Concept

The NEXUS Audio Network

The use of the NEXUS as an audio-network and routing system for the AURATUS provides for setting up a flexible and distributed overall system. The NEXUS system can manage a multitude of distributed Base Devices, which makes it ideal for the most diverse applications, ranging from compact theatre systems to comprehensively networked studio complexes and broadcasting centres. The exclusive networked of fibre-optic cables for networking purposes simplifies installation and supports the spanning of distances in excess of 1000 meters (optionally even up to 100 km) between Base Devices. Inputs and outputs of multiple AURATUS mixing-console systems integrated into a single NEXUS network can flexibly be shared and distributed as required.

Base Devices come in various sizes (up to 15U). The customer selects the interfaces they contain. A host of boards supporting all major digital and analogue audio formats is available. In addition, the Base Devices also accept controller boards (relay boards, serial
interfaces).

Obligatory components of every base device include the XCPU central controller board and the XFOC fibre-optic interface board for transmitting all audio and control data to other Base Devices via fibre-optic lines.

The NEXUS system and the internal bus format are based on a proprietary 30-bit TDM bus enhanced by an additional control bus. All boards read audio or control data from, and write such data to, the bus. The actual routing of certain inputs to outputs or console resources
is done globally using the control software. This software can be installed on a PC, which is connected to the XCPU board of any of the available Base Devices. The information generated in this way is transmitted to the other Base Devices via fibre-optic links.