getting started
A MILAN network consists of End Points, such as microphones and loudspeakers, and Network Switches.
Audio connections are made via the network connections between the devices and can be configured using controller software.
Ensuring Network Stability with
Certified Devices
In order for the connection to work in a predictable, stable and reliable way, all devices in the network must support the relevant standards. This is guaranteed by using certified products with the MILAN certification mark below.
- MILAN network
END POINTS
End points are devices that can send and/or receive audio via the network.
This does not necessarily mean a literal “end point” such as a microphone or loudspeaker; also mixers, various processors, format converters and so on are end points.
MILAN Certification for End Points
The MILAN standard defines a set of specifications all End Points must adhere to in order to be certified. This guarantees flawless operation. Look for the MILAN certification mark on your product to check if it is certified or look it up in the certified products registry to make sure.
Audio Formats for End Points
End points typically have another audio format as input or output, such as a loudspeaker that receives a MILAN signal and produces sound, a mixer with analog inputs and MILAN outputs.
Types of End Points
End Points are always either a source of a signal (Talker, such as a microphone), a sink of a signal (Listener, such as a loudspeaker), or both (such as a mixer with MILAN inputs and outputs).
MILAN and AVB Compatibility
Note that End Points that implement AVB are not necessarily Milan compatible. If they are not listed as a Milan certified device, they will not be able to connect to Milan devices. AVB is a set of standards that can take many forms, and as such, compatibility between AVB devices is not a given. This has been one of the reasons to create Milan as a subset of AVB.
Meyer Sound – Ed Sheeran Tour
SWITCHES
Contrary to End Points, switches do not need MILAN certification.
Instead, all AVB certified switches can be used to create MILAN networks.
Small Network Configuration
Quality of Service Assurance
Quality of service is a given; there is no risk of dropouts due to network traffic from other products.
Considerations for Larger Networks
When networks grow, it may be wise to think about network structure and apply settings to reflect your preferences.
SOFTWARE
Once the network is connected, the actual audio connections (“Audio Streams”) between End Points are established using Controller Software.
See Software for an overview of available Controller Software.
Connecting Talkers and Listeners
The Controller Software controls parameters of the Audio Streams and connects Talkers to Listeners.
Setting Additional Parameters
Using the Connection Matrix
In most software, the connection is simply done by clicking a crossing point in a connection matrix: Each little purple square in this image depicts an audio channel or an entire stream of up to eight channels (see image above).