Radial Catapult new 4-Channel Audio Snake Now Shipping

Radial Engineering announced the Radial Catapult is now shipping. Part of a series of new audio distribution products designed by the Canadian company to address new wireless and wired applications, announced at the end of 2015, the Catapult is a 4-channel audio snake that allows sending analog and AES digital audio signals over standard Cat 5 shielded twisted pair cable.
 
The simple to configure 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 three input modules and three output modules. Each input module features four XLR inputs along with two Neutrik Ethercon outputs and four 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 series includes the following devices:
- TX4 Transmit module with 4 XLR-F inputs and 4 XLR-M outputs
- TX4M Transmit module with 4 XLR-F inputs and 4 mic level (-40~0dB) isolated XLR-M outputs
- TX4L Transmit module with 4 XLR-F inputs and 4 line level (-20~+15dB) isolated XLR-M outputs
- RX4 Receive module with two sets of 4 XLR-M outputs
- RX4M Receive module with 4 mic-level (-40~0dB) isolated XLR-M outputs and 1 set of pass-through XLR-Ms
- 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 equipment looking good for years. A protective bar around the connectors keeps things safe while providing a handle for carrying. All modules are now available and the TX4, and RX4 sell for $139.99 USD (MAP), while the TX4M, TX4L, RX4M, and RX4L cost $229.99 USD.
radialeng.com