NEXUS modular //
There's no such thing as impossible

A solid basis: Base devices and NEXUS Star

True to the principle “never change a winning team”, the basic structure of the NEXUS audio network has remained the same since 1993: the system is based on 19-inch sub-racks, which are fitted with plug-in cards to provide the desired interfaces and functionalities. Base devices are available in sizes from one to 15 height units. The Plug-in cards are installed vertically and measure 3 height units (Exception: Base devices with one height unit hold the cards horizontally). Each of the up to five possible installation levels of a base device can accommodate a maximum of 21 boards.

The vertical installation of the boards ensures effective convection cooling, so in most cases no fans are needed. NEXUS base devices therefore are extraordinarily quiet during operation and can be placed exactly where they are needed - even in the direct neighbourhood of sensitive microphones. NEXUS base devices interact via proprietary fibre-optical connections and can handle up to 256 audio channels each.

The extremely powerful NEXUS star has been specially designed for star-shaped network topologies. The sub-rack with six height-units takes care of the signals from all connected base devices and is able to manage up to 4096 x 4096 channels. For even more demanding applications the XRT-matrix-board expands this capacity to breathtaking 8448 x 8448 crosspoints.

The basic design of the NEXUS system has been consistent since the very beginning, proving the legendary product longevity of STAGETEC: By simply changing the appropriate plug-in cards, older systems can be brought to the latest technological standard at any time and continue to be operated without any compromises.

Unlimited Flexibility

NEXUS modular not only surpasses all limits in terms of possible distances between base devices, it also provides maximum flexibility when it comes to connectivity. You need microphone inputs, analogue outputs, AES/EBU, MADI and AES67 interfaces, all in a single device? No problem with NEXUS modular. Each basic device is configured according to individual customer requirements and can be easily expanded at any time.

As a matter of course, every signal source can be connected to any destination, regardless of its format or position within the network. Complex and costly format conversions are a thing from the past. All digital I/O cards are optionally available with high-quality real-time sample rate conversion. Of course, you can route any source to any number of different destinations simultaneously. Beyond that, the 32-bit XMIC microphone input card offers four pick-up points with different parameter settings for each channel as standard.

One for all - all for one

A key aspect of the unrivalled reliability of NEXUS modular is the concept of distributed intelligence: Each base device has its own XCPU processor card, which not only stores the customer-specific configuration of the entire system in its Flash-ROM, but also permanently saves and monitors the status of the network. Even in case of a power failure the system will continue to run with its last operating status once the problem has been solved.

A setup in which every element is aware of the entire system topology at all times is inherently resistant to misoperation. This also applies to NEXUS modular: Even if individual components fail, the basic function of the network is reliably maintained.

And that`s not all: Extensive control functions can be realised by using the complex logic programming features of the XCPU card. It also provides USB and ethernet ports to connect a control PC, so you can monitor and control the entire network at any time - no matter where you are located within your setup.

Safety first: Redundancy and hot swap

Various installations require different levels of operational reliability. With NEXUS modular, you can decide how extensive redundancy options should be. All fibre connections are redundantly configurable. Furthermore, two XFOC cards, each providing four fibre-optic ports, can be installed in a single base device for card redundancy. Now you can repatch cables or swap cards at any time during operation with no loss of audio transmission.

Swap cards during operation? You have read correctly. With the exception of the XCPU processor card, all modules can be easily replaced while the system is running. Once installed, new cards are immediately ready for use. And as all parameters, from routing to microphone gain and phantom power, are stored in the XCPU, the show goes on without the need to readjust any settings.

If all possible sources of error are to be eliminated, it is essential to think about mains power as well. NEXUS base devices can be equipped with up to two power supply units per construction level (three height units). A NEXUS Star with six height units therefore can accommodate up to four power supply units. Each supplied via different phases, multiple power supplies ensure maximum operational reliability.

Ultimate mixing performance

STAGETEC mixing consoles are seamlessly integrated into the NEXUS modular system and have direct access to all network resources. Controller and DSP boards are designed as plug-in cards for NEXUS star, providing up to breathtaking 800 input channels and 128 output busses. One NEXUS star can serve as basis for two consoles simultaneously.

STUDIO: WHEN ONLY THE BEST IS GOOD ENOUGH.

Interconnecting different studio spaces, sharing valuable hardware components across multiple control rooms, or seamlessly integrating high-quality analogue technology into digital environments - in modern recording studios, NEXUS modular provides all this and much more. A flexible backbone for the entire studio that guarantees the award-winning audio quality of STAGETEC throughout the whole system.

LIVE: WARP FACTOR NEXUS.

The scarcest commodity during setup and the show? Time!
It's not just about deadline pressure, fast reactions etc.: latency plays a particularly important role in live monitor applications. The combination with digital wireless and in-ear headsets in particular pushes conventional solutions to their limits. The high system performance of NEXUS in combination with our mixing consoles masters this challenge. No other solution on the market has such low round-trip latency as the products with the STAGETEC label.

