With broadcast, post production, recording studios and live sound rapidly transitioning to IP Audio, the need for confidence monitoring and diagnostic solutions have increased accordingly in recent years. Nixer Pro Audio specializes in developing, designing and manufacturing high quality and cost-effective AoIP tools that address this growing demand. The RL256, which offers confidence monitoring for high channel count, as well as a clear and intuitive touch display, is ideal for rapid source selection during demanding live events and broadcast transmissions.
Originally, the RL units were designed for use within large multichannel broadcast Master Control Rooms, and with the addition of RL256 an operator can now access up to 256 channels from a single monitoring position, making it ideal for not only Master Control Rooms, but also AoIP-equipped Outside Broadcast trucks.
With four base models in the RL Series, RL256 is the latest and largest addition to the range. It offers connection for 256 AoIP channels, but with the important note that each of the four Ethernet ports, each carrying 64 channels, can be tailored to offer 1-4 Dante ports or 1-4 Ravenna ports in any combination.
“We may have started out with a clear focus on the Dante IP Audio protocol, and we remain dedicated to that, of course, but overall we’re in AoIP,” says Nick Fletcher, CEO of Nixer Pro Audio.
“Therefore, we have now added the option to put Ravenna ports in one or all slots of the RL256, as well as supporting AES67 and SMPTE 2110 regardless of whether you go for Dante, Ravenna or a mix of both protocols. I am sure this flexible configuration design will allow broadcasters with mixed Dante and Ravenna environment to seamlessly integrate RL256 with their existing AoIP infrastructure.”
On the Dante side, RL256 supports Dante Controller, Dante Domain Manager, AES67 and SMPTE 2110. And Ravenna models are compatible with AES67, SMPTE 2110 and NMOS. Further, regardless of AoIP format, every port comes with a secondary redundancy connection, as well as dual power supplies to ensure reliable operation.
RL Series comes with built-in full-range speakers, but it is also possible to monitor the channels via the Headphones output, as well as AES or balanced line signal on XLR connectors. And on the input side, separate mic and AES inputs are located on the rear panel.
Finally, units that are purchased with 1,2 or 3 ports populated can be upgraded to the full RL256 specification if future needs for even more AoIP channels arise.
RL256 can be experienced at IBC 2022 at Stand F93 in Hall 8. More at https://www.nixerproaudio.com/.