Frequently Asked Questions
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Knowledge Base > Software > Composer
What software do I use to configure the Solus NX?
Solus NX is configured via the award winning Composer CAD based design software.
Will the original Solus models be supported in Composer software?
No.
What can be controlled with the buttons on a W Series?
The button can be configured to adjust any function in a Symetrix DSP that is controllable. In addition, Symetrix DSPs can control the third-party devices included in the Toolbar of Symetrix ComposerTM software and other third-party devices via RS-232 (Radius and Edge), TCP or UDP.
Buttons can be configured to be momentary, latching or as radio buttons. This allows them to do things like trigger presets, adjust volume levels, perform source selection, mute/unmute audio and change signal routing. There is a caveat regarding the radio buttons – radio buttons must be sequential.
How is a W Series remote added to a system design in Composer™?
When in the site view of Composer™, go to the toolbar and find the IP Remotes menu. Expand the IP Remotes menu and locate the desired controller type. Either double click the desired controller or drag it into the site view window.
How are parameters and control functions assigned to a controller?
Configuration takes place in Composer™ software. Right-click directly on a parameter: When you right-click directly on a parameter, a pop-up menu appears with an option to “Set Up Remote Control”. This leads to the Setup Remote Control Dialog box where the desired remote-control device can be selected.
How are the displays configured?
The display labeling is configured in the unit’s properties page that appears in Composer™ when the control unit is clicked in the site view of Composer™. The displays can be configured to display text or symbols simply by changing the “display type” in the W Series properties window in Composer™. The font and font size can be configured along with horizontal and vertical alignment.
Bar Graph display mode can be set to disabled, up, down or moving. Composer™ software includes a control simulator that allows the appearance of the display labeling to be seen before a control unit’s programming is pushed to a unit. Encoder display units can be in dB, percentage or a count with the ability to set display minimums and maximums.
How are network settings configured?
Network configuration of WX controllers is done in the same manner as Symetrix DSP network settings are configured, using the unit properties dialog box.
Can Parameter be Linked across Multiple Controllers?
Yes, linking allows multiple controls to remain linked regardless of how their values are changed. Not only can W Series remotes be linked with other W Series but also with ARC, ARC-WEB, Control Server and TP controllers.
Where can I find Super-modules for the Intelligent Modules™?
SymNet Composer 3.0 Docking and Panel Resizing
Using the SymNet Composer 3.0 Radius 12x8 to Radius 12x8 EX Migration Feature
What is DSP and how does to apply to Composer-based hardware?
Advanced Digital Signal Processing is at the core of our Composer-based hardware. Our solutions simply design and deliver superb fidelity, adding value for designers, integrators, and end users.
What tail length does the AEC algorithm support in Composer v5.1 and later?
300 ms.
How many bands does the Flex EQ module support in Composer v5.1 and later?
32 bands.
How many channels can Vias support in Composer v5.1 and later?
64 Channels.
How do I download the ARC-WEB dialer to my phone or mobile device?
No download is necessary. ARC-WEB Dialer is a web app that is hosted on the Symetrix hardware. After enabling and programming the ARC-WEB Dialer in SymNet Composer 4.0+ software, simply type in the hardware’s IP address into your web browser.
Can I program/change and recall Speed Dial names and numbers from the ARC-WEB Dialer?
Speed dial names and numbers can be programed and/or changed using the ARC-WEB Dialer. Simply click on the name and number you want to program and/or change. To trigger or dial the Speed Dial, select the Speed Dial number (1-20) under the line you want to dial out on. Any programming and/or change made to the Speed Dial name and number will also be changed in the VoIP or ATI module inside SymNet composer.
How do I configure the xIn 4, xIO 4x4 and xOut 4?
The xIn 4, xIO 4×4 and xOut 4 are configured via the award winning SymNet Composer software. Once transmit and receive flows are created within the software the xIO 4×4, xIn 4 and xOut 4 will need to be located through a Radius or Edge DSP, then the configuration pushed to the hardware.
