Audio network monitoring solutions - NIXER PRO AUDIO
The Pawlaki Pro Audio company has another extraordinary brand in its distribution portfolio, offering extremely interesting devices. We are talking about Nixer Ltd - Nixerproaudio, which offers devices for independent monitoring and diagnostics for Dante and/or Ravenna networks (also AES67 and ST2110-30 streams). An extremely popular and current topic, and most importantly - future-oriented.
Nixer Ltd was founded in 2000 by Nick Fletcher as a response to numerous commissions for design work in the field of pro audio and more. He gained his experience starting as a test engineer and ending up as director of research and development at Cadac. From there he moved to RTW for 3 years before committing himself to Nixer for good. He started from scratch designing for many companies, from simple PCB layouts to complete products, through schematics, metalwork and firmware. Philip Jones then joined the company as chief technical officer, bringing his many talents in software development. After designing many products for other brands, they decided to develop and produce a range of products under the Nixer Pro Audio brand, which we will discuss below.
You can listen to individual channels via the built-in speakers or headphone jack.
Introduction Probably none of our readers needs to be explained what the Dante network protocol is, due to its huge popularity in many audio devices and installations. Each of us must have come across this network protocol in our work, and probably most of us work with it on a daily basis. In fact, currently every self-respecting manufacturer designs their devices either with implemented Dante, or with the possibility of extending it with this function. A slightly less known standard is Ravenna, which is most often used in broadcast applications. Ravenna is another IP-for-Audio (AoIP) networking protocol for real-time audio distribution in a broadcast environment. Using standard protocols and network technologies, Ravenna can run on existing AoIP network infrastructure and is inherently AES67 and SMPTE ST 2110 compliant. tools for their monitoring and diagnostics turn out to be useful. This is what Nixer Ltd focused on, offering extremely functional, easy to use and intuitive devices.
Common featuresIn order to best adapt to customer requirements, Nixer has prepared its devices in various formats. We have mobile devices at our disposal, as well as devices intended for mounting in a 1U or 2U rack. These devices have many things in common. They can operate at a sampling rate of 48kHz for 64 Dante channels or at 96kHz for 32 Dante channels. In addition, they are compatible with sampling rates of 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz and bit resolutions of 16 bit, 24 bit and 32 bit. They have a built-in generator of test signals such as: sin, triangle, square for frequencies of 50 Hz, 100 Hz, 200 Hz, 500 Hz, 1 kHz, 2 kHz, 5 kHz and 10 kHz as well as white and pink noise. Individual channels can be listened to via the built-in speakers or the headphone jack. The speakers are automatically muted when using headphones. Simultaneously, balanced stereo line outputs as well as AES inputs and outputs are available. Speakers and headphones have independent volume settings, and devices recall the last used setting for each when switching between speakers and headphones. The line outputs and AES output can be configured to match the speaker or headphone volume settings. In addition, you can set independent levels on them with individual mute values for each of the outputs. In addition, all inputs can be routed to any of the Dante output channels. The devices are operated and controlled using a color, 24-bit and capacitive LCD touch panel. The simple and elegant menu system has been designed to be intuitive to navigate, allowing the user to access all functions very quickly. The high-resolution screen is easy to read and presents the user with comprehensive information about levels, routing and status. Firmware updates are carried out via a dedicated USB connection.
PD Dante - portable diagnostics for Dante networks and audio monitoring This small portable unit is designed for mobile applications, although it can be successfully installed in places where this format will work best. The base of the device is a 5-inch touch screen, enabling control and management of Dante network parameters. Audio inputs and outputs, both digital and analog, are implemented using a 15-pin D-sub connector. Additional inputs are available as an unbalanced stereo line input on a 3.5mm jack or a microphone input on a headphone jack (suitable for standard mobile phone headsets). The PD Dante can be powered by PoE (13W), USB (1.5A) via a computer USB port, USB AC adapter or USB rechargeable battery. Firmware updates are performed via the microAB USB connector. The biggest advantage of PD Dante, in addition to monitoring the Dante network, is using it as a hardware Dante Controller - it allows you to subscribe to Dante channels between devices of the network in which it is located.
PD Dante is a portable Dante network monitoring unit that, thanks to its housing, can be easily placed on a desk, next to a console or directly at the AV system engineer's station
RD Dante – 2U 19” Rack Dante Network Monitoring and Diagnostics Tool The 2U Dante monitoring and diagnostics unit is designed for rack mounting. Signal monitoring is done via the built-in 75mm full-range speakers or via the 6.35mm headphone jack. The speakers are mounted in optimized enclosures with bass reflex ports. For high-quality sound, the RD Dante is operated and controlled via a 5” touchscreen display. RD Dante firmware updates are via the USB B connector on the front panel. There is also a 6.35mm jack for headphone output and a 6.35mm jack for line source input such as an iPod etc. On the back of the RD Dante there are 2 balanced line outputs and an AES output realized on 3-pin male XLR. In addition, the user has an AES input also in XLR format. The RD Dante has 2 IEC mains inputs (90V to 250V @ 50Hz to 60Hz) which can be run individually or together for redundancy.
