Merging Anubis

[The Computer Audiophile]

8 hours ago, asdf1000 said:

 

Hey @The Computer Audiophile

 

Any issues using the macoS VAD driver with your Anubis?

 

No crashing or other bugs?

 

And did you end up testing Windows driver? Same reliability or worse?

 

What timing!

 

Merging's VAD was working perfect up until I installed macOS Big Sur 11.2. On version 11.1, no issues. On 11.2, it's as if the Anubis isn't even installed. Nothing works. 

 

I discovered this 30 minutes before recording a new episode of the podcast yesterday. I quickly booted my MacBook Pro into Windows and installed the new Merging Audio Driver. I have MAD working on Windows without issue right now. 

 

According to Merging, the MAD is much more versatile. I'm looking into how I can do a couple things for the podcast. 

[The Computer Audiophile]

1 minute ago, asdf1000 said:

Yikes. Technically they only support up to Catalina though LOL. 

 

Yes. Even though Merging says this:

 

"Note: certified on High Sierra, Mojave and Catalina  up to 10.15.7
Warning: macOS Big Sur, Apple Silicon and recent Mac 10Gb network interfaces not supported (1Gb adapter required), do not update until further notice."

 

I still had to try using Big Sur. It's just in my DNA :~)

 

 

2 minutes ago, asdf1000 said:

Who would have thought, Windows to the rescue LOL.

 

First time in my life!

 

 

3 minutes ago, asdf1000 said:

Do let us know how you go with MAD on Windows !

 

If you can get everything done for your Podcast without issues.

 

So far it's fantastic, not only for sound quality, but it enables me to do things that guests can't and I couldn't do with a more traditional interface. 

 

With MAD on Windows Merging says I can pipe audio from another app over through the driver and have my podcast guests here this audio. I haven't figured out how to do it yet, but I will. I want to play a few audio clips for people while I interview them and this would be fantastic. 

 

The other way I tried is by connecting my phone to other inputs of the Anubis.

 

 

 

3 minutes ago, asdf1000 said:

You're officially the forums 'Pro Audio User' now LOL

 

HA!

[The Computer Audiophile]

1 minute ago, asdf1000 said:

And are you powering Anubis over ethernet POE+ ?

 

I demo'ed Anubis last year but will be going ahead with a purchase soon.

 

I'll use a POE+ injector. I don't need a full POE+ switch.

 

https://www.tp-link.com/business-networking/accessory/tl-poe160s/

 

 

 

 

I'm not, but I probably will use it via PoE very soon. There's really no reason for me to use an external power supply. I already have PoE switches, so I could really just remove the power cable :~)

[The Computer Audiophile]

BY the way, the new SPS version is so cool. Dual Ethernet interfaces for fault tolerance. Merging is so advanced it's crazy. 

[The Computer Audiophile]

I got the Anubis working on macOS 11.2! 

[The Computer Audiophile]

3 hours ago, asdf1000 said:

 

How !?

Rather than just reinstall the driver, I removed it then reinstalled it. 

[The Computer Audiophile]

2 minutes ago, asdf1000 said:

Scrap all that - Merging Support was first class. A classic class of user error (need minimum 64 channels I/O) and ASIO output to channels 1 and 2 (I had 7 and 8 stupidly thinking that was correct for headphones).

 

Everything is working beautifully in Roon and Qobuz Desktop apps - using ASIO driver for automatic sample rate switching.

 

 

 

I was going to respond here and tell you that it's a configuration issue. Happy it got sorted. 

[The Computer Audiophile]

2 hours ago, asdf1000 said:

Hi @The Computer Audiophile

 

Is your Anubis connected to your router or have you gone for the more 'direct' connection of iMac to Anubis using USB-to-ethernet adapter ?

 

Direct connection works flawlessly for me.

 

They even actually recommend the latter, but some people have had issues going through router (including me atm). They do recommend Anubis having it's own separate network, not sharing internet traffic.

 

It's definitely not a plug and play device.

 

I'm getting close to having it rock solid stable now. After that it should just continue to work without a hiccup.

 

But if they could get it to a point of 'plug and play', it would not only make it even more attractive to even more pro's but it would even attract more consumers.

 

Look at the RME ADI-2 FS DAC - the roots are a pro audio device but it works so easily and reliably and measures so great, it's become a hit even with audiophiles.

 

I’m using it direct - USB-C > Ethernet > Anubis. 
 

It’s a crazy cool product that has very few limits. I talked to Merging about future “missions” the company can add to it. Technically the Anubis could be a Roon Ready endpoint over the network, avoiding VAD / MAD. A HiFi mission could be created etc...

 

To be plug and play, a new “mission” is required and people should never look at ANEMAN :~) That’s not a consumer friendly app. 
 

The more I use my Anubis, the more I love it. 

[The Computer Audiophile]

Merging could also make the Anubis an NAA endpoint for HQPlayer. I encouraged them to make that happen. 

[The Computer Audiophile]

20 minutes ago, Miska said:

It should work fine if you create unicast stream in ANEMAN. The default multicast stream will likely choke networks that have WiFi.

 

This definitely was the case when I had a NADAC after it was first released. It took down my entire network. However, after enabling IGMP Snooping, all was OK.

 

 

 

20 minutes ago, Miska said:

IMO, use of USB Ethernet adapters should be forbidden completely, anywhere. :D  (and same goes for USB connected HDD/SSD)

 

If you use Mac, you should use Apple's Thunderbolt-to-Ethernet adapters instead.

 

Here's the one I use. https://www.apple.com/shop/product/HJKF2ZM/A/belkin-usb-c-to-gigabit-ethernet-adapter

 

 

[The Computer Audiophile]

I now see the the USB-C adapters are very problematic for many people. The ridiculous solution is to get a Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter, then use the Thunderbolt 2 to Ethernet adapter. So lame. 

[The Computer Audiophile]

Does anyone make a good Thunderbolt 3 or 4 Ethernet adapter?

[The Computer Audiophile]

I see this one from OWC, but I also see a warning on Merging's site about 10Gb adapters. No!

 

https://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/TB3ADP10GBE/

[The Computer Audiophile]

5 minutes ago, asdf1000 said:

 

Were you able to test Qobuz Desktop and Tidal Desktop apps on macOS with VAD?

 

'Exclusive Mode' in those apps gets auto sample rate switching working properly on Anubis?

 

I haven’t been able to test yet because it requires a reconfig of my Anubis. It’s setup for monitoring / podcasting right now. 

[The Computer Audiophile]

I have the Anubis, as I use it to record the podcast. It’s definitely not plug n play. 
 

I can try to test something for you when I return from vacation. 

[The Computer Audiophile]

3 hours ago, El Guapo said:

https://confluence.merging.com/pages/viewpage.action?pageId=86212946

Sonnet Thunderbolt AVB Adapter is recommended by Merging in recent driver update info. I just purchased two from Amazon. 😁

Got one too!

 

Apple really made a mess of usb Ethernet. And, the official Apple/Belkin usb to Ethernet adapter is terrible.