Can I use the ARC-3 with Designer, Jupiter, or the Zone Mix 761?
No, the ARC-3 is currently only compatible with Composer 4.1 and above.
Integrating CLOCKAUDIO CDT100 into Symetrix Composer
How do I program source select on a ARC-2e wall panel remote using Composer software?
Is the xControl programmed in the Remote Control Manager in SymNet Composer?
No, while the Control I/O was programmed in the Controller Manager in SymNet Designer, the same cannot be said about the xControl. The xControl is added to the Site View of Composer just like a SymNet DSP. Once in the site file, the xControl is programmed to control parameters in the same way all control is programmed:
Right Click -> Set Up Remote Control-> Remote Analog Input –‘xControl’
Can I talk to Composer-based DSPs using HyperTerminal?
If the unit has RS-232 control, yes. HyperTerminal can be used to simulate an external controller.
Default settings:
Baud: 38400
Data bits: 8
Parity: None
Stop bits: 1
Flow control: None
Selected Wire Audio and Real-time Monitoring via Host Computer Speakers
How do I get Dante enabled DSP connected on the network in Composer software?
How do I use Super-modules in Composer software?
Can I use a USB to serial adaptor to communicate to a Composer-based system with RS-232?
Yes. Note, Belkin cables show mixed results.
Launching and Controlling 3rd Party Applications from Composer
Where can I get more information on how to scale, ramp, and taper volume controls in Composer?
How do I program gain controls on a Symetrix ARC-2e wall panel remote using Composer software?
Sending Audio with Dante Virtual Soundcard to Composer Hardware
How do I program preset menus on a Symetrix ARC-2e wall panel remote using SymNet Composer software?
What steps are necessary in order to run Dante DSP with Dante set to “Redundant Mode”?
All Dante devices ship with Dante in the default “Switched mode”. This allows units to be daisy chained, eliminating the need for 3rd party networking hardware. When in “Switched mode” if the Dante hardware is setup physically in a Redundant network configuration, traffic from the Primary Dante port will flow out the Secondary Dante port, and the Dante traffic from the Secondary Dante port will flow out the Primary Dante port. This creates a data feedback loop on the Dante network that will crash the Dante cards in the SymNet units. SymNet units with only Dante connections, such as the xIn 12 and the xOut 12, may become unresponsive until they are power cycled and the redundant Dante network switch is turned off or the redundant ports are unplugged from the secondary Dante network.
As such, to set the system to run Dante in “Redundant mode”, first go online with the system with only the Primary Dante port connected to the network or network switch. Alternatively, if the Secondary Dante ports are already connected to a network switch, turn off the secondary Dante network switch/switches. If the Secondary network switch cannot be turned off, or both Primary and Secondary Dante use the same network or switch, then unplug all Secondary Dante ports.
Next, go to Composer>Dante Flow Manager and hit the “Configure Dante…” button and set the Secondary Dante jack to “Redundant Network”. Then push the file to the SymNet system.
Verify via a DSP’s front panel display that the Dante mode now reads “Redundant”. When it does indicate “Redundant” mode is active, plug in the secondary Dante ports or turn on the secondary Dante network switch/switches.
How do I program button controls on a Symetrix ARC-2e wall panel remote using Composer software?
Monitoring Symetrix Hardware Diagnostics
How to Create SymVue Control Screens with Dimensions Greater than the Design PC Screen Resolution
Composer Shortcuts
The Ducker Module in Composer Versus Designer Software
Where can I download archived versions of Composer software?
Archived versions of all final public releases of Composer software are listed in the table below. The software runs on a Windows PC and is used to configure, design, and control Composer-based products. For new designs we highly recommend using the latest version of Composer, however archived major release versions can be found below for legacy compatibility and/or troubleshooting requirements. All firmware files are included as part of the downloaded Composer software package. The Composer firmware versions and Dante Kernels listed below are to help in cross-referencing the firmware running on the installed DSP(s) with the corresponding version of Composer that should be downloaded.
