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Mark Levinson
ML Net and Link2
A system can use ML Net and Link2 together, but the Link2 control
has priority. Status requests and notifications are still sent to the ML
Net master device, but commands sent by the ML Net master device
are ignored as long as Link2 is connected.
Note While ML Net is active from initial power-up, Link2 doesn’t activate
until the Master device is put into Standby mode (after initial power
up). As a result, the amplifier can react initially to ML Net commands
even though Link2 is connected.
Link2
The main purpose of the Mark Levinson Link2 protocol is to allow a
single “Master” device to control other “Slave” devices. Refer to the
product documentation of each Mark Levinson product to verify
compatibility and cabling requirements.
To use Link2, all devices are daisy-chained together using Ethernet
cables, as demonstrated in the figure on the left. Each “chain” can
have only one master device; all other devices in the chain become
slaves. Slave devices receive and respond to the commands of the
master device. The Nº532 amplifer is always a Slave device.
Ensure that all components are powered off before connecting the Link2
ports and ensure that there are no audio sources active. Once connected,
power on the linked components one at a time to ensure proper
functioning of the Link2 controls. The Master device must be
powered on first.
Allow each component to complete the initialization sequence
before proceeding to the next component. When all components
have been powered on, put the master device into Standby mode
again. Link2 does not activate until the master device is put into
Standby mode (after initial power up). Verify that the front panel
Standby LEDs on the linked components are blinking in unison.
The Nº532 slave(s) can perform the following Link2 functions:
• Synchronized LEDs – the Standby LED of the Nº532 blinks in
unison with the master device.
• Standby Link – the master device controls the Standby state
of the Nº532 amplifier.
• Fault Condition Reporting – if the Nº532 experiences a
fault condition, the fault is reported on the master device.
MASTER
COMMUNICATION
PORT
SLAVEªIN
SLAVEªIN
AMPLIFIER
SLAVEªIN
AMPLIFIER
SLAVEªIN
AMPLIFIER
AMPLIFIER
SLAVEªOUT
SLAVEªOUT
SLAVEªOUT
SLAVEªOUT
The Nº532 uses 8-to-8 link cable.
Older products use 8-to-6 cable.