Improving the reliability of remote applications (Yamaha Stagemix) for your live shows.
One of the key advantage digital audio mixers bring would be the capability to provide access for users to program, control and monitor the console remotely. Today, there are myriad of remote desktop or mobile application-based solution from manufacturers. These solutions helped to equip engineers with the options for remote control capabilities to improve their workflow. In this article, we will be exploring how Maven’s wireless measurement can help improve and monitor the reliability of a wireless network to ensure high connectivity between audio consoles and wireless devices (e.g. iPad).
Wireless Remote Application
Reliability is paramount in this application for users adopting wireless remote solutions to react and adapt in real-time. Loss of control to the audio console due to wireless interference can lead to catastrophic failure (e.g. missing cues). It is advised for engineers who are intending to adopt wireless remote capabilities into their workflow to have a wireless network that is robust and has adequate wireless coverage. This article will focus on the application of adopting “Yamaha Stagemix for QL” as a remote software to control the audio console wirelessly. A typical setup would comprise of the following
Audio Console
Wireless Router
Wireless Device (e.g. laptop or iPad)
System diagram of a typical setup for remote application
The diagram below shows a typical segmentation (zones) of floor space where each zone is expected to facilitate different events simultaneously. To illustrate, zone 1 can be conducting a presentation for specific cars, while zone 2 and 3 can be operating as show spaces to display the automobiles for viewing. Therefore, having wireless control to the audio console (Yamaha QL5) is an integral part of the day to day operation as it aid audio engineers to roam and monitor the sound systems (e.g. loudness, clarity) for each respective zones.
An example of zones across the floor space
Initial Measurement
An initial wireless measurement was conducted to evaluate the wireless coverage and reliability of the installed system. There were 3 wireless access points installed across the space to provide wireless coverage between the iPads and the audio console. The diagram below illustrates the measured combined coverage of the wireless system.
Initial Measurement of combined wireless coverage
For the interested readers, the table below would represent the range of WiFi signal strength with its respective colour mapping.
Colour Legend of the WiFi Coverage Map
The initial measurement has helped identify the following
Wireless coverage for the initial setup is inadequate for the floor space (53% wireless coverage – requires coverage expansion).
Access points are not distributing WiFi evenly and effectively (small radiation range – relocation needed).
AP 3 is effectively outside the main access point (AP 1) wireless coverage. Hence, reliability for communication between access points is reduced. We have discussed the factors that will affect the reliability of a wireless mesh system here.
Post Measurement
Considering power, cabling, aesthetic and space, the wireless access points are relocated to improve wireless coverage and reliability. The diagram below shows the new combined measured wireless coverage for the access points. Comparing both measurements,
Wireless access points have wider coverage after relocation (89% wireless coverage – optimization).
Wireless coverage is sufficient for engineers to roam around while maintaining high connectivity between audio console and iPad.
Post Measurement of the relocated combined wireless coverage
Conclusion
Remote applications such as the Yamaha Stagemix bring convenience for an audio engineer. However, an unreliable wireless network will bring more harm than good. Maven’s wireless measurement can be used in scenarios where audio engineers are designing or integrating a wireless network for similar applications.
Ideal location for access points (maximum coverage).
Wireless coverage range for devices (e.g. iPad).
Optimize wireless links between primary and secondary access points.
Wireless coverage comparison
If you are looking to improve the reliability of the wireless systems used in a live show, contact us today!