PROaudiO
The power of networked audio Networked audio is the way forward for audio distribution, as it helps eliminate the shortcomings of analogue and is cost-effective, says Ryan Burr
One of the most promising trends in the audio sector in recent years has been the emergence of digital audio networking. Traditional analogue distribution systems are plagued by an inherent complexity: the logical and physical connections are one and the same. This means that building complex and flexible audio distribution systems is expensive and difficult, requiring large amounts of copper cabling and separate conduits for signals of differing
voltages, and throwing up other complexities. No matter how you do the maths, running analogue cable is just plain troublesome! Today, IT is indispensable to any organisation and connectivity is as much a basic amenity as running water. Businesses already have robust network cabling infrastructures in place, which are leveraged for their communication, data transfer, control and security requirements. In this modern environment, it's no
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wonder digitally networked audio is generating such attention. This approach lets you build flexible audio installations by using industry standard CAT-5 networking equipment instead of far more expensive and typically error-prone analogue cables. Networked audio also helps eliminate the challenges of having to plan the audio cabling around existing utility structures and architectural hurdles, as it uses the network already in place.