Networked Audio: Necessary for your Studio?
Audio has begun to actively get involved in various sectors, mainly in entertainment. However, it has gradually become more relevant, a perfect complement to other business areas, and its use has spread to hundreds of industries nowadays.
A good number of professionals have identified potential areas of opportunity in different sectors and have migrated these platforms to the possibilities of network technology, with the discovery of benefits that maximized security, in addition to helping multiple businesses to improve their processes and thus reducing losses through simple management. Networked Audio systems have begun to be used in different industries due to their scalability and easy integration, and these solutions will be a major trend that will mark the course of various businesses in the coming years. The sectors where it is expected to have a greater impact will be enhanced by its enormous advantages.
But what is Networked Audio?
It is none other than the real-time distribution of the digital audio signal over Ethernet networks. Actually, networked audio is a compulsory subject in the field of direct sound and we want to bring you closer to this essential digital audio distribution system. In short, Networked Audio is the logical consequence of digital audio. Digital audio is nothing but data, and data is merely data. If we can send kitten videos over the Internet (which is data) we can also send audio. Depending on the bandwidth available to send this data, we can send it through more or fewer channels. But, of course, that’s thinking from a purely digital or purely IT point of view.
Some uses of Networked Audio
When we talk about Networked Audio, we think of sophisticated studios, and companies like Enhanced Media, functioning in the sound mixing industry. The reality is that this trend operates in various scenarios, such as the retail sector, for example. Today, retail businesses face different challenges, such as increasing competition. Networked audio is ideal for increasing competitiveness, as it not only improves the efficiency of the network video platform but also enhances the customer experience through the multiple benefits it offers.
On the other hand, educational institutions have always faced an important need for protection, therefore, the vast majority of these campuses have video surveillance cameras, Nevertheless, some have decided to go further by integrating network audio solutions into their video platforms.
Implementing this solution offers several advantages, for example, it can be used to make live announcements to students or faculty, which makes more efficient management of classrooms and cultural spaces, among others.
Protocols
The most widely used protocol is Dante, which is based on Ethernet cable. It is a reliable operating system, without much trouble. It supports more than 500 audio channels (512), managing to control each console up to 24 RIOs. All information regarding digital audio and its commissioning is communicated over a single cable, via IP, with ethercon connectors. There are other protocols, such as A-Net, AVB, or SoundGrid. All of them are easy to use and have unquestionable operability, however, Dante is the friendliest of all for those who are just entering these waters.
Basic principles
The important thing to know is that no matter what protocol is used, an Ethernet-based audio network will always consist of a series of switches that gather all the cables in a central hub and allow the correct routing of information across the network. In addition, the network will need a Network Interface Controller connected to a computer, as well as a digital mixer, a networked stage box, etc., and, as the name implies, it allows these devices to communicate with other devices on a digital network. Finally, Ethernet cables will be necessary here because both data and audio networks rely on a set of standards for cabling infrastructure to ensure that network performance is reliable and consistent. These standards include specifications for the cable construction itself, as well as specifications for cabling termination and physical connections to devices.
Check out this tutorial to make any computer a Networked Audio device via Dante:
VIDEO: https://youtu.be/VV59Il6Uu7I
So, why Networked Audio for your Studio?
In addition to saving money, there is a saving in labor and effort. This trend makes it possible to connect everything to standard networks, which makes it easier to monitor and manage, and helps reduce the cost of specialized personnel. For example, store managers can use local playlists stored on memory cards that are on the networked audio system. Similarly, stores can take advantage of integrated applications, such as streaming support services and audio player applications built into the speakers. Through this feature, retailers have access to music streaming services. Overall, Networked Audio has great scalability and flexibility, as networked audio systems easily adapt to changes in store size or opening of new outlets, plus it is easy to add or remove devices.
