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Roland Systems Group Expands Digital Snake Offering With New S-2416

Provides a 24-input x 16-output analog and 8-input x 8-output digital for a total of 32 input and 24 output channels

Roland Systems Group has announced the S-2416 Stage Unit, a new digital snake stage unit offering a 24-input x 16-output analog and 8-input x 8-output digital for a total of 32 input and 24 output channels.

In addition to the analog and digital I/O, the S-2416 has two REAC ports enabling the ability to cascade an additional snake for expanded I/O or for a fully redundant, zero-loss audio back-up solution. Further, the discrete mic preamps are newly developed to enhance sonic quality.

The ruggedized chassis is an EIA design with a 4RU size, designed for touring and fixed installation. The analog connectors employ rugged Neutrik connectors and the inputs have 3-color indicator lights that provide phantom power, clipping, and signal presence at a glance.

The AES/EBU ports on the rear are 25-pin D-sub types that enable other digital audio devices such as loudspeaker processors, amplifiers and digital devices to be directly connected.

The S-2416 is the first digital snake capable of a cascade connection, making it possible to expand the I/O up to 40 x 40 channels. A simple activation of a switch to Cascade Mode allows a connection to an additional REAC digital snake. The cascade feature allows for more complex and flexible V-Mixing System configurations.

The S-2416 supports 24-bit 96 kHz, 48 kHz, or 44.1 kHz when switched to clock master mode. Word clock input and output enable a master clock signal to be connected when using AES/EBU.

Mic preamps can be remotely controlled using any V-Mixer, R-1000 or S-4000R connected by RS-232C or by using the S-4000 RCS remote-control software on a computer (Mac or Windows) connected via USB.

Fundamental to S-2416 connectivity is REAC – Roland’s Ethernet Audio Communication protocol for low-latency, high-quality digital audio transfer. Products using REAC technology are installed today in many venues and have been used in high-profile events worldwide.

REAC’s 24-bit, 40- x 40-channel protocol delivers pristine digital audio via lightweight, inexpensive and easy to install cable (Cat-5e/6). REAC technology is immune to externally induced signal quality degradation or hums and buzzes typically found in analog systems which leads to freedom in cable placement resulting in lower cost and better sound.

The REAC family of products is varied and includes digital mixing consoles, digital snakes, personal mixers and multi-channel playback and recording, all of which work together in a plug-and-play fashion.

The new S-2416 is expected to be available in Quarter 2 of 2014.

Roland Systems Group

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