DirectOut and Merging announce interoperability of 56 channels via RAVENNA

DirectOut and Merging announce interoperability of 256 channels via RAVENNA posted: 15/08/2015

The advantages of audio networks have been well publicized and are easy to understand, but in a true professional working environment, the importance of moving large channel counts around the network with very low latency is of great importance. Just as important is the ability to integrate with legacy I/O formats that will continue to be in use for some time to come. RAVENNA is the ideal network protocol for delivering these solutions and DirectOut Technologies and Merging Technologies offer complementary and compatible products that offer full interoperability.

More specifically, German pro audio connectivity specialists DirectOut and networked audio specialists Merging, are proud to announce high-performance interoperability of both their in-house developed RAVENNA cores. DirectOut's MONTONE.42 supports low-latency streaming of 256 audio channels to and from Merging's Pyramix Virtual Studio DAW. This high capacity and low latency feature demonstrates the full benefit of RAVENNA. Other RAVENNA-compliant devices such as Merging's Horus and Hapi networked audio converters and DirectOut's PRODUCER.COM can simply be added to the network to provide additional features and functionality.

Merging will commence shipping of the new Pyramix 10 workstation at IBC 2015 whilst DirectOut is delighted to announce that MONTONE.42 is already shipping. The MADI (AES10) to Audio-over-IP bridge is based on RAVENNA audio networking technology and offers four MADI and two gigabit network ports for maximum versatility. In addition it is also fully AES67-compliant (the interoperability standard from AES) for seamless compatibility with other AoIP devices. MONTONE.42 offers both an AES67 profile for straightforward network integration and RAVENNA profiles for more demanding applications requiring high performance transmission at minimum latency. An integrated routing matrix and remote control come as standard.

Claudio Becker-Foss, Product Manager at DirectOut adds: MONTONE.42 provides a reliable way to connect a big number of audio channels gathered from existing equipment with a high-performance audio workstation. Moreover, once all these channels are available in the network, it has never been easier to dynamically adjust the setup and provide signals wherever needed even while the production is already running.

Merging has been demonstrating interoperability with DirectOut for some years now so it is really great to be able to exploit the full capability of RAVENNA, commented Merging Technologies President, Claude Cellier. We are excited that AES67 opens up the possibility of connecting to other network solutions as well as interfacing with MADI, AES/EBU, ADAT and SPDIF. It makes life so much easier for the operators.

RAVENNA is a solution for real-time distribution of audio and other media content in IP-based network environments. Utilizing standardized network protocols and technologies, RAVENNA can operate on existing network infrastructures. RAVENNA is designed to meet the strict requirements of the pro audio market featuring low latency, full signal transparency and high reliability and is fully AES67 compatible. With a capacity of nearly 8 x MADI streams over a single Gigabit Ethernet link, it is also the first and only Layer-3 based IP audio protocol with full support for high-channel count DXD and DSD signals.

While primarily targeting the professional broadcast market, RAVENNA is also suitable for deployment in other pro audio market segments like live sound, install market and recording. Possible fields of application include (but are not limited to) in-house signal distribution in broadcasting houses, theatres, concert halls and other fixed installations, flexible setups at venues and live events, OB van support, inter-facility links across WAN connections and in production & recording applications.

Merging Technologies SA is a Swiss manufacturer with over 25 years of experience in developing groundbreaking, professional Audio and Video products for a wide range of entertainment and media industries. With a dedicated user base in the elite end of the music, film, television, mastering and performances industries, Merging is committed to developing product ranges with unrivalled quality and flexibility, no matter what the application. Merging builds tools for people who want more from their systems, have a inherent need to push boundaries, and believe that quality always comes first.

DirectOut GmbH was founded in 2008 by a team of professional sound engineers headed up by Stephan Flock, an award-winning classical music sound engineer with over 20 years' experience in digital audio signal processing design. The company specializes in developing essential pro audio connectivity, networking and bridging solutions for broadcast, studio, live and installed sound applications. Unique in that all members of the DirectOut development team are still active professional sound engineers, the company is thus fully focused on real-world demands and problem solving. The product range, marketed under the brand of DirectOut Technologies , offers solutions that build bridges between different audio worlds and make systems and formats more flexible. Audio formats supported include MADI, AES67 and RAVENNA. Headquartered in Mittweida, Germany, DirectOut products are distributed worldwide.

LINK:	http://www.live-production.tv/news/products/directout-and-merging-anno...
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