RL64 Dante - 1U Channel Monitoring and Mixing Tool for Dante 19" Rack Network The 1U Dante Monitoring and Mixing Unit offers two operating modes. Mix mode that allows mixing of up to 64 channels, plus mic input (via headphone jack) and AES input, creating 67/2 matrices. Alternatively, it can be set to a simple listening mode where tapping a channel immediately routes the signal to the LR output and cancels any previous selection. The LR bus outputs are presented to the user via built-in 4mm x 9mm full range speakers or via a 3.5mm headphone jack. The mix output is also routed to the Dante output. The RL series devices are operated and controlled via a 6.6 inch LCD touch screen. Firmware updates for the RL64 Dante are accomplished via the USB micro AB connector on the front panel. There is also a 3.5mm jack for headphone output. On the back of the RL64 Dante there is a primary and secondary port for Dante input, two balanced XLR line outputs and an AES XLR output and input. The RL64 Dante can be powered via one of the two 2.5mm DC input connectors requiring 24V @ 2A or via PoE. These inputs also have a screw lock to prevent accidental disconnection. The use of two inputs provides redundancy. Optionally, the NIX00629 power supply can be used to power the RL64 Dante.
RL Series - 1U AoIP Monitoring and Mixing Tools for 19” Rack Mounting The 1U AoIP monitoring and mixing unit is available in four versions RL64, RL128, RL192 and RL256. Each unit must be configured as Dante and/or Ravenna at time of purchase. The touchscreen RL Series units allow two modes of operation, a mix mode that can mix up to 256 channels at 48kHz (128 channels at 96kHz) plus mic input (via headphone jack) and AES input to create a 259/2 matrix . Alternatively, it can be set to a simple listening mode where tapping on a channel immediately leads to the LR output and cancels any previous selection. The LR bus outputs are presented to the user via built-in 4mm x 9mm full range speakers or via a 3.5mm headphone jack. The RL series devices are operated and controlled via a 6.6 inch color touchscreen LCD display. On the back of the RL series device there can be up to 4 primary and secondary ports, each of which is a Dante and/or Ravenna port. The ZMAN module from Merging was used in the Ravenna port. The units also have 2x balanced XLR line outputs as well as AES XLR input and output. The RL series unit can be powered by one of the two 2.5mm DC input connectors requiring 24V @ 2A. These inputs also have a screw lock to prevent accidental disconnection. Using both inputs provides redundancy. Here, too, there is an option to power using NIX00629.
Nixer Pro Audio are independent monitoring and diagnostic solutions for Dante and/or Ravenna networks (also AES67 and ST2110-30 streams)
PLR64K Dante - The 64-Channel Dante Network Monitor for use with the PLR64K Remote is specifically designed to allow an operator or commentator to access any two independently selectable sources on a Dante network with a simple remote control panel. Each display shows the channel name and output meter level. Balanced XLR outputs deliver signals to local speakers or headphones. It is ideal for live applications where fast and trouble-free signal monitoring is essential. The set consists of three parts: PLR64 Dante, 2-channel wall remote control and 1.5 m D-sub cable. The PLR64 is designed to be mounted on a wall or under a desk, and then connected via a cable to a 2-channel wall-mounted remote control. The remote control allows independent selection for each output from the incoming Dante stream. Each output displays the selected Dante channel name and output level on an OLED display. Channel selection is done by scrolling up/down the available Dante channels using a pair of switches for each output. Each output is implemented in the XLR standard. The signal is electronically balanced and provides +21 dBu at 0 dBFS. PLR64 Dante firmware updates are accomplished via a dedicated USB micro B connector on the end panel. There is also a 3.5mm jack for headphone output.
SummaryIt's no secret to anyone, regardless of industry, that when everything is running smoothly, work is pure pleasure, and when a problem or malfunction occurs, the tools for diagnosis and monitoring are invaluable. That is why, in my opinion, Nixer Ltd devices are undoubtedly a must have in any AoIP-based installation for both Dante and Ravenna. Their functionality and intuitive operation, as well as a very thoughtful design, give you full control over your audio network. In addition, in the event of any problems, you will be able to identify and remove the fault quickly and without errors. Many years of experience of Nixer constructors guarantees the highest quality and reliability of devices. With products with the Nixer logo on board, you can be sure that everything an AoIP system engineer needs is at hand. To see for yourself the possibilities of Nixer devices, please contact Pawlaki Pro Audio specialists who know everything about them.
TEXT: Filip Wojtowicz, AVIntegracje
