---
title: "Navigating and Using the Front Panel UI"
slug: "navigating-and-using-the-front-panel-ui"
updated: 2026-10-26T19:34:35Z
published: 2026-10-26T19:34:35Z
canonical: "docs.telosalliance.com/navigating-and-using-the-front-panel-ui"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.telosalliance.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Navigating and Using the Front Panel UI

With your Omnia XII rack-mounted, connected to a program audio source, and turned on, you are ready to use the front panel and its touchscreen for some basic functions. This includes configuring your Omnia XII unit network settings for the first time, so that you can remotely manage and control the unit with the Omnia XII web UI.

Front panel controls are useful for quick setup and commissioning in the field. While certain functions (such as configuring I/O and selecting a preset) can be performed from the front panel, more comprehensive control requires access to the Omnia XII’s web UI. See *Configuring I/O*.

## Omnia XII Front Panel

![](https://cdn.document360.io/57e3cd80-d493-453c-9672-ad1b043dadc3/Images/Documentation/Omnia_XII_Front_Transparent(1).png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-10T17%3A25%3A01Z&se=2026-11-10T18%3A25%3A01Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=1y5onVmIgF%2FtSf0ytvWIQixF5Ivmp%2FFhsmIUWF1%2FbsM%3D)

Omnia XII front panel

The front panel includes these hardware items:

- 1/4” Headphone jack
- Touchscreen user interface: For more information, see *UI (Front Panel Touchscreen)*.
- Control knob (rotary encoder) and LED ring
- PSU1, PSU2, SYNC, and STAT Lights
- Ventilation areas

For more information, see *Hardware Front Panel*.

## Navigating Touchscreen Menus

The Omnia XII touchscreen provides menus, controls, and metering for configuring and using the unit.

![](https://cdn.document360.io/57e3cd80-d493-453c-9672-ad1b043dadc3/Images/Documentation/Front Panel Default(1).png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-10T17%3A25%3A01Z&se=2026-11-10T18%3A25%3A01Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=1y5onVmIgF%2FtSf0ytvWIQixF5Ivmp%2FFhsmIUWF1%2FbsM%3D)

Omnia XII front panel touchscreen

The Omnia XII logo in the upper left corner contains the touchscreen menu list for access to controls and metering.

The top of the screen displays three meters, the current preset, and a headphone level control. These items display regardless of which touchscreen menu is selected.

- **In**: Displays separate left and right input meters
- **Out**: Displays stereo output meter
- **MPX**: Displays stereo composite output meter
- **Current Preset**: Displays the currently-selected preset.
- **Headphone:** Adjusts the headphone output level.

The contents of the large display below the top area are based on the current menu or sub-menu page. The touchscreen includes these drop-down menus:

- **Home**: Displays meter screens. The default is the main meter page. Use the control knob to cycle to other meters.
- **Inputs:** Provides controls to assign audio sources to Omnia XII back-panel input connections and configure those inputs, including your **Preferred Mix** (primary audio) and **Fallback Mix** (backup audio).
- **Outputs:** Provides controls to assign audio sources to the Omnia XII output connections and configure the settings for each output in use. Output connections include the back-panel analog and AES outputs, front-panel headphone output, and AoIP outputs.
- **MPX:** Provides controls for configuring FM options, stereo generation, and routing the resulting composite signal to the physical composite outputs.
- **Presets**: Provides access to factory and user presets. The selected preset displays in the top area preset box.
- **Network**: Provides networking controls for the three back panel network connections (**Net 1**, **2**, and **3)**, **Host Name**, and **DNS** (DNS servers). For each network connection, you can set the network **Mode**, **IP Address**, **Net Mask**, and **Gateway**.
- **Admin**: Provides controls for setting the touchscreen display **Timeout** (Sleep mode) and **Brightness** level, **Front Panel Password** requirement for security, plus access to system information (software **Version** and **Built** date) and a system **Reboot** button.

### Touchscreen Use Cases

From the touchscreen, you can:

- Set the touchscreen brightness and sleep mode.
- Adjust the headphone level.
- Configure Omnia XII network settings (so that the system settings and processing can be managed remotely). Network settings are also used for configuring IP-based routing.
- Select a processing preset.
- Configure inputs, outputs, and composite MPX outputs.
- Require a password for front panel access.
- View the unit serial number and software version.
- Reboot the system (without unplugging and replugging a power cord).

