This guide walks through the initial configuration of a new ProAudio installation using the ProAudio Config Tool. Follow these steps in order to get your system correctly set up from scratch.
Step 1 — Verify Connection and Check Firmware
1
Open the Config Tool and connect to your ProAudio unit. Once connected, the unit's model, serial number, and firmware version will appear in the top right of the sidebar.
2
Check the firmware version shown. If it is not the latest version, update the firmware before proceeding with configuration. See:
Firmware Updates for ProAudio3
Wait for the Command History panel to finish updating before making any changes. This confirms the tool has fully read the current state of the unit.
Step 2 — Set Advanced Flags
Before configuring anything else, verify the Advanced flags are correctly set. Incorrect flag settings will prevent the Config Tool from working properly.
2
Click Set To Suggested. This applies Pulse-Eight's recommended flag settings, including enabling ECO and ASY which are required for the Config Tool to communicate with the unit.
3
In the sidebar, tick Global audio parameters and click Save Selected to save these settings permanently.
Step 3 — Configure Network Settings
By default the ProAudio obtains an IP address via DHCP. For a permanent installation it is recommended to assign a static IP to prevent the unit's address changing if the network is modified.
1
In the sidebar, note the Current IP address shown — this is the address currently assigned by your DHCP server.
2
To assign a static IP, enter the desired IP address, subnet mask, and gateway in the Static IP fields in the sidebar.
3
Click Set Static IP. The Network toggle will switch to Static IP.
4
In the sidebar, tick IP parameters and click Save Selected to save the static IP permanently.
If you set a static IP, make sure it is outside your DHCP server's automatic assignment range to avoid address conflicts.
Step 4 — Configure Input Gain
Set the input gain for each source to balance the volume levels between different source devices.
1
Click the Stereo Input, Coax Input, or Optical Input tab depending on the type of input you are configuring.
2
For each active input, play audio from the connected source at a typical listening level. Adjust the Gain value up or down until all sources sound roughly equal in volume when compared on the same zone.
3
Leave the Delay at 0ms unless you specifically need to synchronise this input with another audio or video source.
4
In the sidebar, tick Source audio parameters and click Save Selected.
Step 5 — Configure Stereo Zones
Route sources to zones and set per-zone audio levels.
1
Click the Stereo Zones tab.
2
For each zone, check the three icon buttons. Ensure the Power button (teal power icon) is active — it should show as lit. If a zone is not needed, leave the power off.
3
Click the Current Source field for each zone to open the source picker. Select the appropriate input (Analog, Digital, or Optical) for that zone, or leave as None if the zone will be controlled dynamically by a control system.
4
Set the volume slider for each zone to a sensible default listening level.
5
Click the levels icon (volume bars) for each zone to expand the Levels panel. Set Min Volume and Max Volume appropriate to the room and amplifier. A typical starting point is Min: -60dB, Max: 12dB.
6
In the sidebar, tick Zone source, output mappings + power state, Zone volume, and Zone audio parameters, then click Save Selected.
Step 6 — Configure Digital Zones (if applicable)
1
Click the Digital Zones tab.
2
For each active digital zone, set the Input to the appropriate source and configure the Audio Routing dropdown as required.
3
In the sidebar, tick Zone source, output mappings + power state and click Save Selected.
Step 7 — Take a Backup
Once the initial configuration is complete and saved, take a backup file immediately. This allows you to restore the full configuration quickly if anything goes wrong.
1
In the sidebar, click Backup.
2
Choose a location on your PC and save the file with a clear name including the site name and date — for example: ProAudio16_SiteName_2025-04-24.bak