want to look at their W2. Tell the tech dept. that you found a better solution that doesn't use WIFI, networks etc..
So...with this solution for $49.00, I get a transmitter for an Iphone, and a receiver that will take up two ports on the DL? That's what it would take for the Airport Express anyway, so maybe I'm golden with that setup.
The million dollar question is...can you switch back to the MyFader app. on the iPhone while the music is streaming through the device? ???
BTW...you completely lost me on that first part about the XDM. Was that a complete hardware change out? I read the post it linked to in the other thread, and it was like reading Greek to me.
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I'm fully aware of the turf battles and NIH factors with people that have been promoted to their incompetency level. The best solution I found is to bypass them with solutions outside of their control. The Audioengine is one such solution and the W3 frees one from the i* control freaks (Apple). The cost is about $140. Good luck.
Gotcha...and I looked it up. The W3 sounds a little safer with the 100' range for an extra $100.00. I can return the Airport Express and just tell them that we're going to go with the Rapco device. Then I'll covertly add the AudioEngine device and we're golden!
Thanks for everyone's help!
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If you play the game you'll save yourself a lot of aggravation. I believe that what they don't know won't hurt them.
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If you play the game you'll save yourself a lot of aggravation. I believe that what they don't know won't hurt them.
...yeah, and I could kick myself for not coming to the boards sooner than I did, because I probably could have averted the whole situation altogether. What chaps me about it is that they wanted NOTHING to do with it in the outset, and the district had no desire to do the install or have the tech group involved despite the Principal's requests. Then AFTER it was all purchased with PTO money to help the school, and installed, THEN they wanted to intercede.
Because of the need to possibly undock the iPad at times, I'm going to at least try to get them to set up the Airport Express network without a broadcast SSID, and see if I can get that to work so that I get maximum functionality. If that doesn't fly...then I'll go to plan B, and the AudioEngine. The limitation there seems to be that I can stream music, but would still lack the ability to control the mix via MyFader from a second device with the iPad docked. At least I'm getting closer now.... ;D
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"BTW...you completely lost me on that first part about the XDM. Was that a complete hardware change out? I read the post it linked to in the other thread, and it was like reading Greek to me."
The units (XAP800) I'm using were designed for such applications but new would run you about $4K. Used the cost is far less. They require more of a learning curve but are certainly conquerable.
If their not using equipment that's 5 Gig capable then there really should not be a problem. It will never be seen on 2.4 gig network.
School District sounds a lot like LAUSD?
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I'm going to try the 5g idea and go from there. Thanks again everyone.
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What part didn't work for you?
Also keep in mind that if you are forced to use the school's wireless network that anyone on it with an iOS device can download the Master Fader or My Fader app and control the DL1608 - it has zero security built-in and normally relies upon being on a secured private wireless network :( .
I'm a little, ok a lot, confused about this statement. "Zero security built in"? Then what the heck do you call a password? And if their are tech savvy people out there that know how to hack into the express do you really think they are going to waste their time to hack your router, download the Mackie app, and the mess with your board? Do you really think people are that interested in messing with some random band who happens to be using a Mackie dl, or any other iPad controlled board? Seriously?
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What part didn't work for you?
Also keep in mind that if you are forced to use the school's wireless network that anyone on it with an iOS device can download the Master Fader or My Fader app and control the DL1608 - it has zero security built-in and normally relies upon being on a secured private wireless network :( .
I'm a little, ok a lot, confused about this statement. "Zero security built in"? Then what the heck do you call a password? And if their are tech savvy people out there that know how to hack into the express do you really think they are going to waste their time to hack your router, download the Mackie app, and the mess with your board? Do you really think people are that interested in messing with some random band who happens to be using a Mackie dl, or any other iPad controlled board? Seriously?
While I completely agree with what you're getting at, it was VERY clearly explained to me by the school's tech department as to why it's a valid concern. They take a stance of "If it possibly COULD happen, then we have to assume that it WILL happen." For kids 4th grade age, it's a low likelihood for sure, but not impossible by any stretch if the thing had completely open access.
