New Microphone Interface with Split Capability

XMIC+ for NEXUS featuring eight 28-bit microphone inputs to be presented at the AES Convention in Paris

Paris (France), May 2006: SALZBRENNER STAGETEC MEDIAGROUP will introduce new compact NEXUS interface boards featuring size reductions combined with increased component density at the AES Convention in Paris. The star of the show among the new boards is the XMIC+, a microphone-input board for NEXUS audio networks and AURUS/CANTUS mixing-console systems. The prototype XMIC+ board was finished on the eve of the Convention. Compared with its predecessor, the XMAD, the XMIC+ board doubles the number of inputs. The tiny board, measuring just 3U high × 20 millimetres wide, digitizes up to eight unprocessed microphone signals to a 28-bit signal. Thanks to this high resolution, analogue pre-amplification is no longer required – just like the XMIC+’s predecessors. The board also handles higher levels up to 24 dBu and can consequently be used to input line-level signals. In addition, linearity has once again been significantly improved.

The XMIC+ offers further major benefits. For live applications where source signals need to be made available to multiple destinations, for example, sound reinforcement and recording consoles, a digital splitter is implemented on the board itself. Each of the up to eight input signals can be distributed to a maximum of four separate paths – with independent gain and subsonic-filter settings! With XMIC+ there is no need for the external splitters and microphone preamps required with normal equipment.

The XMIC+ is not only a real space and resource saver but also demonstrates excellent thermal efficiency. Consuming just 6 watts it produces significantly less heat than conventional solutions. Therefore, it is perfectly suited to broadcast applications where space, power, and air-conditioning capacity are all in short supply.

Because of the increased component density, it is possible to offer the new boards at a considerably better per-channel price than before. The XMIC+ board is an excellent example. A fully populated board with eight microphone inputs costs around a third more than its 4-channel predecessor.