Digital Snake
Pro16™ and Pro64® modules offer plug-and-play simplicity, modular flexibility, all powered by A-Net®, Aviom's state-of-the-art digital audio transport protocol.
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Aviom's Pro16™ and Pro64® Series solutions offer a modular approach to building digital snakes for almost any event, large or small. Pro16 and Pro64 Series systems can be reconfigured as needed, making them far more flexible than products with a fixed-size and limited expandability. Adding more I/O or multiple digital splits is as simple as plugging in a Cat-5 cable.
Unsurpassed Simplicity
Pro16 Series input and output modules provide the ultimate in plug-and-play signal distribution for any audio application, large or small. Powered by Aviom's groundbreaking A-Net® audio transport technology, Pro16 Series systems support up to 64 channels on a Cat-5 cable (up to 32x32, 48x16, or 64x0), offer 500ft/150m cable runs between every device, and provide unlimited lossless digital splits. With no ground loops, RF interference, or signal degradation and no complex programming or setup, Aviom's Pro16 Series is the ultimate solution for cost-effective, scalable digital audio distribution.
Unprecedented Flexibility
Aviom's Pro64 Series combine the simplicity of the Pro16 Series with network-style flexibility while meeting the most demanding specifications for audio fidelity and clock integrity. With a host of features that includes remote controllable mic preamps, digital I/O, seamless fiber optic connectivity, and sample rates as high as 192kHz±, the Pro64 Series offers robust, scalable flexibility without complicated computer programming.
With the press of a single button, Pro64 systems can be configured to run as a bidirectional system supporting up to 64x64 channels or as a 64-channel true network with no directional limitations on signal flow, regardless of the number of serial or parallel connections. With the Pro64 Series, I/O modules can be placed where the application requires, not as mandated by the limitations of the technology.
Adding Personal Control
Whether you choose Pro16 or Pro64 as your networking and distribution platform, Aviom's category-defining Pro16 Monitor Mixing System can be seamlessly integrated to provide a complete performance package that offers an unparalleled combination of speed, simplicity, and performance.
Click image to enlarge This basic Pro16 snake uses the A-Net Expansion jacks to combine two 16-channel streams (one for sends and one for returns) onto a single Cat-5 cable, up to 500 feet (150m) in length.
By adding an A-Net Distributor and Personal Mixers, return channels can also be used for a Pro16 Monitor Mixing System.
Click image to enlarge Well suited for broadcast productions, this system illustrates how to transfer 16 channels of audio over fiber from a venue to a remote location, such as a production truck.
Analog line-level inputs are shown, but the AN-16/i-M Mic Input Module can be substituted if mic-level inputs are required for an application.
Click image to enlarge Using third-party media converters, a pair of Pro16 input modules each transmits 16 channels to a pair of AN-16/o Output Modules over single- or multi-mode fiber. Sixteen channels are transmitted in each direction for a 16x16 configuration.
The AN-16/i line-level input module is shown in the diagram, but the AN-16/i-M Mic Input Module can be substituted to move mic-level signals.
Digital splits can be created by simply connecting additional output modules with a Cat-5e cable.
Click image to enlarge With the addition of a pair of AN-16SBR System Bridges to the system, 32 inputs from stage and 16 returns from FOH are transported up to 500ft/150m on a single Cat-5e cable.
Lossless splits to secondary output locations, such as a recording rig, can be added by simply connecting additional output modules as needed.
Click image to enlarge This system adds a Pro16 Monitor Mixing System to the 32x16 Pro16 Digital Snake to combine plug-and-play signal transport with the industry standard for personal mixing, all onto a single Cat-5e cable.
The console in this example is fitted with two Y1 A-Net Cards, which send 16 channels of monitor content and up to 16 channels of returns back to the stage. AN-16/i Input Modules can be substituted for returns from an analog console.
Click image to enlarge Forty-eight channels of mic/line inputs on stage are connected to three AN-16/i-M Mic Input Modules. All 48 channels are transported via A-Net using a single Cat-5e cable to FOH, where three AN-16/o Output Modules convert the digital audio to analog for connection to the mixing console.
Sixteen channels of return lines from FOH travel over the same Cat-5e cable by incorporating a digital console card and an AN-16/o Output Module.