In fairness, when I mentioned that it could be password protected, they were at least responsive to that, but then the head guy submitted that by just having another visible network showing on local devices, the confusion would cause unnecessary tech calls when they should be dealing with more pertinent issues. In other words..."We're not doing ANYTHING that is going to potentially make more work for us." That's why I'm investigating the 5g option at this point as the most viable one until that gets shot down, and then the AudioEngine will be next.
The big fear, and I get it, is that there not be any pathway for anyone to get a hold of the school records. The trick is for me to get a solution TO THEM and approved quickly so we can have it all tuned up and ready for the year end talent show. That's when it will make it's first impression, and if it stinks...well, that won't reflect very well on me. :(
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Have you found out if they are using the 5 gig frequency? It's easy just use the iPad or any other computer that's dual frequency compliant and search for sources (802.11N or AC stations). Then see if they are using it.
"The big fear, and I get it, is that there not be any pathway for anyone to get a hold of the school records"
Gee where have I heard that scare tactic before? Of course anyone could walk up to a school computer and install Logmein or a similar program and have at it. What you have to have admin privileges, REALLY!! Oh but you can hook into the school system with your laptop? There are way to many holes in the schools security environment You'd be surprised what 5th grader can do. My position is quite simple but requires an educated staff. Use your network for teaching your subject matter and provide an INTRANET not a babysitting INTERNET on campus. The Library could have a tightly controlled Internet access for student research. That of course would mean work for the staff to replace the paper crutch. The control of what you can get at the school would be the 21st Century equivalent of Gutenberg and concentrating on the subjects, screened by the teachers. Let the kids deal with the Internet at home. Don't even mention this to the tech staff they'll go ballistic. Welcome to our education system. Third World country anyone? Some schools in China are using two iPads, one at school one at home and synchronizing over the Internet. See this here anywhere? Don't get me started on this subject.
"In fairness, when I mentioned that it could be password protected, they were at least responsive to that, but then the head guy submitted that by just having another visible network showing on local devices, the confusion would cause unnecessary tech calls when they should be dealing with more pertinent issues"
REALLY kids are allowed to search for other sites and servers and connect or try to? Head Guy huh! Thanks IBM more FUD (inventors of Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt).
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I'm a little, ok a lot, confused about this statement. "Zero security built in"? Then what the heck do you call a password?
The DL1608 is NOT password protected.
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RR I just had to re read the posts to figure out what you meant. I thought you were referring to the airport express. Didn't realize what exactly was going on. You meant if the op had to use a school networked router, because they are not allowing him to use the express, then the dl would be opened to others gaining access.
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^ Yup :( .
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"The DL1608 is NOT password protected."
To keep the answer short and sweet the DL is more than password protected it's protocol protected and the WIFI is password protected (one would hope) for each access point. Unless this is a one room school there would certainly be a few access points. There can also be multiple logical networks even in the simplest topologies (ie. M$ Workgroups). This of course assumes no backdoor and sophisticated hacking attacks. There the DL is still protected via protocol.
My view and experience on this is that over 90% of school systems are installed and setup by outside companies (low bid or buddy). Most school tech crews are operators that barely understand what they have and certainly won't affect any change out of fear they'll break something. A lot are even managed by outside vendors. Working with this kind of environment is difficult at best.
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Hey guys...thought I would post a follow up.
After talking to Apple, the Tech guys set the router up on a non-broadcast SSID that requires a user to type the network name, and a password. I works like a charm. At one point this evening I was streaming Pink Noise with my iPad Mini, EQ'ing the room with the undocked iPad, and using the JL Audio App on my iPhone to monitor the changes!! It worked as slick as a whistle.
