Netbox DSP

The Netbox DSP is an audio matrix for Dante AoIP with processing, routing and mixing capabilities as well as test signals and VU meters. The Netbox DSP is available in 64×64, 96×96, 128×128 and 160×160 versions all of which include a redundant power supply. 16 GPIs and 16 GPOs (each GPIO connector includes a power supply pin to feed external circuitry) and GPIO over Dante AoIP allows remote control of external devices.

The system is a perfect solution for large and medium-sized installations. It can route each of its inputs from the IP network, to any, or several, of its IP outputs. As a summing matrix, it can also mix combinations of its inputs, each one with independent level, to each of its outputs, according
to the configuration established in Netbox RTC at any given time, being able to adjust audio levels both for inputs and outputs or for each individual cross-point. Being a processor, it can also apply to a total of 64 mono audio channels, either input or output, individual or grouped in stereo pairs, one or more of the available audio processes: Filters, equalization, DSP processing, noise gate and delay.

It can also generate a test tone that can be applied to any output, and sends audio presence indicators to the operation software for every input and output as well as precision vu-meters. This allows you to add any device to the Dante AoIP network. This is a plug and play technology with automatic detection of the hardware and simple audio routing.

Main Features

• Logic lines grouping into stereo pairs.
• Input and output level adjustment.
• Signal mixing to any output on demand, with no limitations.
• Customized view and work scenarios configuration.
• Macro, salvo and configuration views management.
• Task scheduling, executed by clock, alarm or external triggering.
• Talkback or Multiplex, N-1 based, group creation.
• Multi-device and multi-user control.
• Access rights management for each functional user group.
• Critical lines protection.
• Physical and virtual GPIO management between different devices.
• AGC (automatic gain control) on AoIP inputs and outputs.
• Flexible vu-meters and test-tone generation.
• Dante / AES67 AoIP connectivity.
• Additional adjustment of levels at each cross-point.
• Hardware alarms: Power supply failure, Local network interface failure and System Internal configuration failure.
• From 64 to 160 AES67 / Dante AoIP inputs and outputs
• 64 Frequency Processes: High-pass, low-pass and band-pass filters, 4-band Parametric Equalizer.
• 64 Dynamics Processes: DLP (Compressor, Expander, Limiter) in 4 sections, and Noise Gate
• 64 Delay of up to 10 seconds.

Front Panel

1. Power-ON LED. Indicates the device’s power supply status.
2. LAN LEDs. Indicate the status connection of the audio over the following local area network ports: LAN 1 (main interface) and LAN 2 (secondary interface).
3. Power switch.

Rear Panel

1. Power input: The power supply connectors are located in the back left area of the unit. The power supply is redundant and autoranging.
2. Ethernet ports (LAN 1 and LAN 2). NETBOX DSP features two Ethernet ports: LAN 1 must always be wired, while LAN2 is to be connected only when the system is configured in “Daisy Chain” mode or a redundant system is set up.
3. GPIO connectors (DB15). NETBOX DSP includes two of these connectors including 8 GPI each, and another two with 8 GPO each. All the connectors have a common ground and provide a 5V reference signal. Thanks to the open protocol implemented, operation with third-party devices is possible, allowing GPI and GPO transportation between systems using the IP network.

Easy Installation

AEQ simplifies installation making pre-manufactured wiring between the system and connected devices. The “CP CAB GPIO” accessory is provided on-demand. It consists on a DB15 male connector soldered to a 15-way, 6-meter long cable, which no connectors in the other end, for GPI and GPO usage. Each cable allows for the connection of the 8 GPI or 8 GPO provided in each device’s connector.

Netbox Tool application
Setup Wizard running over Windows operating systems, offering the following features:

• IP configuration and synchronization.
• Input and output gains control, stereo pairings and phase (Figure 1).
• GPIO configuration, selection of the network devices receiving its GPI and pairing of physical and virtual GPIO (Figure 2).
• IP addresses configuration to send the vumeters for any of the device inputs (analogue, digital or Dante), in order to link to Visual Radio systems.

“Dante Controller” application
Running over Windows operating system, offering the following features:

• View all Dante-enabled audio devices and their channels on the network.
• View Dante-enabled device clock and network settings.
• Route audio on these devices, and view the state of existing audio routes.
• Lock and unlock Dante devices.
• Change the labels of audio channels.
• Customize the receive latency (latency before play out).
• Save audio routing presets.
• Apply previously saved presets.
• View and set per device configuration options.
• View network status information, including: multicast bandwidth across the network and transmit and receive bandwidth for each device.
• View device performance information, including latency statistics and packet errors.
• View clock status information for each device, including frequency offset history and clock event logs.

