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Euphonix adds remote fiber audio interface Apr 9, 2008 - 4:28:20 PM

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Booth: N5217

Euphonix will introduce a new modular remote audio interface system for broadcast applications featuring redundant fiber audio connectivity and control at NAB. It connects multiple high-density stage boxes into the Euphonix DSP SuperCore via MADI over fiber with control directly from the console’s channel strips. 

Based around a modular 3RU stage box that can handle up to 56 mic preamps, it can also be fitted with combinations of I/O to match the exact requirements of the application including analog, AES/EBU (75 & 110ohm), SDI and MADI. A second stage box could be fitted to provide analog or digital splits of the mic preamp outputs from the firstt stage box for feeding the local PA/monitor mixers, for example.

“Every remote application is different so we wanted a solution that could handle any combination of remote feeds and is scaleable to very large installations,” says Euphonix CEO Martin Kloiber. “Redundant fiber connectivity is a must as is remote control directly from the console. We feel this new addition to the System 5 range will offer stations and remotes the perfect solution for their live broadcast needs.”

The stage box connects to a local-side modular interface rack via redundant fiber. Each local-side box can manage multiple Stage Box connections for solutions including hundreds of remote audio feeds. The local-side boxes connect to the Euphonix DSP SuperCore using MADI with integral remote control from the System 5 and Max Air console surface channel strips for the Mic preamps.

Any of the interface modules from the current Euphonix Modular Converter System can be used in the stage box for a wide variety of custom configurations.

Mike Franklin, Euphonix vice president of Sales for North America, says the most noticeable trend in sports audio coverage is that the overall budgets for an OB Truck rental for any given sporting event is decreasing while the demand for newer higher–tech equipment and more complicated productions are increasing.

“Where the day rate rental of an HD truck was pushing $15K, the number is now dropping towards $10K,” he says. “The most obvious way to meet these shrinking budgets is to build smaller, more efficient and lightweight trucks. Therefore manufacturers must come up with better, lighter and more cost effective solutions as the demand for HD format grows.”

For example, the Euphonix router is separate from the console, allowing the console to be powered down, while the audio layer is still functioning and usable. “Moreover the Euphonix software, Emix, incorporates virtual patch bay thus eliminating the traditional hardware patch bay,” he says.