FAQs
This is an online library of frequently asked questions, or FAQs, about Cadac productsThe linked PDF document provides instructions on connecting an iPad with a CDC five, Cadac CDC six, CDC seven and CDC seven-s mixing console.
Click to open:DOC02-iPad Setup – Issue A – May 2017
When the stagebox is connected to the CDC four:m or a CDC four, two extra “layer” buttons are enabled allowing access to the extra channels.
The use of the CDC MC Dante allows connection to a Dante network.
The 1U unit 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.
The use of the CDC MC MADI allows connection to a MADI network.
The 1U unit 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.
The CDC five, CDC six, CDC seven and CDC seven-s come pre-configured with a Waves interface card which provides connectivity to the Waves MultiRack SoundGrid via Cat5e cable.
When connected to a suitable laptop or desktop computer with the Waves “Tracks” software installed, will record up to 64 tracks of 24-bit, 96 kHz audio.
In the Input / Output tables below all the “slots” in blue are shared.
Only one item out of each pair can be selected at a time. Once an item is selected the alternative option will be greyed out in the assignment window.
Note: There are no Waves outputs on slots 63 and 64, these slots are dedicated to the headphone output.
Input Waves Local IO 1 Waves 1 - 2 Waves 2 - 3 Waves 3 - 4 Waves 4 - 5 Waves 5 - 6 Waves 6 - 7 Waves 7 - 8 Waves 8 - 9 Waves 9 - 10 Waves 10 - 11 Waves 11 - 12 Waves 12 - 13 Waves 13 - 14 Waves 14 - 15 Waves 15 - 16 Waves 16 - 17 Waves 17 - 18 Waves 18 - 19 Waves 19 - 20 Waves 20 - 21 Waves 21 - 22 Waves 22 - 23 Waves 23 - 24 Waves 24 - 25 Waves 25 - 26 Waves 26 - 27 Waves 27 - 28 Waves 28 - 29 Waves 29 - 30 Waves 30 - 31 Waves 31 - 32 Waves 32 - 33 Waves 33 - 34 Waves 34 - 35 Waves 35 - 36 Waves 36 - 37 Waves 37 - 38 Waves 38 - 39 Waves 39 - 40 Waves 40 - 41 Waves 41 AES in 1L 42 Waves 42 AES In 1R 43 Waves 43 AES In 2L 44 Waves 44 AES In 2R 45 Waves 45 AES In 3L 46 Waves 46 AES In 3R 47 Waves 47 AES In 4L 48 Waves 48 AES In 4R 49 Waves 49 Mic In 1 50 Waves 50 Mic In 2 51 Waves 51 Mic In 3 52 Waves 52 Mic In 4 53 Waves 53 Mic In 5 54 Waves 54 Mic In 6 55 Waves 55 Mic In 7 56 Waves 56 Mic In 8 57 Waves 57 - 58 Waves 58 - 59 Waves 59 - 60 Waves 60 - 61 Waves 61 - 62 Waves 62 - 63 Waves 63 - 64 Waves 64 - Output Waves Local IO 1 Waves 1 - 2 Waves 2 - 3 Waves 3 - 4 Waves 4 - 5 Waves 5 - 6 Waves 6 - 7 Waves 7 - 8 Waves 8 - 9 Waves 9 - 10 Waves 10 - 11 Waves 11 - 12 Waves 12 - 13 Waves 13 - 14 Waves 14 - 15 Waves 15 - 16 Waves 16 - 17 Waves 17 - 18 Waves 18 - 19 Waves 19 - 20 Waves 20 - 21 Waves 21 - 22 Waves 22 - 23 Waves 23 - 24 Waves 24 - 25 Waves 25 - 26 Waves 26 - 27 Waves 27 - 28 Waves 28 - 29 Waves 29 - 30 Waves 30 - 31 Waves 31 - 32 Waves 32 - 33 Waves 33 - 34 Waves 34 - 35 Waves 35 - 36 Waves 36 - 37 Waves 37 - 38 Waves 38 - 39 Waves 39 - 40 Waves 40 - 41 Waves 41 AES Out 1L 42 Waves 42 AES Out 1R 43 Waves 43 AES Out 2L 44 Waves 44 AES Out 2R 45 Waves 45 AES Out 3L 46 Waves 46 AES Out 3R 47 Waves 47 AES Out 4L 48 Waves 48 AES Out 4R 49 Waves 49 Line Output 1 50 Waves 50 Line Output 2 51 Waves 51 Line Output 3 52 Waves 52 Line Output 4 53 Waves 53 Line Output 5 54 Waves 54 Line Output 6 55 Waves 55 Line Output 7 56 Waves 56 Line Output 8 57 Waves 57 - 58 Waves 58 - 59 Waves 59 - 60 Waves 60 - 61 Waves 61 - 62 Waves 62 - 63 - Headphones L 64 - Headphones R
1. Insert a USB key in to the console 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
2. 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
3. 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
Insert a USB key in to the console with console software on 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.
If you are having issues with using a USB key containing a Waves license for a CDC console that has been generated on an Apple Mac, or on a new USB key, you will need to follow the instructions below on how to reformat the key.
