HYDRA Front-Panel Status Diagnostic

Step 1 — Identify the likely network mode

Check the rear ID switch bank

Calrec fixed-format I/O boxes can operate on either an AoIP network or a traditional Hydra2 network, and they look almost identical from the front. Start by checking the eight rear ID switches.

All eight switches at 0Possible AoIP — loads an example AoIP profile Non-zero IDLikely traditional Hydra2 — loads the documented pattern Not checked / not sureContinue with the documented common pattern

Mode not confirmed

PORT CON and ACT show connection and traffic in both AoIP and Hydra2 operation, so network activity alone does not identify the mode.

Calrec-documented common fixed-format pattern PSU solid green · FAN off · both CON solid yellow · both ACT fast-flashing green · Status 1 solid green · Status 2 and 3 slow-flashing green · Status 5, 6 and 7 solid red · Status 8 off. Status 4 has no standard operator function.

Step 2 — Match the front-panel indications

Front-panel diagnostic

Select an LED on the panel, then choose the indication you see. The diagnosis updates automatically. The HYDRA 24-8 Analog panel is used as the common fixed-format example.

Scope: This tool is for Calrec fixed-format I/O boxes with PSU, FAN, PORT 1/2 and Status 1–8 indicators. It does not apply to modular I/O cards, the EG6266-2 AoIP Interface Unit, the EG6464 H2-IP Gateway, Type R I/O, or Argo I/O.

Choose an indicator PSU — Power supply FAN — Fan status Port 1 Con — Connection Port 1 Act — Activity Port 2 Con — Connection Port 2 Act — Activity Status 1 Status 2 Status 3 Status 4 Status 5 Status 6 Status 7 Status 8

Tap a light on the panel, or use the indicator menu above. Flash rates are approximate.

Panel diagnosis

Normal condition Restore mode example

Show all selected LED indications

Panel looks normal, but there is no audio? The front panel can show that the box is powered, connected and communicating without confirming that a particular source is patched. On an AoIP system, check the device status, transmitter/receiver stream connections, I/O crosspoints and PTP synchronisation in Calrec Connect. Do not assume the I/O box itself is the cause solely because one source is missing.

Documentation basis: Calrec AoIP I/O Manual 926-293 Issue 20, Hydra2 Installation Manual 926-153 Issue 30, and Connect Guide 926-292 Issue 16. The optional AoIP starting pattern is included as a practical example and is shown separately from Calrec’s generic documented pattern. Software and system configurations may vary. Independent reference; not affiliated with Calrec Audio Ltd.

Before Troubleshooting

This diagnostic applies to Calrec fixed-format I/O boxes. Modular I/O interface cards, AoIP interface units, H2-IP gateways, Type R I/O, and Argo I/O use different indicators and should be checked against their own documentation.

Think of this as a quick field guide, not a substitute for the documentation supplied with the system. Calrec hardware, software, and configuration can vary, so a pattern that is normal in one installation may look different in another.

When something looks unusual, pause before changing anything—especially during an active production. A2Sound is an independent reference and is not affiliated with Calrec Audio Ltd.

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