The AN- 16SBR System Bridge is used to combine the A-Net streams from four devices onto a single Cat-5e cable.
An AN-16/i Input Module can be substituted for return lines from an analog console.
Click image to enlarge In this basic Pro64 system, two sets of 16 inputs and outputs are shown. Analog line-level audio signals are shown patched into two 6416i Input Modules; substituting the 6416m for mic-level inputs or the 6416dio for AES3 digital inputs is as simple as swapping out a module. Once active on the Pro64 network, these channels can be output anywhere by simply tuning an output module to the same channel range as the inputs.
Additional input or output locations can be added anywhere in the system by connecting additional input or output modules (analog, digital, or console cards).
Click image to enlarge Each 6416dio Digital I/O Module in a Pro64 network is capable of 16in/16out operation at sample rates up to 192kHz. This system shows 16 AES3 digital audio signals patched into each 6416dio module; input channels are assigned to Slot ranges within the network. Once active on the Pro64 network, these channels can be output anywhere by simply tuning an output module to the same channel range. In this example the same 6416dio modules used for inputs can also output 16 digital AES3 signals from a different Slot range within the Pro64 network.
Digital splits can be created anywhere in the network by connecting additional I/O modules or console cards.
Click image to enlarge This digital snake connects 32 channels of mic signals from four Yamaha® AD8HR preamps to a pair of 6416dio Digital I/O Modules. Pro64 A-Net connects the 6416dio modules to a Yamaha digital console fitted with two 6416Y2 cards. Content for return lines from FOH, as well as monitor content, is generated at the console and transmitted over the same Cat-5e cable back to the stage.
Alternatively, a digital split to a monitor desk can be added serially or with an MH10 Merger Hub. Monitor content can be returned to the stage over the same cable.
Monitor feeds are converted from Pro64 A-Net to the Pro16 format compatible with Pro16 Personal Mixers by the ASI.
Click image to enlarge In this system, a pair of 6416Y2 cards are set up to link two Yamaha® digital consoles. By setting each card to transmit and receive a unique region of the Pro64 network, the operators can easily transfer audio signals between the consoles digitally.
Digital splits of the audio from either or both consoles can be created simply by adding Pro64 output modules set to the same channel range as the channels you want to copy. The digital splits can be analog, digital, or even additional Yamaha consoles with 6416Y2 cards installed.
Up to 64x64 channels can be transferred between two consoles in this manner by populating the consoles with additional 6416Y2 A-Net cards.
Click image to enlarge In this system, a pair of Yamaha® digital consoles are
linked
with a 32x32 Pro64 digital snake that uses just one Cat-5e
cable between the two locations. Each console has two 6416Y2
cards installed, each of which can provide 16 inputs and 16
outputs simultaneously. By setting each card to transmit and
receive a unique region of the Pro64 network, the operators can
easily route and transfer audio signals between the consoles
digitally.
Digital splits of the data from either
console can be created by adding Pro64 output modules set to
the same channel range as the channels you want to copy. The
digital splits can be analog, digital, or even additional Yamaha
consoles with 6416Y2 cards installed.
Add the MH10 or MH10f Merger Hub to this system to provide
additional distance between the Pro64 devices or add parallel
connectivity.
Click image to enlarge The remote controllable 6416m Mic Input Module can
operate at sample rates up to 192kHz. Up to 16 mic signals are
patched into the 6416m and these input channels are assigned
to Slots within the network. Once active on the Pro64 network,
these channels can be output anywhere by simply tuning an
output module to the same channel/Slot range. In this example
a 6416dio module is used to output digital AES3 data from the
Pro64 network.
The RCI Remote Control
Interface and the MCS Mic Control Surface can be connected
anywhere in the Pro64 network and offer complete control over
the 6416m input channel parameters.
Digital
splits can be created anywhere in the network by adding
additional output modules (analog, digital, or console cards) set
to the same channel range.
By adding ASI A- Net Systems Interface to this setup, Pro16 output devices such as the A-16II Personal Mixer can be used.
Add the
MH10 or MH10f Merger Hub to this system to provide additional
distance between the Pro64 devices or add parallel connectivity.
