Introduction to ME-U
The ME Personal Mixing System is a uniquely flexible yet intuitively easy to operate solution giving individual musicians, performers and presenters the freedom to control their own monitor sound on stage.
ME-1 Personal mixer
- Up to 40 channels
- User assignable keys
- Master limiter and 3-band EQ
- 16 User presets
- Group function
- Name display
- 3.5mm Jack Aux input
- Built-in ambient mic
- Built-in signal generator
- Includes stand bracket
- Includes headphone hook
ME-500 Personal mixer
- Up to 16 mono/stereo channels
- Auto key assignment
- Master limiter and 2-band EQ
- 8 User presets
ⓘ ME-500 and ME-1 mixers can be combined within the same ME system.
ME-U is a touring grade, 10 port PoE hub for use with Allen & Heath ME personal mixers. It provides power and up to 40 channels of audio to multiple ME-1 or ME-500 mixers. ME-U comes with a standard input card to interface with Allen & Heath digital mixers or Aviom® A-Net® sources. This card can be replaced with an option card to interface the ME with third party mixing systems.
Features:
- 10 ports to connect ME-1 / ME-500
- Hubs can be linked for more ports
- Power (PoE) available on all ports
- Locking EtherCon connectors
- Standard ME-D input card works with
- dLive ME monitor port
- dSNAKE (Qu, GLD mixers)
- Qu/SQ/Avantis SLink (in dSNAKE mode)
- ACE (iLive system)
- Aviom® A-Net® 16
- Option cards to interface to other systems
- Dante
- MADI
- EtherSound
- Waves (V2 card)
- Network port for setup
- Names and stereo links can be received or manually set
- Rugged 2U rack mount construction
- Quiet fan cooling
Front Panel
10 Output Ports – To distribute audio and power to up to 10 ME-1 or ME-500 personal mixers. Can also connect to the input of another ME-U hub when connecting to more than 10 ME-1 mixers. Each port provides:
Up to 40 channels of audio
Channel names (ME-1 only)
Channel stereo linking
PoE power
Locking EtherCon connection
ⓘ The ME-U outputs are compatible with the Allen & Heath ME system only.
An indicator next to each port lights yellow to show it is linked to its connection, and flashes to show network activity. It lights red during start up or when an error is detected.
Input Port – To receive sources to distribute to ME personal mixers. The ME-D input card is provided as standard. Several other option cards are available from Allen & Heath letting you interface the ME-U to other mixing systems: Dante, MADI, Waves SoundGrid, EtherSound.
The ME-U input works with 48kHz 24-bit audio only.
- Network Reset – A recessed switch for power up reset of the ME-U network address to factory default.
- Network Port – To connect a PC or Mac computer for system setup and channel naming.
- ME-D standard input card. The Lnk/Act indicator flashes when working with ACE or dSNAKE. It stays on when working with Aviom®.
Rear Panel
Main Input - IEC connector, fuse and ON/OFF push switch for the built-in universal voltage power supply unit. This accepts worldwide voltages from 100 to 240V AC 50/60Hz. Check that you have received the correct mains lead for your territory.
ⓘ Use the mains lead for your territory as supplied with the ME-U.
ⓘ Secure the mains lead using the plastic clip to prevent it being pulled out.
ⓘ Heed all the warnings printed in the Safety Instruction sheet and on the rear panel.
ⓘ To ensure adequate cooling do not obstruct the ventilation slots.
Installing ME-U
Make sure the ME-U is turned off before installing it or removing or fitting its Input card.
Rack or Surface Mount
- Rack bolts with protective cups or washers
- Plastic feet for surface mounting
ME-U can be positioned on a flat surface or mounted into a standard 19” equipment rack. It requires 2U rack space.
If necessary, remove the plastic feet by carefully prising them off using a flat bladed screwdriver.
Mount the ME-U in the rack using 4 rack bolts with protective washers to protect the panel.
ⓘ Ensure adequate ventilation around the unit. Do not block the ventilation slots.
Changing the Input Card
The Me-U is supplied with the ME-D Digital Input card as standard. This can be replaced with a different card if required.
