ASI A-Net Systems Interface

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.

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).

Personal Mixers can be connected in any combination of serial (daisy chain) and parallel (star) connections. Every Personal Mixer has both an A-Net In and A-Net Out jack, and mixers can be daisy-chained without limit. Every Personal Mixer is truly plug-and-play: connect it and you're ready to go.

Most users, however, choose to use an A-Net Distributor, such as the A-16D Pro, and connect mixers in parallel. This offers several advantages. First, any time devices are daisy-chained, "downstream" devices depend on upstream devices for their data. If someone unplugs a mixer or knocks over a stand on stage, multiple users may be affected. Second, using a distributor delivers the added convenience of providing power for the mixer over the Cat-5 cable, eliminating the need for extension cords and external power supplies at the mixers. Thus, using parallel connections is both more secure and more convenient.

Distributors can be inserted into the A-Net stream at any point in the system, and there is no limit to the number of distributors in a system.

The diagrams show A-16II Personal Mixers, but any combination of Pro16 output devices can be used, including the A-16R and AV-P2.

Whenever possible, converting audio back and forth between analog and digital should be minimized. So if you're using a digital console, you should connect your Aviom monitor system digitally rather than using an analog input module such as the AN-16/i.

Aviom offers several options for direct digital connections to digital consoles. Aviom's Y1 and Y2 A-Net cards can be used to connect seamlessly to Yamaha® digital consoles. In addition, Aviom has partnered with leading digital console manufacturers to develop A-Net option cards for their consoles. Look for the A-Net Active™ logo and consult the Partners section for a complete list of available cards.

Finally, the 6416dio Digital I/O Module may be used to connect digitally to any console that supports AES3 format digital outputs. Aviom's ASI module must then be used to convert the Pro64 A-Net data to the Pro16 format compatible with Aviom's Personal Mixers and other Pro16 Series devices.

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.