Before you start

The dMix 128 family uses two Ethernet network ports for two very different jobs: carrying control (the settings, gain, routing and metering exchanged with the mixer GUI and remote software) and carrying audio (live multichannel streams to and from computers and other devices). This guide walks through each connection method in the order you are most likely to need it — starting from a single cable on a bench, through a managed network, the audio driver, and finally Dante / AES67 streaming. The control port only carries control settings, while the dNet ports can carry control and audio at the same time.

Key facts for the dMix 128

1.  Direct cable connection for control (self-assigned IP)

This is the fastest way to reach a dMix 128 on a bench or at front-of-house when there is no network in place: a single Ethernet cable straight from your computer to the mixer. No router, switch or DHCP server is involved. Both ends fall back to a self-assigned link-local address (the 169.254.x.x range), which puts them on the same subnet automatically.

Steps

1. Connect one Ethernet cable from your computer's network port to a control / network port on the dMix 128.
2. On the dMix 128, open its configuration page and set IP Mode = Auto.
3. On your computer, set the Ethernet adapter to obtain an address automatically (DHCP). With no DHCP server present it will self-assign a 169.254.x.x address within a minute.
4. Wait until both ends show an address in the 169.254.x.x range — they are now on the same link-local subnet.
5. Open the mixer GUI / control software. Open a browser (for a new unit using the default unit name, type dmix.local into the address bar). The dMix 128 should appear and connect. It may take a few seconds for the name server to propagate (DNS) and for the browser to detect it for the first time.

A direct cable with link-local addressing at both ends.

2.  Connecting via a router for IP

For anything beyond a quick bench check — multiple devices, a control laptop, audio computers and AES67 endpoints all together — connect everything through a router or managed switch. The router hands out IP addresses (DHCP) and keeps every device on one subnet, and a managed switch lets you keep the audio traffic healthy.

Option A — Automatic addressing (DHCP)

1. Cable the dMix 128, your control computer and any other devices to the router / switch.
2. Set the dMix 128 to IP Mode = Auto so it requests an address from the router.
3. Set your computer's adapter to obtain an address automatically as well.
4. Each device receives an address on the same subnet (for example 192.168.1.0/24). Open the control software and connect.

Option B — Fixed addressing (Manual)

Fixed addresses are recommended for installed or touring systems because a device always lives at a known location. Set every device manually within one subnet:

1. On the dMix 128 set IP Mode = Manual and enter an IP Address, Subnet Mask and Gateway.
2. Use the same subnet for every device, for example: dMix 128 192.168.1.20, computer 192.168.1.50, mask 255.255.255.0.
3. Give each device a unique address; keep the subnet mask and gateway identical across the system.
4. Record the addresses — fixed addressing only helps if you can remember where everything lives.

All devices share one subnet behind a router / managed switch.

3.  Connecting for audio (driver install)

To record from or play back to the dMix 128 from a computer, install the dMix audio driver. It presents the mixer to your DAW or media software as a standard audio interface — CoreAudio on macOS, ASIO on Windows — carrying up to 128 channels in each direction.

Install and connect

1. Download the driver for your operating system from the Violet Audio website (violetaudio.com).
2. Run the installer (CoreAudio package on macOS, ASIO package on Windows) and restart if prompted.
3. Make sure the computer is on the same subnet as the dMix 128 — use the direct cable (Section 1) or the router (Section 2) first.
4. Open the driver's control panel and set the channel count you need — anywhere from 8 × 8 up to 128 × 128.
5. In the mixer setup, the computer appears in a Driver Slot. Add it there; the mixer sets the sample rate (48 kHz or 96 kHz).
6. In your DAW or media application, select the dMix device as the audio interface and route channels to and from it.

The driver presents the dMix 128 to the computer as a 128 × 128 interface.

4.  How addressing works on the dMix

Every dMix on the network has one control IP address. How it gets that address decides how you find it:

• IP Mode = Auto — if a router / DHCP server is present the dMix takes an address from it (e.g. 192.168.1.x); with no DHCP server it self-assigns a link-local address in the 169.254.x.x range.
• IP Mode = Manual — the dMix uses the fixed IP Address, Subnet Mask and Gateway you entered.

The same three steps underlie every discovery method, on both platforms.

5.  Finding the dMix on macOS (Terminal)

Step 1 — Identify your interface and IP

First find which interface faces the dMix and what address it holds. Ethernet adapters are usually named en1, en5, en7, etc.; Wi-Fi is typically en0.

