Installation

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WARNING: Ovation 10 running MassCore mode is not supported and certified under the Windows 10 update 21H2 or Windows 11.
WARNING: Ovation 10 is supported on 4th Generation Intel Core Processors (4XXXK and higher) and will not launch on previous Processors generation
Recommended specifications https://confluencemerging.mergingatlassian.comnet/wiki/pages/viewpage.action?pageId=246088534817980

Ovation 10 installation notes

• • Ovation 10 runs on the new Ovation 10 keys as of the Release Candidate.
  • Ovation 10 runs on the same MassCore as the Ovation 9 HotFix 3, RTX64 v3.7.4.5222
  • TheOvation The Ovation 10 installer comes only as a 64bit version (64bit OS)
  • Before you perform a Windows 10 update on a system already running a MassCore version it will be important for users to remove MassCore from the MT Security MassCore tab prior to performing a system update. Details below.
    Take note that when selecting uninstall MassCore you will need to reboot your system as the uninstallation is completed during the system reboot.
    

    Note #1
    We highly recommend users to defer the Windows updates, so that it does not harm your system here for details on how to defer updates
    Windows 10 users should never update to Beta Windows version or major new updates before making sure they are supported by Merging.
    Note #2
    Users wanting to perform a Windows version update must follow the procedure here  https://confluencemerging.mergingatlassian.comnet/wiki/pages/viewpage.action?pageId=682885914819590
    Users that apply Windows updates must refer to the Merging Compatible Windows updates here  Once you have updated your Windows 10, follow the Pyramix and MassCore installation.
    Note #3
    Ovation 10 running MassCore mode is not supported and certified under the Windows 10 update 21H2 or Windows 11.
    

• • SSK-HUD-RTX is no longer required as of Ovation 9 HotFix 3 and above that includes the MassCore security scheme. The Security now being fully protected by Merging Keys.
  • A Cloud Security (dongle-less) is available since Ovation 9.
  • The VB Plugins (VS3) are no longer installed along Pyramix as of the 25th Anniversary version they come with a standalone installer. Download and run the VB Plugin – VS3 installer after having installed Pyramix. https://confluencemerging.mergingatlassian.comnet/wiki/display/PUBLICDOC/VB+Plugins+%28VS3%29+standalone+installer

Native Installation Notes

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• • Refer to the Ovation 10 Installation Guide for installation procedure and details on the specific BIOS settings and system configuration.
  • Ovation 10 runs the same MassCore RTX64 v3.7.4.5222 as Ovation 9 HotFix 3.
  • It is necessary to remove the previous Ovation and Pyramix versions, if there is one, from the Windows Programs and Features, and then reboot your system before installing Ovation.
    Take note that when selecting uninstall MassCore you will need to reboot your system as the uninstallation is completed during the system reboot
    Unless you are planning to update your Windows 10 it is recommended to first remove MassCore before performing the update. In such case follow the procedure document
    https://confluencemerging.mergingatlassian.comnet/wiki/pages/viewpage.action?pageId=600310284819058
  • After installing Ovation 10 MassCore users might need to uninstall their previous MassCore from the MT Security setting, MassCore Tab, depending on the previous Ovation version you were running.
    If there is an older version present you will be warned and required to reboot before updating to the latest version.
  • If your Ovation system never had a MassCore version before, users will have to install the new MassCore version from the MT Security Settings > MassCore tab.
    A valid MassCore RTX64 -3.0 key is no longer needed as of Pyramix 25^th HotFix 3.

Ovation 10 users must refer to the Ovation 9 10 Installation Guide for details https://www.merging.com/uploads/assets/Installers/beta/JANUS_X.0_Beta2/Pyramix_25th_Beta2/Pyramix_25thOvation_10_Installation_Guide.pdf
Warning: Windows 7 is not supported with Ovation10.

Merging Windows 10 Configuration Guide

https://confluencemerging.mergingatlassian.comnet/wiki/display/PUBLICDOC/Windows+10+Configuration
At the Ovation or Pyramix launch a warning message box will be displayed if your system updates settings are not configured upon Merging’s recommendations.