All audio formats - versatile connectivity

NEXUS can handle virtually any audio signal, from analogue and digital to audio-over-IP. Even more exotic formats such as Dolby E® or audio embedded in SDI/HDSDI video streams can be seamlessly integrated.

At the same time, NEXUS modular adapts perfectly to your individual requirements, as most cards are available with different connector options. This means you can choose analogue inputs and outputs with convenient XLR connectors, if you need base devices serving directly as patch panels or stage boxes. To achieve high channel counts in confined spaces, the same cards are available with D-sub or cost-effective RJ-45 interfaces.

Accurate timing and lowest latency with TDM technology

All boards within a base device are interconnected via the TDM system bus (time domain multiplexing), which provides 256 time slots for the transmission of up to 256 signals. Regardless of the number of channels actually used, the TDM concept ensures consistent timing with minimal latency.

Adaptable network topologies

You are free to configurate your NEXUS modular audio network just as desired. The individual base devices communicate via fibre optic cables, which can interact in a point-to-point connection, as a daisy chain or as a star-shaped system. Meshed networks are of course also possible. The fibre-optic interfaces are designed as SFP ports so any mix of single and multi-mode fibres is possible within the same network.

Apart from all audio signals the fibre-optic cables transmit all of the system`s control data. Furthermore, NEXUS modular allows the transparent transmission of non-system serial data, making it a reliable data highway for a wide range of applications.

Calm in itself and open to all

As a proprietary system with distributed intelligence and extensive monitoring and redundancy options, NEXUS modular is a paradigm of maximum reliability, in a way that open concepts can hardly match.

At the same time, with NEXUS modular you don't have to do without the conveniences of the modern IP world. Via Dante and AES67 interfaces, the system connects seamlessly to established audio-over-IP formats, maintaining maximum operational reliability and flawless audio integrity under all circumstances - even when components from different manufacturers interact.

Comprehensive control - anytime, anywhere

Based on the experience of countless installations the PC control application of NEXUS modular has been optimised over decades. It can be customised to meet individual requirements and combines complete control with great simplicity.

Each individual base device provides access to the control functions of the entire network. Alternatively, individual sub-areas can be viewed separately. For maximum operating convenience even in very large installations, it is possible to use several control PCs with different users at the same time.

Comprehensive metering is a fundamental requirement for any professional audio production. The NEXUS modular PC control application meets this demand in particular and provides a customizable metering tool, that can monitor every single source and destination of the system. The desired signals can be freely defined in groups and arranged on several layers. It is possible to operate multiple meter configurations simultaneously at different locations in the network. Of course, all signal levels can also be transmitted to external monitoring systems.

Powerful logic functions - individually configurable

The possibilities of NEXUS modular do not end with flexible audio distribution.
Hidden under the hood is a powerful logic system that is just as suitable for internal tasks as it is for external media control - or any possible combination of both. Furthermore, the NEXUS modular logic can implement rules for emergency scenarios which are automatically called up if certain signals or components fail.

Algorithms for a wide range of applications can be individually configured and are then burned into the flash ROMs of the base devices` XCPU boards. This ensures that once a function has been implemented, it can no longer be changed by the user. The logic is a perfect example of the core competence of STAGETEC: Solutions, that combine maximum flexibility with the reliability of a closed system.

Seamless integration of external systems

Being a true cosmopolitan, NEXUS modular is incredibly communicative with external systems. The 24 GPIOs of the XRI card enable logic interactions with installation components such as switches, signalling devices or sensors, while the universal control card XCI ensures seamless communication with DAWs or media controllers.

In addition to an Ethernet interface, the XCI offers up to four serial ports, which can be configured as RS-232, RS-422, RS-485 or MIDI. Installing the software directly in the card's flash ROM ensures maximum operational reliability. In addition, the XCI enables any parameters of the NEXUS modular universe to be monitored as part of an SNMP scenario. In the event of an incident, SNMP traps with corresponding information are sent to external monitoring systems.

The XACI card is the interface to the modern network world and offers control of the NEXUS system via OSC and Ember+. Furthermore, customer-specific solutions such as web servers, the web software of the NEXUS 4Split or the web remote control of the ON AIR flex mixing console can be installed on this card.

High-end processing on demand

Even without a mixing console, NEXUS modular can provide plenty of processing power - whenever you need it, as much as you want and wherever you want. NEXUS XDSP cards are installed in standard base devices and offer the same pristine audio quality that has made STAGETEC mixing consoles world-famous.

The algorithms available leave nothing to be desired: From delays and summing algorithms to equalizers, filters and dynamics processors, the XDSP provides all the tools needed for your daily routine. No matter if you want to create a simple crossover or a complex sound reinforcement system with delays and limiters - with comprehensive configuration options and detailed adjustability of all parameters, the XDSP is perfectly suited for any task. Even sophisticated functions such as an N-1 Matrix or an up- or downmix in ISOSTEM format are part of the portfolio.

Since multiple XDSP cards can be installed in one base device, there are virtually no limits to processing performance. To protect sensitive settings from unauthorized access, all parameters can optionally be hidden on the user interface.