# List every hardware port and its device name (en0, en7 ...)
networksetup -listallhardwareports
# Your IPv4 address on a given interface
ipconfig getifaddr en7
# Full detail incl. subnet mask
ifconfig en7 | grep "inet "

Step 2 — Read or wake the ARP table

macOS keeps a table mapping IP addresses to MAC (hardware) addresses for devices it has recently spoken to. List it with:

arp -a            # every cached neighbour
arp -i en7 -a     # only the interface facing the dMix

If the dMix is not listed yet, “wake” the whole subnet with a quick ping sweep, then read the table again. Adjust the 192.168.1 prefix to match your own address:

# Ping every host on a /24, in parallel, then show the table
for i in $(seq 1 254); do ping -c1 -W200 192.168.1.$i >/dev/null & done; wait
arp -an

Step 3 — Stronger scanners (recommended)

A dedicated ARP scanner is faster and more reliable than a ping sweep, because it finds devices even when they ignore ICMP. Install either tool once with Homebrew:

arp-scan

brew install arp-scan
# Scan the subnet on the chosen interface (lists IP, MAC, vendor)
sudo arp-scan --interface=en7 --localnet
# For a link-local (169.254) direct connection
sudo arp-scan --interface=en7 169.254.0.0/16

nmap

brew install nmap
# Ping-scan a subnet (run with sudo to also show MAC + vendor)
sudo nmap -sn 192.168.1.0/24

Other tricks

• Identify by vendor. Each MAC begins with a manufacturer prefix (OUI). In arp-scan / nmap output, the vendor column makes the dMix easy to spot among phones and laptops.
• Bonjour / mDNS. If the dMix advertises itself, you can browse for it without knowing the IP:

dns-sd -B _services._dns-sd._udp local.   # list advertised service types
ping dmix-foh.local                        # if the unit has an mDNS name

6.  Finding the dMix on Windows

Step 1 — Identify your adapter and IP

Open Command Prompt or PowerShell and read your own configuration. Note the adapter that faces the dMix, its IPv4 address, subnet mask and Physical Address (your MAC).

:: Command Prompt
ipconfig /all
# PowerShell equivalent
Get-NetIPConfiguration

Step 2 — Read or wake the ARP table

:: Show the current IP-to-MAC table
arp -a

If the dMix is missing, sweep the subnet to populate the table, then list it again.

:: Command Prompt: ping each host (use %%i inside a .bat file)
for /L %i in (1,1,254) do @ping -n 1 -w 200 192.168.1.%i >nul
arp -a

PowerShell gives a cleaner neighbour list:

# Sweep, then show reachable IPv4 neighbours with their MACs
1..254 | ForEach-Object { Test-Connection "192.168.1.$_" -Count 1 -Quiet }
Get-NetNeighbor -AddressFamily IPv4 | Where-Object State -ne Unreachable

Step 3 — Scanners and GUI tools

• nmap for Windows works exactly as on macOS: nmap -sn 192.168.1.0/24.
• Free graphical scanners such as Advanced IP Scanner or Angry IP Scanner list every device with its IP, MAC and vendor — the easiest option if you prefer not to use the command line.
• Identify by vendor (OUI) just as on macOS — the MAC prefix tells you which entry is the dMix.

7.  Setting network priority on macOS

This is where Mac users most often get caught out: plug a Mac into an audio network and suddenly the internet “stops working,” or the control software cannot see the dMix. The cause is almost always the network service order.

How service order actually works

macOS tries network services from the top of the list down. Crucially, the order only decides the default route — where traffic goes when its destination is not on any directly-connected network (i.e. the internet). Traffic to a directly-connected subnet, such as the dMix's, always leaves through the matching interface regardless of order. That single fact is the key to keeping both working at once.

Set the order (System Settings)

1. Open the Apple menu → System Settings → Network.
2. Click the Action pop-up menu (the ⋯ / three-dots button on the right), then choose Set Service Order.
3. Drag the services into the order you want, then click OK (on older macOS, also click Apply).

Do it from Terminal

The same ordering is scriptable. The set command must list every service, in the order you want them:

# View the current order and the device each service maps to
networksetup -listnetworkserviceorder
# Set the order (names must match exactly; list ALL services)
networksetup -ordernetworkservices "Wi-Fi" "Ethernet" "USB 10/100/1000 LAN"
# Inspect a single service (IP, router, etc.)
networksetup -getinfo "Ethernet"

Put Wi-Fi above the audio Ethernet: internet stays on Wi-Fi, the dMix stays reachable.

8.  Setting network priority on Windows

Windows decides the preferred connection with an interface metric. A lower metric wins — the adapter with the smallest metric is used for the default route. The same blank-gateway trick applies as on macOS.

