Radial 产品知识
Radial Catapult 系统：用 Cat 线传输模拟音频的应用思路
Radial Catapult 系统文章完整中文翻译，覆盖 Catapult Rack、Mini、TX4/RX4 与隔离模块。
中文翻译
在教堂、企业或教育设施中，把高品质音频在相距较远的房间或位置之间路由，是集成商和每天使用这些空间的人都非常关键的需求。然而，数字音频网络既可能复杂又成本高昂，传统模拟 audio snake 线缆又笨重、昂贵，而且无法即时重新配置来跟上客户需求变化。
Radial Catapult 系统结合了两者优势，采用模块化方式，让你可以通过 Cat 5 以太网线缆创建定制模拟 audio snake。它很容易部署到任何场地：只需在音频源位置放置一个 Catapult 模块，在目标位置放置另一个，就可以立即在两者之间传输信号。由于 Catapult 之间通过 Cat 5 布线连接，你可以利用建筑现有基础设施，将远距离房间连接起来，而无需在墙内新拉任何一条线。即使需要新布线，Cat 5 也经济、轻量且低调。Radial 这一不断发展的产品线中已经有 11 个 Catapult 模块，它们都可以自由混合搭配，以适应无数客户应用。
工作方式
Catapult 系统的独特之处在于它使用标准 Cat 5 以太网线缆工作，而这类线缆几乎已经出现在现有企业和场馆的每个房间中。虽然这些线缆通常用于向联网设备传输数字数据流，Radial Catapult 则利用 Cat 5 线缆中的四对双绞导体，通过长距离传输四路平衡模拟音频。这与标准多通道 audio snake 线缆中的方法相同，但以更低调、更适合大型安装且成本更低的形式实现。
由于 Catapult 只使用模拟信号，不需要任何数字转换，也不需要任何模块供电。Cat 5 线缆也很容易在施工现场端接，因此可以根据需要制作任意长度线缆，不需要烙铁！Cat 5、Cat 5e、Cat 6 线缆都可与 Catapult 系统配合使用；建议使用带屏蔽并正确端接的屏蔽线缆，以确保最佳噪声抑制，并允许 48V 幻象电源传递到连接设备。
Catapult Rack TX 与 RX
Catapult Rack 本质上是三台 Catapult 合为一体，设计用于标准 1RU 机架空间。这让它们很容易整合到场馆现有机架系统中。设备的可反装机架耳意味着你可以让 XLR 侧或 RJ45 侧朝向前方，取决于具体设置。它提供 Transmit 与 Receive 两个版本，两者都采用坚固钢制外壳和锁定 Neutrik etherCON 接口，因此足以承受严苛的专业巡演环境。
Catapult Mini
Catapult Mini 是该产品线中最紧凑的模块，也是最简单易用的模块。每个 Mini 都由小巧但坚固的金属底盘构成，带有 RJ45 输入用于 Cat 5 线缆连接。该输入同样兼容 Neutrik etherCON RJ45 接口，这种耐用金属外壳可保护 RJ45 接头，并锁定到 Catapult Mini，避免意外断开。短 fan-out 线缆连接到四个 XLR 或 1/4″ TRS 接口，具体取决于所选模块。Mini TX 包含四个母 XLR，Mini RX 包含公 XLR，Mini TRS 则配备 1/4″ TRS jack。
在 Cat 5 线缆两端各连接一台 Catapult Mini，就得到了一条直接的四通道模拟 audio snake，输入和输出可直接连接到音频接口、调音台或有源扬声器。Catapult 模块上的所有通道都是双向的，意味着它们可用于在两个位置之间向任一方向发送信号。这让你可以使用前两路音频向远端位置发送信号，同时用剩余两路在同一条线缆上接收返回的立体声信号。
Catapult TX4 与 RX4
TX4 和 RX4 是 Catapult 系统中稍大的型号，适用于广泛的常见客户应用。两台设备都在坚固的 14 gauge steel chassis 中包含两组接口，并配有大型提手便于携带。TX4 设计放置在音频源位置，带有四个母 XLR 输入，与四个公 XLR ‘thru’ 接口并联接线。这允许你把四支麦克风连接到输入，并使用 thru 接口馈送本地调音台，同时通过 Cat 5 连接把全部四路信号发送到第二个位置。RX4 带有四个公 XLR 输出和四个公 XLR thru 接口，因此可以在 Cat 5 线缆目的地端把音频信号分配给两台设备。每个模块都有两个 RJ45 连接：一个主连接和一个并联接线的 thru 输出，用于连接额外 Catapult 模块。这些 RJ45 连接也兼容 etherCON 锁定接口类型。
变压器隔离模块
Catapult TX4 和 RX4 还有替代模块，内部包含高品质隔离变压器，可在音频源或目的地分配信号时帮助消除嗡声和噪声。TX4L 与 RX4L 内含用于线路电平音频信号的变压器，而 TX4M 与 RX4M 的变压器则针对麦克风电平信号优化。多数情况下，基础 TX4 与 RX4 模块上的共享 ground lift 可在遇到 ground loop 噪声时帮助消除问题；但带变压器的模块会提供额外保护，有助于确保系统无噪声，并节省现场宝贵的故障排查时间。
无限可能
丰富的 Catapult 模块让你能够为几乎任何应用创建定制方案。你可以使用 TX4M 将四路麦克风输出分配到本地调音台，同时在远端位置使用 Mini RX，直接插入录音设备或音频接口的输入通道。
两台 TX4 模块也可以成套使用；由于它们同时具备公 XLR 和母 XLR，你可以按需发送或接收四个音频通道中的任意通道，而不必寻找转接线或交换模块位置。
很多时候，音频源需要馈送远处的一组功放机架。在这种情况下，可以在音频源位置使用 Mini TRS 直接连接回放设备，并把 RX4L 放在功放端，这样既可阻断杂散 DC 电压，也能把信号分配到另一台设备，例如录音接口。
加入 Catapult Rack 设备后，可以轻松扩展通道数量，同时仍能实现上述每一种设置。这允许你在舞台上使用三台 Catapult Mini 模块，全部馈送到一台连接 FOH 调音台的 Catapult Rack RX；也可以使用 Catapult Rack TX 将线路电平信号发送到场馆内三个不同位置。
概览 / 结论
得益于 Radial Catapult 系统，在整栋建筑中连接模拟音频信号从未如此简单。使用 Cat 5 分配模拟音频时，你可以轻松在相距较远的房间之间或整个现场舞台上传送信号，并且通常还能利用已经存在的线缆基础设施。多种 Catapult 模块让你很容易为几乎任何客户需求创建可定制方案，只需更换一个模块即可立即重新配置。这使 Radial Catapult 成为任何将音频路由作为关键组成部分的安装项目中的优秀选择。