Click image to enlarge Up to 16 mic signals are patched into the 6416m Mic input
Module and these input channels are assigned to Slots 1-16
within the Pro64 network. Once active on the network, these
channels can be output anywhere by simply tuning an output
module or console card to the same channel/Slot range. In this
example a 6416Y2 card in a Yamaha digital console is used to
connect the mic signals from the Pro64 network digitally to the
console.
To control the mic preamps, the RCI
Remote Control Interface and the MCS Mic Control Surface can
be connected anywhere in the Pro64 network. Here they are
shown connected to the second A-Net port on the 6416Y2
card installed in the Yamaha console.
The 6416Y2 card can output 16 channels form the console while
at the same time receiving the 16 mic inputs described above.
By adding ASI A-Net Systems Interface to this setup, Pro16
output devices such as the A-16II Personal Mixer can be used to
create a monitor system for performers.
Click image to enlarge On the stage, 48 mic signals connect to three 6416m
remote controllable mic preamps. All Pro64 devices on stage
connect to an MH10 Merger Hub in parallel. A-Net from the
MH10 on the stage connects to another MH10 at the front-of-
house position. The dotted line indicates a second Cat-5e cable
installed as a backup.
At the FOH position, all Pro64 devices are connected in
parallel to the MH10.
Three 6416dio modules are used to output the mic signals from
the stage to the mixing console as AES3 digital data.
The 6416m mic preamps on stage are remote controlled
with an MCS connected to an RCI Remote Control Interface. One
of the 6416dio modules at the FOH position is used to insert 16
channels of return content into the network. Back on the stage,
the return content from the FOH position is output to the DSP
and speaker processing devices from a 6416dio.
The MH10f can be substituted for the MH10 hubs shown in the diagram to add fiber connectivity to this system.
AN-16/i-M
Mic Input Module
|
AN-16/i
Input Module
|
AN-16/o
Output Module
|
6416m
Mic Input Module
|
6416dio
Digital I/O Module
|
6416i
Line-Level Input Module
|
RCI
Remote Control Interface
|
MCS
Mic Control Surface
|
MH10
Merger Hub
|
MH10f
Merger Hub
|
A-16D Pro
A-Net Distributor
|
AN-16SBR
System Bridge
|
PB28
Modular Patch Bay
|
Inputs to a Pro16 digital snake or audio distribution system can come from a mic- or line-level analog source or an A-Net compatible console card. Choices for analog input include the AN-16/i (line-level) or AN-16/i-M (mic- and line-level); the Y1 card can be used with Yamaha® digital consoles. Cards for a host of leading console manufacturers are available; refer to the Partners section for complete details.
Simply connect your audio sources, power up the input module or host console card, and connect up to 500ft/150m of Cat-5e cable, and you're ready to select output modules, network devices, or mixers.
Once a signal is converted A-Net, any compatible Pro16 device can be used to convert the digital data back to analog. The AN-16/o Output Module provides line- or mic-level output signals that can be connected to mixing consoles, recording devices, etc.
Unlimited lossless digital splits can be created from any or all output modules in a system simply by connecting another output module with a Cat-5e cable.
Compatible Pro16 output devices include:- A-16II Personal Mixer
- A-16R Rack-Mount Mixer
- AN-16/o Output Module
- AV-P2 Output Module
Pro16™ Series input and output modules include A-Net Expansion jacks, which can be used to combine to 16-channel Pro16 A-Net streams onto a single cable.
To use A-Net Expansion jacks, first connect one pair of input and output modules as normal (A-Net Out on the Input Module to the A-Net In of the Output Module). Next, connect the second set of input and output modules to the A-Net Expansion jacks on the first pair. All 32 channels (32x0 or 16x16) will be transported on the original Cat-5e cable connecting the first pair of devices.
To transfer up to four Pro16™ A-Net® data streams using a single Cat-5e cable, the AN-16SBR System Bridge can be added. The AN-16SBR features heavy duty EtherCon® connectors on all ports and is sold in pairs.
The AN-16SBR has four ports labeled A, B, C, and D that are used to connect individual 16-channel A-Net streams. The 5th port, labeled Bridge, carries the combined four-stream/64-channel signal.
Each named port on the AN-16SBR has a direct relationship to the same-named port of the opposite half of the System Bridge. For example, whatever A-Net stream is connected to port A at on the input side of the bridge will appear at the matching port on the output side (A to A, B to B, etc.)
