Firmware Version 2.6

Firmware Version 2.6

This document describes the contents and new features of firmware release 2.6 for the Dutch & Dutch 8-series products.

Overview

Firmware version 2.6 will be released in Q3/4 of 2024. This version introduces a sleep timer, auto-sleep, BACCH over AES3 and a yearly BACCH subscription.

Platform	Link
Android	https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dutchdutch.ascend
iOS	https://apps.apple.com/nl/app/ascend-audio/id1561782171
Web	https://app.ascend.audio
Local Network	http://8c-XXXX or http://8c-XXXX.local (replace "XXXX" with the serial number of one of your speakers)

New Features

BACCH over AES3

It is now possible to enable BACCH on an AES3 signal that is fed to your 8c’s. The way this works is that the stereo signal coming in over AES3 is first processed by BACCH (which requires both channels to operate on) and then spliced into two mono channels. One of those channels is used for playback on that same speaker, while the other channel is streamed over ethernet to the other speaker. This uses the same infrastructure that is used for Spotify and Roon streaming and synchronization.

Below is a schematic representation of normal AES3 playback.

When BACCH over AES3 is enabled in the Ascend app, the playback structure is changes automatically into the following:

Enabling BACCH on AES3 works in the exact same way as BACCH for direct streaming. From the room control view in the Ascend app, open "plugins" from the quick menu on the bottom and simply enable BACCH.

Sleep Timer

To activate the sleep timer, long press the gain circle until a pop-up menu appears. You can now select the desired delay until the room goes into sleep mode. To cancel the sleep timer, long press again and select Cancel.

Auto Sleep

By going to the room settings and then "Sleep" you can activate an automatic sleep function that gets triggered when the sound level has been below a threshold value for a certain amount of time. By default the threshold is set to -60 dB and the timer is set to 10 minutes. This means that, when the input level has been very low for 10 minutes, the 8c will automatically go to sleep mode.

The sleep menu when opened from the room settings menu.

The auto-sleep settings menu where you set the threshold and delay for auto-sleep to be activated.

How to update?

Once all speakers in a room have discovered the new firmware, a gray notification icon will appear at the top of the room view in your Ascend app. To proceed with the firmware installation, click on this icon, which will direct you to the firmware view. In the firmware view, locate the 'Install' button at the bottom of the screen and click on it to initiate the installation process.

Please ensure that you have updated your Ascend app to the latest version before proceeding with the firmware installation. Keeping your app up to date is essential to ensure compatibility and to access the latest features and enhancements.

Troubleshooting

No issues have been found for this release.