Optocore Provides Fohhn with Digital Connectivity and Added Flexibility for Flagship Focus Line Array

(16/02/2015) Digital fibre solutions specialists, Optocore GmbH, have entered into an agreement with fellow German manufacturers Fohhn Audio AG, to provide multi-channel digital connectivity to their pioneering Linea Focus electronically steerable loudspeakers.

Explaining the background to the partnership, Fohhn's Public Relations & Marketing Manager, Daniela Bohl, stated, We were looking for a solution to provide our speaker systems with a digital signal and control data; up to now we only had an analogue solution.

We chose Optocore because they are the pioneers of that technology and there is a perfect fit between our two companies, as we are both innovation-driven and German based.

In order to provide integration onto the Optocore networks, the fibre specialists have created a special card, while Fohhn has developed a purpose enclosure, which can be attached to their Linea Focus series loudspeakers to provide optional input extensions.

This will enable digital audio and control data to be distributed simultaneously, either via Cat5 or optical fibre. These Optocore extensions will provide excellent audio quality, entire control of the speaker and facilitate reliable and redundant digital audio network, notes Ms. Bohl.

Masterminding the project for Optocore, Applications Engineering Manager, Maciek Janiszewski, states that the cards will come in fibre Optocore FX and Cat5 SANE TP versions.

Each card will provide two outputs to feed loudspeakers with two independent audio signals, RS485 port for control and GPIO. All these signals can be transported on single-fibre or Cat5 cable.

The Fibre FX version enables all speakers to operate on an Optocore fibre ring in conjunction with all other devices from the Optocore portfolio as well as third party products with an Optocore interface. The distance between loudspeakers can be up to 120km.

The Cat5 SANE TP version can function as a local extension to the fibre node enabling users to build local daisy chains with 100m distance between the loudspeakers.

Summing up, Janiszewski confirms, This card adds huge flexibility to the Fohhn solutions, simplifies cabling and adds quality by reducing signal losses over coax.

Both companies will benefit from this cooperation: Optocore will raise its profile in the installed sound sector, especially in transportation hubs (large scale PA systems in railway stations and airports), while Fohhn will be able to offer the best signal transport solution as well as distributed routing and redundancy.

And Daniela Bohl adds, We are looking forward to integrating the innovative Optocore technology into our highly developed electronically steerable Linea Focus. We are extremely excited about the cooperation and the possibilities resulting from it.

About Fohhn

AudioFohhn Audio AG specialises in the development and manufacture of professional loudspeaker systems for both mobile and fixed-installation sound reinforcement. For 20 years the company, based in N rtingen in the South-west of Germany, has been developing system concepts that combine innovative design, functionality, state-of-the-art DSP, amplification and remote technology with first class sound quality and reliability. Furthermore, Fohhn Audio AG is a leading manufacturer of professional loudspeaker systems featuring state-of-the-art Beam Steering Technology. Fohhn's flagship Focus-Series of active line-array systems includes the electronically steerable Linea Focus range and the unique, modular and high-performance Focus Modular systems. Fohhn is currently distributed worldwide in more than 30 countries. Fohhn systems are found in performance venues, houses of worship, historic buildings, exhibition and conference facilities etc.

About Optocore

Based in Munich, Germany, OPTOCORE is the world market leading provider of high bandwidth, low latency, resilient, scalable and flexible fibre optic based networks for the transmission of audio, video and data. For 19 years, Optocore has been continuously innovating and setting new standards with regards to digital network technology. OPTOCORE builds and develops synchronous optical fibre and CAT5 based network solutions for broadcast professionals for fixed installations and live event applications. Utilising leading-edge technology and high-quality components Optocore guarantees durability and therefore long-term market and customer satisfaction. Due to the open system architecture, Optocore's platform offers other manufacturers the option to transfer conventional standard audio, video and data formats used in the pro audio industry, via an Optocore network. Technical expertise, QoS and an extensive support structure are guaranteed to all customers, together with the highest level of quality.

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