I don't know much more about this than what I have read and seen on YouTube, but I thought this was interesting. The speaker manufacturer sent me an SPL vs. Freq graph. It was pretty, but I had no idea what it was or how to use it. I was told it would be a "good starting point." I had it tucked away in a drawer. Coincidentally, when I used the RTA on my iPhone, the final Pink Noise 31 GEQ setting for the mains ended up being almost an exact mirror image of the graph readout. I had a slightly higher level in the 2-3k range, but other than that it was very close. Is that what is supposed to happen?? :-[
I have done my best to set an EQ level for the mics that will work for most kids and female adults, as well as for backing music. I REALLY don't want anyone to mess with that. Would it be easier to just tell them to leave the iPad docked and use the MyFader app to run the system, since all they can do is alter the fader levels, and mute when needed? I'm starting to see that as a solid alternative so that they don't get the iPad out there and end up accidentally ending up on a screen they don't know how to get out of, or hitting something by accident.
I was able to stream music through the AP Express router through channels 13 and 14. Not sure what was going on, but I kept losing signal completely at times, and I wasn't more than say...30 feet from the router. What type of range should I expect to get with that in a completely open cafeteria?? I'm going to try isolating our router network only, as suggested above, and see if that helps. Interestingly, I could use the MyFader App on my Mini or iPhone from the very back of the cafeteria, 70' away from the router, and it worked flawlessly. Is that likely due to a more limited bandwidth requirement, or do you think there was something else at play?
Thanks again for all of the help. I have a lot of learning left to do, but so far everyone has been thrilled with the system...thanks to you guys for that.
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What frequency are you finally using? I see the Tech Guys are co-operating instead of being hard-nosed. If you're in the 2.4 gig band you may be running into conflicts or traffic hidden SSID or not.
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I did not check that, but since my Mini and iPhone were able to connect with normal settings after entering the Network and Password, I'm assuming it was probably 2,4Ghz. Since they had already set up the Ipad2 that runs the DL, I was just so thrilled it was working I didn't delve into that. I will check on that later today and see if I can move it to 5 if possible and see if that helps.
It made me leery, but it would be nice to lose the Rapco method of getting the music into the mix.
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Which devise are you streaming music from? What iPhone model? You may be limited from iPhone.
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iPhone 4. It was working well, but then would just drop completely. I had to restart completely. In fairness, I also moved closer, so hard to say if distance was the issue or not.
What dawned on me is that regardless of how we get the signal to the board, they will have to turn off everything...text, phone, etc. Total drop for anything incoming.
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Why not use Tango remote , and play from the docked ipad ? Then you only have to transmit control data.
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That may ultimately be the best option. Where I hit snags is with no Internet access for that iPad to download anything. The tech staff has all that blocked even if a teacher with a password gets on the network.
I'm working on a way to make that work, but logistically it would be difficult. I know nothing about that app either. Could they start and stop the music and select tracks pretty easily from the first row?
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Yes , start stop select track .. The works :)
The ipad is synced to some computer , so just fill it up with music from there.
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And it does not take up 2 channels :)
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Your iPhone 4 does not have 5 gig capability so it will only be in 2.4 gig band. This may be the cause of your dropouts. IPhone 5 is the first working 5 gig unit, yes 4S has it but it's useless for the most part. Check all the channels being used in your area and their strengths and maybe you can switch to a cleaner channel or get a iPhone 5. Your Mini iPad should be able to give you all the answers. This tells me that your iPad mini is setup for 2.4 gig. Are you also tied in with the school network for Internet access ? You only need it for updates or if you are downloading Music. Both can be done without constant internet connection. I would disconnect wire access from school net WAN port for performances.
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Hi Topsee...there are all sorts of rules I have to abide by...no dodging them. After yesterday, I have reigned myself that the iPad is going to be used strictly to run the system with the Airport Express non-broadcast SSID. It is not on the Internet.
Because I see scenarios where it is still convenient to play CD's, I am moving forward with teaching the staff to simply use the Rapco device. It seems to just be a more simple approach for them and we avoid several issues. I realize it is not ideal by any stretch, but it works for an elementary school.