Set the metric (graphical)

1. Open ncpa.cpl (Control Panel → Network Connections). Right-click the adapter → Properties.
2. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) → Properties → Advanced…
3. Untick Automatic metric and type an Interface metric. Lower = preferred (e.g. internet adapter 10, audio adapter 50).

Set the metric (PowerShell)

# View interfaces sorted by metric (lowest = preferred)
Get-NetIPInterface -AddressFamily IPv4 | Sort-Object InterfaceMetric
# Prefer the internet adapter, de-prioritise the audio adapter
Set-NetIPInterface -InterfaceAlias "Wi-Fi"    -InterfaceMetric 10
Set-NetIPInterface -InterfaceAlias "Ethernet" -InterfaceMetric 50

9.  Command cheat-sheet & troubleshooting

Cheat-sheet

Troubleshooting

10.  Creating Dante / AES67 streams and connecting the dMix 128

AES67 is the open standard that lets audio cross between different manufacturers' systems. The dMix 128 transmits and receives AES67 multicast streams natively from its two AES67 ports, using its configurable multicast base (default 239.200.0.0) and an IEEE 1588 (PTP) clock. To exchange audio with a Dante-based system, the Dante devices must first be switched into AES67 mode in Dante Controller. The steps below cover both sides and the all-important clock alignment between them.

Step 1 — Prepare the dMix 128 side

1. Confirm the dMix 128 AES67 ports are cabled to your audio switch and that the device has a valid IP address (Section 2).
2. Check the multicast base address. The default 239.200.0.0 sits inside the 239.x/16 range that AES67 receivers expect, so leave it unless you have a specific reason to change it.
3. Set the clock to Auto so PTP negotiates the master automatically, or Forced if you need to nominate a specific master device.

Step 2 — Enable AES67 on the Dante device (Dante Controller)

1. In Dante Controller, double-click the Dante device to open Device View.
2. Open the AES67 Config tab (only shown on devices that support it).
3. Set AES67 Mode = Enabled and confirm the warning.
4. Reboot / power-cycle the device — AES67 mode only takes effect after a restart.
5. Set the RTP Multicast Address Prefix to match the dMix 128 range (239.x). If the prefixes differ, a subscription can look successful but pass no audio.

Step 3 — Create a multicast flow

1. On the transmitting device, click Create Multicast Flow (the plus icon in Device View).
2. Tick the AES67 Flow / AES67 Stream checkbox.
3. Select up to eight channels for the flow, then click Create. Add more flows for more channels.

Step 4 — Align the clocks (PTP)

1. Make sure your switches support PTP and that Energy-Efficient Ethernet (EEE) is disabled on every audio port.
2. In Dante Controller, open Clock Status and confirm the PTPv2 (AES67) leader aligns with your primary clock master.
3. On the dMix 128, leave clocking on Auto unless you are deliberately forcing a master across the whole system.

Step 5 — Connect and route

Dante / third-party → dMix 128

• Transmitted AES67 multicast flows appear in the routing grid (often highlighted in blue) and are routed exactly like native channels.
• On the dMix 128, patch the incoming network channels using its NET input type, for example $mixer-foh.i.2.src = $stage-center.n.1.

dMix 128 → Dante / third-party

• On the receiving device (Q-SYS, Ravenna, Symetrix, etc.), subscribe to the stream via SAP, or by importing the exported SDP file.
• Remember the 239.x/16 rule: the receiver's multicast prefix must match the transmitting flow or no audio will pass.

A PTP-synced AES67 multicast flow from the dMix 128 to a third-party receiver.

11.  Quick reference & troubleshooting

Which connection do I need?

Common issues

You can always connect a screen to the dMix 128 to read the IP address it is set to. A full recovery mode is also possible via a connected phone — see Part 2.

Reference sources

• dMix System – GUI and Device Integration Specification (Violet Audio) — violetaudio.com
• Dante Controller User Guide – AES67 Config (Audinate) — dev.audinate.com
• Setting up an AES67 stream on a Dante device (Q-SYS) — support.qsys.com

Connect a phone or tablet to the dMix 128 by USB-C to reach the recovery interface.

1.  What Recovery Mode Is For

Recovery mode is a built-in service mode hosted directly by the dMix 128. When a phone or tablet is connected by USB-C, the mixer serves a local browser interface at 10.10.10.10. No internet connection is required.

Recovery mode can be used to:

• Check the active boot target, checkpoint count, system count, and disk usage.
• Restore the protected factory firmware base.
• Export, import, or browse shows and presets.
• Install signed firmware updates or a full firmware image from USB storage.
• Reset Ethernet, Wi-Fi client, and hotspot settings to defaults.