On the Mac open: Applications | Utilities | Disk Utilities.
Then erase the USB key as per the screen shot:
Then open Waves Central and add the license to the USB key as normal.
If you don’t first do the erase / reformat step on a new, or Mac formatted, USB key a PC, or CDC console, cannot see the USB key – however a Mac and Waves Central will.
1. Insert a USB key in to the console with console software (version is irrelevant) on to access the Command Centre and then press ‘Explorer’
2. This can also be done by sing a USB Keyboard:
- Press Ctrl+Alt+Del
- Open ‘Task Manager’
- Press Alt+f
- Type ‘explorer’ and press enter
Insert a USB stick with software inside (version is irrelevant) into the USB slot which will bring up the CDC Command Centre.
Press the button named Touch Screen Calibrate then press the button labelled Monitor Mapping.
Each screen will prompt you to touch it, when you do this on each of the screens respectively you will have successfully re-calibrated the screens.
However, the Touch Me pop-up may not be visible on the 6.5″ screen on the CDC six, seven, seven-s or eight. To calibrate the screens either:
- If after pressing Monitor Mapping no pop-up appears press the small screen first.
- If the pop-up has already appeared on one or both of the large 23.5″ screens and now you see no Touch Me pop-up, press the small screen.
To connect a CDC four:m / four to an iPad you will need TabMix installed on the iPad, which can be downloaded from the Apple App Store, a wireless router and an Ethernet cable.
- To connect to an iPad you will need to first plug in a wireless router into the CDC four:m / four via the Ethernet port on the back of the console with the Ethernet cable.
- Power up the wireless router
- Power up the CDC four:m/ four
- Once the console is booted up press the SYSTEM button to the left of the screen on the CDC four:m / four
- Then press the SYSTEM function button below the screen on the right hand side
- This will then you give an IP address of the CDC four:m / four. It should be something like “192.126.***”
- Open up TabMix on the iPad
- When prompted for an IP address for the console type in the IP address from the CDC four:m / four.
You should now have the console connected to the iPad.
Insert a USB key containing a copy of the Console Software. This will automatically open the console’s CDC 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’s service department, or your local distributor, for diagnostics.
The CDC four and CDC four:m can have an additional 32 mic / line analogue inputs with the addition of a CDC I/O 3216 stagebox. The stagebox also allows the 16 line outputs to be on stage. To connect the stagebox to the CDC four or CDC four:m it must have a MegaCOMMS card fitted.
1. Insert a USB key in to the console with console software on (version is irrelevant) to access the Command Centre
- Press Clear all Logs
2. Using a USB Keyboard
- Press Ctrl+Alt+Del
- Open ‘Task Manager’ and ‘End Task‘ for the console software
Below are the instructions on how to update the firmware on the CDC four:m:
1. First, make sure any scene memories are saved to a USB memory stick before updating the console.
2. Connect the CDC four:m to the internet via an RJ45 cable inserted into the Ethernet socket on the rear panel of the console.
3. Boot the CDC four:m into Maintenance Mode either by:
a. Switching on the console while pushing in the recessed switch labelled RESET on the back panel. Release the switch only when the Cadac logo is on the screen.
b. Or select SYSTEM / SYS SETTINGS / MAINTENANCE, enter the pin number “1969” using the ADJUST encoder and arrow buttons. Press ENTER to select OK. Press ENTER again.
4. When the CDC four:m is in Maintenance Mode, select NET UPDATE (press F5) and wait for message to report the update is complete.
5. Disconnect the RJ45 from the console.
6. Power cycle the unit twice to initialise the new firmware.
After this you should have the latest version of firmware on your console.
Important: Backup all show files that are on the console
- Download the Console Software file from the relevant link above
- 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
- 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
If you are updating from V4.** it is recommended that you should do the following instead:
- It is recommended to perform a Factory Reset and Update on the console
- Click YES on “Are You Sure You Want to Delete Everything?” then wait until done
- Click Update Software Launcher then wait till done.
- You must then Clear Caches and wait until it finishes
- 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.
As standard the CDC five, CDC six, CDC seven, CDC seven-s and CDC eight have 2 pairs of MegaCOMMS connectors on the rear. This will allow up to 2 MegaCOMMS compatible units to be connected to the console. However if the console is connected to a CDC MC Router this allows the console to be connected to further 11 MegaCOMMS devices.
The CDC six, CDC seven and CDC seven-s will run on a single external PSU 4800, however a second external PSU will add redundancy. The CDC five has one internal PSU, however an additional PSU 4800 can be added for redundancy.
The PSU 4800 can also be used as a redundant supply for the CDC I/O 6448 stagebox.
I am experiencing odd audio parameters being recalled by my CDC four / CDC four:m. What’s happening?
If you are finding that your CDC four or CDC four:m is recalling odd audio parameters when you are booting the console up, it maybe a sign of the internal backup battery failing.
The audio parameters of the CDC four and CDC four:m are stored in RAM memory, which is powered by a 3V lithium battery when the mains power is switched off. After a couple of years the battery will be below its optimum charge and this may result in unexpected audio parameters being recalled by the console when powered up.
