Digital Snakes

Getting Started

 

How It Works

Unlike many digital systems with fixed configurations, Aviom digital snakes are fully modular. To build an Aviom digital snake, simply select the input and output modules based on the signal type you need, connect with Cat-5e, and you're up and running.

Aviom offers two product lines which can be used to build a digital snake. The Pro16 Series is modular in 16-channel blocks, supports systems up to 64x0, 48x16, and 32x32, and features set-and-forget mic pres. The Pro64 Series adds the power and flexibility of single-channel granularity, remote control mic preamps, network-style connectivity, digital I/O, integrated fiber optics, sample rates up to 192kHz±, and channel counts up to 64x64.

System Basics  |   A Closer Look  |   Selecting Components  |   Sample Systems  |   Show All

System Basics: Modular Building Blocks

Regardless of the product line you use for your Aviom digital snake, all systems are comprised of the same basic components:

Mic input modules on stage

The mic input module preamps microphone inputs and converts all signals to digital and outputs on a Cat-5e cable.

Input modules or console cards at FOH

Use input modules or console cards to take return signals (for main speakers and monitors) from the console.

Output modules or console cards as needed

Use output module or console cards for getting audio out of the snake—on stage, at front of house, in lobbies, at split locations, etc.

Network devices for added functionality

Select network devices to add control or monitoring to your snake or to streamline your wiring.

NEXT: A Closer Look...

A Closer Look: Selecting Pro16 or Pro64

The first decision in designing your Aviom digital snake is to select the Pro16 Series or the Pro64 Series. Both platforms can be used with Aviom Personal Mixers.

Use the Pro16 Series for...

• The simplest system setup and operation
• Uncompressed 48kHz digital fidelity
• The longest Cat-5e cable runs (up to 500ft/150m)
• Fiber connectivity up to 16x16 using select third party media converters

Use the Pro64 Series for...

• Remote controllable mic preamps
• Bidirectional interfacing to Yamaha digital consoles
• AES3 I/O
• Outstanding audio fidelity
• Integrated fiber connectivity up to 64x64 channels
• Optional PC-based system management

NEXT: Selecting Components...

PRO64 SERIES  |  PRO16 SERIES

Selecting the Pro64 Digital Snake
Components You Need

Input Modules on Stage

6416m Mic Input Module

• Use one 6416m for each set of 16 inputs on stage
• 16 XLR inputs plus DB25 alternate in/passive splits

I/O to Consoles

6416o v.2 Output Module

• Use to output mic inputs from stage to an analog console (up to 16 channels each)
• Select mic- or line-level out (+4, +18, or +24dBu)

6416o Output Module

• Use to output mic inputs from stage to an analog console (up to 16 channels each)
• Select mic- or line-level out

6416i Input Module

• Use for returns (up to 16 channels) from an analog console to main amps and speakers
• Use for inputs from the console for an Aviom personal mixing system

6416Y2 A-Net Card

• Use one card for each block of 16 inputs from the stage (8 at 96kHz)
• Each card can also be used for up to 16 returns from the console (8 at 96kHz)
• Multiple cards can be hosted by the same console

6416dio Digital I/O Module

• 16x16 AES3 interface (at all Pro64 sample rates)
• Use to interface with AES3 digital consoles or recording hardware

Outputs on Stage and to Splits

6416o v.2 Output Module

• Use for outputs to DSP, amplifiers, speakers, recording rigs, etc.
• DB25 and XLR outputs
• Four output levels selectable per channel

6416o Output Module

• Use for outputs to DSP, amplifiers, speakers, and recording rigs
• DB25 and XLR outputs
• Two output levels selectable per channel

6416dio Digital I/O Module

• Use for AES3 outputs to any compatible digital outboard gear
• Available with DB25 or BNC connectors

Network Devices

RCI Remote Control Interface

• Use to provide a connection point anywhere in the newtork for MCS Mic Control Surfaces for remote control of Pro64 mic preamps

MCS Mic Control Surface

• Use to control Pro64 mic preamps from anywhere in the network

MH10 Merger Hub

• 10 bidirectional A-Net ports (EtherCon connectors)

MH10f Merger Hub

• 10 bidirectional A-Net ports (8 EtherCon, 2 SFP)
• Compatible with single- or multi-mode fiber transceivers

ASI A-Net System Interface

• Use to interface to Pro16 Series Personal Mixers, output modules, and network devices
• Four 16-channel Pro16 A-Net outputs

JUMP TO: Sample Systems...

