Welcome to our FAQ page

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What is DiGiGrid?

DiGiGrid is a collaboration between Waves and DiGiCo/Soundtracs that aims to provide the audio market with processing and networking solutions based on the Waves SoundGrid platform. DiGiGrid offers audio interfaces for native DAWs, Pro Tools systems, Waves MultiRack and MADI-enabled consoles.

What is SoundGrid?

SoundGrid® is the Waves networking and processing platform for real-time professional audio applications. Audio networking occurs over standard Ethernet infrastructure. Real-time processing uses Intel DSP SoundGrid servers.

What are the basic components of a SoundGrid system/network?

Hardware: A DiGiGrid I/O, and a Mac or PC to run the SoundGrid host application. The system is scalable and can be expanded easily by adding more computers, SoundGrid I/Os, and SoundGrid DSP servers.

Software: The SoundGrid Studio Application and a SoundGrid ASIO/Core Audio driver. Additional SoundGrid software (MultiRack SoundGrid, StudioRack SoundGrid, the eMotion ST mixer) can also be used depending on your needs.

What's the difference between DiGiGrid MGB and MGO?

Both are MADI-to-SoundGrid interfaces. MGB connects via two sets of BNC coaxial connectors, while MGO connects via two sets of LC optical connectors.

What's the difference between DiGiGrid IOX-XL, IOX and IOC?

All three are SoundGrid I/Os.

IOX-XL has 8 analog preamps and line outs, two headphone outs, and an AES in/out. It also includes a built-in SoundGrid DSP server and a network switch, and is designed to be a central hub with networking and processing capabilities.

IOX has 12 preamps, 6 analog outputs and 4 headphone outs—perfect for your studio’s performance/recording room.

IOC has 2 analog preamps, 8 line inputs/outputs, 16 AES inputs/outputs, an ADAT in/out, and two headphone outputs. This diversity of connectivity options makes it ideal for studio control rooms.

	IOS	IOC	IOX
Size	2U	1U	1U
Channel ins	10	34	12
Channels outs	10	32	6
Headphones outputs	2	2	4
Built-in server	Yes	N/A	N/A
Mic inputs/preamps	8	2	12
DigiLink ports	N/A	N/A	N/A
8x line outputs on 25 pin D CON	1	1	N/A
8x line inputs on 25 pin D CON	N/A	1	N/A
8x AES I/O on 25 pin D CON	N/A	2	N/A
ADAT I/O	N/A	1	N/A
SoundGrid network connection	4	2	2
MIDI in/out	1	N/A	N/A
AES on XLR switchable to SP-DIF	1	N/A	N/A
TRS line outputs	8	N/A	6
Word Clock in/out	1	1	1
USB port	1	N/A	N/A

What's the difference between DiGiGrid DLS and DLI

Both are Pro Tools-to-SoundGrid interfaces with two DigiLink ports and a network switch. The only difference is that DLS includes a powerful built-in SoundGrid DSP server, while DLI doesn’t.

What is the SoundGrid Studio System

The SoundGrid Studio System is a real-time processing and networking platform. It allows your DAW to offload its plugin processing and enables your devices to communicate with one another and with the devices of the people you work with. A SoundGrid Studio System comprises both hardware (DiGiGrid I/Os and SoundGrid DSP servers) and software (SoundGrid ASIO/Core Audio driver, the SoundGrid Studio Application, the eMotion ST mixer, and either StudioRack or MultiRack).

What is the SoundGrid Studio Application?

SoundGrid Studio is an application for managing the SoundGrid network’s hardware and the SoundGrid ASIO/Core Audio driver on your host computer, allowing you to configure connections, routing, clocks, and more.

What is StudioRack?

StudioRack is a software rack designed to run plugin chains, giving you the choice of directing the processing to a SoundGrid DSP server or to your host computer’s CPU. When your plugin chains are processed on the SoundGrid server, StudioRack lets you monitor your tracks in low latency via the eMotion ST mixer.

What is eMotion ST?

Waves eMotion ST is a SoundGrid software digital mixer with 8 mono/stereo input channels, additional 64 mono channels from StudioRack, and 9 mix busses. Along with StudioRack and a SoundGrid server, eMotion ST enables low-latency monitoring with hundreds of plugins.

What are MultiRack and SuperRack?

