Overview

DN9680

The DN9680 provides a high channel count solution to the 100 metre limitation that Ethernet and CAT5 cabling imposes on the physical size of AES50 networks. A pair of DN9680 units allow up to eight AES50 connections (192 bidirectional channels) to be extended by up to 1,000 metres via single mode optical fibre or 100 metres via CAT5 copper cable, greatly simplifying long haul cable connections due to the use of a single bidirectional snake cable.

DN9680 acts as a bidirectional multiplexer and demultiplexer, and combines the eight incoming AES50 streams into the outgoing snake connection, and simultaneously also takes the incoming snake connection and unbundles the eight AES50 streams and routes them to the corresponding AES50 ports. A snake system consisting of a pair of DN9680 units routes the incoming AES50 streams to the outgoing streams on a one-to-one port basis, so that the snake is transparent in use, only incurring a small propagation delay of 250 microseconds.

As standard, DN9680 is compatible with single-mode dual fibre cable. As an option, the DN9680-MM upgrade kit allows conversion for use with multimode dual fibre cable over a 500 metre range.

Digital Audio Networking

SuperMAC (AES50-Compliant) digital audio networking technology from Klark Teknik simultaneously provides high channel counts, ultra low and deterministic latencies, sample-synchronous and phase-aligned networked clock distribution, error detection and correction, network redundancy, and ease of deployment and use – to meet the demanding requirements of live concert touring.

DN9680 is compatible with all Midas PRO Series and XL8 digital consoles, audio system engines and digital I/O units, as well as with any other 96 kHz-enabled AES50-equipped devices.

Flexible Synchronisation

DN9680 features a precision “AES Grade 1” reference temperature-compensated clock oscillator with 1 part-per-million (ppm) stability which is used as the internal clock source. This highly accurate clock source can be used as the reference clock for digital audio systems, providing a very defined sound image free of jitter and other digital clocking error artefacts.

The DN9680 can be synchronised to the internal clock source, or the incoming external AES50 or external snake clock signals. Often when two DN9680 units are used together in a larger system, the nominal transmitter of the pair will be synchronised to the incoming external AES50 clock, whilst the nominal receiver will be synchronised to the incoming snake clock. In other system configurations, the nominal transmitter may be used as the reference clock master by selecting the internal 1 ppm oscillator as its clock source.

Dual Media Snakes

DN9680 supports both optical fibre and copper snakes using a Gigabit Ethernet digital audio point-to-point link. A dual-fibre Neutrik opticalCON DUO connector is used for optical fibre snake connection, enabling a bidirectional optical link on one single-mode dual fibre cable. The optional DN9680-MM upgrade kit allows conversion for use with multi-mode dual fibre cable.

Internal Web Server

DN9680 features an on-board web server that allows platform-independent configuration using a web browser application. The need for separate control applications and support for multiple operating system versions is eliminated with this approach, which allows simple user selection of clock source and copper or optical fibre snake operation.

Front Panel Indication

DN9680 features status LED indicators for AES50 and network synchronisation, Ethernet control port activity and the clock source and snake options on the front panel for ‘at a glance’ status display, even at wide distances and viewing angles. An alphanumeric LCD display allows individual units to be labelled, essential in large network systems where multiple DN9680 units are in use.

Built for the Road

Featuring a rugged steel 1U rackmount enclosure, the DN9680 is designed for the rigours of live concert touring. Premium Neutrik etherCON * and opticalCON DUO * connectors are used to ensure reliable network connections, night after night.

Auto-Ranging Universal Switch-Mode Power Supply

DN9680 features a universal power supply, which is auto-voltage sensing for use on a worldwide basis.