Technical Specifications

Inputs and outputs:

• Dante / AES67 channels, According to internal configuration:
  • 64 bidirectionals.
  • 96 bidirectionals.
  • 128 bidirectionals.
  • 160 bidirectionals.
• Additional tone generator input: 1 KHz. +4 dBu (-20 dBFS).
• Bandwidth: 20 to 20.000 Hz @ +/- 0.5 dB.)

Level indicators and meters:

• Bank of mono or stereo AoIP input and output level meters in Netbox RTC software.
• Precision level metering of a mono or stereo AoIP input or output in Netbox RTC software.
• 4-color level indicator for all audio inputs and outputs in Netbox RTC software.
• Configurable low signal level alarm for any input and output in Netbox RTC software.

GPIOs:

• 16 physical GPIs at 2 DB15 connectors, including +5V power supply pin.
• 16 physical GPOs at 2 DB15 connectors, including +5V power supply pin.
• 256 virtual GPIOs that may be used to perform any of the following functions:
  • Transportation of signalling between devices.
  • Reporting audio presence at any input.
  • Indicate audio absence in any output.
  • Remote muting of any output.
  • Activation and triggering of macros and salvos.
• Physical GPI and GPO are standard GPIO, while virtual GPIO use AEQ’s proprietary protocol, although it is starting to be implemented by several integrators. GPIO can also be transported through the IP network between compatible devices. This way, a GPI can drive GPOs in other equipment. This is what we call “Virtual GPIO”.

Redundancy:

• NETBOX DSP device features a redundant power supply. In case that one of them stops receiving mains or fails, the system is fed by the other one without any operation disruption.
• NETBOX DSP includes two Ethernet ports. These may be configured in “Daisy Chain” mode, Primary / Secondary or Master / Slave modes.
• When Primary/Secondary redundancy mode is configured, the device uses Dante native redundancy system, which allows for Primary/Secondary failover without losing audio samples as seamless changeover.

Mixing:

NETBOX DSP can also mix any of its inputs to any output that was enabled for it in the configuration process. This means that any set of inputs can be mixed to any of the outputs. At each input, output, and cross-point for an input and output, the gain can be modified. Any output can also be muted.

Network Technology DANTE:

• Data format: Dante Audio over IP technology. AES67 compatible.
• Plug-and-play technology – automatic detection of the hardware and simple audio routing.
• Precise sample-level synchronization, even through several switches.
• Very low and deterministic delay in the entire network.
• Flexible and scalable network topology, supporting a great number of audio transmitters and receivers.
• Supports a single integrated network used for audio, video, control and monitoring. Compatible with other kinds of trace using QoS management.
• Uses low-cost, on-the-self network infrastructure.
• 24-bit , 48 KHz. audio resolution.
• Delay: 1-2 ms (@ 48 KHz typical, depending on network performance and complexity).
• 2 RJ45 Ethernet ports per interface, 1000 BASE-T, transformer isolated, that can be used for redundancy or daisy-chain connections.
• Binary rate: 100/1000 Mbps.
• Maximum segment length: 100m max. over CAT5e or better cabling.

Audio Processing:
NETBOX DSP provides an “AGC” (Automatic Gain Control) function which can be applied to any of the AoIP inputs and outputs without limits. Simple adjustment, only a target level in dBFS needs to be specified.
In addition, the device can perform one or more of the following processes up to 64 channels, either input or output, Mono individual or grouped in stereo pairs:

• High pass filter.
• Low pass filter.
• Band filter.
• 4-band parametric equalizer.
• Combined DLP (Dynamic Level Processor) up to 5 points, with 4 process sections depending on the level, with the functions:
• Compressor.
• Expander.
• Limiter.
• Noise gate.
• Delay.

General Specifications

• Cooling: Absolutely quiet natural convection cooling system, compatible with studio operation.
• Dimensions and weight: 44 x 482 x 356 mm (1.73″ x 19″ x 14.”). 3,5 Kg. (7,7 lbs).
• Power supply: Redundant internal power supply (90 – 264V AC, 47-63Hz).
• Temperature range: -10 to + 45 º C (32 to 114 º F).
• Easy to install: NETBOX DSP is a 19” rack unit with 1U height.

Versions:

• DSP 64: Processes 64 signals, routes and mixes 64 signals.
• DSP 96: Processes 64 signals, routes and mixes 96 signals.
• DSP 128: Processes 64 signals, routes and mixes 128 signals.
• DSP 160: Processes 64 signals, routes and mixes 160 signals.