### Selecting a Menu Page

**Prerequisite:** Power up the unit and let the Home screen boot up.

**To select a front panel touchscreen menu:**

1. Press the Omnia XII logo in the upper left corner of the screen to reveal the menu list.

![](https://cdn.document360.io/57e3cd80-d493-453c-9672-ad1b043dadc3/Images/Documentation/Screenshot 2026-08-28 at 8.50.11 AM.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-10T17%3A25%3A01Z&se=2026-11-10T18%3A25%3A01Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=1y5onVmIgF%2FtSf0ytvWIQixF5Ivmp%2FFhsmIUWF1%2FbsM%3D)

Menu list

1. Press the desired menu item.

- For menus that do not have a sub-menu, the respective menu page displays.
- For menus that have a sub-menu, select the desired submenu.

### Adjusting Settings with the Control Knob

On the front panel of the Omnia XII, the control knob (rotary encoder) supports parameter navigation and adjustment. Surrounding the knob is an LED ring, which provides visual feedback.

After pressing a touchscreen control that has a list of items or numeric values, an adjustment overlay displays in the center of the screen, and you can then use the control knob to make adjustments.

![](https://cdn.document360.io/57e3cd80-d493-453c-9672-ad1b043dadc3/Images/Documentation/OVERLAY(1).jpg?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-10T17%3A25%3A01Z&se=2026-11-10T18%3A25%3A01Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=1y5onVmIgF%2FtSf0ytvWIQixF5Ivmp%2FFhsmIUWF1%2FbsM%3D)

Example adjustment overlay

**Control Knob (Rotary Encoder):** This is a continuous dial that handles adjusting on-screen parameters.

- To scroll through the list of items: Turn the knob to move the highlighted selection through the menu.
- To change a value: Turn the knob to increase or decrease the value.
- To make a selection: Press the knob inward to act as an Enter button in order to confirm a menu choice or lock in a parameter value.
- To exit some overlays that remain onscreen after changing the setting, press the touchscreen area outside of the overlay.

## Setting Touchscreen Brightness and Sleep Mode

Before you use the touchscreen to configure network settings or do other tasks from the front panel, we suggest you set the touchscreen brightness and sleep mode.

**To set the display brightness:**

1. Touch the **Admin** menu.
2. On the **Admin** page, press the **Display** tab.

![](https://cdn.document360.io/57e3cd80-d493-453c-9672-ad1b043dadc3/Images/Documentation/Front Panel Display.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-10T17%3A25%3A01Z&se=2026-11-10T18%3A25%3A01Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=1y5onVmIgF%2FtSf0ytvWIQixF5Ivmp%2FFhsmIUWF1%2FbsM%3D)

Front panel Display page
3. Press the **Brightness** control, so that the control area is outlined.

The onscreen control will expand.
4. Use the front panel control knob to raise or lower the brightness value (from 0 to 100%).

**To set how long the display stays awake before going to sleep:**

1. Touch the **Admin** menu.
2. On the **Admin** page, press the **Display** tab.
3. Press the **Timeout** drop-down menu, and then select one of the available times: **5 minutes**, **10 minutes**, **1 hour**, **12 hours**.

**To exit Sleep mode and turn the screen back on:**

- Touch the screen or press the control knob.

## Adjusting Front Panel Headphone Level

You can listen to audio passing through the Omnia XII by connecting a pair of headphones to the headphone jack, located to the left of the rotary knob.

When using headphones with the front-panel headphone connector, be aware that the output levels can be louder than expected.

You can adjust the headphone level from the front panel touchscreen or remotely using the web.

**Prerequisite:** Ensure source audio is feeding into the unit.

**To adjust the headphone level from the front panel:**

1. In the touchscreen, touch the headphone horizontal fader or level display. The headphone level adjustment overlay displays in the touchscreen.

