E Snake Manual - Whirlwind

controls and operating parameters of the system. However, once the system is properlyconfigured, the presence of a PC is NOT required for audio to pass between units.If splits are desired, they may be accomplished by using additional ports on the Ethernet switch.However, most short run splits, such as providing for a monitor mix, will probably continue to beaccomplished by traditional analog means.1.1 Gain Tracking from input to output - a Virtual WireThe E Snake Control application provides A/D converter input gain control with its virtual onscreenfader. However, if adjustments were to be made to the input gain without compensation inthe corresponding output channel, the analog audio level presented to the mixing console wouldchange as well. This would require an additional step of re-adjusting the console’s analog inputgain.Therefore, we have incorporated a “Gain Tracking” function into the E Snake system, “GainTracking” monitors gain adjustments to the input and automatically compensates at the output bychanging the output level by the same amount – but in the opposite direction. The result is thatthe analog audio level remains constant making E Snake a “virtual wire.”It’s important to note that this Gain Tracking feature only functions when transmitting audiobetween units. Other devices on the network that are being sent CobraNet audio by E Snake unitswill experience a change in level when adjustments are made to input gain.1.2 Automatic Backup PC File ProtectionE Snake Control automatically recognizes when an adjustment has been made to any of thesystem’s settings. When changes are detected, all settings are saved to two temporary files on thePC at 60-second intervals.This backup alternates between the two separate files to ensure that one good backup file willalways be present, even if the PC experiences a crash or loses network communication during thewriting of the other backup. Should communication with the PC fail, the ES units will continueto operate indefinitely with the settings that were in effect at the time of the interruption and “theshow goes on”. As soon as the PC comes back online, E Snake Control loads the backed upsettings and the PC and ES units are automatically synchronized.An additional redundant backup feature also allows the operator to specify that an extra backupcopy automatically be created to a designated location on the hard drive as well as separatestorage devices such as a 3.5-inch floppy, CD-R, zip drive, network share, USB Memory etc. Inthe event of a total PC failure, this file can be moved to a backup PC that when connectedbecomes synchronized to the ES units on the network.