MultiRack and SuperRack are host applications designed to serve as a multi-channel plugin rack for live sound (FOH/monitoring/broadcast). MultiRack and SuperRack provides control over plugins and snapshots/scenes for live sound systems.

There are two versions of MultiRack and SuperRack: a Native version for local processing on your computer’s CPU, and a SoundGrid version for low-latency processing on an external server. The SoundGrid version requires a SoundGrid I/O, a SoundGrid DSP server, and SoundGrid-compatible plugins.

How does DiGiGrid work with AVID HDX?

DiGiGrid communicates with and complements your Pro Tools system via the DiGiGrid DLI and DLS audio interfaces. DLI and DLS units connect directly to your Pro Tools cards via their DigiLink connectors and help transfer audio between the HDX and SoundGrid systems, giving you more processing power and networking possibilities. Watch this video to learn how to use DiGiGrid DLS/DLI with Pro Tools HDX.

What is the maximum amount of I/O devices that can be assigned simultaneously in the SoundGrid Studio Application?

Up to 8 SoundGrid-compatible hardware I/O devices and 8 software I/Os (host computers running the SoundGrid ASIO/Core Audio drivers).

Do i use Waves eMotion ST as my main mixer or as an effects submixer?

You can use the Waves eMotion ST mixer in various ways according to your needs. It can be used as your main mixer, as an input mixer, as an effects submixer, or in conjunction with StudioRack for real-time low-latency monitor mixes. You can control eMotion ST through StudioRack within your DAW, or open it as an additional standalone window.

Does the Waves MultiRack and SuperRack SoundGrid System have a redundancy solution?

Yes, there is a redundancy solution for Waves MultiRack and SuperRack SoundGrid system by adding a second SoundGrid DSP server.

Does Waves StudioRack support any control surfaces?

StudioRack supports most Avid control surfaces under Pro Tools. StudioRack’s MIDI Learn function lets you control any plugin used within StudioRack.

Does the SoundGrid network provide Word Clock synchronization?

Yes. All DiGiGrid interfaces and ASIO/Core Audio drivers connected to the same SoundGrid network can send and receive Word Clock. Visit the SoundGrid Studio Application page at waves.com to learn more.

How do i use DiGiGrid DLS/DLI to add processing power to Pro Tools HD/HDX?

DiGiGrid DLS and DLI (the latter with an external SoundGrid DSP server) bridge Pro Tools HD/HDX systems with the SoundGrid low-latency processing platform, enabling you to run hundreds of SoundGrid-compatible Waves and third-party plugins in extremely low latency.

Watch this video to learn more.

How do i use DiGIGrid to add processing power to a native DAW (Logic, Cubase, Ableton, Pro Tools Native, etc.)?

With native systems you can use any DiGiGrid interface (some with an external SoundGrid server). This will enable you to use StudioRack SoundGrid in order to process SoundGrid-compatible Waves and third-party plugins on the SoundGrid DSP server and monitor your tracks with all plugins on in super-low latency.

Watch this video to learn more.

Does DiGIGrid offer MADI support?

All MADI-enabled consoles are supported by DiGiGrid’s MADI-to-SoundGrid interfaces (MGB and MGO), enabling you to record your show directly to any DAW for virtual soundcheck purposes. Moreover, together with Waves MultiRack, a SoundGrid DSP server, and a switch, you can process in real time using your favorite SoundGrid-compatible plugins.

What is AEB?

Waves AEB (Audio Exclusive Broadcast) is the name of the connection protocol used by the SoundGrid system components.

Is SoundGrid AVB-compatible?

SoundGrid is scheduled for full AVB compliance in the future.

Should i use Cat 5e or Cat 6 cables?

You can use either. Cat 5e cables have a shorter length limit than Cat 6 cables.

To learn more, please see this cables compatibility chart.

Can i use DiGIGrid interfaces as I/O for my DAW without using a SoundGrid DPS server?

Yes, any DiGiGrid device can be used with any DAW, just like any other high-quality I/O interface, and give you up to 128 I/Os, regardless of whether you are using a SoundGrid DSP server.

Can i use my DiGIGrid product abroad?

DiGiGrid devices are designed for use in any country. All you need is the appropriate mains lead.

What is the USB port on DIGiGrid DLS, IOS-XL and IOS?

