Audio Networking
Aviom's Pro16™ and Pro64® Series modules offer a flexible, robust method for transporting high fidelity audio throughout a facility, without requiring complex computer-based programming.
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Whether your needs are simple or complex, Pro16 and Pro64 I/O modules and network devices can be used to solve even the most difficult audio distribution problems. And, since the modules can be configured right from the front panel, you don't need to call in or burden the IT department to make changes.
Pro16 and Pro64 systems offer reliability in a network free from outside interference from hum, RF, ground loops, and computer crashes. Simple Cat-5 wiring keeps installation costs low and system expansion as easy as connecting additional modules.
Using ties lines between rooms, floors, or even buildings simplifies audio distribution when quick reconfiguration, patching, sharing audio signals, or multiple digital splits are required in applications such as broadcast, recording, corporate installs, education, etc.
Click image to enlarge Up to 16 line-level signals are patched into a 6416i Input Module and these input channels are assigned to Slots 1-16 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 as the inputs. In this example a 6416dio Digital I/O Module is used to output the signals from the Pro64 network as AES3 digital data. A second 6416dio is used to create a digital split; this 6416dio can be located anywhere in the network.
There is no limit to the number of digital splits; they can be analog, digital, or console cards.
Add the MH10 or MH10f Merger Hub to this system to provide additional distance between the Pro64 devices or add parallel connectivity.
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 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 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 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 Tie lines can be used to connect rooms, venues, recording studios, classrooms, buildings, production areas, or remote trucks so that users can share data effortlessly.
This system shows four similarly equipped locations that have both analog and digital I/O modules installed. Locations are connected with MH10f Merger Hubs making it easy to use fiber for long distance runs where needed.
Click image to enlarge Up to 16 audio channels connect to a Pro16 input module. Cat-5e cables are used to link AV-P2 2-channel output modules serially.
An unlimited number of AV-P2 output modules can be connected. Each can be up to 500 feet/150 meters apart.
For an 8-channel system, substitute the AV-M8 Mic Input Module.
Click image to enlarge Up to 16 audio channels connect to a Pro16 input module which is connected to an A-16D Pro A-Net Distributor. The A-16D Pro distributes digital data and DC power to eight AV-P2 2-channel output modules.
The system can be expanded by adding A-16D Pro A-Net Distributors and AV-P2 modules as needed without requiring any additional configuration.
6416dio
Digital I/O Module
|
6416i
Line-Level Input Module
|
6416m
Mic Input Module
|
MH10
Merger Hub
|
MH10f
Merger Hub
|
AV-M8
Mic Input Module
|
AN-16/i
Input Module
|
AN-16/i-M
Mic Input Module
|
A-16D
A-Net Distributor
|
AV-P2
Output Module
|
PB28
Modular Patch Bay
|
A-16II
Personal Mixer
|
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.
The ASI A-Net Systems Interface can be used to connect select Pro16 Series devices to a Pro64 Series network, further enhancing the output options for a system or installation.
The ASI provides a link between Pro64 Series networking products and Pro16 Series output devices, such as the AV-P2 and AN-16/o Output Modules, and the A-16II and A- 16R Personal Mixers. The ASI features two Pro64 network ports and four Pro16 outputs, separated into 16-channel blocks and transmitted out the corresponding Pro16 ports.
The ASI is a plug-and-play module, requiring no configuration beyond selecting a Pro64 network port for Manual Mode systems. The number of available channels and Pro16 ports is determined by the sample rate of the Pro64 network (64 channels and four ports at 44.1/48kH±, 32 channels and two ports at 96kHz±, and 16 channels and one port at 192kHz±). Stereo link settings from the Pro64 network are passed to the Pro16 outputs.
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.
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.
- 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.
