Introducing xNodes: New 3rd-generation AoIP interfaces from Axia

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Introducing xNodes: New 3rd-generation AoIP interfaces from Axia

2 April 2012, Cleveland Ohio, USA

Axia Audio will introduce a new family of audio nodes for Livewire AoIP networks at the 2012 NAB Convention in Las Vegas.

Axia xNodes are a family of audio interfaces that convert traditional analog and digital audio signals into the routable, low-latency, uncompressed LivewireTM IP-Audio streams used by Axia AoIP networks.

"xNodes make setting up an IP-Audio network faster than ever before," says Axia President Michael "Catfish" Dosch. "They‘re small, so you can put them anywhere your audio sources are. And they‘re self- configuring. All you have to do is plug them into your network, give them an ID, and start connecting audio sources. What could be easier?"

Most industry experts agree that one day, networked audio gear will be everywhere. Already, many high-profile companies including Nautel, Studer, and Telos, to name just a few, are building Livewire interfaces directly into their equipment. In fact, there already more than 30 companies that have standardized on Livewire, with more being added all the time. Until Livewire is everywhere, there will always be some old-fashioned equipment that will need connection to audio networks. xNodes make that possible.

What are some of the new features that make xNodes so special? Here are just a few:

  • xNodes are smart; they can configure themselves, eliminating much of the work involved in an AoIP network‘s initial setup.
  • xNodes are small; two xNodes fit in just 1RU of space. With optional wall-mount kits, xNodes can be mounted on a wall, a ceiling, or even under a counter.
  • xNodes run cool and silent. Their telecom-grade auto-ranging internal power supplies are fanless, and consume only 14 Watts of power. They can also draw Power-over-Ethernet from a network switch with PoE, or the power injector included with each xNode.
  • xNodes have peace-of-mind features like dual Livewire ports for connection to parallel network paths, and a redundant power plan that can switch from AC to PoE, or vice-versa, should your preferred power source become unavailable.
  • xNodes work with both stereo and mono audio signals. xNodes can be configured to provide either 8-in/8-out mono streams or 4-in/4-out stereo streams.
  • Along with convenient RJ-45 ports for each audio input and output, xNodes also present all audio signals on locking DB-25 connectors that are compatible with industry-standard DB-to- XLR snakes.

Axia xNodes are available in five different versions, described below.

The Analog xNode has 8 mono balanced line-level inputs and 8 mono balanced line-level outputs (or 4 stereo inputs and outputs). The short-circuit protected outputs can deliver up to +24dBu before clipping. xNodes use the latest A/D/A converter technology for superior audio performance.

The AES/EBU xNode provides 4 stereo digital inputs and 4 stereo digital outputs, which can also be treated as 8 mono inputs and 8 mono outputs. Stunning performance specs include a 48 kHz sampling rate, 126dB of dynamic range, and <0.0003% THD.

The Microphone xNode has four professional-grade microphone preamps with selectable Phantom power and software-adjustable gain. There are also four balanced analog line outputs to conveniently deliver headphone and studio monitor feeds back to your talent.

The GPIO xNode provides 6 general-purpose logic ports for control of studio peripherals – audio devices, loudspeaker muting relays, signal lamps, et cetera – each with 5 opto-isolated inputs and 5 outputs. A logic port (using a standard D-sub connector) can be associated with any audio input or output and routes control data transparently along with the audio.

The Mixed-Signal xNode is tailored for applications that require a mix of different audio I/O types. It provides 1 selectable Mic/Line analog input with XLR connector, 2 dedicated analog line inputs, 3 analog line outputs, 1 digital AES3 input and 1 AES3 output, and 2 GPIO ports.

xNodes will be available during Q2, 2012. Suggested list pricing on Analog, AES/EBU and Microphone xNodes is $1,495 USD; Mixed-Signal xNodes list at $1,595, and GPIO xNodes at $1,295.

Visitors to NAB 2012 in Las Vegas can see the xNode family in operation at the Axia Audio/Telos Alliance exhibit, Booth C3113 in the Central Hall. For more information about Axia, visitwww.AxiaAudio.com or contact Clark Novak at cnovak@AxiaAudio.com, call +1-216-241-7225.

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Axia, a Telos company, builds Ethernet-based professional IP-Audio products for broadcast, sound-reinforcement and commercial audio applications. Along with the popular Element 2.0 modular console for on-air, commercial production, audio workstations and personal studios, Axia products include the PowerStation integrated console engine, intercom systems, digital audio routers, DSP mixers and processors, and software for configuring, managing and interfacing networked audio systems.