When you connect the MT48 to your computer using USB, it automatically functions as a full network interface and shows up in the Hardware Device Manager, similar to a network card in a computer. However, it won’t act as an active network interface unless an RJ45 cable is plugged in, which connects it to a router or switch.
In default AUTO IP mode, the MT48 assigns itself an IP address using the Link local address space, specifically an “automatic private IP address (APIPA)” from the range [169.254.xx.xx]. You can use this IP address for a remote-control session through your browser (like Chrome or Edge) to access the web interface of the MT48.
The USB C DATA port serves as a network bridge, connecting to the computer while the MT48 translates USB data for audio streams and control into a network protocol. This is because the MT48 utilizes premium audio interface technology from Merging Anubis, which supports the AES67/Ravenna network protocol over 1GB Ethernet.
However, it’s best not to connect both the USB and network port to the computer at the same time, as this could lead to a network conflict if you have a primary LAN/WLAN connection via another network adapter. When the MT48 is connected to the network in addition to the USB connection, it will assign itself a new IP address based on the network configuration, typically an IP address from the private address range assigned by the router (for example, 192.168.x.x).
At this point, a conflict may arise since the MT48 is connected via both USB C and RJ45 to the same subnet as the computer's primary network adapter (LAN/WLAN). You’ll notice the color of the Neumann icon in the tray bar/toolbar changing from black to red, along with a subnet conflict warning being displayed.
“Ethernet Adapter Subnet conflict: Ethernet Adapter shares same subnet (192.168.x.x) with MT48”
To avoid this conflict, the USB and RJ45 connection of the MT48 should not be used simultaneously if there is already another connection established to the router via another primary network card or WLAN.
Exceptions:
If you want to control the MT48 remotely with an iPad for example, as described in the manual, it must also be connected to the network via the network interface. In this case and to avoid the IP conflict, the primary LAN/WLAN connection of the computer should be deactivated so that the MT48 is the only one network interface.
You can now control MT48 by entering the IP address with any tablet/phone or other computer with a browser. Even simultaneously from different systems.
Notes:
1. The MT48 network interface is a fully network card that is connected to your computer/laptop via USB. You can also use this interface as the solid network interface for connecting to your router/switch and use it for any network traffic (mail/Internet/VPN...etc.).
2. If you still want to operate several network adapters at the same time, you can do this by configuring each adapter in its own subnet.
3. The MT48 can be simultaneously supplied with power via the RJ45 network interface, so that no additional power cable/adapter is required. This is done via PoE (Power over Ethernet). Not every router/switch has this PoE function. First read the specifications to see whether PoE is supported with sufficient power.