Axia Audio announced a new audio networking component that provides a real-time, low-delay interface between pro-audio equipment and Ethernet. Using the Axia Analog Line Node, analog audio is converted to and from 24-bit PCM digital audio network streams; once on the network, audio can be routed, shared and mixed in the network domain.
“Modern Switched Ethernet is ideal for networking audio devices,” comments Axia president, Michael Dosch. “Using adapter nodes, our clients have been able to eliminate snakes, routing switchers, distribution amps and miles of discrete audio cabling. The nodes are placed nearby the source and target equipment and all interconnection is over Ethernet.”
Axia Analog Line Nodes are designed to simplify the task of interfacing pro audio gear with Ethernet. Each Analog Node contains eight balanced stereo inputs and outputs, as well as high-end 24-bit A/D/A converters throughout. The Livewire-enabled Ethernet port connects them to a high-capacity media network–based on standard Ethernet switching technology; nodes are connected with the same CAT-6 cable used for Ethernet data networks. Livewire networks are capable of thousands of simultaneous streams.
“In the past, the problem with using Ethernet for audio networking was latency,” says Axia Audio’s Clark Novak. “Livewire technology has solved the latency problem with guaranteed priority and QoS for live audio streams; delay is less than 1 millisecond per network hop, which means it’s virtually undetectable—perfect for monitoring and mixing live audio.”
The Analog Line Node is part a family of Axia audio nodes that allows elimination of PC sound cards, and mixing and matching of digital, analog and microphone audio. Using standard Switched Ethernet, Axia users can construct a scalable audio network of any size to connect a few rooms or an entire stadium.
For more information on the Analog Line Node, or any of Axia Audio’s products, visit www.AxiaAudio.com.
