Connect Audio From One Room To Another With Pre-Wired Networks - The Radial Catapult RX4 4-Channel Audio Snake Receiver
The Radial Catapult is a 4-channel audio snake that lets you send analog or AES digital audio signals over standard Cat 5 or Cat 6 shielded twisted pair cable. This allows stage techs to take advantage of the relatively low cost of this abundantly available cable for return snakes or for transporting balanced audio across a large stage. For the system contractor, the Catapult lets you take advantage of pre-wired networks to connect audio from one room to another.
Six configurations are offered with a choice of three input modules and three output modules. Each input module features four XLR inputs, four XLR thru-puts along with two Neutrik Etherconâ„¢ outputs to connect the Cat 5 cable to the desired output module. These are equipped with RJ45 type Ethercon input and thru-put plus two sets of XLR outputs. These may be ordered without transformers for sub-snakes or to transmit AES audio signals; with mic isolation transformers for signal splitting between FOH, monitors or the recording system, or with line level isolation transformers to eliminate system noise. A ground lift switch is provided at each end for the Ethernet cable connection to help eliminate hum and buzz caused by ground loops.
As with all Radial products, the Catapult is constructed with solid 14-gauge steel to handle the rigors of live touring and is finished in a powder-coat finish to keep your Catapult looking good for years! Inside, a two-sided PCB is used to mount the connectors and transformers doubling up the solder joints for maximum durability.
MAKING CONNECTIONS
As with all audio systems, it is good to turn your audio system off or turn system levels down to zero before making connections. This will avoid connection or power-up transients from damaging more sensitive components such as tweeters.
USING STANDARD TX4 AND RX4 (NON-ISOLATED) MODULES
To use the Catapult in the simplest form, connect the TX4 and the RX4 together using Cat 5 or Cat 6 cable. In order to pass 48V phantom power to feed your condenser mics or active direct boxes, the cable must have a shield. If you are transmitting line level signals, the shield is not required due to the twisted pair configuration, but it will still be beneficial as shielded cables are less susceptible to noise. As the twisted pairs are tightly wound together in a compact jacket, it's a good idea to send similar level signals together over the same wire as this will reduce crosstalk from higher signal levels (such as +4dB line levels) polluting lower output signals (such as -30dB mic levels). TX and RX modules are equipped with two sets of XLRs to enable greater connectivity. This is basically a simple Y-jack that can be handy in certain situations.
CATAPULT DEVELOPMENT
Twisted pair cable was invented by Alexander Graham Bell in 1881. Twisting the wires in a pre-determined ratio creates a magnetic field that rejects noise. Early telephones could transmit a signal several kilometers before it had to be boosted. By 1900, the entire American telephone line network was either unshielded twisted pair or open wire with transposition to guard against interference. Today, most of the millions of kilometres of twisted pairs in the world are outdoor landlines, owned by telephone companies, used for voice service, and only handled or even seen by telephone workers.
The same unshielded twisted pair configuration is employed in Cat 5 and Cat 6 Ethernet cable. This makes it effective for transmitting audio signals. The benefits of using Cat 5 cable are numerous: the huge installed networks, ready availability from a host of suppliers, an
INPUT - XLR-F inputs used to connect a mic, instrument or mixer to pass the signal to the RX module.
THRU - XLR-M thru wired in parallel with the option of mic or line level transformer isolation.
GROUND LIFT - Lifts the Catt 5 cable ground path to help eliminate troublesome ground loop noise.
14-GUAGE STEEL - Designed to handle the rigors of the road while proving extra shielding for the internal audio signals.
BUMPER - Used to protect the Ethernet and ground lift switch from damage.
CIRCUIT BOARD - Double-sided military spec for greater durability and full ground plane to reduce radio frequency interference.
TRANSFORMER - High performance transformer deliver great tone without noise.
RADIAL PUSH SWITCH - Road proven Radial switches feature extra durable metal outer casing. Rated at 20,000 cycles.
HANDLE - Protective steel handle makes it easy to pick-up and drop wherever needed.
LIFT - Lifts the Cat 5 cable ground path to help eliminate troublesome ground loop noise.
IN/OUT - Standard Ethernet connection for shielded Cat 5 cable depending on the model used to send/receive audio from Catapult modules.
THRU - Parallel connection from XLR outputs used to feed additional Catapult modules.
BUMPER - Used to protect the Ethernet connectors and ground lift switch from damage. Transformer isolation models True to the Music ® Radial Engineering Ltd. Catapult™ Audio Snake
LINE TRANSFORMER - TX4L and RX4L modules are transformer isolated at the XLR outputs and at the Ethernet THRU connector to provide line level isolation to eliminate hum and buzz.
POWDER COAT - Durable finish keeps your Catapult looking great for years.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Specifications are subject to change without notice.
- Audio circuit type: Passive splitter, transformer based
- Frequency response: 7Hz ~ 20KHz
- Total harmonic distortion: 0.0005% @ 1kHz
- Dynamic range: 140dB
- Maximum Input: +35dBu
- Minimum load impedance: 100 ohms
- Common mode rejection: >103dB
FEATURES:
- XLR configuration: Hot = 2, Cold = 3, Ground = 1
- Handle: Makes it easy to move your catapult
- Ground lift: Disconnects ground on RJ45 connector
GENERAL:
- Construction: 14 gauge steel chassis & outer shell
- Finish: Durable powder coat
- Size: L: 8 1/8 x W: 4 1/8 x H: 2
- Weight: 2.6 LBS
- Shipping size: L: 11 x W: 5 x H: 2.75
- Shipping weight: 2.9 LBS
- Warranty: Radial 3-year, transferable
AVAILABLE IN 6 MODELS:
- TX4: Transmit with 4 XLR ins & 4 XLR outs
- RX4: Receive with 8 XLR outs
- TX4M: Transmit 4 ins & 4 mic-level isolated outs
- RX4M: Receive 4 outs & 4 mic-level isolated outs
- TX4L: Transmit 4 ins & 4 line-level isolated outs
- RX4L: Receive 4 outs & 4 line-level isolated outs
Manufacturer: Radial Engineering
Model: CATAPULT RX4
SKU: I433841-N-0-WHXA
UPC: 676101044382
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