SoundGrid is a proprietary Layer 2-based network protocol offered by Waves, for Audio-over-Ethernet networking and real-time processing solutions for live, broadcast and music production facilities, that delivers uncompressed, multi-channel, low-latency digital audio over Ethernet networks. Its popularity has resulted from the fact that SoundGrid allows running Waves' renowned reverbs, equalizers, compressors, and other mixing tools, as well as any other SoundGrid-compatible third-party plugins, all in real time.
By using SG.MADI’s integrated network switch, integration of outboard equipment and redundant DAWs to a SoundGrid environment is simple. Working in large multi-stage venues, SG.MADI easily connects MADI to a SoundGrid network and to SoundGrid software or hardware, and works as a monitoring tool for all SoundGrid and MADI signals.
Housed in a robust 1U 19-inch casing, DirectOut's SG.MADI makes economical use of valued rack space. A headphone jack, including volume control, provides easy monitoring. There are two GPIs on the rear panel, in order to integrate control signals via the network or MADI link, and the two GPOs can be individually configured for triggering system events or activating on-air or recording lights etc. It is also equipped with dual redundant power supplies, and both the MADI and network ports may be employed as dual redundant pairs with auto fail-over.
As Stephan Flock (CTO, DirectOut) explains, “Waves software algorithms have become an essential tool in music production, live sound and broadcast environments. The SoundGrid network audio standard offers the perfect format for integration of a plug-in server and also serves as interconnect between DAWs and other digital audio hardware setups, either based on MADI or other network audio standards. We are very glad about our cooperation with Waves and the possibility to offer a SoundGrid interface in our product line.”
“We are delighted to collaborate with DirectOut in offering Waves SoundGrid technology, to facilitate the making of the SG.MADI and to offer MADI-enabled console users the possibility of easy networking and use of Waves plugins,” states Udi Henis, Waves International Marketing.
SG.MADI provides monitoring of SoundGrid and MADI signals, as well as analog I/Os to allow for immediate interfacing with the network audio and the MADI signal. It features two microphone / line inputs with switchable phantom power and continuous gain for input signals from less than -55 dBu up to +24 dBu, as well as two balanced line outputs, and headphone output. Digital confections include optical fibre SC (single-mode or multi-mode), coaxial (BNC) and SFP. The converter/interface is Mac Core Audio and Windows ASIO compatible.
Selectable clock sources are word clock, MADI, SoundGrid or the internal clock. The current system clock is provided at the word clock output at any time.
DirectOut GmbH was founded in 2008 by a team of professional sound engineers headed up by Stephan Flock, an award-winning classical music sound engineer with over 20 years’ experience in digital audio signal processing design. Headquartered in Mittweida, Germany, the company specializes in developing essential pro audio connectivity, networking and bridging solutions for broadcast, studio, live and installed sound applications. Unique in that all members of the DirectOut development team are still active professional sound engineers, the company is thus fully focused on real-world demands and problem solving. The product range, marketed under the brand of DirectOut Technologies, offers solutions that build bridges between different audio worlds and make systems and formats more flexible. Audio formats supported include MADI, SoundGrid, Dante, RAVENNA and the standards AES67 and SMPTE ST2110-30. DirectOut products are distributed worldwide.
www.directout.eu/en/products/sgmadi/
www.waves.com/live-sound/madi-enabled-consoles