To replace the Input card:
- First, turn the ME-U power off.
- Remove the two front fixing screws. Pull out the ME-D card and unplug the internal cable harness.
- Carefully fold the cable back into the slot. The replacement card does not use the internal cable harness.
- Slide the new card in and push it in until it clicks into the internal connector socket.
- Replace the two fixing screws.
ME-D
Standard digital input card for connection to Allen & Heath digital mixers via dSNAKE or ACE, and to Aviom® A-Net16 sources.
Dante, EtherSound, Waves SG
To interface with other systems over Cat5 network protocols (48kHz).
MADI
To interface with other systems via MADI (48kHz). Use Link 1 In. ME-U will sync from the incoming MADI stream.
ⓘ The Aux BNC and MADI Link 2 are not operational in this application.
Connecting ME-U
Connecting the output ports
The ME-U output ports are for connection to Allen & Heath ME products only.
ⓘ Do not connect ME-U output ports to other mixers or equipment.
Connect each ME-U Output port to the Link In port of the ME-1 or ME-500 mixer.
ⓘ Each port can power one ME mixer. If you daisy chain mixers then power is fed to the first mixer only.
ME-1 parallel connection
You can connect up to 10 ME mixers each with their own Cat5 cable.
ME-1 series connection
You can daisy chain ME mixers from any port.
Linking ME-U hubs
You can link ME-U hubs to connect to more ME mixers.
Cat5 cables
Use STP (shielded twisted pair) CAT5e or higher cables. Those with both foil and braided screens provide shielding from interference and are generally more rugged. Stranded core cables are less prone to damage when kinked or repeatedly coiled.
ME-U provides locking Neutrik EtherCon sockets to protect the connections and ensure suitability for touring. We recommend you use cables fitted with locking EtherCon plugs. Maximum length per cable = 100m (330’)
Each ME mixer is powered over its Cat5 cable. You do not need to use its power unit.
Unplugging one ME mixer does not affect the others.
The first ME mixer in the chain gets PoE to power it over its Cat5 cable. Use external power units for the others in the chain.
Unplugging one ME mixer disconnects others further down the chain.
Connect any Output port from the first ME-U to the Input port of the next ME-U.
Use the first ME-U hub Setup Application to set its names and stereo links. Tick the iLive Source Mode if connecting an iLive system.
Use the next ME-U hub Setup Application for received names and stereo links. Make sure you untick its iLive Source mode.
Input source – Qu, SQ, GLD or dLive
Plug any of these ports into the ME-D:
GLD mixer dSNAKE port / EXPANDER port
Qu mixer dSNAKE port
Qu/SQ/Avantis mixer SLink port
dLive MixRack ME Monitor port
AR2412 rack MONITOR port
AR2412 / AB168 EXPANDER port
ⓘ Connection to 96kHz DX Expanders is not supported.
Qu, SQ, GLD, Avantis and dLive can send:
- 40 audio channels
✔ = Available
🗶 = Not available
- Channel names
- Stereo link information
Use the ME-U Setup Application:
Received names and stereo links ✔
Manual names and stereo links ✔
iLive Source Mode 🗶 (turn this off)
Use the Qu Setup / Output Patch / Monitor screen to assign the channels. Stereo sources and linked Input channels are automatically linked and presented to the ME-1 as stereo pairs.
Use the SQ I/O / Outputs ME screen to assign the channels. Stereo channels are automatically linked and presented to the ME-1 as stereo pairs.
Use the GLD I/O / Monitor screen to select ‘ME-1 Mode’, assign the channels and set the stereo links.
Use the dLive I/O / ME screen to assign the channels and set the stereo links.
Input source – iLive ACE
Using the standard ME-D input card.
ⓘ Do not use the MixRack surface link ACE.
Plug iLive ACE from the MixRack Port B.
ⓘ Do not use the MixRack surface link ACE.
To receive channel names you need to connect a second Cat5 cable from an iLive Network port into the ME-U Network port.
Plug your ME-U setup computer into any iLive Network port.
