An Introduction To Audio Networking; Distributed Audio - PRESONUS StudioLive 24R Networking Manual

1 Overview
1.1

An Introduction to Audio Networking

An Introduction to Audio Networking
1.1
1.2

Distributed Audio

As its name implies, audio networking allows you to transport large amounts of
data over a single cable. The bandwidth for modern networking transport protocols
is enough to carry hundreds of audio channels without the compression once
necessary to do so. This means that audio can be moved quickly over long distances
without signal degradation or the expense of conventional analog cabling.
The flexibility demanded by data network protocols also opens up
possibilities for audio system configuration that were once impossible.
Many nodes of I/O can be placed throughout a facility or venue without the
limitations imposed by analog cabling. Because networked audio is digital,
electromagnetic interference and cable capacitance that can degrade
audio signal quality in the analog domain are no longer problematic.
Because many modern digital audio devices also offer remote control over
LAN networks, this also reduces the amount of cabling. In an audio network,
control data and audio can travel over the same connection, facilitating
flexible routing, preamp control, and more using a single cable.
In a traditional analog system, remote analog I/O must be located within a relatively
short distance between the source and the destination. Let's take a common
example: the multichannel snake. In a live setting, the stage box to which the
musicians are connecting their gear is located with them on stage. This shortens the
cable runs coming from multiple locations (e.g., the lead singer's mic, the guitarist's
amp, etc.). These cables are connected to a stage box which is attached to a shielded
multichannel snake that makes the long run to the mixer at Front-of-House.
In a distributed audio network, each musician could have their own node
on the network, potentially. Multiple networked stage boxes can be spread
around the stage, making the analog cable runs as short as possible to minimize
signal degradation. Take this concept a step further, and multiple sources
can be spread throughout a large facility, each sitting on the network to be
sent to many mixers on the network, not just the one at front-of-house.
This flexibility makes distributed audio networking an appealing concept for both
mobile and installed applications, not only because of the affordability of Ethernet
cabling, but because of the ability to customize each system for the people using it.
On the surface, this level of flexibility lends itself to a deeper complexity than a
standard analog system. However, when one considers the function of an analog
patch bay within a studio setting, audio networking can seem a bit less daunting.
An analog patchbay's purpose is to facilitate the routing of audio. In
this way, you can insert your favorite boutique compressor into any
channel on your console without rewiring your entire rack. This also lets
you route audio from the wall panel in your live room to any preamp
you wish to use, audition multiple effects chains, and much more.
The only difference between an analog patchbay and the digital patching
available in a distributed audio network is that you must physically trace a
cable connection if you are unsure of a particularly complex routing in an
analog system. In a distributed audio network, the control panel for all your
digital routing allows you to do the same thing from a single screen.
StudioLive™ Series III
AVB Networking Guide
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