Table of Contents
Advertisement
12
Network
The XL8's MidasNET network utilises the physical connectivity of Ethernet (Ethercon
connectors and Cat5/Cat6 cable), but replaces its data protocol with AES50 protocol
(implemented as Sony SuperMac) and the Sony HyperMac high capacity system, which
are more suited to high quality, low latency audio distribution. The use of the AES
standard allows straightforward interfacing with any third party hardware that also
utilises this connection.
MidasNET connections carry digital audio, control data and standard Ethernet traffic
bi-directionally down a single cable. Cat5 cable is used for the 'local' (24-channel)
connections and the single digital 'snake' (equivalent to a 384-channel analogue
multi-core) - between control centre and router - is either Cat6 or fibre optic. The
combination of audio, control, clock and third party Ethernet data in a single network
means that the hardware interfaces on a single RJ45 connection.
All system connections are duplicated for full dual redundancy.
System interconnections
Figure 1 shows basic system interconnectivity and indicates where the XL8 Control
Centre sits within the system. This figure also illustrates redundancy by showing that
the two halves of the system - left and right - are identical (ignoring the DN9331
RAPIDE).
The XL8 Control Centre, which forms the core of the XL8 Live Performance System, is
directly connected to the local I/O units, DN9331 RAPIDE and routers (via the 'snake').
Each router (highlighted in red) acts as a hub and is connected to the mic splitters I/O
units and DSPs, which are common to both halves of system. The network carries both
proprietary control data and open architecture AES50 digital audio, and uses readily
available standard Cat5, Cat6/fibre optic cabling and connectors.
Chapter 2: XL8 Live Performance System Overview
XL8 Control Centre
Operator Manual
Advertisement
Table of Contents
