Introduction to AES70 (Open Control Architecture)

AES70, officially known as the Open Control Architecture (OCA), is an international standard (AES70‑2018) for remote control and monitoring of audio, video, and lighting equipment. Developed by the Audio Engineering Society, AES70 provides a vendor‑neutral communication framework that allows devices from different manufacturers to be managed through a single control interface. This eliminates the need for proprietary protocols and simplifies system integration.

The standard defines a hierarchical object model where each physical or logical component is represented as an object with controllable properties. Communication uses TCP/IP or UDP/IP, making it suitable for both local area networks and wide‑area remote management. For professional audio installations – in conference rooms, broadcast studios, live sound systems, or large‑scale public address networks – AES70 enables reliable, scalable, and future‑proof control.

Why Choose AES70 for Your Audio Equipment Management?

Traditional audio control systems often rely on closed protocols that lock you into a single vendor. AES70 breaks that barrier by offering:

  • Interoperability – Mix and match equipment from different manufacturers without custom gateways.
  • Scalability – Easily add or remove devices as your system grows, from a single room to hundreds of zones.
  • Remote Management – Monitor and adjust settings from anywhere on the network, reducing onsite visits.
  • Simplified Commissioning – Use a single software tool to configure the entire system, saving time and reducing errors.
  • Future‑Proofing – As new devices adopt AES70, your control infrastructure remains compatible without major overhauls.

For AV integrators and system designers, adopting AES70 means faster deployment, easier maintenance, and happier end‑users.

Prerequisites for a Successful AES70 Setup

Before you begin, ensure you have the following hardware and software in place:

  • AES70‑enabled devices – Many modern audio processors, amplifiers, digital mixers, and conference systems support OCA natively. Verify your equipment’s specifications or consult the OCA Alliance product registry.
  • Managed network switch – A switch with gigabit ports, VLAN support, and IGMP snooping for multicast traffic. PoE (Power over Ethernet) is optional but convenient for small devices.
  • Control computer – A Windows, macOS, or Linux workstation with the appropriate control software installed (see Step 3).
  • Network cabling – Shielded or unshielded Cat5e or Cat6 cables, terminated with RJ45 connectors. For long runs, use quality cable to maintain signal integrity.
  • Power supplies – Ensure all devices have adequate power, either via PoE or local AC adapters.

If your network is shared with other data traffic, consider setting up a dedicated VLAN for audio control to avoid interference and improve security.

Step 1: Physically Connect Your AES70 Devices

Begin by connecting each AES70‑compatible device to your network switch using standard Ethernet cables. For simple installations, a star topology (each device directly to the switch) is recommended. If distances are very long, use switches with fiber uplinks or Ethernet extenders.

Power on each device and wait for the link lights to indicate a stable connection. To verify basic connectivity, use the ping command from your computer to each device’s default IP address (often 169.254.x.x link‑local or a static address set by the manufacturer). Some devices support a discovery mode that blinks front‑panel LEDs when located.

Network Topology Considerations

  • Star Topology – Most reliable for AES70 because each device has a dedicated link to the switch. Easier to troubleshoot.
  • Daisy Chaining – Some devices have passthrough ports, but this adds latency and a single point of failure. Avoid for critical systems.
  • Redundant Networks – For mission‑critical audio (e.g., live broadcasts), use switches with spanning tree protocol or dedicated media‑redundancy features. AES70 supports multiple IP paths if the control software is configured accordingly.

Step 2: Configure Network Settings for Reliable Communication

AES70 devices need stable IP addresses. The best practice is to assign static IP addresses or use DHCP reservations on your router/switch. This prevents conflicts when devices are rebooted or when new equipment is added.

IP Addressing

  1. Access each device’s web interface or front‑panel menu (consult the manual).
  2. Set a static IP address in the same subnet as your control computer (e.g., 192.168.1.50 for device 1, 192.168.1.51 for device 2, etc.).
  3. Ensure the subnet mask and default gateway are consistent across all devices.
  4. If the device uses a link‑local address by default, you can either keep it or change to a fixed address. For large systems, static is safer.

Multicast Traffic Management

AES70 can use multicast for device discovery and some status subscriptions. To avoid network flooding, enable IGMP snooping on your managed switch. This ensures multicast packets only reach ports that have subscribed to the relevant groups. Consult your switch manual – most enterprise switches have this feature under “Layer 2” or “Multicast” settings.

VLAN Segmentation

If your audio network shares infrastructure with other services (Wi‑Fi, data, CCTV), create a separate VLAN for AES70 control. For example, assign VLAN 10 to audio‑control devices and VLAN 20 to media streaming. Then configure your switch’s routing interface to allow communication only as needed. This improves security and simplifies troubleshooting.

Step 3: Install and Launch the AES70 Control Software

Several control applications support AES70. Choose one that matches your system’s complexity and your comfort level. Popular options include:

  • OCA Remote – A free reference implementation from the OCA Alliance. Great for small systems and learning.
  • EASE Audio – A professional tool that combines design, simulation, and AES70 control. Useful for large installations.
  • Superliga – A commercial platform with advanced UI customization and scripting capabilities.
  • Manufacturer‑specific tools – Many brands (Biamp, Q‑SC, Symetrix) bundle AES70 control within their own software. However, using a vendor‑agnostic tool gives you true interoperability.

