Question 1

What is the latency through the CM-J50?

Accepted Answer

Total through-system latency from inputs on stage to outputs, including all the console's processing and A-D / D-A conversions, is 37 samples (@ 96 kHz), or just under 400us or 0.4 milliseconds.

Question 2

What type of optical transceivers do I need for the CM-J50 and the CM-SR series racks?

Accepted Answer

The duplex optical LC ports on the CM-J50 and the CM-SR series racks require the use of 1000BASE-LX/LH SFP 1310nm 10km DOM Duplex LC MMF/SMF compatible transceiver modules.

Technical Info:

• 1000BASE-LX/LH Small Form-factor Pluggable (SFP).
 • Standards based Gigabit Ethernet.
 • 1.25 Gbit/sec line speed.
 • Operating distance up to 10km.
 • Transmitter wavelength 1310nm.
 • Industry-standard LC duplex connector.
 • Singlemode Fibre (SMF).

Example of a 1000BASE-LX/LH SFP 1310nm 10km DOM Duplex LC MMF/SMF transceiver module
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e3a5aa_d0000a2451704a70b45b12b648bde1c5~mv2.jpeg

Question 3

What type of optical fibre do I need for connecting the CM-J50 to the CM-SR stage racks?

Accepted Answer

You will need single-mode fibre (SMF) to connect the CM-J50 and the CM-SR series of stages racks.

SMF is designed to carry a high bandwidth of data over very long transmission distances. With SMF data transmission is handled by a single glass fibre strand, unlike multi-mode fibre (MMF) where multiple glass strands are used, and has much tighter optic tolerances than multi-mode fibre.

Single-mode fibre is also referred to as uni-mode fibre or mono-mode optical fibre.

Question 4

What spec of coaxial cable should I use for MegaCOMMS?

Accepted Answer

Cadac specify RG6 3G 75 Ohm 18 AWG solid bare copper, super high-resolution coaxial to ensure that the cable is capable of handling over 4 times the data required for MADI.

Question 5

What is the best practice for MegaCOMMS cabling when designing a system?

Accepted Answer

When using coaxial cable, it is best practice NOT to tape power cables to the coaxial cable, preferably keep all power cables away from the coaxial cable. Failure to so could lead to interference with the signal and result in unwanted audio artefacts, or in the worst case, total loss of audio.

When using coaxial it is also highly recommended that all cables be connected to the appropriate units prior to powering them on.

When designing a non-redundant system, it is extremely important to ensure that the total cable runs do not exceed 100m for coaxial and 2km for fibre optic.

When using redundancy for a single stage rack, the cable runs (fibre optic or coaxial) from MegaCOMMS Port A and B must be of similar lengths - up to a maximum of 100m for coaxial or 2km for optical. The coaxial link cables connecting the two stage racks must not exceed 100m. The coaxial link cables connecting the two stage racks must not exceed 100m.

When using redundancy for two stage racks, the optical and coaxial runs from the console to the stage rack must not exceed 2km or 100m respectively - and must be of similar lengths. The coaxial link cables connecting the two stage racks must not exceed 100m.

When designing a non-redundant, redundant or daisy chain system, MegaCOMMS port A or B from the console MUST be connected to MegaCOMMS port A - NOT port B - on both stage racks. Any redundancy link cables must use ports B on both units.

Question 6

Can I connect to a Dante network?

Accepted Answer

The use of the CM-DT64 Network Bridge allows MegaCOMMS to connection to a Dante network.
 
The 1U CM-DT64 can work at either 96 kHz or 48 kHz and can handle up to 64 inputs and outputs and also has 128 channels of SRC as well as its own independent word clock.

Question 7

Can I connect to a MADI network?

Accepted Answer

The use of the CM-MD64 Network Bridge allows MegaCOMMS to connection to a MADI network.
 
The 1U CM-MD64 can operate at 96 kHz or 48 kHz and can handle up to 64 inputs and outputs and is equipped with 128 channels of SRC as well as its own independent word clock.

Question 8

Can I use Waves with the CM-J50?

Accepted Answer

The Cadac CM-J50 comes equipped as standard with an integrated 64 x 64 Waves SoundGrid® interface.

This interface can be used to route audio in and out of the console to a Waves SoundGrid® network, either for effects* and plug ins* or for multitrack recording and playback.