![](https://cdn.document360.io/57e3cd80-d493-453c-9672-ad1b043dadc3/Images/Documentation/Headphone Level(1).png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-10T17%3A25%3A01Z&se=2026-11-10T18%3A25%3A01Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=1y5onVmIgF%2FtSf0ytvWIQixF5Ivmp%2FFhsmIUWF1%2FbsM%3D)

Headphone level overlay

1. Turn the control knob to decrease or increase the level.
2. Press the control knob inward to set the new value.
3. In the touchscreen, touch the blurred background area surrounding the overlay to close the overlay.

## Selecting a Preset

By default, the unit boots up with the **ADULT_HITS** preset loaded. You can change the preset from the front panel touchscreen or remotely using the web UI.

**To select a preset (from the front panel):**

1. In the touchscreen, press the **Presets** menu.
2. In the **Presets** page, press the **Factory** or **User** tab to display the respective list of presets in the presets box.
3. Scroll through the list of presets by using the front panel knob and stop when the desired preset is displayed. Turn clockwise to scroll down the list; turn counter-clockwise to scroll up the list.
4. Press the knob to select the preset. Alternatively, you can press the preset in the preset box.

## Configuring Omnia XII Network Settings (Initial Access)

Before you can access Omnia XII from a web browser, initial network configuration must be completed using the front panel touchscreen. This process establishes basic IP connectivity on the selected Ethernet interface.

**To configure Omnia XII network settings (from the front panel):**

1. Press the **Network** menu to display network settings.

![](https://cdn.document360.io/57e3cd80-d493-453c-9672-ad1b043dadc3/Images/Documentation/Net 1 defaults.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-10T17%3A25%3A01Z&se=2026-11-10T18%3A25%3A01Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=1y5onVmIgF%2FtSf0ytvWIQixF5Ivmp%2FFhsmIUWF1%2FbsM%3D)

Front panel Network page
2. Select the interface (**NET 2** or **NET 3**) that you will use for management access.

> [!NOTE]
> **Note:** Net 1 is intended for AoIP use on segregated networks.
3. Press the **Mode** drop-down menu, and then select either **Auto (DHCP)** or **Manual (Static)**. For initial setup, use **Manual (Static)** if a fixed IP address is required for remote access or facility addressing schemes.
4. Configure the **IP Address**, **Net Mask**, and **Gateway** for the selected interface.

> [!NOTE]
> **Note:** Omnia XII factory defaults are typically:
> 
> - Net 1: Manual (Static), 192.168.2.100 / 255.255.255.0 (no gateway)
> - Net 2: Manual (Static)
> - Net 3: Auto (DHCP)

For each parameter, enter the corresponding value:
  1. Press the field to open the touchscreen keyboard.

![](https://cdn.document360.io/57e3cd80-d493-453c-9672-ad1b043dadc3/Images/Documentation/Keyboard.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-10T17%3A25%3A01Z&se=2026-11-10T18%3A25%3A01Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=1y5onVmIgF%2FtSf0ytvWIQixF5Ivmp%2FFhsmIUWF1%2FbsM%3D)

Front Panel touchscreen keyboard
  2. Enter the value using the keyboard.
  3. Press **OK** to confirm (or **Cancel** to discard changes).
  4. Press **Save** to apply settings.
5. (Optional) Repeat the network configuration steps for additional interfaces as needed.

We recommend configuring the network for IP-based audio transport settings later through the web UI, where these settings are easier to configure. See *Setting up Omnia XII System Software*.
6. Set the **Host Name**:
  1. Press the **Host Name** tab.
  2. Enter the desired hostname using the on-screen keyboard.
  3. Press **OK** to confirm.
  4. Press **Save** to apply the hostname.
7. Set **DNS Servers** by pressing the DNS tab and performing these steps as needed:

To add a server:

To delete a DNS server:
  1. Press **Add**.
  2. Press the DNS server field to open the touchscreen keyboard.
  3. Enter the DNS server IP address.
  4. Press **OK** to confirm (or Cancel to discard changes).
  5. Press **Save** to apply settings.
  1. Press the trash icon for the DNS server.
  2. Press **OK** to confirm (or Cancel to discard changes).
  3. Press **Save** to apply settings.