What I'm learning quickly is that if I don't simplify this, they are never going to be able to grasp it and run it themselves. I'm sure I could find apps and ways to work around these limitations, but it's too much to expect them to be able to do it and I can't be up there very time they use it. I used screen shots and PowerPoint and put together a detailed laminated basic guide and they are thrilled and at least able to use it. If I start in on turning off everything, using Tango etc., that's a whole new can of worms.
They are thrilled with the sound, and the ability to pull snapshots with pre-set levels. It sounds great and is already infinitely better than what they had.
I can't thank everyone here enough for their help!
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There's and old proverb "You live and learn" good luck with the upcoming iPad fader adjustments etc. problems with the staff.
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There's and old proverb "You live and learn" good luck with the upcoming iPad fader adjustments etc. problems with the staff.
Yeah, I anticipate that happening. But, we're ahead of schedule on the staff members who will use the system being comfortable with it. The laminated step-by-step guide worked well enough for my wife, non tech savvy, to fire it up, speak through the mic, and play music through it. So...for those who may run it occasionally, it is working exactly as planned. If anyone ever reads this board who is in my shoes, and would like a copy of that guide...let me know.
The Snapshots are the best feature of the system for me, which is exactly what I was hoping for. They can touch one button and have settings that will work for MOST scenarios without ever touching even a fader.
A great example is their upcoming 10 person talent show. I set the levels for each kid during rehearsal (some play guitar and sing...piano and sing, some sing over music, some dance, etc). We named their snapshot for each kid under the show "Talent Show." So...as each kid comes up, we just recall the next snapshot with their name and everything is pre-configured for them. That can all be done from in front of the stage, and the ONLY thing that has to move from the locked sound cabinet is the iPad. The speakers are all mounted permanently so there is nothing to move in that regard either. NOW...will there be a kid or two who isn't exactly the same distance from the mic during their performance, or some minor issues? Absolutely....but having that starting point is a LOT better than having someone up there stage left where the sound system's cabinet is, trying to run a 12 channel mixing board with no experience.
There will still be a learning curve, and I get that...but it's a LOT less than having a 12 channel board up there with a bunch of knobs that there's no chance anyone will ever understand. While nothing is ever quite "set it and forget it," this DL 1608 system is doing exactly what I had hoped it would do to this point. As people become more comfortable and we can play with it more, hopefully we can take advantage of even more of the features that it offers, and investigate more with how to make it work ideally rather than just usefully.
You guys have given me all sorts of ideas to try, and when I have time I'm going to try them to see what makes the most sense. I'll report back...since I know you're all on the edge of your seats with this. :D Thanks for listening!
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Your iPhone 4 does not have 5 gig capability so it will only be in 2.4 gig band. This may be the cause of your dropouts. IPhone 5 is the first working 5 gig unit, yes 4S has it but it's useless for the most part. Check all the channels being used in your area and their strengths and maybe you can switch to a cleaner channel or get a iPhone 5. Your Mini iPad should be able to give you all the answers. This tells me that your iPad mini is setup for 2.4 gig. Are you also tied in with the school network for Internet access ? You only need it for updates or if you are downloading Music. Both can be done without constant internet connection. I would disconnect wire access from school net WAN port for performances.
I wanted to address this one specifically. First off, thank you for clarifying the 5 Gig limitations. I spoke with Apple, and even with the router being in a metal cabinet with the door open, it should reach up to 100ft. with no issue, so even on the 2.4 gig network, we should be able to narrow it down to what might be causing the drops. I'll work on that. I did want to emphasize that was ONLY with music streaming from my iPhone 4, and the MasterFader and MyFader apps worked flawlessly with my Mini and Iphone 4 from even the back of the 70 ft. Auditorium.
The other issue is, the school has blocked their network from being able to download from iTunes. Found that one out the hard way. The Asst. Principal logged into the school network with the iPad 2 we are using. We logged into her iTunes account. BUT...as we quickly found out, we were not able to download anything on the school's network, even if it was only to pull up her library, much less even download a free app.