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• • For users with Ovation and VCube installed on the same system, it is mandatory that you upgrade to VCube 10 to run alongside Ovation 10.
  • A MTCleanUp utility is available through Merging’s Support for those having install issues
    Please refer to the Knowledge Base https://confluencemerging.mergingatlassian.comnet/wiki/display/PUBLICDOC/MT+Cleanup

Ovation 10 Release Notes

New with Ovation 10

Dolby ADM Master file playback:
Ovation can now playback Dolby ADM Master files, by first importing the Dolby Atmos ADM Master file in Pyramix, then using the "Publish to Ovation" feature.
Currently, the Mixer configuration has to be manually adapted to the Dolby Atmos ADM Master file.
(The Pyramix mixer might be saved in the Organize tab, and imported in Ovation Mixer Organize tab).
The Pyramix Premium key is required for Dolby Atmos Master Import/Export/Editing.

Improvements

• 3D Panner updated: 
• New Dolby Atmos Zones, Elevation and Snap features, to accommodate Dolby Atmos workflow.
  3D Panning mode enabled by default in new projects.
• VS3 Generator plugin - LTC Generator: Timecode generator option available in the VS3 Generator plugin, allowing to output LTC on an audio track.
  
  Current Limitations :
  Reverse Playback not supported.

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This ASIO RAVENNA/AES67 device supports Multi ASIO Clients and integrates WDM Support.  With this new Device Driver multiple applications running ASIO can be launched in parallel on a same system, sharing the same sampling rate and at the same time multiple applications running WDM can be launched in parallel and have their own sampling rate automatically converted to the ASIO sampling rate. This allows monitoring the Windows system sound and any application (such as Spotify, YouTube, PC Sounds files,…) along with any ASIO applications.
Refer to the online MAD documentation for all details https://confluencemerging.mergingatlassian.comnet/wiki/display/DSI/MAD+Docs

• • Two different modes supported
    • Unite Mode (Automatic Simplified connectivity for Anubis Music Mission, Horus and Hapi). Unite does not support the Anubis running the Monitor Mission.
    • RAV/AES67 mode (Pro usage for Anubis, Hapi and Horus)
    • NADAC mode (HiFi usage for NADAC users)
    • MassCore mode
  • Multi-Client ASIO and thus hosts supported  
  • Bridge channels support between ASIO clients
  • WDM Support and second AUX WDM (as of MAD 2.0)
  • Bridge channels support for WDM and Host.
    Note: One sampling rate at a time supported for ASIO (The default host one). WDM supports SRC.

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To summarize, a user will need the VR Pack key to encode and/or decode HOA, meaning 3rd to 7th order. 1st and 2nd orders are free of charge for both encoding and decoding.
Note: HOA to Binaural is not available into Pyramix but users can run the B<>COM Binaural encoder licence, available in trial. Follow the instruction here for more information https://confluencemerging.mergingatlassian.comnet/wiki/display/PUBLICDOC/Bcom+plugins