For more information about Waves please visit: waves.com (http://www.waves.com/)

*Waves licenses will be required, please see waves.com (http://www.waves.com/)for more details.

Question 9

The CM-J50 fails to load successfully and the log files says memory corrupt, what do I do next?

Accepted Answer

Insert a USB key in to the CM-J50 with console software on (version is irrelevant) to access the Command Centre:

• Press Clear FailSafe – This will reset the registry and delete centre surface cache
 • Restart Console

If Clear FailSafe failed to fix the issue, insert a USB key in to the console with console software on to access the Command Centre:

• Press ‘CMD’
 • Using a USB keyboard
 • Type in ‘lodctr /r’ then Enter
 • It should give you a message confirming memory counters reset.
 • Restart Console

If you cannot access the Command Centre with a USB key attach a USB keyboard to the console:

• Press Ctrl+Alt+Del
 • Open ‘Task Manager'
 • Press Alt+f
 • Type ‘cmd’
 • Press Enter
 • Type in ‘lodctr /r’ then Enter
 • It should give you a message confirming memory counters reset.
 • Restart Console

Question 10

The CM-J50 starts up in Debug Mode, what do I do next?

Accepted Answer

Insert a USB key, containing the console software, in to the CM-J50 in order to access the Command Centre.

• Restart Console
 • Press ‘Program Upgrade’
 • This should re-install the console software that is on the USB key and remove the debug code

Question 11

How do I access Explorer on the CM-J50?

Accepted Answer

This can be done by inserting a USB key, with the console software (version is irrelevant) on it, in to the console, this will open the Command Centre and then press ‘Explorer’.
 
It can also be done by sing a USB Keyboard:

• Press Ctrl+Alt+Del
 • Open ‘Task Manager’
 • Press Alt+f
 • Type ‘explorer’ and press enter

Question 12

How do I download the CM-J50’s log files?

Accepted Answer

Insert a USB key containing a copy of the Console Software. This will automatically open the console’s Command Centre.

Double press the Expert View button found at the bottom right-hand corner of the large screen.
 
Press Copy Logs; the console will then download the log files to the USB key. This may take some time if there are a lot of log files.
 
It is advised that you delete the logs – press Clear All Logs – if it takes more than a couple minutes to copy.  Do not do this if you are using the desk, only if you are finished with it, as it closes the console software down in order to delete the logs.
 
Remove the USB key from the console. Zip-up the files and email them to Cadac’ service department, or your local distributor, for diagnostics.

Question 13

How do I stop the console programme running on the CM-J50?

Accepted Answer

Insert a USB key in to the console with console software on (version is irrelevant) to access the Command Centre
 • Press Clear all Logs

Using a USB Keyboard
 • Press Ctrl+Alt+Del
 • Open ‘Task Manager’ and ‘End Task‘ for the console software

Question 14

How do I upgrade the software on the CM-J50?

Accepted Answer

Important: Backup all show files that are on the console
 
 • Download the Console Software file from the Software page (https://www.cadac-consoles.com/software)
 • Then unzip this file into the route directory of an empty USB stick
 • Power up the console and wait for it to boot up
 • Plug the USB stick into a USB port on the console
 • The new Simple Command Centre Screen will appear on the main screen

https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e3a5aa_5404a0d3e4e1470596fb8aafafe24012~mv2.png

• Press Software Update then wait till done
 • Press Power Down and remove USB
 • Make sure the console is completely OFF then Power Up the console
 
After this you should have the latest version of software on your console.

Question 15

How many I/O boxes can I connect to the rear of the CM-J50?

Accepted Answer

As standard the CM-J50 has two pairs of MegaCOMMS connectors (with coax or optical options) on the rear.
 
This will allow up to two MegaCOMMS compatible units to be connected to the console.

Question 16

I have attempted a factory reset but the CM-J50 is still having issues on start-up. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

If you have attempted a factory reset but you are still having issues on start-up with your console try the following procedure as some of the folders in Windows may have been inadvertently locked.
 