2.  Before You Start

3.  Enter Recovery Mode

1. Connect the phone or tablet to the dMix 128 using USB-C.
2. Turn on Airplane Mode on the mobile device (normally only required for Android phones).
3. Hold the dMix 128 RESET button for 20–25 seconds.
4. Turn ON the dMix 128.
5. Release the button when the STATUS lights change colour.
6. Open a browser and type 10.10.10.10 into the address bar.

4.  Recovery Home Screen

• Boot target shows which recovery checkpoint will boot.
• Checkpoints and System show available recovery / system entries.
• Disk usage shows used and free recovery storage.
• Quick Actions provide fast access to factory restore, user-data erase, network reset, and reboot.

Home tab: system overview, disk usage and quick actions.

5.  Main Tabs and What They Do

Recommended navigation

• Start on Home to confirm the unit is connected and responsive.
• Use Firmware to restore factory firmware or view checkpoints.
• Use Backup to export / import shows and presets before service work.
• Use Upgrade to install a new firmware package.
• Use Settings to review or reset network behaviour.

The recovery interface tab bar: Home, Firmware, Upgrade, Backup and Settings.

6.  Firmware Tab — Restore Factory Firmware

Use Restore Factory Firmware when the mixer needs to roll back to the protected factory base. This rolls back firmware and resets network / settings. Shows are kept unless you explicitly erase user data.

1. Open the Firmware tab.
2. Confirm the active checkpoint and factory base version.
3. Tap RESTORE FACTORY.
4. Confirm the prompt if shown.
5. Reboot when asked so the restored firmware becomes active.

Firmware tab: active checkpoint and protected factory base.

7.  Upgrade Tab — Install New Firmware

Upgrade from a file on the phone/tablet

1. Open the Upgrade tab.
2. Tap Select firmware file.
3. Choose the signed firmware update file.
4. Tap UPLOAD & INSTALL.
5. Wait for the upload and installation to finish.
6. Reboot when prompted.

Upgrade from USB storage

1. Insert the USB storage device that contains the firmware full image.
2. Open the Upgrade tab.
3. Under Upgrade from USB, tap the orange lightning icon next to the required file.
4. Read the Install from USB prompt carefully.
5. Tap OK to begin.
6. Wait for the full image flash progress to complete.
7. Reboot when prompted.

The Upgrade tab is where signed updates and full USB images are installed.

8.  Upgrade Confirmations, Progress and Reboot

1. After an install, a blue banner may say Changes applied — reboot to activate.
2. Tap REBOOT NOW or use the Home tab REBOOT button.
3. A browser Connection Lost message is normal during reboot.
4. When the dMix 128 has restarted, tap RELOAD or type 10.10.10.10 again.

Install from USB confirmation.

9.  Backup Tab — Export, Import and Browse

Export backup

1. Open the Backup tab and select Export.
2. Select the shows and / or presets to export. If none are listed, the screen will show No shows found or No presets found.
3. Tick Include mixer configuration if the full mixer configuration should be included.
4. Tap EXPORT SELECTED AS ZIP.
5. Save the ZIP file to the mobile device.

Import or browse

• Import is used to bring shows or presets back into the mixer from a saved ZIP or compatible backup file.
• Browse is used to inspect stored backup items and available user data.

Backup tab: export shows / presets and optionally include mixer configuration.

10.  Settings Tab — Network Configuration

Note: the dMix 128 does not have a Wi-Fi Hotspot or Client, but other products in the range may include them.

• Ethernet DHCP: when enabled, the dMix 128 requests an IP address automatically from the network.
• Wi-Fi Client: enables connection to an existing Wi-Fi network when configured in normal operation. (not on the dMix 128)
• Wi-Fi Hotspot: enables the mixer hotspot mode when configured in normal operation. (not on the dMix 128)
• SAVE: stores the changed settings.
• RESET NETWORK TO DEFAULTS: returns Ethernet, Wi-Fi client, and hotspot settings to the factory network state.

Settings tab: Ethernet DHCP and network options.

11.  Quick Troubleshooting

12.  Safe Recovery Checklist

• Mobile device connected directly by USB-C.
• Mobile device is in Airplane Mode.
• Browser opened to 10.10.10.10.
• Backup exported before destructive actions where possible.
• Correct official firmware file selected.
• Power and USB-C connection not interrupted during flashing.
• Reboot completed after changes were applied.
• Browser page reloaded after reboot.

Violet Audio dMix 128 — Networking & Recovery Guide. © Violet Audio. All rights reserved.