About A-Net
A-Net® is Aviom's proprietary audio distribution and networking technology. A-Net is based on the physical layer of Ethernet, so it uses familiar Cat-5e cables and RJ-45 connectors. Unlike Ethernet, however, A-Net is designed specifically for the unique demands of data-intensive streaming audio. Because of this, A-Net offers several important benefits over Ethernet-based approaches to distributing audio digitally, including dramatically reduced latency, longer cable runs, and improved clock performance, without sample rate converters or restrictions on system layout.
Aviom supports two versions of A-Net and offers two product lines based on those technologies: the Pro16 Series® and the Pro64 Series®.
The Pro16 version of A-Net is optimized for distributing audio from point to point to point as quickly and as seamlessly as possible. System-wide latency in a Pro16 system--including analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversions--is well below a single millisecond, even when many devices are connected in a long daisy chain. Its speed and efficiency make the Pro16 version of A-Net ideal for Aviom's Pro16 Monitor Mixing System, which has become the world standard for personal mixing.
All Pro16 Series products are designed to be fully plug-and-play, with no complicated set-up or configuration required at any time. Yet the technology still supports sophisticated and powerful system development, including bi-directional systems up to 32x32 and 48x16.
The Pro64 version of A-Net is a more sophisticated technology, designed for even the most complex audio networking applications. Pro64 A-Net maintains the speed and core simplicity of Pro16 A-Net but adds several important features important for higher end installations, including more flexible system architecture, higher channel counts (up to 64x64), support for higher sample rates, integrated control data for remote control of mic pres and remote network management, and the innovative Virtual Data Cables™ for distributing user control data.
Pro16 Series output devices and Pro64 Series products may be used together in a single system using the ASI A-Net Systems Interface as a link.
Download "A Closer Look at A-Net" (471k PDF)
Specifications |
Pro16 | Pro64 |
| Maximum number of channels: | 64, using AN-16SBR System Bridge 32, using A-Net Expansion jacks |
64 in Auto Mode 64x64 in Manual Mode (channels may be overwritten) |
| Sample rates: | 48kHz | 44.1/48kHz± 88.2/96kHz± 176.4/192kHz± |
| Resolution: | 24 bits | 24 bits |
| Supported audio formats: | Analog Digital, from compatible consoles |
Analog Digital, from compatible consoles AES3 digital |
| Integrated control data: | Channel stereo links | Channel stereo links Virtual Data Cables™ for RS-232/422, MIDI, GPIO |
| Maximum Cat-5e cable length: | 500ft/150m | 400ft/120m |
| Compatibility with fiber optics: | Using certain third-party media converters 16 channels per fiber) |
Using the MH10f Merger Hub (64 channels per fiber) |
| Connection topologies: | Daisy chain, star, or combination | Daisy chain, star, or combination All connections are bidirectional at all times |
| Compatibility with Aviom Personal Mixers: | Yes | Requires ASI A-Net Systems Interface module |
| Minimum number of A-Net channels used at an input location: | 16; Pro16 systems are built in 16-channel blocks | 1; Channels may be individually activated into the Pro64 network as needed |
| Latency: | <800µs, analog input to analog output | <800µs, analog input to analog output |