I understand that there is a work around for that involving gift cards and special passwords from the Tech team, and I'm going to investigate that option today. Ultimately, we will need to have that iPad to at least have access to the MasterFader app for updates, so I might as well cross that bridge now.
Now..keep in mind, we ARE NOT reliant on that network...we have our own AE router, which is working well non-broadcast SSID. So, we've gotten over that hurdle to at least run the system from FOH. The next step, in a perfect world, is to have the ability to log into the Asst. Principal's iTunes account through the school's network when needed, and have the PTO give her iTunes gift cards to cover whatever expense there may be associated with downloading whatever they need. I just have to get over that hurdle with the Tech Support group, and I'm hopeful we can make that happen.
I'm chipping away at the logistical hurdles. I don't want to lose sight of the fact that the system is really working well, and sounds magnificent.
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OK..so just hung up with Tech Support. The work around is to have the Asst. Principal take the iPad home, and download whatever she wants to the iPad. Using the school network...not going to happen. It has a big old filter that won't even allow podcasts designed to help teachers with lessons to get through, and that is a big point of contention up there apparently. Sounded like an open can of worms that I stumbled onto.
At least I know where we stand in that regard, and we can work around it. Now I just have to figure out how to stream music from an IOS device without dropping, and we're on our way! Thanks for the things to try...
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It sounds like your "tech support" missed the entry test to the police academmy , and now want to impose redicolus rules on everybody as a revenge.
Stil the iPad has to be synced with a computer to be able to use itunes in the first place , that computer must be in your "tech support" as they set it up , so now al you have to do is every time you need something (as often as possible) put it on their table and ask them to do it , after some time they will give you acces :-)
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That's the tip of the iceberg. You need parent pressure to whip the tech dept. into shape. Preferably someone in the network business who knows what their doing. They're using FUD tactics against a non tech savvy admin. The administration clearly has lost control. The tail is waging the dog. A list of must haves needs to be generated that tech dept. needs to comply with and a performance review is in order. If they are so concerned about school records then they need to setup a Intranet just for that with encrypted data.
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That's the tip of the iceberg. You need parent pressure to whip the tech dept. into shape. Preferably someone in the network business who knows what their doing. They're using FUD tactics against a non tech savvy admin. The administration clearly has lost control. The tail is waging the dog. A list of must haves needs to be generated that tech dept. needs to comply with and a performance review is in order. If they are so concerned about school records then they need to setup a Intranet just for that with encrypted data.
Oh my... :o Well, I don't know about all of that. I'm the parent of my 3rd grade son, and right now my main goal is to get the staff trained to use the system efficiently so I can step aside and get away from it. My plan was not to be tethered to that school forever more, and it's not going to happen. They have my services until the end of the school year, and then they are on their own next year. The PTO paid for the system, but that didn't come with a lifetime service of me showing up to run the board.
As far as I'm concerned, it's running fine now. Even if it never gets another MasterFader update, it won't matter to them. As I said in the outset, this system was built on aesthetics, user friendliness, and geared toward voice intelligibility. I could go up there tomorrow with my Yamaha 1000W mixing board, two S115V mains, and my Yamaha 18" Sub and run people out of that cafeteria.
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Leaving it for the next guy heh! On your 2.4 gig connection you may be either helped or hindered by the orientation of the antenna inside the AE. Since I have no idea about the physical layout let me tell you the general principle that would help. If there is a flat metal surface (cover etc. from your metal enclosure in a preferably horizontal orientation) that you can place the AE on, then the metal surface would act as a ground plane, orient the AE antenna (internal) perpendicular to the ground plane. Rotate AE (all axis's) until you get max signal 75' away (I don't know the antenna orientation inside the AE so do a trial and error method). If this doesn't solve you dropout problem there are more drastic measures I won't go into now and you still need to check your WIFI channel usage and select the clearest one. BTW tech support should be able to help you with the signal strength measurement.