1. Reboot the unit to apply settings:
  1. In the touchscreen, press the **Admin** menu.
  2. Press the **System** tab.

![](https://cdn.document360.io/57e3cd80-d493-453c-9672-ad1b043dadc3/Images/Documentation/Front Panel System.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-10T17%3A25%3A01Z&se=2026-11-10T18%3A25%3A01Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=1y5onVmIgF%2FtSf0ytvWIQixF5Ivmp%2FFhsmIUWF1%2FbsM%3D)

Front panel System page
  3. Press **Reboot**.
  4. Confirm the reboot when prompted. When the unit restarts, the updated network configuration will be active.

  

At this point, you can access Omnia XII through the web UI using the assigned IP address. All further configuration and system management is performed through the web UI. Some of the web controls (such as those for configuring inputs, outputs, and MPX I/O) can also be done via the front panel.

## Selecting a Touchscreen Meter Display

The touchscreen provides five different types of metering. By default, the processing meters display.

- **Processing meters:** Includes Wideband, ST ENH (Stereo Enhanced), Multiband Compressor, Multiband Limiter, Bass Clipper, Clipper, Final Limiter, and Sensus meters.
- **Dorrough meter**: -25 to +14 dB, in 1 dB steps.
- **IN (Input) meters:** Includes Analog, AES 1, AES 2, AES 3, AoIP 1, AoIP 2, Playout, and HLS+ input meters.
- **OUT (Output) meters:** Includes Analog, AES 1, AES 2, AES 3, AoIP 1, AoIP 2, AoIP 3, and Headphone meters.
- **MPX:** MPX spectrum analyzer.

**To change the meter display on the front panel:**

- Turn the control knob to scroll through the five types of metering.

## Rebooting the System

You can reboot the system from the front panel using the touchscreen.

Alternatively, you can reboot from the web UI.

**To reboot the unit:**

1. In the touchscreen, press the **Admin** menu.
2. In the **Admin** page, press the **System** tab.
3. Press the **Reboot** button.
4. When prompted with a dialog message to confirm the reboot, press the **Reboot** button in the dialog.

## Viewing Additional System Information

The touchscreen System page displays the Omnia XII software **Version** and **Built** date.

**To view Omnia system information:**

1. In the touchscreen, press the **Admin** menu.
2. In the **Admin** page, press the **System** tab.

![](https://cdn.document360.io/57e3cd80-d493-453c-9672-ad1b043dadc3/Images/Documentation/Front Panel System(1).png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-10T17%3A25%3A01Z&se=2026-11-10T18%3A25%3A01Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=1y5onVmIgF%2FtSf0ytvWIQixF5Ivmp%2FFhsmIUWF1%2FbsM%3D)

Front panel System page

## Requiring a Password to Access the Front Panel

You can lock the front panel touchscreen and control knob for security or to avoid unintentional changes. Unlocking the screen requires the username and password you use to log into the Omnia XII web UI. See *Setting up Omnia XII System Software*.

> [!WARNING]
> Important! If you decide to use this feature, be sure to write down your password. We suggest creating a table and placing it on the bottom of the chassis. If you lose this password, and need to perform a password reset, you will need to supply Telos Alliance support with a reset code to regain access.

**Prerequisite:**

- This feature is disabled until you create a username and password via the web UI. See *Setting up Omnia XII System Software*.

**To lock the front panel:**

1. In the touchscreen, press the **Admin** menu.
2. In the **Admin** page, press the **Security** tab.

![](https://cdn.document360.io/57e3cd80-d493-453c-9672-ad1b043dadc3/Images/Documentation/Front Panel Security(2).png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-10T17%3A25%3A01Z&se=2026-11-10T18%3A25%3A01Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=1y5onVmIgF%2FtSf0ytvWIQixF5Ivmp%2FFhsmIUWF1%2FbsM%3D)

Front panel Security page
3. Press the **Front Panel Password** drop-down menu.
4. Rotate the control knob to select **Enabled**.
5. Press the knob inward to confirm the selection.

**To unlock the front panel:**

1. In the touchscreen keyboard, type in your **Username** and press **OK** to confirm.
2. Type in your **Password** and press **OK**.

The front panel touchscreen and control knob unlock.