By Full Compass LiveCreate a Simple Audio Snake for Any Application
Routing high-quality audio between distant rooms or locations within houses of worship, businesses, or educational facilities is a critical requirement for both integrators and the people who utilize these spaces daily. However, digitalDefinition:
A signal or data expressed as series of the digits 0 and 1, typically represented by values of a physical quantity such as voltage or magnetic polarization. audio networks can be as confusing as they are costly, and traditional analogDefinition:
A signal that is continuous in nature, as opposed to being defined as a series of discrete numbers (or elements) as found in digital signals; electrically "analogous" to an acoustical signal in the air. audio snakeDefinition:
A cable with multiple internal cables in a common jacket. cables are bulky, expensive, and impossible to reconfigure on the fly to keep up with changing customer needs.
The Radial Catapult system combines the best of both worlds, using a modular approach that allows you to create a customized analog audio snake over Cat 5 cable. It's easy to deploy in any venue. Simply place one Catapult module at your audio source and another at the intended destination and you can begin sending signals between the two instantly. Because the Catapults connect to each other using Cat 5 cabling, you can take advantage of a building's existing infrastructure and link together distant rooms without pulling a single cable through the wall.
Even in situations where new cable runs are required, Cat 5 is economical, lightweight, and low-profile. Radial already has nine Catapult modules in this growing product line, and they can all be mixed and matched to suit an endless number of customer applications.
How It Works
The Catapult system is unique because it operates using standard Cat 5 ethernetDefinition:
A local area network (LAN) using cables classified according to certain categories (CAT5, CAT6, CAT5e, etc.). These relate to the speed a cable can handle. cables, which can already be found wired into nearly every room of existing businesses and venues. While these cables are commonly used to transmit digital dataDefinition:
Information used by a computer in order to arrive at a decision. Although this is a plural term, it's often treated in the singular. streams to networked devices, Radial Catapults make use of the four twisted pairs of conductors found within the Cat 5 cable to send four channels of balanced analog audio over long distances. Since the Catapults use analog signals only, there is no digital conversion necessary, and no power source is required.
The Catapult Minis
The Catapult Minis are the most compact modules in the product line. Each Mini consists of a small yet sturdy metal chassis with an RJ45Definition:
Also called 8P8C connector. An 8-conductor connector for Cat5/6 cabling for Ethernet, Dante, and HDBaseT and other video-over-twisted pair extenders. input for the Cat 5 cable connection, which is Neutrik etherCON compatibleDefinition:
Capable of operating with a particular selection of hardware or software.. A short cable fan-out leads to four XLR or 1/4" TRSDefinition:
(Tip Ring Sleeve) Phone style connector. 3 conductor (Stereo) originally 1/4" diameter, also 1/8" and smaller and the TT style for patchbays. Used for headphones and patching. connectors, depending on the module selected. The Mini TXDefinition:
(Transmit) Abbreviation for transmitter or to transmit. includes four female XLRs, the Mini RXDefinition:
(Receive) Abbreviation for a receiver or to receive. has male XLRs, and the Mini TRS features 1/4" TRS jacks.
With one Catapult Mini connected to each end of a Cat 5 cable, you have a straightforward four-channelDefinition:
1. In radio, television, citizen's band radio, and other wireless communications modes, a specific frequency for communication. 2. In mixers and video, an input or output signal path with controls. 3. In MIDI, one of 16 data paths. analog audio snake, with inputs and outputs that can be connected directly to audio interfaces, mixers, or powered speakers.
The Catapult TX4 and RX4
The TX4 and the RX4 are the slightly larger models of the Catapult system, and they include two sets of connectors within a rugged 14-gauge steel chassis. The TX4 is designed to be placed at the audio source, and it features four XLR female inputs wired in parallel with four XLR male thru connectors. This makes it easy to connect four microphones to the inputs and use the thru connectors to feed a local mixerDefinition:
Combiner, controller, and router for multiple audio or video signals., while also employing the Cat 5 connection to feed all four signals to a second location. The RX4 has four male XLR outputs along with four male XLR thru connectors, so you can split the audio signals between two devices at the destination end of the Cat 5 cable. Each of these modules feature two RJ45 connections: one main connection and a thru output.
Transformer Isolated Modules
The Catapult TX4 and RX4 also have alternative modules that include high-quality isolation transformers inside to help eliminate humDefinition:
An undesired continuous signal caused by AC electrical power, typically 60/50 Hz and its harmonics. and buzz when splitting signals to multiple locations. The TX4L and RX4L include transformers that are designed for use with line-level audio signals, while the TX4M and RX4M have transformers optimized for mic-level signals. These modules will provide extra protection when sending signals to two or more destinations, helping ensure a noise-free system and saving valuable troubleshooting time on site.
Endless Possibilities
The wide range of Catapult modules available provides the ability to create a customized solution for any application. You can use the TX4M to split four microphone outputs to a local mixer, with a Mini RX at a remoteDefinition:
A broadcast from the field, not from the studio. A Remote Control. location that can plugDefinition:
A connector, normally male and attached to a cable. directly into a recording device or interfaceDefinition:
A device that adds I/O capability to another device. Common would be a MIDI, audio or video interface for a computer.. Two TX4 modules can also be used as a complete set since they have both male and female XLRs. You can use them to send or receive each of the four audio channels as needed without having to reach for adaptor cables or swap module locations.
Conclusion
Connecting analog audio signals throughout a new or existing building has never been easier thanks to the Radial Catapult system. Catapults utilize economical Cat 5 cabling, can be mixed and matched to suit any customer requirement, and are incredibly easy to install and use. This makes them the perfect choice for any installation where routing audio is a critical component, including music venues, educational facilities, houses of worship, or corporate offices.
