An FPGA-based processing engine handles routing, conversion and DSP with low latency.
Modular I/O Architecture
The chassis carries two A slots, two B slots and four C slots. A slots take audio network, multi-port MADI or USB cards for up to 128 channels each; B slots take single-port MADI cards at 64 channels each; C slots take converter (mic/line, AD/DA) or AES3 cards at 8 channels each. Fully populated, the frame handles 416 inputs and 420 outputs through a single channel-based routing matrix, and modules can be swapped later as a system's format requirements change.
Networked Audio and DSP
Network cards cover RAVENNA/AES67, Dante, SoundGrid and AVB/MILAN, and the frame can run two independently formatted network modules at once for cross-format interoperability. Onboard FPGA DSP provides flex channels, matrix mixers, summing busses, EQ (FIR and IIR), dynamics and delay, with pick-off points and inserts placed anywhere in the signal path. Sample rate conversion is available on AES inputs and via FastSRC on MADI and network I/O, so format, media and sample-rate conversion can run simultaneously at up to 192 kHz.
Control and Monitoring
The frame is driven by DirectOut's globcon software, a built-in web UI, or the front-panel touchscreen, and speaks JSON API, SNMP, OSC, Ember+ and Lawo HOME for third-party integration. Two headphone outputs give local monitoring of any I/O point, and two phase-redundant power supplies plus a redundant network switch keep the unit running through a single point of failure. EARS (Enhanced Automatic Redundancy Switching) and an internal LTC reader round out the monitoring and sync toolset.
Applications
Format conversion, signal distribution, network audio bridging and DSP processing for live sound, broadcast, recording and fixed installation systems.
Key Specifications
- Slots: 2x A (network/multi-port MADI/USB, up to 128 ch), 2x B (single-port MADI, 64 ch), 4x C (converter/AES3, 8 ch)
- Max I/O: 416 inputs / 420 outputs, channel-based routing matrix
- Network formats: RAVENNA/AES67, Dante, SoundGrid, AVB/MILAN
- Sample rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz (plus/minus 12.5%)
- MADI formats: 48k/96k frame, 56/64 channel, S/MUX
- DSP: 32 Flex Channels, 32 FIR filters, 32 IIR filters, 32 Dynamics, 32 Delays, 32 Summing Busses, 8x 8x8 Matrix Mixer, 8x 16x4 Matrix Mixer, AutoMix (16 groups)
- SRC: Synchronous/asynchronous, AES inputs and FastSRC on MADI/network I/O
- Word clock I/O: 2x coaxial BNC (75 ohm switchable), WCK2 switchable to Video Sync
- Remote network: 2x RJ45 (1 Gbit/s), 1x SFP
- Control protocols: JSON API, SNMP, OSC, Ember+, Lawo HOME
- Power supply: 2x 84-264 V AC / 47-63 Hz, phase-redundant, safety class 1
- Power consumption: 20 to 110 W, module dependent
- Display: 5.0-inch backlit LED LCD, IPS transmissive, 480 x 854 px
- Dimensions: 483 mm (W) x 89 mm (H, 2RU) x 254 mm (D)
- Weight: approx. 10 kg
