Radial Engineering is focusing its attention on audio signal distribution for multiple applications, wired and wireless. At the 139th AES Convention, the innovative Canadian company introduced its first wireless solution, the BT-Pro, a Bluetooth direct box designed to capture the wireless transmission from a Bluetooth enabled device and convert the signal to a balanced line for use in a PA system.
But Radial is also looking at the growing use of audio networking solutions and, at the New York show, it also had a prototype of a Dante Network 2-channel solution (pictured above with the new BT-Pro box), of which no further detail is available for the moment. The new Radial DI Net DAN-RX was designed as a simple receiver solution to get two-channels of balanced analog audio out of a Dante network, at the lowest cost. More and more live sound and installation companies are using the Audinate protocol in multichannel configurations - which allows covering large distances using Cat-5 cable. This solution allows getting two-channel audio out of the multichannel stream at any point on the network.
But while that solution is in development, Radial announced the Radial Catapult - a 4 channel audio snake to send analog and AES digital audio signals over standard Cat-5 shielded twisted pair cable. This simple solution enables system contractors to take advantage of pre-wired networks to connect one room to another and allows stage techs to take advantage of the relatively low cost of this abundantly available cable for return snakes or for transporting channels of balanced audio across a large stage.
Available in six configurations, the Catapult features a choice of 3 input modules and 3 output modules. Each input module features 4 XLR inputs along with two Neutrik Ethercon outputs and 4 additional XLR outputs. Output modules feature Ethercon input, throughput and two sets of XLR outputs. These may be ordered without transformers for sub snakes or to transmit AES audio signals; with mic isolation transformers for signal splitting between FOH, monitors or the recording system; or with line level isolation transformers to eliminate system noise. A ground lift switch is available at each end for the Ethernet cable connection to help eliminate hum and buzz caused by ground loops.
The Catapult range includes the TX4 Transmit module with 4 XLR-F inputs and 4 XLR-M outputs; the TX4M Transmit module with 4 XLR inputs and 4 mic level (-40~0dB) isolated XLR-M outputs; the TX4L Transmit module with 4 XLR inputs and 4 line level (-20~+15dB) isolated XLR-M outputs; the RX4 Receive module with two sets of 4 XLR-M outputs; the RX4M Receive module with 4 mic-level (-40~0dB) isolated XLR-M outputs and 1 set of pass-through XLR-Ms; and the RX4L Receive module with 4 line-level (-20~+15dB) isolated XLR-M outputs and 1 set of pass-through XLR-Ms.
As with all Radial products, the Catapult design begins with a heavy steel construction made to handle the rigors of live touring along with a heavy duty powder coat finish to keep the Catapult boxes looking good for years. A protective bar around the connectors keeps things safe while providing a handle for carrying. Prices have yet to be finalized but delivery is anticipated by December 2015.
The BT-Pro Bluetooth direct box
The Radial BT-Pro is a direct box designed to capture the wireless transmission from a Bluetooth enabled device and convert the signal to a balanced line for use in a PA system. According to Radial President Peter Janis: “It seems that today, Bluetooth wireless technology is everywhere. You can connect your phone to your car, your laptop to your house and tablet to your TV. It only makes sense that that Bluetooth wireless technology would hit the stage. In recent months, we have had a number of requests to bring Radial’s legendary build quality to this endeavor and we are pleased to announce the BT-Pro solution. I think most impressive is how our engineering team managed to solve the problem of durability with the need for wireless transmission. The BT-Pro employs a T-shaped access cavity behind which we located the antenna. This is protected by a milled Sintra insert made from rugged closed-cell PVC that allows the wireless transmission signal to pass. This innovation allows reception distances to 20 meters (65’) under normal conditions.”
As with all Radial products, the BT-Pro is made from 14-gauge steel with an I-beam frame that makes it impossible to torque the sensitive PC board, eliminating outside stress and the chance of solder joints going cold. A unique book-end cover creates protective zones at each end that keep the volume knob, switches and connectors out of harm’s way.Connecting to the BT-Pro is easy. The BT-Pro is powered by an external supply, either with a USB power adapter or a USB port from a laptop. Once powered, two top-mounted LEDs will toggle as it awaits paring. Turn on your Bluetooth device and its transceiver sends an initial pairing message to identify the BT-Pro. This will show up as Radial. A connection pass code is then used to initialize the connection. This important safety feature ensures other nearby Bluetooth devices cannot ‘pollute or hijack’ the system. Once paired, the BT-Pro’s red LED will remain illuminated and undulate to let us know the two Bluetooth devices are talking to each other.
The BT-Pro audio signal path itself takes advantage of the latest Bluetooth wireless A2DP interface over 2.0 EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) for higher speed transmission and best audio quality. This employs a 16 bit wireless compressed format with the actual bit rate determined by the source material. Inside, the BT-Pro converts the data to a stereo analog signal, producing up to +4dB at the output. The signal level is controlled by a front panel potentiometer that is shared with the built-in headphone amp. This features a standard 3.5mm mini TRS and is used for trouble shooting. For greater flexibility, a stereo-to-mono switch is provided that sums the input for dual-mono operation to reduce input requirements on the mixer or split the signal to the PA and monitors. Should noise be encountered, two side-mounted isolation transformers may be inserted into the signal path. This is augmented with a ground lift switch for the XLRs to further help eliminate ground loops. Frequency response is 20hz to 20Khz.
MAP for the BT-Pro is $229.99 USD and should be shipping by now.
www.radialeng.com