The direction of each 16-channel stream is independent, so reversing the direction of a given stream is as simple as switching an input module and an output module. Using the AN-16SBR in this manner supports bidirectional configurations up to 32x32, 48x16, and 64x0 on a single cable.
The AN-16SBR System Bridge is not compatible with Pro64 products and cannot be used with Pro16 A-Net streams that include DC power from an A-Net Distributor.
A digital split creates an exact copy of a set of 16 outputs in a Pro16 network. The AN-16/o Output Module's A-Net Out port can be used to connect additional AN-16/o modules that can be connected up to 500 feet (150 meters) apart. Simply connect A-Net Out from the first output module to A-Net In on the next.
In a source select system, the AV-P2 two-channel output module can be connected in the same manner. In fact, any combination of Pro16 output devices can be used, and they can be placed in any order.
Modules can be daisy chained (serial connection) or connected using the A-16D or A-16D Pro A-Net Distributors for parallel connections.
Inputs to a Pro64 audio network or digital snake can come from mic- or line-level analog sources, an AES3 digital source, or a Yamaha® digital console or mix engine. Any combination of input sources can be used to create a high performance digital network.
Once audio sources are connected, the base A-Net Slot must be set on each device. This setting maps the hardware channels to a corresponding range within the network. For instance, with the A-Net Slot set to 17, channels 1-16 on a 16-channel input module such as the 6416m will be placed in the network in A-Net Slots 17-32. Unlike Pro16™ devices, all Pro64 devices simultaneously transmit and receive the full audio network, so setting the A-Net Slot is essential to managing the network resources and keeping track of your system's audio channels.
Finally, individual inputs must be activated into the network. This is accomplished by pressing the numbered channel button on the front panel of rack-mount devices or, in the case of the 6416Y2 A-Net card, via DIP switches.
A Pro64® network can be connected in almost any way imaginable with no impact on audio performance. Every cable in a Pro64 network always carries the full capacity of the network, meaning that there are no limitations on the location of input or output modules. Pro64 also supports the use of hubs such as the MH10 and fiber-enhanced MH10f when parallel connections are desired.
Because every Pro64 A-Net® port is always bidirectional and carries the full capacity of the network, all of the ports throughout a network are essentially interchangeable. If you plan to operate your system in Manual Mode (up to 64x64), connecting one device's B port to the next device's A port throughout the system will make tracking signal flow in complex systems more straightforward. If, however, your system will always run in Auto Mode, there is no need to keep track of A-Net connections.
Once a signal is converted to Pro64® A-Net®, any compatible
Pro64 device can be used to output the Pro64 data as analog or AES3 digital data as
required.
Pro64 network data is also available to any Yamaha devices outfitted with 6416Y2 console cards. Pro64 uses state-of-the-art clock management to guarantee pristine audio performance at every point in the network.
Unlimited lossless digital splits (mic/line analog, Yamaha, or AES3 digital) can be created from anywhere in the network by connecting another Pro64 module with a Cat-5 cable.
Because the full content of the Pro64 network is available at every point in the system, an additional output (or input) location can be added anywhere in the network. Simply connect the desired module (6416o for line-level analog outputs, 6416dio for AES3 outputs, or 6416Y2 card in a Yamaha device) to any open A-Net port, set its A-Net Slot, and activate output channels as desired.
Splits may also be connected in parallel using the MH10 or MH10f Merger Hubs.
To control the 6416m Mic Input Module remotely over the Pro64 network, two additional components are required: the RCI Remote Control Interface and the MCS Mic Control Surface.
The RCI Remote Control Interface provides a network access point for remote control. It can be connected anywhere in the Pro64 network, and multiple RCIs can be installed to provide the flexibility of additional control points, which is especially useful when you have multiple users who need to control mic preamp channel settings. The 6416m and RCI can be set to one of four Control Groups to divide control among a group of users.
The MCS Mic Control Surface connects to the RCI with a Cat-5e cable and allows the user to select and edit all mic channel parameters, as well as providing access to the 16 mic preamp presets stored within each 6416m. The MCS can be disconnected and reconnected without affecting network performance.
The ASI A-Net Systems Interface can be used to convert Pro64 A-Net data to the Pro16 format. With an ASI installed, you can output channels from a Pro64 network to the Pro16 AN-16/o Output Module, AV-P2 Output Module, or to a personal monitoring system.