Using 1 cable only - ACE:
- 40 audio channels
- No channel names and link information
Using 2 cables – ACE and Network:
- 40 audio channels
- Channel names
- Stereo link information
Use the ME-U Setup Application:
Received names and stereo links ✔
Manual names and stereo links ✔
iLive Source Mode ✔ (turn this on)
Select iLive MixRack from list
Use the iLive Outputs / Port B screen to assign the 40 channel sources.
- Map Port B ACE outputs 21-60 to ME channels 1-40:
Port B Ch21 = ME Ch1
Port B Ch22 = ME Ch2
Port B Ch23 = ME Ch3
-------
Port B Ch60 = ME Ch40
iLive via ME-U ACE card
Using the ACE card option in the ME-U.
Plug iLive ACE from the MixRack Port B.
ⓘ Do not use the MixRack surface link ACE.
To receive channel names you need to bridge the iLive network across the ACE connection using two jumper cables as shown.
Plug your ME-U setup computer into any iLive Network port.
Without Network bridge:
- 40 audio channels
- No channel names and link information
With Network Bridge:
- 40 audio channels
- Channel names
- Stereo link information
Use the ME-U Setup Application:
Received names and stereo links ✔
Manual names and stereo links ✔
iLive Source Mode ✔ (turn this on)
Select iLive MixRack from list
Use the iLive Outputs / Port B screen to assign the 40 channel sources.
ⓘ Map Port B ACE outputs 1-40 to ME channels 1-40.
Input source – iLive mixer MMO
Using the standard ME-D input card.
ACE option card in place of ME-D
Bridge Network to ACE at both cards
To receive channel names you need to connect a second Cat5 cable from an iLive Network port into the ME-U Network port.
Plug your ME-U setup computer into any iLive Network port.
Using 1 cable only – Aviom®:
- 16 audio channels
- Stereo link information
- No channel names
Using 2 cables – Aviom® and Network:
- 16 audio channels
- Channel names
- Stereo link information
Use the ME-U Setup Application:
Received names and stereo links ✔
Manual names and stereo links ✔
iLive Source Mode ✔ (turn this on)
Select iLive MixRack from list
Use the iLive Outputs / Port B screen to assign the 16 Aviom® sources and links.
Input source - Aviom® A-Net 16
Using the standard ME-D input card.
- Use the ME-U to connect to ME-1 and ME-500 mixers only. It is not intended for nor compatible with Aviom® mixers.
The Aviom® source can send:
- 16 audio channels
- Stereo link information
- No channel names
Use the ME-U Setup Application:
Received names 🗶
Received stereo links ✔
Manual names and stereo links ✔
iLive Source Mode 🗶 (turn this off)
The ME-U gets its audio and link information from Aviom® channels 1-16.
Input source – Other systems
Fit a Dante, MADI, Waves SoundGrid (V2) or EtherSound card to interface other mix systems to the ME-U (48kHz only).
The source can send:
- Up to 40 audio channels
- No stereo link information
- No channel names
Use the ME-U Setup Application:
Received names and stereo links 🗶
Manual names and stereo links ✔
iLive Source Mode 🗶 (turn this off)
Option card inputs 1-40 are used to feed the ME-1 or ME-500 mixers.
Starting ME-U
Connect to your mains power outlet and press the rear panel ON/OFF switch to turn the ME-U on.
The front panel blue power indicator lights.
Wait until the ME-U has booted. This takes around 20 seconds. The Output Port indicators briefly flash red once the system has booted. With nothing connected they then turn off. With a ME-1 or ME-500 mixer connected they flash yellow.
Setting up ME-U
The ME-U is set up using a PC or Mac computer connected to the Network port. A setup application held within the ME-U is accessed using a web browser on the computer, similar to the method typically used to set up a wireless router.
Setup functions available:
- View and update the ME-U firmware
- View the unit operating temperature
- View the current input source
- View audio clock sync status
- View port link and PoE status
- Change the ME-U network settings
- Select name/link Source Mode (iLive)
- Choose the iDR MixRack (iLive)
- View and edit the 40 channel names
- View and edit the channel stereo links
Settings are stored in the ME-U and remembered on power up.