To communicate with Symetrix hardware from a given version of Composer, it may be necessary to upgrade (or downgrade) firmware in each hardware device. This can be done directly from the Composer application and only takes a few minutes per device. Firmware upgrade is done from the Composer Hardware menu.
| Composer Version | Composer Firmware | Dante Kernel | Release Notes | SymVue Version |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.06 | 1.026 | 3.5.3 | 1.06 | N/A |
| 1.23 | 1.216 | 3.6.4 | 1.23 | 1.23 |
| 2.03 | 2.013 | 3.6.4 | 2.03 | 2.03 |
| 2.51 | 2.502 | 3.6.4 | 2.51 | 2.51 |
| 3.02 | 3.007 | 3.7.3 | 3.02 | 3.02 |
| 4 | 4.002 | 3.7.3 | 4 | 4 |
| 4.1 | 4.100 | 3.7.3 | 4.1 | 4.1 |
| 5.01 | 5.002 | 3.7.3 | 5.01 | 5.01 |
| 5.1 | 5.100 | 3.7.3 | 5.1 | 5.1 |
| 5.2 | 5.201 | 3.7.3 | 5.2 | 5.2 |
| 5.3 | 5.301 | 3.7.3 | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| 5.4 | 5.400 | 3.7.3 | 5.4 | 5.4 |
| 5.41 | 5.404 | 3.7.3 | 5.41 | 5.41 |
| 5.5 | 5.500 | 3.7.3 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| 5.6 | 5.605 | 3.7.3 | 5.6 | 5.6 |
| 6.0.2.33 | 6.0.0.26 | 4.0.7 | 6 | 6 |
| 7.0.2.43 | 7.0.0.31 | 4.0.7 | 7 | 7 |
| 7.1.2.46 | 7.1.2.37 | 4.0.7 | 7.1 | 7.1 |
| 7.2 | 7.2.0.30 | 4.0.7 | 7.2 | 7.2 |
| 7.2.5 | 7.2.5.40 | 4.0.7 | 7.2.5 | 7.2.5 |
| 7.3 | 7.3.0.55 | 4.0.7 | 7.3 | 7.3 |
| 7.3.1 *see release notes | 7.3.0.57 | 4.0.7 | 7.3.1 | 7.3.1 |
| 8.0.5 | 8.0.5 | 4.0.7 | 8.0.5 | 8.0.5 |
| 8.1 | 8.1 | 4.0.7 | 8.1 | 8.1 |
| 8.1.1 | 8.1.1 | 4.0.7 | 8.1.1 | 8.1.1 |
| 8.2 | 8.2 | 4.0.7 | 8.2 | 8.2 |
| 8.2.1 | 8.2.1 | 4.0.7 | 8.2.1 | 8.2.1 |
| 8.3 | 8.3 | 4.0.7 | 8.3 | 8.3 |
| 8.3.1 | 8.3 | 4.0.7 | 8.3.1 | 8.3.1 |
| 8.3.2 | 8.3.2 | 4.0.7 | 8.3.2 | 8.3.2 |
| 8.3.3 | 8.3.3 | 4.0.7 | 8.3.3 | 8.3.3 |
| 8.4 | 8.4 | 4.2 | 8.4 | 8.4 |
| 8.4.1 | 8.4.1 | 4.2 | 8.4.1 | 8.4.1 | 8.4.2 | 8.4.2 | 4.2 | 8.4.2 | 8.4.2 |
How do I use the Composer software included example Site Files
Disable xIO in Composer to minimize push time
Are Crestron modules available for Composer?
