Analog audio over Cat 5 wiring
The Catapult Rack TX and RX act like a typical multi-channel analog audio snake; they allow you to send mic or line-level signals from one location to another without signal loss, noise, or interference, and without any digital audio conversion needed. What makes the Catapult system unique is that it utilizes Cat 5 Ethernet cable, which is widely available, lightweight, and economical. Simply connect one shielded Cat 5 cable for every four channels of audio and deliver it to any other Radial Catapult module – it will utilize the analog conductors in the cable to deliver four balanced audio lines to any destination.
1 Rackspace, 3 times the channel count
The Catapult Rack units operate like three modules in one chassis. Since each Cat 5 Ethernet cable can carry four channels, the 12 XLRs on each Catapult Rack are split into three banks, each with their own noise-eliminating ground lift switch and RJ45 Ethernet jacks on the rear panel. You can use three Ethernet cables to connect all 12 channels to a single location, or split them off to any of the Radial Catapult stage boxes, providing you with a fully customizable audio snake system that can connect multiple destinations at once and even include transformer isolation where needed.
Rugged and flexible
The Catapult Rack TX and RX are built to handle the toughest pro touring environments, and like all Catapult modules they include Neutrik etherCON RJ45 connectors. These allow you to use compatible cables with a protective metal shell around the Ethernet connector that protects against accidental disconnection while also preventing damage to the RJ45 plug itself. Another useful feature on the Catapult Rack is the addition of reversible rack ears, which can be mounted on either side of the chassis, so you can have the XLRS or the Ethernet connections facing outwards as necessary.
Straight-wire passive operation
Catapult Rack modules require no power to operate, and since they keep the signal in the analog realm, no digital conversion is necessary. Straight-wire connection from each bank of XLRs to the RJ45 connector on a Cat 5 cable ensures that your audio passes through without coloration or distortion.
Product Features:
- Transforms standard Cat 5/Cat 6 cabling into a 12-channel line-level analog snake (when used in conjunction with a Catapult Rack RX — sold separately)
- Compatible with all Radial Catapult modules
- Uses the conductors in any shielded Cat 5 or Cat 6 cable to deliver balanced, line-level analog audio
- Requires 3 Cat 5 or Cat 6 cables, delivers 4 audio lines per cable
- Analog all the way, with no digital conversion
- Works via a building's pre-existing Ethernet network
- Reversible rack ears ensure optimal configuration with any setup
For more information on this or any other Radial Engineering product, visit www.radialeng.com.