RAVENNA Technical Notes

• Windows 10 (64bit) is supported by Ovation 10 MassCore RAVENNA and Native
• Ovation 10 system recommendations. Details here: http://www.merging.com/pages/pcconfig
• For ultimate performance we recommend that under ANEMAN you only connect the necessary I/O connections, as every extra RAVENNA connection will use some bandwidth (Core or Network)
• The Network must be Layer 3 compliant and must be a Gigabit network
• Merging has certified new Network Switches for use with Horus/Hapi – Ravenna users will find all details along with the configuration guide here:
  https://confluencemerging.mergingatlassian.comnet/wiki/display/PUBLICDOC/Network+Switches+for+RAVENNA+-+AES67
  http://www.merging.com/products/horus/downloads
• RAVENNA users should avoid connecting multiple Horus or Hapi units to any a router/Network not certified by Merging. Refer to the Merging RAVENNA Network Guide for details on the certified RAVENNA switches and their configuration. http://www.merging.com/products/horus/downloads
• Only RAVENNA devices can be connected to the Merging PCIe Ethernet Controller Card NET-MSC-GBEX1. Avoid connecting non-RAVENNA devices to this network, such as Tango/Isis/Euphonix controllers or other network devices.
• Don’t connect a 100MB Ethernet device if the switch is not multicast; otherwise, the flow control will reduce the bandwidth drastically.
• RAVENNA I/O Connections:
  In order to create RAVENNA I/O connections please refer to the ANEMAN User Manual (installed along with Pyramix). ANEMAN Quick Connection Guide here below.
  https://confluencemerging.mergingatlassian.comnet/wiki/display/PUBLICDOC/ANEMAN+-+Quick+Connection+Guide
  Refer to the ANEMAN User Manual for more details.
  Recalling RAVENNA connections for a complete setup.
  Despite not yet having a complete recall of IO Connections it is possible on certain setups to recall the Presets store in the device (Horus, Hapi, Anubis) that holds one end of the RAVENNA connections and at the same time recall the ANEMAN save connections that holds the other connections end.
  Warning: It is strongly advised that before recalling connection that users clear the existing connections.
• Firewall:
  Firewalls can block communication between the computer and the Ravenna devices.
  The Merging installers automatically opens the required communication ports in the Windows Firewall.
  If you don’t use the Windows firewall or if you encounter connection issues, we recommend to disable the Network Firewall.
  Windows Firewall Procedure:
  Go in Windows Control Panel > Windows Firewall.
  Click on “Turn Windows Firewall on or off”
  Go to the Public Network section and select “Turn Off Windows Firewall”
  For other firewalls, please consult the manufacturer documentation.
• Windows UAC:
  User should disabled the Windows User Account Control
  Procedure:
  Go to the Windows Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\User Accounts
  Open the Change User Account Setting
  And set it to “Never Notify”
• Antivirus:
  Some Antivirus such as Avast or Sophos have been known to block the Horus discovery and RAVENNA I/O Connection. Merging also recommends that any Antivirus software is properly configured to not interfere with the DAW. See this page for further details:
  https://confluencemerging.mergingatlassian.comnet/wiki/display/PUBLICDOC/Antivirus+and+Merging+Technologies+Softwares

Ovation Native Recommendations

• Windows 10 - 64bit supported with Ovation 10.
• Please refer to our Windows configuration guides to optimize system performance.
• Administrator rights are required to configure VS3 Control Panel and the RAVENNA ASIO panel.
• The Merging RAVENNA ASIO Frame Mode size can be configured to AES67 (6, 12, 48) of RAVENNA mode (64), verify your network and devices configuration.
• The Merging Audio Device driver can be set to buffer size multiples of 48 (AES67) or 64 samples (RAVENNA), adjust the buffer size to your system in order to get the best performance
• Configure yourAntivirus and Merging Technologies Softwares or turn it off
  • Configure your Windows Firewall Windows Firewall Troubleshootingor turn it off for Public Networks
  • Put Windows UAC (User Account Control) to the lowest level (disabled).
  • Disable the WIFI (disable the Wireless adaptor not only the WIFI connection)
  • Disable Bluetooth if active (under Windows Device Manager) 
  • Avoid active internet connection while running Pyramix / Ovation
  • Avoid connecting audio interfaces to USB or Firewire hubs, plug it directly into your computer.
  • We recommend to activate HyperThreading if allowed by your CPU.
  • Power management features must be configured to get a stable system. 
  • In Windows Control Panel > Power Options, make sure you select the “High Performance” power plan (or "Ultimate Performance" on Windows 10).
    Very common that Powerful laptop are at times in energy saving mode, create a High Performance power plan.
  • Avoid using battery power, rather have you power cable connected
  • Make sure all unnecessary programs are closed. They can tie up useful resources.
  • Turn off any software utilities that run in the background, such as Windows Messenger, calendars, and disk maintenance programs.
  • Laptops usually have small graphical resources; Merging recommends you pay extra caution when using the Fixed Cursor option. 
  • Verify the performance of your Native system.
    On Windows 10, DPC latencies can be monitored with Latency Mon http://www.resplendence.com/download/LatencyMon.exe
• Laptop users should set their ASIO interface to Topmost Priority in VS3 Control Panel.

