While the MT 48 is designed for plug and play functionality over USB C - ethernet does offer expansion capabilities over ethernet, and can also be incorporated into existing audio networks as well.
Using the MT 48's Ravenna AES67 ethernet port, you can use software drivers from Merging Technologies and perform a Unite function. Uniting simplifies Audio Over IP (AOIP) network audio by handling the backend routing between sender and receiver (MT 48 and computer), both ways.
Unite is a 1:1 to handshake between interface and computer over a direct network connection, using Merging's MAD ASIO driver for Windows, or VAD Core Audio driver for Mac.
The Windows driver can be located here: https://www.merging.com/support/downloads#mad
The Mac driver can be located here: https://www.merging.com/support/downloads#macOS
This installs a separate group of utilities separate from the MT 48 Toolkit installer (which is for USB C functionality.)
Some notes before getting started:
Your computer will need a gigabit ethernet connection. If your computer doesn't have one, then a gigabit ethernet adaptor is necessary, which will connect to your computer via USB or Thunderbolt.
You should not use both USB C connectivity via the MT 48 Toolkit and direct ethernet connectivity via MAD/VAD at the same time. You will run into IP address conflicts, as the MT 48 also acts as a local network device over USB.
Use specifically Cat5e or Cat6 ethernet cabling for the connection.
If you are on current Mac OS, you will need to install while in Reduced Security Mode, and enable system extensions after installation. Please refer to the below for detailed steps: https://merging.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/PUBLICDOC/pages/21266441/Apple+M1-M2-M3-M4+Installation+-+Enable+system+extensions.
Start by downloading the appropriate MAD/VAD for your operating system, and connecting your MT 48 to your computer over a Cat5E/Cat6 ethernet cable.
To Unite on Mac OS using VAD:
- Browse to the MAC System Settings, at the bottom select the Merging RAVENNA/AES67 icon to open the driver panel.
- Select the UNITE mode tab
- Select the MT 48 in the "Please select below the device you wish uniting with" box
- This will open a menu from where you can select the IO’s that will be automatically connect and available in your application. Check the IO's you wish to connect automatically, and then press Unite.
- Once successful, you will see a green handshake icon on top of the MT 48 icon, as well as it's status running, sampling rate, and PTP: Locked in green.
To Unite on Windows using MAD:
- You can access the MAD Panel in your system tray in the bottom right corner of the screen; it will also appear in a Windows Search.
- Select the UNITE mode tab
-
Select the MT 48 under the "Please select below the device you wish uniting with" area
- This will open a menu from where you can select the IO’s that will be automatically connect and available in your application. Check the IO's you wish to connect automatically, and then press OK.
- Once successful, you will see a green dot on top of the MT 48 icon, as well as its status running, sampling rate, and Clock in green.
Available Unite Options:
|
Inputs |
Analog Inputs | Physical inputs 1-4 (Mic Line 1-2, Line Inst 3-4) |
| Built-in Mic | MT 48 Built-in Talkback microphone | |
| Bus Returns | MT 48 Bus Outputs (Mix A, B, HP 1, HP 2). Connect for record back/loopback. | |
| Peered Inputs | Applies to users with another Merging RAVENNA/AES67 Interface that has been Peered through the MT 48 | |
| Post FX options | Separate inputs for any affected inputs, post EQ + Dynamics | |
| Outputs | DAW 1-4 | DAW or Application Software Output Playback (4 stereo returns, 1 per mix) |
| Additional Inputs | AES67 Generic Streams (up to 32 channels). Requires AES67 compatible devices and MT 48 running Music Mission. |