We would therefore recommend that you change this battery for a new one every 12 months.
Below are links to specific instructions for replacing the internal on both the CDC four and CDC four:m:
- CDC four:m instructions: Cadac-CDC four-m Battery Replacement-DOC2-June 2016
- CDC four instructions: Cadac-CDC four Battery Replacement-DOC2-June 2016
Please note these instructions are model specific!
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
There is a small battery in the CDC four which supports the control parameters when mains power is removed, this battery needs replacing roughly every 12 months ( FAQ: How do I replace the back-up battery in a CDC four). When the battery is replaced it is necessary to “power cycle” the CDC four twice to re-establish a set of default parameters.
It has been noted that sometimes after doing this the CDC four will no longer communicate with a stage rack (this issue does not happen with the later CDC four:m version of the console). This communication issue is a result of the CDC four incorrectly resetting itself to use “Legacy MegaCOMMS mode” due to a memory corruption.
The quickest and easiest way to clear this problem is to do a firmware update, either via a Net Update or using a USB Memory Stick. This will clear the corruption of the Legacy parameter and restore communications to the stage rack.
If for any reason you do not want to do a firmware upgrade then another way to clear the problem would be:
- In SYSTEM screen select System Clock Synch
- Turn the Adjust encoder clockwise two clicks
- CDC four will present a dialog box saying Reboot (MC33) Legacy
- Select the OK box and press the Enter button
- The CDC four will reboot
- Repeat the process, this time click the Adjust encoder once in the anti-clockwise direction the dialog box will say Reboot (MC55) Stnd.
- The CDC four will again reboot
You should now find that communications with the stage box will be restored.
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 CDC 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 CDC 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
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 CDC 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 Supply Unit off and then back on, followed by turning the console back on
16. On the next start up, the software will be fully installed, and the Total Recall has been successfully performed
If you are finding that you are having problems updating the user options for start-up 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 from the website
- 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 CDC 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 (ideally power cycle the PSUs) your console then restart the console
- All the folders will now be unlocked and there should now be no issues when updating the user options
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 (ideally power cycle the PSUs) your console then restart the console
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 CDC 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
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 CDC 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 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
It is highly likely that the ID or “Rack Number” for the stage box / MegaCOMMS unit is not set correctly.
On the unit there is small dial called “Rack Number” with “0 to 9 / A to F” labelled around it.
If the units are connect directly to a console then they will need to be set to “2” this will then appear as “Rack 1” on the console, a second unit will then have to be set to “3” and this will be “Rack 2” on the console.
If the units are being connect to a Router then they must all be set to “1”.
Use a small screw driver inserted in the slot in the middle and turn the pointer to the appropriate number.
The login details for the customer repository are:
Login: customer
Password: cadac1968
To shut down the console press the power button and the console (V2.64 onwards) 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!
The CDC four:m uses two character “mnemonics” for the inputs and outputs that may be assigned to sockets on I/O stageracks. These can be seen in the Socket Assign page by pressing Function Button 3 labelled Assign Socket.
The mnemonics are:
Inputs
| C17 to C48 | Channels 17 to 48 |
Outputs
| MR, ML, MM | Master output right, left and mono |
| G1 to G4 | Group output 1 to 4 |
| A1 to A8 | Aux send output 1 to 8 |
| mL, mR, mM | Monitor Left, Right and Mono |
| TL, TR | Tape output, Left and Right |
| PL, PR | Phones output, Left and Right |
| M1 to M4 | Matrix output 1 to 4 |
Please Note: The local sockets on the rear panel of the CDC four:m are hard-wired and cannot be re-assigned.
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; reload the last known state of the console, recall any one of the cues on the cue list, or start with the console with only the user defined options retained – e.g user assignable buttons, safes etc
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.
Total through-system latency from inputs on stage to outputs, including all console processing and A-D / D-A conversions, is 37 samples (@ 96 kHz), or just under 400us or 0.4 milliseconds.
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.
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.
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 external power / 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.
The CDC four:m has the addition of a 6 x 4 matrix, combining the 4 group outputs and the LR master into a further four outputs.
These outputs are part of the extended outputs from the CDC four:m which are only available if you use an I/O stagebox with more than 16 outputs (CDC I/O 6448, CDC MC MADI, CDC MC Dante etc.).
Select the CDC four:m output layer and press Function Button 3, labelled Assign socket. The Matrix outputs, M1 to M4, are assigned to sockets 25 to 28.
If you are using the CDC four:m with a CDC I/O 3216 stagebox these outputs may be reassigned to one of the 16 sockets available but this will entail giving up the outputs that are currently using them.
The glowing 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 and the blue – Tx – connectors are the transmit or “out” ports.
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.
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.
In a word no. The PSU 4800 uses Neutrik powerCON TRUE1 is a locking waterproof 16 A true mains connector.
The powerCON TRUE1 is a connector with breaking capacity (CBC), i.e. it can be connected or disconnected under load or live – which is not recommended for the blue powerCON cable.
It also has a connection / disconnection cycle > 5000, 5 x greater than the normal powerCON.