Catapult Rack
Catapult Rack 是一款无源 audio snake，可通过标准 Cat 5 或 Cat 6 以太网线缆发送或接收 12 路模拟音频。
Catapult Mini
Catapult Mini 是一款紧凑型无源 audio snake，可通过标准 Cat 5 或 Cat 6 以太网线缆发送四路模拟音频。
Catapult
Catapult 是一款无源 audio snake，可通过标准 Cat 5 或 Cat 6 以太网线缆发送四路模拟音频。
Original English
Routing high quality audio between distant rooms or locations within Houses of Worship, businesses, or educational facilities is a critical requirement for both integrators and the people who utilize these spaces daily. However, digital audio networks can be as confusing as they are costly, and traditional analog audio snake cables are bulky, expensive, and impossible to reconfigure on the fly to keep up with changing customer needs.
The Radial Catapult system combines the best of both worlds, using a modular approach that allows you to create a customized analog audio snake over Cat 5 Ethernet cable. It’s easy to deploy at any venue: simply place one Catapult module at your audio source and another at the intended destination and you can begin sending signals between the two instantly. Because the Catapults connect to each other using Cat 5 cabling, you can take advantage of a building’s existing infrastructure and link together distant rooms without pulling a single cable through the wall. Even in situations where new cable runs are required, Cat 5 is economical, light weight, and low-profile. Radial already has eleven Catapult modules in this growing product line, and they can all be mixed and matched to suit an endless number of customer applications.
How it Works
The Catapult system is unique because it operates using standard Cat 5 Ethernet cables, which can already be found wired into nearly every room of existing businesses and venues. While these cables are commonly used to transmit digital data streams to networked devices, Radial Catapults make use of the four twisted pairs of conductors found within the Cat 5 cable to send four channels of balanced analog audio over long distances. This is the same method used within a standard multi-channel audio snake cable, but in a lower-profile format that is much more cost effective for larger installations.
Since the Catapults use analog signals only, there is no digital conversion necessary and no power source is required for any of the modules to operate. Cat 5 cables are also easy to terminate on a job site so you can create cables of any length as needed – no soldering iron required! Cat 5, Cat 5e, Cat 6 cables all work with the Catapult system, and it is recommended to use shielded cables with shielded and terminated connectors to ensure the best noise rejection and to allow 48V phantom power to pass through to connected devices.
