Establishing a stable network connection between your digital mixing console and your remote control software is a fundamental skill for any modern audio engineer. Whether you are a beginner or a veteran with years of experience, understanding how to build a network from scratch ensures your system remains reliable during live performances.

The Foundations of Your Network

To begin, you will need a router, your mixing boards (such as a Midas M32 or Behringer X32), and a controller (like an iPad running the Mixing Station app).

Essential Hardware Tips:

• Use a 5G Router: For a fast, stable connection, avoid old routers that do not support 5G networks.
• Correct Port Usage: Always connect your network cable (Cat 5 or Cat 6) to the LAN port on your router, not the WAN port. On your mixing board, ensure you plug into the Ethernet port. Avoid plugging into Ultranet or AES50 ports, as they use the same connector but will not provide a network connection.
• The Reset Strategy: If you encounter a misconfigured router with an unknown password, use the reset button (hold for 10–15 seconds) to restore it to its default settings, which are typically found on a label on the back of the device.

Preparation and the "Post Office" Analogy

Before diving into settings, create a dedicated document to record your IP addresses and passwords. This "address book" is vital for troubleshooting during production.

To understand the setup, use the Post Office Analogy:

• The Router is the Post Office.
• Your Devices (iPad, consoles) are Buildings.
• The IP Address is the specific Building Address.
• The Subnet Mask is the Zip Code.

Step 1: Configuring Your Controller (iPad/Tablet)

Avoid automatic (DHCP) configurations, as they can lead to stability issues. Instead, use Manual settings to maintain full control.

1. Navigate to your Wi-Fi settings and select your router’s 5G network.
2. Choose Manual IP configuration.
3. Assign an IP Address: If your router’s default IP is 192.168.8.1, assign your iPad a unique address like 192.168.8.2.
4. Set the Subnet Mask: Use 255.255.255.0. This tells the router that the first three groups of numbers are "busy" (fixed) and only the last group is available for different devices.
5. Join the network using the default password found on the router’s label.

Step 2: Accessing the Router Web Interface

Once connected, open a browser and type the router’s IP address (e.g., 192.168.8.1) to access its settings.

• Security: Create a strong admin password to prevent unauthorized access to your network configuration.
• LAN Settings: Verify that the router's IP matches your manual setup and ensure the IP address range is wide enough to accommodate all your devices.

Step 3: Setting Up the Mixing Board

Just like the iPad, your mixing board must be configured manually.

1. Go to the Network page on your console (e.g., Midas M32 or Behringer X32).
2. Turn DHCP Off.
3. Assign a Unique IP: Use the same prefix as your other devices but a different ending (e.g., 192.168.8.10 for the first board and 192.168.8.11 for a second).
4. Set the Subnet Mask: Use the identical 255.255.255.0 used on your controller.

Step 4: Connecting Mixing Station

In the Mixing Station app, add your mixer and select your board type.

• Direct Connect: Do not use the "Search" or "Discovery" mode. Instead, choose Direct Connect and manually enter the IP address you assigned to that specific console (e.g., 192.168.8.10).
• Success: Once entered, you should have a stable, successful connection to your board.

Advanced Use Cases

A professional setup allows you to connect multiple devices simultaneously.

• Multiple Consoles: You can connect several boards (e.g., one for Front of House and one for Monitors) to a single router using its multiple LAN ports.
• Multiple Controllers: Up to 10 tablets or computers can control a single board at the same time, or one iPad can switch between controlling different boards in the same network.

Mastering these networking fundamentals is a "must-have" skill. It ensures that even if you arrive at a venue with zero pre-configured data, you can have a stable, professional control system running in minutes.