Setting the network addresses
Plug a Cat5 cable from your computer Network (LAN) port to the ME-U front panel Network port.
For the computer to communicate with ME-U it must have a compatible static TCP/IP address. Check that your computer LAN port is enabled with its DHCP turned off.
Set a static computer IP address:
- IP Address = 192.168.1.nnn
- Subnet Mask = 255.255.255.0
Where nnn is between 1 and 254 (not 40)
The default ME-U network address is:
- IP Address = 192.168.1.40
- Subnet Mask = 255.255.255.0
If this has been changed and is not known then it may be incompatible and the computer may not connect. If this is the case reset the ME-U network settings using the front panel recessed switch.
Starting the Setup Application
Start your computer web browser.
Enter the ME-U IP address into the browser address bar: 192.168.1.40
The computer should connect and display the Status page of the ME-U Setup Application.
Reset the ME-U network settings
If the computer fails to connect then try resetting the ME-U network settings:
Turn the ME-U off. Use a thin pointed object to press the recessed ‘Reset’ switch. Turn power back on and keep the switch pressed for 20 seconds while the unit reboots. This resets the ME-U network to:
- IP Address = 192.168.1.40
- Subnet Mask = 255.255.255.0
- Default Gateway =192.168.1.254
The Status page
Port Status – Displays the current connection status of each of the 10 output ports:
Ethernet Linked –The box is ticked if a network connection to a ME-1 or ME-500 mixer has been recognised.
PoE Active – The box is ticked if the port is supplying power over the Cat5 cable to the ME-1 or ME-500 mixer.
This page shows information about the ME-U. It lets you check the current status of the hub, its input source and connected units:
Firmware – The current operating firmware running in the ME-U.
- Check the Allen & Heath web site for the latest version available.
Temperature – The current operating temperature measured inside the unit.
- If this reads higher than 40 degrees C then check that there is adequate airflow around the unit and that its ventilation slots are not blocked.
Audio Source – Displays the Input card type and information on the source connected to the ME-U. The following will display depending on input card fitted and source:
- ME-D dSNAKE/ACE
- ME-D Aviom® (Aviom source recognised)
- Dante Option Card
- MADI Option Card
- EtherSound Option Card
- ACE Option Card (not typical – use ME-D)
Source Mode – ‘iLive’ will appear if the ME-U has been set to work with iLive. In this mode the ME-U attempts to find channel names and stereo link information from the iLive.
- iLive mode should only be set if you are working with an iLive system. For all other sources turn this mode off using the System Setup page.
iDR Mix Rack – This displays the name of the unit the ME-U attempts to connect to when set to work with iLive. This information does not appear if iLive mode is turned off.
Source Clock Sync – The box is ticked if the ME-U audio clock has synchronised to the source.
System Setup page
If you make changes to the settings click ‘Save’ to confirm or ‘Cancel’ to restore the previous settings.
Factory Reset - Click to revert the ME-U to its factory default settings.
- Any changes made to the network settings and channel setup will be lost.
Use this page to access ME-U system settings:
ME-U IP Settings – Displays the current network static TCP/IP settings. You can change these if you wish to access the ME-U via a different network.
Default settings can be restored using the front panel recessed ‘Reset’ switch.
- IP Address = 192.168.1.40
- Subnet Mask = 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway = 192.168.1.254
ⓘ If you are using the Network port to receive names from an iLive system then make sure the ME-U and iLive network addresses are compatible.
ⓘ If you are not sure how to set these settings then refer to your IT administrator.
Host MAC Address – This is the permanent address assigned to the ME-U hardware.
dSNAKE MAC Address – This is the permanent address assigned to the internal dSNAKE hardware.
Source Mode – If you are using ME-U with an iLive system and connecting its network to receive its names and stereo link status then tick the iLive mode box.
ⓘ If you are not connecting to an iLive system then make sure the box is not ticked. Failure to do so may result in the ME-U being unable to find names from the connected system.
iDR Mix Rack Selection – The ‘Found Units’ list shows any iDR racks found on the network. Choose the rack to connect to.
The ‘iDR Mix Rack’ box shows the name of the iLive iDR rack the ME-U looks for when starting.