Selecting the Pro16 Digital Snake
Components You Need

Input Modules on Stage

AN-16/i-M Mic Input Module

• Use one AN-16/i-M for each set of 16 inputs on stage
• 16 XLR/TRS combo jack inputs with XLR passive splits

Outputs to Consoles

AN-16/o v.4 Output Module

• Use for analog outputs to consoles (16 channels each)
• Two DB25 outputs
• Four output levels selectable per channel pair

Inputs from Consoles

AN-16/i Input Module

• Use for returns (up to 16 channels) from an analog console to main amps and speakers
• Use for inputs from the console for an Aviom personal mixing system

Aviom16/o-Y1 A-Net Card

• Use for direct digital connectivity from Yamaha^® digital consoles, for both main returns and monitor feeds for Aviom Personal Mixers

Outputs on Stage and to Splits

AN-16/o v.4 Output Module

• Use for analog outputs to consoles (16 channels each)
• Two DB25 outputs
• Four output levels selectable per channel pair

AV-P2 Output Module

• Use for low-channel output locations such as secondary rooms and fill speakers
• Two Euroblock outputs
• Can be powered over the Cat-5 cable with an A-Net Distributor

Network Devices

AN-16SBR System Bridge

• Combines up to four 16-channel A-Net streams onto a single cable
• Up to 64x0, 48x16, 32x32

A-16D Pro A-Net Distributor

• Use for splitting the A-Net signal to multiple locations
• 1 A-Net In, 8 A-Net Outs, 1 A-Net Thru
• Rack-mountable

A-16D A-Net Distributor

• Use for splitting the A-Net signal to multiple locations
• 1 A-Net In, 8 A-Net Outs
• Half-rack-space wide

NEXT: Sample Systems...

Sample Systems

PRO64 SERIES  |  PRO16 SERIES

48x16 Pro64 Digital Snake
(Analog Console)

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Ideal for larger ensembles, this system supports up to 48 inputs on stage and 16 returns from front of house. Analog I/O to the console is provided by three 6416o Output Modules and one 6416i Input Module. Mic preamp settings and presets can be controlled remotely from FOH, and a split to a monitor console, archive room, or other facility can be added anywhere in the system.

32x16 Pro64 Digital Snake with Personal Mixing
(Yamaha Digital Console)

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With 32 inputs on stage and returns for both main speakers and Aviom Personal Mixers, this system provides an elegant solution for mid-sized ensembles and facilities. No additional rack gear is required as front of house; a single Cat-5e cable connects the console to the stage rack. Mic preamp settings can be controlled directly from the Yamaha console or, with the addition of an RCI at front of house, the MCS Mic Control Surface. This system is ideal for use with Yamaha LS9-32 and M7CL consoles.

48x16 Pro64 Digital Snake with Split
(Yamaha Digital Console)

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This system provides inputs for up to 48 channels on stage, sixteen returns from front of house, and a completely digital split to the broadcast console. Mic preamps can be controlled remotely from front of housing (using the Yamaha digital console) or from Broadcast (using the MCS Mic Control Surface).

48x16 Pro16 Digital Snake
(Analog Console)

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This system provides simple digital connectivity between stage and the front of house mix position for up to 48 inputs on stage and 16 returns. All four A-Net streams are transported between stage and FOH on the single Cat-5e cable connecting the two System Bridges. Splits to additional locations can be added from the stage rack or the FOH rack.

32x16 Pro16 Digital Snake with Personal Mixing (Analog Console)

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This system combines the simplicity and convenience of a Pro16 digital snake and Aviom personal mixing. Well-suited for medium-sized ensembles, the snake supports up to 32 inputs on stage and 16 returns (to main speakers and any musicians using traditional console-based monitor mixes) and also integrates a Pro16 personal mixing system. Because the system ensures repeatable results and is fast to set up and tear down, it is an ideal solution for portable applications.

48x16 Pro16 Digital Snake with Split (Analog Console)

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This system simply begins with a 48x16 digital snake and adds a split of all 64 channels to connect to a recording setup. Signals can also be carried to a broadcast room or monitor console, splitting from the stage or the recording room.

NEXT: Resources...