Optocore Upgrades Classic MADI Network Devices

Following on from the release of the DD32R interface last Autumn, these two 1RU products have been designed for compatibility with Optocore’s new Cat5-based SANE platform, allowing up to 256 channels over CAT5. The existing DD4ME and DD2FE MADI devices have thus been re-engineered to function within this environment, and include RJ45 SANE network connectivity, while the optical port upgrade (to 2Gbit LC SPF’s) allows for simple user exchangeable single or multimode fibre transceivers.

The expanded capacity provides each ring with the capability of carrying up to an unprecedented 1024 audio channels over a 2 Gbit network, and at the same time create cost-effective copper based, 24 ID sub network rings from any of the 24 devices that can appear on the prime fibre based network.

Each device also supports two 100Mbit Ethernet links which meets increasing demands for Ethernet-based signal distribution over long distances (thereby ensuring redundant, fault-tolerant Ethernet).

The DD4MR-FX MADI device with Ethernet (for Optocore and SANE) has been designed with 2 x 64 MADI Inputs and 2 x 64 MADI Outs, providing 128 x 128 channels on BNC connectors, with 2 x 64 SANE Inputs and 2 x 64 SANE Outputs, providing 128 x 128 channels on RJ45 connectors, Ethernet ports and composite video I/O. It offers 128 audio input and output channels, with four RS485 ports, allowing remote, DMX, MIDI and computer data control, and RS232 and USB ports for network and device control.

Primary features include External word clock input/output; Built-in network redundancy (as a result of the two optical fibre ports); Two optical links; Two SANE and Ethernet links; Two 100 Mbit Ethernet links; Dual universal voltage AC power supplies; Power consumption of typically 10W; Distance between two devices of up to 700 m/2300 ft standard, with the option of distances up to 70 km/43.5 miles.

A further unique feature is that Optocore equips its optical MADI devices with transceivers which can connect to both Single Mode and Multi Mode link partners.

In addition to the expanded functionality, the new models are up to 50% less expensive than the MADI devices they replace, with greater energy conversion and reduced power consumption of up to 40%.

And since the output channel capability is theoretically unlimited, in addition to the huge flexibility that this implies, costs can be further rationalised between fibre and CAT5 usage.

About the Optocore ‘R’ Series

By re-engineering its classic optical fibre interfaces to maximize the new proprietary SANE platform (over Ethernet), Optocore are not only increasing capacity to serve both fibre and CAT5 usage, but at the same time increasing featureset / functionality and energy efficiency, with a lower power draw, reduced carbon footprint and significant decrease in price.
When the first R Series device (the conversion of the classic DD32E interface) was released last Autumn it astonished the market by providing 100% more fibre bandwidth, and offering 2GBit operation, for an astonishing 1024 input channels per ring (plus unlimited number of output channels). Single rings could become even more powerful and stacked rings, for an unlimited number of inputs, even easier to implement.
This is standard architecture, as each R series device can open up to three separate 100MBit links and a single Optocore fibre can run up to 16 100MBit links yielding far better performance of audio distribution systems such as CobraNet, Ethersound, and Dante. In addition, all Optocore’s ‘R’ series devices will operate down to minus 20 degrees Celsius and feature 50μ hard gold plated connectors for premium quality and long life.