This setting is only used if iLive Source Mode has been selected.
Default - Restores the factory default iDR Mix Rack name.
Channel Setup page
Import – Load a Channel Setup config file containing Received, Manual Name and Stereo Link information.
Export – Save a Channel Setup config file, containing Received, Manual Name and Stereo Link information.
Defaults - Click to reset all the manual names to numbers 1-40, clear all stereo links and to set all channels to use received data.
This example shows no name and stereo link data received. This is the default on power up when no input is connected, or when you are working with a source that does not broadcast the channel data.
If you make changes to the settings click ‘Save’ to confirm or ‘Cancel’ to restore the previous settings.
Allen & Heath digital mixers broadcast their channel names and stereo link status to the ME-U for distribution to all connected ME mixers.
ⓘ iLive – Data is sent over an additional cable plugged from an iLive Network port into the ME-U Network port.
Odd/even channels can be linked at the source so that the ME-1/ME-500 mixers automatically link the two channels for stereo operation assigned to a single key.
Use this page to view and edit the names and stereo link status of the 40 audio channels sent to the 10 ME-U Output ports.
The page displays two main columns:
Received – Channel names and stereo link status received from the source. The list is blank if none are received.
ⓘ The ME-U remembers the last received settings, for example when the mixer is turned off or the ME-U input cable is unplugged. Reboot the ME-U if you wish to clear and refresh the received settings.
Use Received – Tick this box to use the names and link status received from the source. Untick the box to use the manually entered data. Tick individual channels or tick All at the top to affect all 40 channels.
Manual – This column lets you manually enter channel names and select odd/even pairs to be stereo linked.
Sync – ME-U checks every few seconds to update the list of received names and links displayed with those assigned at the mixer.
If you make changes to the settings click ‘Save’ to confirm or ‘Cancel’ to restore the previous settings.
Manual names and stereo links
If your source does not broadcast the channel data then you can manually enter names and stereo linking for the 40 channels.
Tick and then untick the (All) box in the ‘Use Received’ column.
Click a Name box and type in a name with up to 6 characters. This is the name that will be displayed on the ME-1 mixer screen when its key is assigned for ‘Default’ name.
Tick the Stereo Link box for channels you wish to link, for example left and right of a stereo keyboard. Type a name for the linked channels into the top name box. The lower name box is disabled on linked channels.
Clearing names and links
Click Defaults to reset all manual names to their number 1-40 and all stereo links off. This also sets all channels to use received data.
You can use this to reset names and links as a starting point for entering manual names. In this case remember to untick the ‘Use Received’ boxes.
Manually editing received names
You can use a combination of received and manual data.
This example shows names and stereo link status received from the input source, for example dLive or GLD.
The names are those assigned at the source mixing console.
Here, CH9 and 10 are linked for stereo operation at the ME mixers. In this case only one name is used.
This example shows how you can edit some of the received names and stereo status to suit your ME personal mixing requirements.
Here, CH9 and 10 are manually edited to combine the two overhead drum mics as a stereo pair at the ME mixer.
Untick the two ‘Use Received’ boxes.
Firmware page
Use this page to update the ME-U operating firmware.
ⓘ Check the Allen & Heath web site for the latest version available. Read the firmware Release Notes.
Firmware – Displays the firmware version currently running on the ME-U.
Choose File – Click this button to browse the folders on your computer and choose the firmware file to load. The file has the following format, for example:
AllenHeathME-U_V1.00-Rev12345.uImage
To update the firmware
Click the Update button to start the firmware update. It can take up to 6 minutes to complete.
ⓘ Do not turn the power off while the firmware is being updated.
When complete, click the Continue button. This will automatically restart the ME-U unit.
To exit Setup
Make sure you have saved any changes you have made to the ME-U. These settings are stored in the ME-U.
If you have changed the ME-U IP address then keep a note of this as you will need it next time you want to open the Setup Application.
To exit the Setup Application simply close the web browser.
You can disconnect your computer from the ME-U once setup is complete. The ME-U does not require a computer to run it. The computer is used only for setup and to view status.