The following archive contains Crestron modules for the most commonly controlled functions of Composer:
Composer Crestron Modules v.3.0
The v3.0 Crestron modules are compatible with Composer hardware including Edge, Radius 12×8 EX, Radius AEC, Prism, Solus NX, xControl, 2 Line Analog Telephone Interface Card, and the 2 Line VoIP Interface Card. The following control modules have been developed and will be available for use with the Crestron 2 and 3 series controllers:
- Volume Up/Down Control Module with User Limits
- Fader Set Control Module
- Button Push Module
- Preset Execution Module
- Controller Receiver Module
- Input / Output Selector Module
- VoIP Dialer Module and ATI Dialer Module
- Speed Dial Module / Speed Dial Store / Delete Phone Number / Name Module
The updated Crestron modules utilize command processor architecture to maximize efficiency and responsiveness. The command processor is responsible for all the data parsing to and from the Symetrix DSP which makes it more efficient for the individual control modules to operate. When the control ID’s match a particular control module, then the controller information is used and updated.
Note: Crestron v.3.0 modules were specifically designed to work with SymNet Composer hardware over RS-232 (baud rate 57600), TCP/IP or UDP/IP port 48631. These modules will not work with legacy SymNet hardware. If you have legacy SymNet hardware, please use the Crestron v.1.0 or 2.0 modules.
Composer Crestron Modules v.2.0
The v2.0 Crestron modules are compatible with SymNet Composer hardware including Edge, Radius 12×8, Radius AEC, Prism, Solus NX, xControl, SymNet 2 Line Telephone Interface Card. Examples provided include Fader control, Button press, Increment and Decrement button, Preset Recall, Mute All, and Controller Receiver.
Note: Creston v2.0 modules where specifically designed to work with SymNet Composer hardware over RS-232 (baud rate 57600) or UDP/IP port 48631. These modules can also be used for UDP/IP control with legacy SymNet hardware, Integrator Series, Jupiter Series, and Solus by simply changing the RS-232 buad rate to 38400 or the UDP/IP port to 48630.
2 Line Analog Telephony Interface Crestron Control Module v2
This program was created to demonstrate the capabilities of the SymNet 2 Line Analog Telephone Interface (ATI) card in the context of Crestron external control.
The user module and touch panel signals that comprise 95% of this program can be easily copied to other integration projects where the Symetrix ATI card will be used.
A Composer file has been created that has the controller numbers corresponding to this external control program. This allows the correct information to flow in both directions between the device and control system processor.
Composer Crestron Modules v1.0
The v1.0 Creston modules are compatible with: Jupiter, Zone Mix 761, 780, 788, 722, Solus, 8x8DSP, CobraLink, and 4×4, 4×12, 8×8, 12×4 Express Cobra hardware), Examples provided include Volume, Fader, Button, Switch and Dialer control plus Preset recall. Additionally, the v1.0 modules will work with the legacy SymNet hardware across a multi-unit ring, as well as a multi-ring system.
A matching example SymNet Designer Site File is also included. The modules are fully documented by the SymNet Control Protocol Crestron Module.
Addendum linked here: SymNet_Control Protocol_Crestron_Module_Addendum
How do I program presets in Composer software
How do I set-up Attero Tech Dante endpoints in Composer?
How do I set-up Stewart Audio amplifier endpoints in Composer?
What third-party products are currently supported in Composer software?
Symetrix Composer-based products will work with any other Dante product. We also support deeper integration and control for specific products from the following manufacturers:
- Ashly
- Attero Tech
- Audinate
- Audio-Technica
- CLOCKAUDIO
- Panasonic
- Powersoft
- Shure
- Stuart Audio
- Visionary Solutions
Does SymNet Composer assume the functionality of Dante Controller Software?
SymNet Composer can create the subscriptions which is basically what is done in Dante Controller on the routing page. We also add control, setup and monitoring functionality as provided by various manufactures which can’t be done in Dante Controller. An example would be setting the preamp gain and turning on the phantom power for an input on the AtteroTech unDIO2x2 or in the case of the Shure MX Dante Wireless mics we can also monitor things like RF signal strength, battery life, charge state, mic type and whether it is active plus multiple other things.
Symnet Composer and Symnet Designer are two different pieces of software. Which one is meant for use with Dante devices?
SymNet Composer.