The Catapult Rack TX and RX
A Catapult Rack is essentially three Catapult units in one, built to fit a standard 1RU rack space. This makes them easy to incorporate into a venue’s existing rack setup. The units’ reversible rack ears mean you can set either the XLR or RJ45 side of the units to face the front – whichever best suits the particular setup. Transmit and Receive versions are available and both are built with robust steel enclosures and locking Neutrik etherCON connectors – so they’ll stand up to the toughest pro touring environments.
The Catapult Minis
The Catapult Minis are the most compact modules in the product line, and they are the simplest to use. Each consists of a small yet sturdy metal chassis with an RJ45 input for the Cat 5 cable connection. This input is also compatible with the Neutrik etherCON RJ45 connector, which is a durable metal shell that protects the RJ45 connector and locks to the Catapult Mini to prevent accidental disconnection. A short cable fan-out leads to four XLR or 1/4″ TRS connectors, depending on the module selected. The Mini TX includes four female XLRs, the Mini RX has male XLRs, and the Mini TRS features 1/4″ TRS jacks.
With one Catapult Mini connected to each end of a Cat 5 cable, you have a straightforward four channel analog audio snake, with inputs and outputs that can be connected directly to audio interfaces, mixers, or powered speakers. All of the channels on the Catapult modules are bidirectional, meaning they can be used to send signals in either direction between the two locations. This allows you to use the first two channels of audio to send signal to a remote location, while using the remaining two channels to receive a stereo signal in return along the same cable.
The Catapult TX4 and RX4
The TX4 and the RX4 are the slightly larger models of the Catapult system, and they are suitable for a wide variety of common customer applications. Both units include two sets of connectors within a rugged 14 gauge steel chassis, along with a large carrying handle for portability. The TX4 is designed to be placed at the audio source, and it features four XLR female inputs wired in parallel with four XLR male ‘thru’ connectors. This allows you to connect four microphones to the inputs and use the thru connectors to feed a local mixer, while also employing the Cat 5 connection to feed all four signals to a second location. The RX4 has four male XLR outputs along with four male XLR thru connectors, so you can split the audio signals between two devices at the destination end of the Cat 5 cable. Each of these modules feature two RJ45 connections: one main connection and a thru output wired in parallel for linking with additional Catapult modules. These RJ45 connections are also compatible with the etherCON locking connector type.
Transformer isolated modules
The Catapult TX4 and RX4 also have alternative modules that include high quality isolation transformers inside to help eliminate hum and buzz when splitting signals at either the audio source or destination. The TX4L and RX4L include transformers that are designed for use with line-level audio signals, while the TX4M and RX4M have transformers optimized for mic-level signals. Most of the time a shared ground lift on the base TX4 and RX4 modules will help remove ground loop noise when it is encountered, but the transformer equipped modules will provide extra protection that will help ensure a noise-free system and save valuable troubleshooting time on site.
Endless possibilities
The wide range of Catapult modules available provides the ability to create a customized solution for just about any application. You can use the TX4M to split four microphone outputs to a local mixer, with a Mini RX at a remote location that can plug directly into the input channels of a recording device or interface.
Two TX4 modules can also be used as a complete set; since they have both male and female XLRs you can use them to send or receive each of the four audio channels as needed without having to reach for adaptor cables or swap module positions.
Often times an audio source needs to feed a rack of power amps in a distant location; in this instance you can use the Mini TRS at the audio source to plug directly into your playback device, and place an RX4L at the power amps so you can block stray DC voltages while also splitting the signal to another device such as a recording interface.
Adding in the Catapult Rack units makes it easy to expand your channel count while still achieving each of the setups described above. This allows you to have three Catapult Mini modules on stage that all feed one Catapult Rack RX connected to your FOH console, or you can use a Catapult Rack TX to feed line level signals to three separate locations throughout a venue.
Overview / Conclusion
Thanks to the Radial Catapult system, connecting analog audio signals throughout a building has never been easier. When you use Cat 5 to distribute analog audio, you can deliver signals over long distances between distant rooms or across a live stage with ease, often using cable infrastructure that is already in place. The variety of Catapult modules available makes it easy to create a customizable solution for nearly any customer requirement, which can be reconfigured in an instant simply by swapping out one module for another. This makes the Radial Catapults an excellent choice for any installation where routing audio is a critical component.
Catapult Rack
The Catapult Rack is a passive audio snake that allows you to send or receive 12 channels of analog audio over standard Cat 5 or Cat 6 Ethernet cables.
Catapult Mini
The Catapult Mini is a compact passive audio snake that allows you to send four channels of analog audio over standard Cat 5 or Cat 6 Ethernet cable.
Catapult
The Catapult is a passive audio snake that allows you to send four channels of analog audio over standard Cat 5 or Cat 6 Ethernet cable.