Download the software from the official website and follow the installation instructions. Launch the application and ensure it can reach the network – you may need to allow it through your firewall. Many tools will show a blank workspace or a discovery tab.

Step 4: Add Devices to the Control System

Most AES70 control software includes an automatic device discovery feature. Start the discovery process (often labelled “Scan Network” or “Discover Devices”). Your computer sends a broadcast or multicast request, and all AES70 devices on the subnet respond.

When devices appear, note their IP addresses and model names. Click “Add” or “Adopt” to bring each device into your project. Some software requires you to enter a device’s IP manually if discovery fails – this can happen if multicast is blocked or if devices are on a different VLAN.

Organising Devices

For large systems, create groups based on location (e.g., “Main Hall”, “Foyer”, “Backstage”) or function (e.g., “Speakers”, “Processors”, “Microphones”). Naming conventions should be consistent: use prefixes like AMP‑01 or DSP‑Lobby. This saves time when writing automation scripts or when training operators.

Save your project file immediately after adding devices – unexpected power loss can erase unsaved configurations.

Step 5: Configure Device Parameters

AES70 models each device as a tree of objects: the top‑level Device object contains blocks (e.g., “Mixer”, “EQ”, “Delay”), and each block contains signals (input/output channels, gain controls, filters). The control software exposes these objects as sliders, knobs, meters, and text fields.

Basic Parameter Adjustments

  1. Volume Levels – Drag the fader for each output channel. Note that AES70 gain objects typically accept values in decibels (dB) or linear (0‑1). Use the “Snapshot” feature to store baseline settings.
  2. Input/Output Routing – Select which analog or digital input feeds which output. This is commonly done via a matrix mixer object. Route audio flows to match your system design.
  3. Presets – Save current parameter states as a named preset (e.g., “Conference”, “Music”, “Emergency”). Presets are stored on the device or in the control software depending on implementation.
  4. Filters and Dynamics – Adjust high‑pass filters, compressors, or limiters through the relevant block objects. Many AES70 devices expose these parameters exactly as they appear on the physical unit.

Testing Communication

After changing a parameter, verify that the device responds correctly. For example, mute an output channel and listen for silence. Use the control software’s “Monitor” function to watch real‑time levels – this confirms that your commands are reaching the device and that feedback (telemetry) is flowing back.

Step 6: Implement Monitoring and Automation

AES70’s subscription mechanism allows the control software to receive alerts when device parameters change or when an error occurs. Set up monitoring for:

  • Device online/offline status – Get notified immediately if a device loses connection.
  • Signal levels – Trigger an alert if a channel is clipping or if a microphone is unexpectedly active.
  • Temperature and power supply status – Especially important for amplifiers and DSPs in enclosed racks.

Automation Routines

Most professional AES70 control tools support scripting or logic. Write simple routines to:

  • Mute all outputs during an emergency evacuation announcement.
  • Lower background music volume when a microphone is active (ducking).
  • Recall a presets based on time of day (e.g., morning meeting mode vs evening event mode).
  • Send email or SMS alerts when a device fails – useful for unmanned installations.

If your software supports Python or Lua scripting, you can even create custom user interfaces or integrate with third‑party systems (e.g., building management, calendar apps). The OCA Alliance provides a reference AES70‑Python library for advanced users.

Firmware Updates

Regularly check for firmware updates from your device manufacturers. AES70 evolves, and newer firmware may include bug fixes, improved OCA object support, or security patches. Update devices one at a time to minimise downtime.

Common Pitfalls and Troubleshooting

Even with careful planning, issues can arise. Here are solutions to the most common problems:

  • Devices not discovered – Check that all devices are on the same subnet and that multicast traffic is allowed. Try manually entering the IP address. If the device responds to ping but not to AES70 discovery, check that AES70 is enabled in the device’s settings.
  • Parameter changes not taking effect – Some devices have a “Confirm” or “Commit” action before changes are applied. Look for an “Apply” button in the control software or check the device’s API documentation.
  • Intermittent connection drops – This often points to network congestion, faulty cabling, or switch port errors. Replace suspect cables, update switch firmware, and consider dedicated VLAN.
  • Control software crashes – Ensure your computer meets the software’s system requirements. Update graphics drivers and disable any antivirus that might scan network traffic in real time.

Conclusion

Setting up an AES70 control system transforms complex audio equipment into a single, manageable network. By following this guide – from physical connections to automation – you can build a reliable, scalable, and interoperable audio management solution. The open standard nature of AES70 means your investment today will remain compatible with future devices, saving you time and money on every upgrade.

For further reading, explore the official OCA Alliance website for technical white papers and community tools. If you are integrating AES70 into a larger AV system, consider attending training sessions offered by the OCA Alliance or your favourite control software vendor. With careful planning and proper maintenance, your AES70 network will deliver years of trouble‑free performance.