Electro-Voice has introduced a new development for its Tour Grade power amplifiers: the RCM-28 DSP and network module.
The RCM-28 is a dual-channel, digital controller module which, in addition to numerous DSP functions also boasts a redundantly implemented OMNEO network interface.
Via IRIS-Net software, all of a Tour Grade amplifier’s network and system parameters can be supervised and controlled remotely.
The RCM-28 module is the first EV product to support the new OMNEO media networking architecture. With RCM-28 modules, Tour Grade series amplifiers can be integrated within OMNEO networks with up to 100 other devices without additional hardware.
OMNEO is based on two key technologies: the media transmission component Dante from Audinate and the system-control component OCA (Open Control Architecture) developed by Bosch Security Systems together with the OCA Alliance.
In combination, these allow the transmission of audio, and in the future also video, formats as well as the control of all devices via standard Ethernet with standardized protocols.
The RCM-28 offers a digital AES 3 (AES/EBU) input with a loop-through possibility and a dynamic range of 128 dB, whilst two analog inputs and the same number of analog outputs are available via XLR connections (116 dB SNR). The transmission of several hundred audio channels is possible over the network.
Further, in each case two input and output signals in OMNEO/Dante format—with a sampling rate of 48 kHz—can be received or transmitted. A third additional channel can also be transmitted for remotely monitoring the audio signal path at the amplifier.
The module covers the frequency range from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, the internal latency being 1.5 ms (AES 3 In / Analog Out) and 2.375 ms (Analog In / Out) respectively. The A/D and D/A converters operate in 24-bit resolution and the DSP processing of the 500 MIPS dual core processors is performed in 48-bit resolution.
In addition to standard functions for signal processing, multi-band parametric equalizers, delays for inputs and outputs (as well as additional FIR filters on the output side) and crossovers and limiters are all available. Two RJ-45 ports for the OMNEO network and four freely configurable GPIO control ports (2 x GP1, 2 x GPO) serve as interfaces.
“With OMNEO, we are offering our customers the possibility of using fully standardized media networks within which not only Electro-Voice equipment but also the products of a variety of other manufacturers can interact seamlessly with one another,” says Ethan Wetzell, platform strategist with Bosch Security Systems and global product manager for DSP. “We are harmonizing our solutions with newly emerging standards such as AVB (Audio Video Bridging) in order to create a standardized Ethernet infrastructure for every possible type and size of application.
“In the future, OMNEO will play a leading role in both system design and that of new products, so we are delighted to be presenting in the RCM-28 the first of many new OMNEO products.”