 • Download the latest version of the Console Software
 • Then unzip this file into the route directory of an empty USB stick
 • Plug the USB stick into a USB port on the console
 • The Command Centre with appear on the main screen
 • On the Command Centre press the red button Clear FailSafe
 • You must then also do a Clean Program Update
 • You then need to power down (ideally power cycle the PSUs) your console then restart the console
 • All the folders will now be unlocked and this should resolve the start-up issues
 
Note:
 • It is also recommended if you have been running an older software version on the console that a Program Update should also be done
 • If the Loader Upgrade button is highlighted in green then please press it
 • Remember you then need to power down (ideally power cycle the PSUs) your console then restart the console

Question 17

I have tried to upgrade my console with new software and the upgrade seems to have failed and the console no longer works. What should I do now?

Accepted Answer

The best course of action is to do what is known as a Total Recall. A Total Recall will completely wipe the console of its current software version and allow you to then re-install the console software.
 
Follow the steps below and you will end up with a working console. BUT before you do this procedure save any show files that are on the console as they will be deleted.
 
1. Download the CM-J Console Software from the website
 
2. Then unzip this file into the route directory of an empty USB stick
 
3. Plug the USB stick into a USB port on the console, while the console is switched on
 
4. The Command Centre with the upgrade menu will appear on the main screen
If the Command Centre does not start, connect a USB keyboard to the console:

• Press CTRL-ALT-DEL
 • Navigate to Start Task Manager
 • Press ALT-F
 • Type “Explorer”
 • Press Enter
 • Go to step 6

5. Double Tap the button Expert View in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen
 
6. Press the icon highlighted in red Total Recall, this will restart the console
 
7. Remove the USB stick when the console shuts down
 
8. The console will reboot, select English when prompted to choose language
 
9. Next the console will indicate that it cannot find any software – there will be a large red warning screen, do not worry. It says invalid console because the Total Recall has removed all the console data.
 
10. At this point insert the USB, and the console will shut down
 
11. Remove the USB when the console shuts down
 
12. The Console will then reboot automatically. When the console loader appears, it will try to load the software and eventually say ‘Please Re-load Software’ in the black text box, at this point insert the USB key once more.
 
13. Then command centre will then appear, press Update Software, and then Power down and remove the USB
 
14. Restart the console. This restart will NOT work
 
15. Turn the power off to the console, disconnect it from the power and leave off for 10 seconds, and then reconnect the power, then turn the console back on
 
16. On the next start up, the software will be fully installed, and the Total Recall has been successfully performed

Question 18

The CM-J50 will not update the user options for start-up. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

If you are finding that you are having problems updating Cues on your console try the following procedure as some of the folders in Windows may have been inadvertently locked.
 
 • Download the latest version of the Console Software
 • Then unzip this file into the route directory of an empty USB stick
 • Plug the USB stick into a USB port on the console
 • The Command Centre with appear on the main screen
 • Press the Expert View button in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen
 • On this screen press the red button Clear FailSafe
 • You then need to power down your console (ideally power cycle the PSUs) then restart the console
 • All the folders will now be unlocked and there should now be no issues when updating your Cues

Note:
 • It is also recommended if you have been running an older software version on the console that a Program Update should also be done
 • It is also recommended if you have attempted a Factory Reset then a Clean Program Update should also be done
 • If the Loader Upgrade button is highlighted in green then please press it

Remember you then need to power down your console (ideally power cycle the PSUs) then restart the console

Question 19

What is the difference between a Project, Show and a Cue?

Accepted Answer

The difference between the three are as follows:

• Projects store all console and user settings, shows and cues.
 • Shows stores all the cues
 • Cues store the audio data

Question 20

My Cues will not load properly. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

If you are finding that you are having problems loading show files on your console try the following procedure as some of the folders in Windows may have been inadvertently locked.

• Download the latest version of the Console Software
 • Then unzip this file into the route directory of an empty USB stick
 • Plug the USB stick into a USB port on the console
 • The Command Centre with appear on the main screen
 • Press the Expert View button in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen
 • On this screen, press the red button Clear FailSafe
 • You then need to power down your console (ideally power cycle the PSUs) then restart the console
 • All the folders will now be unlocked and there should be no issues when loading your Cues

Note:
 • It is also recommended if you have been running an older software version on the console that a Program Update should also be done
 • It is also recommended if you have attempted a Factory Reset then a Clean Program Update should also be done
 • If the Loader Upgrade button is highlighted in green then please press it
 • Remember you then need to power down your console (ideally power cycle the PSUs) then restart the console

Question 21

My Show files will not load properly. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

If you are finding that you are having problems updating Cues on your console try the following procedure as some of the folders in Windows may have been inadvertently locked.
 