It is a service port for server troubleshooting.

Does DIGiGrid support 192-kHz processing?

SoundGrid currently supports up to 96 kHz. 192 kHz will be supported in future releases, with updates downloadable from the web directly into your DiGiGrid device.

I'm not sure how much of the full system i need. Can i start with one DIGiGrid device, then add more as my requirements become clearer?

No problem. All you need in order to set up a basic SoundGrid system is one DiGiGrid interface. You can later add more DiGiGrid interfaces and/or SoundGrid DSP servers and network them all together via Ethernet cables.

Can i use my existing Ethernet cables that's routed through my building?

Yes, as long as your Ethernet infrastructure complies with the SoundGrid network’s requirements. Please consult our list of compatible switches and cables.

I have an older laptop. Can i us that for DIGiGrid?

You can use your old PC or Mac computers with DiGiGrid as long as they meet the minimum requirements. Please see the System Requirements chart in the Waves SoundGrid Studio Application page, under the Support tab.

Please note: DiGiGrid requires your computer to have a 1GB Ethernet port.

Can i use DIGiGrid with any DAW?

DiGiGrid can be used with most popular DAWs. See the list of supported DAWs in the Waves SoundGrid Studio Application page, under the Support tab.

If you want to use the eMotion ST mixer and StudioRack, we suggest you become familiar with their system requirements and supported hosts as well: eMotion ST (under the Support tab); StudioRack (Tech Specs tab > Supported Hosts tab).

Are DIGiGrid MGB and MGO bus-powered?

No, they are powered via the supplied power adaptor.

Can i connect a headphone amp to DIGiGrid devices?

Some DiGiGrid devices have multiple headphone outs. If you need more than the onboard headphone outputs, you can use the DiGiGrid device’s line outs to connect to your headphone amp.

Can i take my DIGiGrid DLS or IOS-XL server out on a live event?

Yes, DLS and IOS-XL are rack-mountable devices suitable for various live purposes.

Will there be any future firmware updates? If so, how will i be able to access them?

Firmware updates are available with the latest versions of the related software. The firmware is easily updated via MultiRack or the SoundGrid Studio Application.

Can DiGiGrid IOS-XL be used as a clocking source?

Any DiGiGrid device can be used as a master clock, set through its control panel.

Can i simultaneously use my AES I/O and S/PDIF input connections on a DiGiGrid IOS-XL?

No. You can use only one at a time.

What are the different latencies of the SoundGrid Studio System?

Latency is something that may change between systems. If you’re not using SoundGrid processing at all, the total latency depends on your DAW’s native buffer + SoundGrid system A/D, D/A and network buffer:

A/D latency – less than 1 ms (see device manual for specific figures).
SoundGrid ASIO/Core Audio driver latency – 4 ms.
D/A latency – less than 1 ms (see device manual for specific figures).

The default processing latency is the same for all DiGiGrid I/Os. The lowest latency to server and back (DSP processing on all systems) is 0.8 ms. If plugins introduce latency, this also needs to be taken into account. For the latencies of individual Waves plugins, consult this plugin latencies chart.

Internal processing for DiGiGrid DLS is only 0.8 ms for HDX users, but 0.8 ms + HDN buffer x2 for users of HD Native.

For Native users of DiGiGrid IOS in low-latency monitoring mode, internal processing latency is 0.8 ms + the latency introduced by A/D and D/A convertors. No matter which native buffer parameters are set on your DAW, this is the round trip when you use the StudioRack and eMotion ST low-latency path:

A/D latency – less than 1 ms (see device manual for specific figures).
SoundGrid processing (StudioRack + eMotion ST mixer) – 0.8 ms.
Plugin latency – depends which plugins and how many of them are instantiated (consult this Waves plugin latency chart).
D/A latency – less than 1 ms (see device manual for specific figures).

How would DiGiGrid DLS fit into my system , which consist of a HD native card, a Lynx Aurora 16 with LT-HD, and a 'blue' 192? Could i connect the 192 to the DLS and still use the DLS's server capabilities?

You can connect Port 1 of the HD Native card to the Lynx, and the expansion port to the 192. The second HD Native port can be connected to the DLS, enabling you to use up to 32 mono StudioRacks for DSP processing, or 32 I/O channels in the SoundGrid network. Alternatively, you can divide them – 16 StudioRacks and 16 I/Os. If you connect the DLS only through the expansion port of a single 192, you will get only 16 I/Os to SoundGrid (for either processing or I/O).

