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Klotz Digital Introduces Octo-Bus Versatile Digital Audio Network
Klotz Digital, the inventor of the Vadis digital audio and control network for audio processing and distribution, has announced the introduction of Octo-Bus, a digital audio network, which carries audio in real-time, control data and power over CAT5 cables. The synchronous bus protocol allows transmission of up to eight simultaneous channels of bidirectional digital audio including control data and system monitoring without any audible latency. Octo-Bus can be configured either as a star or as a daisy-chained audio network without the need for routers or hubs. Using Octo-Bus the Klotz Digital Vadis platform can be expanded by a range of highly innovative products which help to make the installation of studios faster, easier and much more cost-efficient. The extremely versatile Octo-Bus network architecture is easily expandable, allowing it to grow with the ever-changing needs of modern audio facilities.
A mix of up to 16 input and output boxes can be daisy-chained to one single CAT5 cable, which is connected to the Vadis Octo-Bus interface card. Octo-Bus is a truly bidirectional protocol, enabling any combination of input boxes, output boxes and all other upcoming Octo-Bus control devices to be arbitrarily connected to CAT5 buss cables. Once the units are connected, the Vadis control software manages the signal distribution. All inputs can be dynamically assigned to any combination of output devices either on the same buss or any number of busses. Additional output devices can be added to provide signal distribution of the same signal.
The maximum buss distance between the VadisS frame and the last input or output box is 600ft.
So far the Octo-Bus has been installed in connection with the Vadis audio control network within some Australian broadcast studios. One of Klotz Dugutal’s customers has been enthusiastic about the option to replace mic input cards by the Octo-Bus input box, as this gives the user the possibility to allow long distances between microphone and frame. Running the Octo-Bus box means that there is no need to run Mic cables to the frame, as CAT5 can be used instead. The customer saves wiring costs and possible interferences are eliminated. Another customer is using the Octo-Bus boxes to allow the crew to do broadcasts from within the building but outside the studios, in places such as the roof and in the radio station foyer. A third example of how to use the Octo-Bus is as an output for SNG and ENG. When there are guests in the studio the Octo-Bus box can be connected to provide outputs for the ENG crews. The output boxes are also used to provide program and monitoring for the local out of studio broadcasts. Other conceivable applications are connecting MIC or Line signals in studios, as active stage-boxes on stage, as studio extensions in the Master Control room or as OB van applications.
The Octo-Bus audio input box offers four remote inputs for mic/line level signals (switchable). Each is equipped with phantom power supply and offers a real-time remote input gain control. Each of the four inputs can be assigned via Vadis software to any available output of the system. A buss channel is only activated whenever an input is assigned to an output. This method allows to connect up to 64 inputs and up to 16 boxes to one cable out of which eight channels can be dynamically selected.
Each Octo-Bus audio output box is equipped with four software adjustable balanced line level outputs. The Vadis software remotely controls the output assignment and audio output level. Eight available output channels of the CAT5 cable can be dynamically assigned to any output channel on any box. Any number of output boxes can be used to output a single buss channel or any other combination of channels.
31st May 2005
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