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Playback Sync | Troubleshooting

Information and assistance troubleshooting common errors with Playback Sync.

Trevor avatar
Written by Trevor
Updated over a week ago

Playback Sync transmits data to ChartBuilder to auto-scroll through charts and setlists over your local network. For general setup and Playback Sync information, see: HOW TO | Playback Sync.

General Connection Troubleshooting

General Setup Tips:

  • Dedicated network for Playback and ChartBuilder devices
    It is generally best practice to have a dedicated network, or a more-isolated network not bogged down by network traffic when utilizing for live performance features such as Playback Sync and Playback Remote.

  • Locked to single access points
    When running multiple access point setups, it's generally best to lock the stage Playback and ChartBuilder devices to a single access point.

  • Ensuring your network is setup well for Playback.
    📖Optimizing Networks for Playback and ChartBuilder

Initial Troubleshooting Steps:

Here are some good starting steps when encountering issues connecting a ChartBuilder device to a Playback device after activating Playback Sync. It's best to follow these steps from top-to-bottom:

  1. Check that all devices are connected to the same network, whether that be a LAN or VLAN.

  2. Try connecting to the Playback device using the manual IP connection.
    (Find the Playback device IP address listed below the Playback Sync settings, and input that IP Address in the ChartBuilder app's "Enter IP Address" option).
    If you get a message that the IP address cannot be found, then a device or network issue is preventing that ChartBuilder device from seeing the Playback device. Continue steps below:

  3. Check that "Client Isolation" or "Guest Isolation" is not enabled for the network.
    (These settings can prevent devices from seeing and communication with each other).

  4. If the Playback or ChartBuilder devices are connected to a network switch, check that "port isolation" is not enabled for any of the used ports.

  5. If using multiple subnets, ensure cross-subnet communication is not being blocked, or keep the devices in the same subnet.

  6. Double Check firewall rules to ensure nothing has been enabled to that would prevent devices from communication locally

  7. If you’re operating with or have setup a static IP address or VLAN, ensure your device is still connected to that as expected, and hasn’t been switched back to the main LAN.

If the above troubleshooting steps do not resolve, or you're encountering a different issue, please reach out to us using the website messenger, in the bottom-right corner of the MultiTracks.com website.

Multiple Networks or Network Audio Solutions

If running a networked audio solution (Dante, Soundgrid, etc), you may need to force Playback Sync to broadcast over a specific network. You can do this be selecting the "Network" menu before enabling Playback Sync, and selecting which network to broadcast the Playback Sync info over.


Troubleshooting Specific Error Messages

Server Connection Error. Couldn't create the required context.
This error means Playback could not connect to the required port (Port 80), or Playback doesn't have a valid IPv4 address.
If troubleshooting this error for Playback Sync on a MacOS device, use the below terminal command to return a list of current apps using ports, and search for Port 80:

sudo lsof -nP -i4TCP:$PORT | grep LISTEN

After determining which application is using Port 80, quitting that application should resolve the issue. Then re-initiate Playback sync from within Playback.
If the above doesn't solve, please reach out to support using the chat and we are here to help!

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