AirFader's Server Mode allows you to use mobile devices (Android or iPad) to create a Personal Monitor System.

Many consoles do not support more than one device at a time. AirFader solves this problem by working as a "repeater" and manages the connections and permissions for you. This is what we call "Server" mode.

Before you set up the server, make sure AirFader for Windows is configured and working with your console. (See "Support -> Getting Started" for specific instructions for your console.)

 

Server Configuration

The Server itself needs very little configuration. AirFader will "listen" for remote clients on all IP addresses assigned to your computer. (Usually just one, but if you have multiple interfaces it will use all of them.) For convenience, the current IP address is listed on the Server tab. The remote clients need to know this IP Address as well as the Port number in order to connect. If your computer's IP address is dynamically assigned by DHCP, be aware that it can change every time you connect to the network or reboot.

Note: It may be wise to assign a "static" IP address to your computer so it is consistent every time.

 

Port - The default port number (12301) should be fine for most situations. However, it can be changed if there is a conflict with existing services or firewalls.

Status - The current status of the server. It must be "Online" for remote clients to connect.

Start / Stop - Click once to Start or Stop the server. Stopping the server will immediately disconnect everyone.

Start Server when AirFader Starts - If you want the server to start automatically whenever AirFader is running, just check this box. Otherwise, you must manually start the Server each time you wish to allow remote access.

 

A Note about Firewalls

It is commonly recommended to simply disable your firewall, especially since this network should not be tied to the Internet at all for security and performance reasons. However, if you are able, we still recommend operating a firewall so you don't forget to turn it back on later. If so, your firewall must be configured to allow exceptions for inbound traffic on ports 12300 (Yamaha DME) and 12301 (AirFader Server).

Firewall or not, always use Wireless Security (such as WPA/WPA2, etc) when providing a wireless network - never run an Open/Unencrypted network. (Or MAC filtering, or something else.) Consider hiding the SSID to discourage nearby smartphones from innocently trying to connect and disconnect... consult the Internet for instructions on that.

 

User Management

Access to the server and mixes is managed using User logins. There is no (practical) limit to the number of user accounts, and a single user account can technically log in multiple times. Use your own judgement when determining how to manage security, but in general be conservative. (A person cannot accidentally mess with things they can't access to begin with.)

 

Adding a new user

1. To create a new user, click "New User" below the Users list.
2. Enter their "User Name". A first name may be sufficient. Capitalization is ignored and does not matter either way.
3. Choose a password. Blank passwords are allowed. However, remember that anyone with access to your wireless network could gain control of your mixes by finding the password, so choose carefully.
4. Make sure "Enabled" is checked. (To temporarily disable an account without deleting it, un-check this box and click Apply.)
5. The rest of the check boxes determine what the user can control.
   
   • Channel Params
     Allows control of channel details such as Parametric EQ, HA, and PAN. (If a user does not have Channel Params access, they can only control faders and mute.) Disable Channel Access if users are simply controlling their own monitor mixes.
   • Master Faders
     This provides access to the Mix or Matrix faders. They must also have access to the individual Mix or Matrix. If a user has access to "Mix 1" but not "Master Faders", they can adjust individual channel sends to Mix 1 but not the overall level of Mix 1. On the other hand if they have "Master Faders" but no access to "Mix 1", they will not be able to do anything to Mix 1.
   • Rack/GEQ
     This provides access to the Graphic EQ and Outport level/delay controls.
   • Main Mix
     Allows control of the Main FOH mix.
   • Mix 1 - 24
     This determines which Mix bus sends the user can control. For personal monitor mixing, you may choose to give the user access to only one of the Mixes. (If a user has access to Mix 17, but the console only has 16 Mixes, it is ignored.)
   • Matrix 1 - 8
     Similar to Mix permissions, this gives the user access to Send-to-Matrix levels.
   • Per-Channel
     This limits which channels the user can access. It works together with Mix, Matrix, and FOH permissions to decide which faders to show. If a user has FOH access but only "Ch 17-24" channel permissions, then they can control the Main Mix for only those 8 channels.
6. Finally, click "Apply" to save the new user.
7. The remote client can immediately log in.

Editing a user

1. To edit an existing user, click on their name in the "Remote Control Users" box.
2. The screen will show their current access.
3. To change their password, type it in the box; otherwise leave it unchanged.
4. Click "Apply" when done making changes.
5. Access permissions take effect immediately when you click "Apply." If a user loses access to the mix they're currently using, they are immediately taken to the "Select Mix" screen and cannot continue until choosing a mix they have access to. If a user is viewing the "Select Mix" screen, buttons will appear and disappear as if by magic! (No refresh or logout/login is necessary.)

Deleting a user

1. To delete an existing user, click on their name in the "Remote Control Users" box.
2. Click "Delete User" below.
3. The user will be deleted. If they are using the server, they will be logged out immediately.