Conference Audio
Innovative Cat-5 based digital solutions save installers time, money, and labor and give users robust, reliable performance.
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Audio distribution over Cat-5 promises AV contractors a streamlined installation process and enhanced flexibility. Specifying innovative solutions like these can lower labor costs and timelines on bids, which can lead to more winning proposals and higher margins for integrators and consultants alike.
Using A-Net® as the distribution platform delivers on those promises, while ensuring the highest audio fidelity, the simplest installation process, and dramatically reduced maintenance costs. These audio distribution solutions from Aviom feature new products that take advantage of the world's most innovative audio transport protocol.
With products and solutions on the market and ready today for wide range of real- world audio applications, Aviom is committed to saving system designers and contractors precious time, money, and labor.
Click image to enlarge Up to 8 conference mics are connected to an AV-M8 Input Module. Audio signals are converted to digital and are output as A-Net data. A-Net from the input module connects to an AN-16/o Output Module in the equipment room using Cat-5e cable.
Individual analog line-level audio channels from the AN-16/o connect to a DSP device for processing. The output from the DSP feeds a power amp which sends the processed audio to ceiling speakers.
Click image to enlarge Two AV-M8 input modules are cascaded via the built-in ADAT® digital connection to create a single 16-channel A-Net stream. Up to 8 conference mics can be connected to each AV-M8 input module. Additional audio from line-level sources such as a CD or DVD player, computer, video system can also be connected to the AV-M8; it has built-in pads available on channels 1-2 for just this purpose.
The two AV-M8 modules in this system are connected digitally to create a single 16-channel A-Net stream. A single Cat-5e cable from the AV-M8 connects to an AN-16/o Output Module in the equipment room. The line-level audio outputs from the AN-16/o connect to a DSP processor. The output from the DSP feeds a power amp that sends the processed audio to ceiling speakers.
An optional RS-232 remote control can be added to the DSP device.
Click image to enlarge This system illustrates the flexibility of A-Net based systems. By using an AV-M8 Mic Input Module connected to an A-16R rack-mount mixer, a very simple portable PA system that anyone can operate can be created.
Because the system uses Cat-5 cables to move audio (and, optionally, mix control), set-up is quick, and the wiring is unobtrusive in any environment. Use the A-16CS for simple, cost-effective mix control or a third-party RS232 control system for more advanced control interface options.
AV-M8
Mic Input Module
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AN-16/i
Input Module
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AV-P2
Output Module
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AN-16/o
Output Module
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A-16D
A-Net Distributor
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A basic conference system requires one A-Net input module, such as the AV-M8, and one A-Net output module connected with Cat-5e cable.
Inputs to the AV-M8 can come from a mic- or line-level analog source. Two channels include a 20dB switchable pad, supporting line-level inputs from computers, CD or DVD players, etc, while the remaining six are mic-level only.
The AV-M8 is designed to be easy to install and configure. Audio inputs feature latching 5.0 mm Euroblock connectors that require only a small screwdriver when connecting wires. Gain for each analog input channel is individually configured with DIP switches; each channel also has +48V phantom power and a low cut filter.
With detachable mounting flanges and reversible rack ears, the AV-M8 can be placed in close proximity to the mic inputs at a table or podium, in an equipment closet, or secured in a portable rack.
Two AV-M8 Input Modules can be cascaded to create a single 16-
channel A-Net stream by using the built-in ADAT® Lightpipe connections. Once the two AV-
M8s are connected with a standard Toslink optical cable, a single Cat-5e cable can be
connected from the second AV-M8 to any compatible Pro16 output device. Pro16 A-Net
supports Cat-5e cable runs up to 500ft/150m between devices.
Once input signals connected to the AV-M8 have been converted to a digital A-Net stream, they can be transported up to 500 feet (150 meters) over Cat-5e and output as analog audio using an AN-16/o Output Module. From the AN- 16/o, the analog signals can be fed to a DSP processor. The processed audio can then be connected to amps and speakers for distribution to the users.
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.
- 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.