The ASI can output up to four 16-channel streams of data (at 48kHz) from a Pro64 network. At 96kHz, two streams are available(Pro64 channels 1-32), and at 192kHz, one Pro16 stream is available (Pro64 channels 1-16).
Multiple users can control mic preamp settings on 6416m Mic Input Modules in a Pro64 audio network by installing two or more RCI Remote Control Interfaces and at least one MCS Mic Control Surface.
The Control Group feature on the 6416m and RCI allows mic preamps to be grouped together and their control assigned to a specific user. Up to four unique control groups can be created. Once set to a control group, a 6416m mic preamp will only respond to editing commands coming from an RCI and MCS combination where the RCI has been set to the same Control Group.
To set a 6416m to a particular Control Group, press the button in the Control section of the front panel to choose a Group (1-4) and light its LED, or set it to off (no LED lit, meaning no user control). When an RCI is set to the same Control Group from its front panel, the MCS can only edit channels in the same group. It can still monitor and meter all mic channels. you have the option of installing one MCS at each user location, or sharing a single MCS among different users.
Pro16 in 2.5 Minutes
Well, our multimedia guys got into the Red Bull again, and the result is this fast paced overview of Aviom's Pro16™ Monitor Mixing and Audio Distribution systems. Fasten your seatbelt and enjoy the ride.
Intro to the 6416m Mic Input Module
Ray Legnini, Aviom's Product Research and Development Manager, takes you on a tour of the features and benefits of our revolutionary new 6416m Mic Input Module.
- 6416m/RCI/MCS User Guide
Includes 6416m Mic Input Module, RCI Remote Control Interface, & MCS Mic Control Surface. (17.5MB)
- 6416Y2 A-Net Interface Card Quick Start
This document shows suggested card setups that can be used as starting points when creating an audio network using the 6416Y2 and other Pro64 products.
- Remote Control of Yamaha Mic Pres with the 6416Y2 and VDCs
Pro64 Virtual Data Cables can be used to send control data from a Yamaha digital console to Yamaha remote-controllable mic preamps such as the AD8HR. This document explains how to set up your system and configure the 6416Y2 for this application.
- Live Performance - 48 X 16 Digital Snake
In this digital snake system, 48 channels are transmitted from stage to front of house, with 16 channels of returns brought back to the stage.
- Live Performance - 64x16 Digital Snake With Dual-Feed Monitors
In this Pro64® snake, sixty-four inputs on stage are transmitted digitally to front of house, with 16 channels of processed returns and two 16-channel monitor feeds transmitted back to the stage. Monitor feeds are passed to two Pro16™ Monitor Mixing Systems on stage.
- Aviom Product Applications Book - Screen Version
Sample System Diagrams for: Commercial AV, Houses of Worship, Broadcast, Live Sound, and Studios. This book contains over 20 CAD drawings showing sample installations of Aviom audio networks, audio distribution and personal monitor systems in a variety applications.
- A-Net And Video: Transmitting Video Over Cat-5 Cables
Using a pair of inexpensive Baluns, you can easily transmit composite video over your Pro16 audio distribution system, for monitoring remote locations or displaying information like song lyrics on remote monitors.
- Using Fiber Optics With Pro16 Systems
For applications requiring cable runs longer than 500ft, fiber optic media converters can be used to extend the distance between Pro16 devices to up to 50 miles (80 kilometers).
- A-Net v. Ethernet - Networking Designed for Audio
Streaming networking technology delivers greater power and performance than Ethernet.
- Managing Jitter, Wander, and Latency in Digital Audio Networks
Challenges facing designers of professional-grade digital audio equipment are discussed with clear examples of the advantages of A-Net Pro64.
- A Closer Look at A-Net
Comparing Pro16 and Pro64 - learn about the two versions of Aviom's exclusive A-Net audio transport technology, and find out which is best suited for your application.
- Calibration and Gain Staging with Digital Transport
Learn how to address the most common source of trouble for console users making the switch to digital transport - gain stage calibration.
- Gain Staging and Analog Output Levels
This paper addresses questions about output levels on Aviom analog output modules, and clarifies what I/O levels are available for using Aviom analog input and output modules in a range of applications.
