Calrec launches RAVENNA/AES67 interface

Calrec Audio, RAVENNA partners since NAB 2014, are to unveil a number of networking interfaces at the forthcoming NAB show, including a 1U RAVENNA/AES67 interface that can transport 256 channels of audio on a single connection, writes Chris Cope.

Designed to interface with Calrec’s Hydra2 audio core which serves Calrec’s Apollo, Artemis and Summa consoles, the 1U box can accept a second expansion card which increases capacity to up to a phenomenal 512 channels of audio. Furthermore, as well as offering native RAVENNA/AES67 connectivity, the unit will also accept an AVB expansion card thereby enabling simultaneous operation of multiple formats.

The interface connects redundantly to Hydra2 and appears like any other I/O resource on the Hydra2 network. Hydra2’s integral suite of management tools provides additional benefits to allow remote configuration patching, port protection, alias files, virtual patchbays and access rights. This is an especially useful feature in remote environments where multiple trucks are connected as it means that different units can operate across multiple formats in the field.

Andreas Hildebrand, RAVENNA Evangelist at ALC NetworX, developers of the RAVENNA high-performance media-over-IP networking technology, welcomes the development from Calrec: “We’re delighted to see another major console manufacturer implementing RAVENNA as a basis for AES67 interoperability. RAVENNA is an excellent vehicle to bridge from an internal high performance network – in this instance, Hydra2 – to a wider, external network whilst still maintaining all the high performance capabilities required by demanding broadcast applications such as ultra-low latency, high channel capacity and full bit-transparent operation. Implementations are available from various RAVENNA OEM module suppliers, or the technology can be natively implemented into platforms with sufficient performance characteristics.”

According to Dave Letson, VP of Sales at Calrec: “It is imperative that Calrec supports RAVENNA and AES67 as they are popular options for broadcasters seeking an AoIP solution. Naturally, we want to support our customers’ working methods so we have developed this solution to provide another option that can be chosen with confidence to be fully integrable with Calrec’s consoles.”