Unofficial Mackie User Forums > DL1608/DL806/DL32R/ProDX Mixers

Wireless streaming to the DL1608

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BlendedMix:
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....   ;)   

     

RoadRanger:
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 :( .

WK154:
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..

Kevin:
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.

WK154:
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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