dBTechnologies has revealed the new proprietary digital audio and control protocol, A2Net at the ISE show in Barcelona. This is a tandem release with the first two products that will utilise A2Net, the new Control24A controller and the new ACU-1 card.
A2Net is an evolutionary concept born out of the dBTechnologies proprietary RDNet protocol. The A2Net protocol introduces the ability to transport up to four channels of high-resolution digital audio and RDnet control data though a SINGLE cable, replacing the need for bulky cabling and complex and pricey third party networking protocols.
Distinguished by its simplicity in use, the A2Net protocol allows users to dive into the world of native digital audio, streamlining and making operations instantaneous without the need for advanced IT knowledge.
A2Net is a ‘point to point’ protocol consisting of controllers such as the Control24A, and receivers such as the ACU-1 card enabling digital audio transmission of the highest quality signal by eliminating any loss caused by conversions from the mixer output to the speakers. The result is flawless sound capable of reproducing every nuance and detail with extreme accuracy.
The Control 24A is the first dBTechnologies controller native to A2NET networks and extends the established control functionalities of RDNet, offering the possibility to now embed up to four channels of high-resolution digital audio and RDNET management over a single CAT-5 cable.
Each Control 24A unit can manage up to 64 speakers equipped with A2Net cards, fully integrating with the AuroraNet software. Connection to the control interface (Mac/ Windows compatible) is possible via USB-C or TCP/IP network through a EtherCON connector. On the rear panel, there are four XLR connectors that can be used as four analogue audio inputs or four AES/EBU digital audio inputs. Two XLR outputs for AES/EBU digital audio allow a second or more Control24A units to be linked. Control24A units are equipped with two CAT-5 outputs using the A2Net protocol.
Control24A’s 1.54” e-paper display provides quick access to essential unit information such as IP address, the number of connected speakers, and individual unit status. Even without power, configuration information for the TCP/IP control network remains visible. Control24A also offers a redundant powering capability. The ACU-1 card enables the implementation of the A2NET protocol on speakers equipped with DIGIPRO G4 amplifiers.
The A2Net protocol provides maximum reliability through the system architecture which uses the analog inputs and outputs present on the speakers as redundancy for the digital audio signal, protecting the entire setup from potential failures or interruptions. The A2Net’s ‘True Bypass’ function between speakers guarantees that in the event of a power failure to one or more speakers, the audio signal continues to flow without interruption.
Every component in a dBTechnologies loudspeaker system integrates with the A2Net protocol; It is compatible with the entire Digipro G4 amp module line via the ACU-1 card, as well as with native dBTechnologies RDNet devices, fully supporting hybrid configurations with systems equipped with either or both, RDNet and A2Net protocol.
A2Net is controlled with the AURORA Net software, allowing monitoring and control capabilities of all speaker parameters, input selections, and redundancy needs- precisely and intuitively.
A2Net and Control24A are officially shipping worldwide on 28 February.
www.dbtechnologies.com/en/products/software-controller/a2net