Refer to the online documentation for more details
https://confluencemerging.mergingatlassian.comnet/wiki/display/PUBLICDOC/Native+recommendations

V10 Known issues

• Ovation 10 Beta 1 runs on Ovation 9 keys during the beta cycle.
• Windows 10 2004, 20H2, 21H1 are compatible with MassCore/RTX64 -3.7.4, Ovation 10 Beta 1
  https://confluencemerging.mergingatlassian.comnet/wiki/pages/viewpage.action?pageId=417136694818591
• WARNING: Ovation 10 is supported on 4th Generation Intel Core Processors (4XXXK and higher) and will not launch on previous Processors generation
  Recommended specification: 
  https://confluencemerging.mergingatlassian.comnet/wiki/pages/viewpage.action?pageId=246088534817980
• Custom installation is known to potentially have issues at installation. We recommend that you install the recommended full Ovation.
• Ovation 10 Projects are not backward compatible with Ovation xxx, users must perform a “Save Special as” in order to open such project in a Ovation xxx
• Ovation shows with v6/7/8/9/10 Bus layout/Structure cannot be saved within a Save Special v5.0 project. A warning message will prevent you from doing so.
• All of the Mixer Amibsonic components cannot be saved within a Save Special v11.1 project and prior, as Ambisonic was not supported at that time.
• Ambisonic decoders only decode to Virtual Rooms with standard channel types and positions. If a custom room is needed, then they need to first decode to a standard bus, having speakers as close as possible to the custom room, then send that bus into the custom bus through a GPS strip
• Legacy Bus conversions to New General Bus. Due to the architecture of the new busses, mono mix busses are now converted to Mono Aux busses and not anymore to Mono Mix busses. Refer to the Pyramix User manual for more details.
• The listing of the Ovation supported remote controllers is available here
• Waves plugins users running with a NVidia graphic card should make sure that they have the Threaded Optimization OFF, if set to ON it may cause issue with Waves VST plugins.
  Refer to link here: Graphic cards recommended settings
• Merging does not recommend to use Disk models: Green, Eco series and Seagate.
• Merging recommends that users with External USB disks to have those configured using the “Better Performance” option under Windows disk properties, profiling tab. Refer to the Merging system configuration guide for more details.
  http://www.merging.com/support/system-configurations
• MassCore: Core indicator will show a peak/overload after a save on large project or when rebuilding the Mixer (project open-close). Simply reset the core indicator by clicking on it.
• VS3 Algorithmix DeNoiser & DeScratcher are supported but will not be maintained anymore.
  Known issue: They might display “Demo” (while fully functional) until the first project is saved, closed & re-opened.
• The ADR Keyboard users:
  Windows 10 October 2018 Update (1809) and higher requires ChangeMe version 5.25.8.  Previous versions will not work along those Win10 updates.
  Follow the installation instruction on our knowledge base to update :
  https://confluencemerging.mergingatlassian.comnet/wiki/display/PUBLICDOC/Pyramix+ADR+and+Ovation+keyboard+install+guide

RAVENNA Known issues

• RAVENNA: Switching from MADI Standard (56) to MADI Extended (64) can generate a small glitch, so please avoid doing so during realtime operations
• Merging recommends the use of ANEMAN in order to manage all RAVENNA I/O connections, please refer to the ANEMAN User Manual installed with Pyramix for more details.
• Non-certified RAVENNA configurations might not be capable of sustaining 384 I/O channels @ 1FS (44.1/48 kHz). If you experience noise similar to static, reduce the RAVENNA I/O channel count enabled in ANEMAN. We also recommend that if you have experience such static noise, do not run MassCore in Ultra Low or Extra Latency mode but rather Low latency mode.
• Peaks might show up under the Pyramix Core section if you power OFF or disconnect the Horus/Hapi. Recommendation: A valid connection to an online Horus is always required if the Horus is PTP Master. Reset peaks by Mouse Clicking on the Core indicator section.
• Avoid changing a network address, or disconnecting Ethernet ports on your system when MassCore RAVENNA is running
• ANEMAN quick connection guide available here
• DSD issues
  • Background Recorders: If the Mixer is not a DSD compatible Mixer (square mixer), the record fails, but no message will be displayed. We recommend that users create a DSD project prior to enabling and starting to work with Background Recorders in DSD.
  • When creating/opening a DSD project the Horus might not switch accordingly between 64/128/256. This has to be done manually.

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