 • Download the latest version of the Console Software
 • Then unzip this file into the route directory of an empty USB stick
 • Plug the USB stick into a USB port on the console
 • The Command Centre with appear on the main screen
 • Press the Expert View button in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen
 • On this screen press the red button Clear FailSafe
 • You then need to power down your console (ideally power cycle the PSUs) then restart the console
 • All the folders will now be unlocked and there should now be no issues when updating your show files

Note:
 • It is also recommended if you have been running an older software version on the console that a Program Update should also be done.
 • It is also recommended if you have attempted a Factory Reset then a Clean Program Update should also be done.

If the Loader Upgrade button is highlighted in green then please press it.
Remember you then need to power down your console (ideally power cycle the PSUs) then restart the console

Question 22

What are the shut down options?

Accepted Answer

To shut down the console press the power button and the console will give you 3 power down option are Yes, Warm-Start and No.
 
 • If you choose “Yes” the console will shut-down.
 • If you choose “No” the console will return to the previous operating screen.
 • If you choose “Warm-Start” the console reboots whilst keeping the console running. When the console starts up you must switch on the master fader and return it to where you had it before, or would now like it, and then you must select either to recall the previous snapshot, or if you press no, select a cue. Doing neither of these will result in the console having no connection to the audio!

Question 23

What do the start up options mean?

Accepted Answer

The console will ask if you want to reload the state of the console when the power went off – Power Off Snapshot. (This is not the last saved cue, this is the state that the console was in when it was last shut down.)

There are three options; 
1. Reload the last known state of the console
2. Recall any one of the cues on the cue list
3. Start with the console with only the user defined options retained – e.g user assignable buttons, safes etc

Question 24

What’s the difference between Programme Upgrader and Clean Programme Upgrader?

Accepted Answer

Clean Programme Upgrader will reset all the console defaults and erase all the show files in the console.
 
Program Upgrader will leave the existing show files in the console’s memory intact.

Question 25

When upgrading the console software a window appears stating “Console Launcher had stopped working”, what do I do next?"

Accepted Answer

Occasionally during upgrading the software the desks starts up and halfway into copying the files on the launcher a Windows error appears saying the Console Launcher has stopped working.
 
To fix this switch off the internal supply shutting down the console, then switch on the PSU and then the console. The console then checks for a “bad shutdown” and this will fix the error.

Question 26

What is MegaCOMMS?

Accepted Answer

MegaCOMMS is Cadac’s proprietary digital audio protocol.
 
MegaCOMMS is a robust, TDM (time division multiplex) system. Control data is embedded within the data stream, so that no audio channels have to be sacrificed for this purpose. The high bandwidth available means that the current implementation of MegaCOMMS can carry 128 channels of 24-bit, 96 kHz audio, plus control data, plus clock, bi-directionally, up to 150 metres via a pair of RG6 coaxial cables or 2000m on optical.

Question 27

Will MADI coaxial cables be OK to use?

Accepted Answer

NO – unless the cables you are using are RG6 3G 75 Ohm 18 AWG solid bare copper, super high-resolution coaxial.
 
MegaCOMMS requires a cable that is capable of handling over 4 times the data needed for MADI.

Question 28

Why are there red and blue glowing coaxial connectors on the consoles and rack units?

Accepted Answer

The glowing BNC connectors on the rear of the console and on the rack mount units are MegaCOMMS ports.
 
The red – Rx – connectors are the receive or “in” ports
 
The blue – Tx – connectors are the transmit or “out” ports

Question 29

Why does Cadac use RG6 coaxial cables rather than Ethernet?

Accepted Answer

RG6 is a very robust cable and the BNC connectors used are professional grade connectors and we are not limited to 100m runs of Ethernet technology – MegaCOMMS will easily run up to 150m on coaxial.

Question 30

What resolution do I need on my PC to run the CM-Editor offline editor correctly?

Accepted Answer

The CM-Editor's native resolution on the PC is 1920 x 1080, with the scale at 100%. If the PC is not set to this resolution it will look distorted and might be difficult to use.

FAQs

This is an online repository of FAQs, in-depth "how to" Knowledge Base guides and Technical Bulletins regarding Cadac CM-Series products