intensive upgrade work. “Digital audio distribution alongside LAN traffic eliminates additional infrastructure costs, and widespread cable routing is now the norm,” says Beretta. “A host of new networking technologies is bringing audio-over-Ethernet to a new level, using standard IP protocols and pioneering the AVB set of standards.” Despite suffering from what is currently perceived in some quarters as a shortfall in availability of compliant products, the AVB (Audio-Video Bridging) project that involves the creation of standards for audio-over-Ethernet delivery is still generally expected to bring unprecedented uniformity to this area of networking.
THE FUTURE? Until such a time, individual approaches to the audio- over-IP debate are continuing to prosper, with two in particular widely perceived as successors to MADI. From Australian manufacturer Audinate, Dante is able to deliver 1,024 or 512 bidirectional
channels at 48K/24-bit or 96K/24-bit, respectively, over Gigabit Ethernet. Then there is Ravenna,
developed by Lawo group company ALC NetworX. Although promoted most firmly towards broadcast – where its ability to operate without dedicated switches is felt to make it particularly conducive to integration into complex existing infrastructures – there are also potential applications in live and other parts of install. Once again, there is a significantly increased channel count; there are no specified limits with Ravenna, but with a typical Gbit LAN it is possible to run up to 500 audio channels at 24-bit/48kHz. Specific details of the
various approaches to audio- over-IP do vary but, suggests Beretta, “they have more in common than you might expect, and the ultimate goal of interoperability is not far away”. In advance of that no doubt glorious day arriving, there will be plenty of sympathy with the opinion voiced by SSL’s Duffell, who appears to favour caution
until there is a thoroughly ratified and “widely supported open standard for alternative approaches to high channel-count audio distribution”. He adds: “Particularly in broadcast, users need to be able to combine technology by different manufacturers in a simple and practical way, and at the moment other approaches still don’t really match MADI in that way.” Every protocol has its day, of course, or as Beretta opines, “standards shift into legacy status gradually over time”. But, in an uncertain period, MADI is unquestionably reliable, and for that reason – ‘second coming’ or not – its short-to- mid term future is assured.
M-MADI is one of a range of digital audio networking options available for Allen & Heath’s iLive and GLD mixers to enable integration with other systems, digital mic splitting, multi-track recording and system expansion
Lawo MADI.SRC enables real-time sample rate conversion of a complete MADI stream (64 audio channels)
SSL’s MADI-X8, an eight-port MADI routing system
The MADI-enabled DGlink stagebox from Link
provides the transport and distribution of analogue and digital audio while facilitating additional communications, control and monitoring signals. The DGlink architecture is modular so it can be configured to meet current needs and still be extensible for the future
For modern, minimalist designs in both commercial and residential premises, Amina Invisible Loudspeakers offer the perfect solution.
Contact Amina
T: +44 1480 354390 / E: inspired@amina.co.uk / W: amina.co.uk A recent Amina installation: Platform of Arts and Creativity, Portugal