To learn more about how to set up an HD Native system with the DiGiGrid DLS, watch this video.

Waves SoundGrid and DiGiGrid interfaces are a new product line. How do we know if it will still be around in a few years time?

SoundGrid hardware has been in the market for over four years, debuting in the live market with the WSG Y-16 option card, followed by the Allen & Heath M-Waves interface card and the Waves card for DiGiCo Consoles. These devices are in use all over the world by many high-level engineers. Following this success, Waves and DiGiCo have jointly launched the DiGiGrid line. DiGiGrid hardware units are manufactured in collaboration with DiGiCo and are equipped with high-quality convertors and components. Waves and DiGiCo are well-established brands, and all DiGiGrid interfaces are fully supported by both companies, now and in the future.

What is SoundGrid DSP server?

The SoundGrid DSP server provides the processing power for SoundGrid systems, enabling you to run hundreds of plugins simultaneously in real time.

What makes the SoundGrid DSP server different from other servers?

The SoundGrid DSP server is a low-latency Linux server, carefully designed by Waves to provide reliability and stability, and powered by Intel processors. The server works with and is compiled for specific motherboards and chipsets only. The servers have been tested with hundreds of plugins on about 20 different DAW systems, across five different operating systems and four different sample rates. There is no need to connect a computer screen or keyboard to the SoundGrid server: the server connects through the SoundGrid Studio Application or MultiRack SoundGrid, both of which run on your host computer.

How many plugins can i run in real time on the built-in SoundGrid servers of DiGiGrid IOS-XL and DLS?

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Plugin	DiGiGrid IOS-XL	DiGiGrid DLS
Waves SSL G-Channel: mono instances @ 48 kHz	Over 500	Over 400
Waves SSL G-Channel: mono instances @ 96 kHz	Over 400	Over 170

What are the benefits of using SoundGrid for streaming audio signals?

SoundGrid provides uncompressed, multi-channel, low-latency digital audio distribution over Ethernet, which saves the need to install multiple line cables in the walls and floors of your studio. A single Ethernet cable can connect I/O boxes in different rooms, saving you plenty of money on the purchasing and maintenance of analog cables. Ethernet cables also endure longer distances without suffering any signal degradation compared to USB, FireWire, or DigiLink cables.
Here are two video examples of SoundGrid’s Ethernet benefits:

Video 1

Video 2

I can see the potential of the DiGiGrid interfaces and SoundGrid Studio System for multi-room studios that want to invest in a networkable audio infrastructure, as long as you dont alread own a Pro Tools HD/HDX system. But if i already own such a system, wouldnt it be a waste of money to get DiGiGrid interface as well, since all i need is the Pro Tools hardware and the Waves software?

On the contrary, by combining your HD/HDX system with a DiGiGrid DLS/DLI unit and with the SoundGrid Studio System, you will enjoy advanced networking options and have more DSP processing power for running hundreds of plugins in low latency. You will also be able to enjoy all the workflow advantages provided by Waves’ StudioRack plugin chainer and eMotion ST mixer.

Watch this video to learn more.

If my session was created using DiGiGrid I/O with a SoundGrid system. can i then continue to work on it without a DiGiGrid I/O and a none-SoundGrid sytem?

Yes. No matter whether your session was created with or without SoundGrid processing, instances of StudioRack will load automatically, letting you use the same plugins and settings saved in your session.

When you import a session created on a SoundGrid system to a non-SoundGrid environment, StudioRack will switch seamlessly and automatically from SoundGrid processing to local CPU processing without losing your workflow, and will let you use the same plugin chain presets.

Sessions containing StudioRack components designed especially for Pro Tools HD/HDX and HD Native will load automatically and comply with whichever Pro Tools system is in use, bridging it with the SoundGrid DSP server (if present).

To learn more, please visit the StudioRack page on waves.com.

When i use a DiGiGrid DLS or DLI with a Pro Tools HD/HDX or HD Native system, does the DLS/DLI appear in the Pro Tools I/O setup window?

Yes – a single DLI/DLS will appear as up to four 192 Digitals, depending on configuration.