Q256-A Info
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Router Control Panels
Q256-AES & Q256-AA
Q256 Large Format Digital & Analog Audio Router
The Q256 Audio Router is a multi format audio router supporting both digital (balanced and unbalanced) and analog audio I/O's. It features the latest technical developments including Sample Rate Conversion (SRC), "Soft Switching" and "Wild Shuffling" as well as comprehensive monitoring and diagnostic facilities.
Configuration: The Q256-AESand Q256-AA are housed in a 16RU frame, switching up to 256 sources to 256 destinations. The Q256-AA is also available in an 8RU frame, switching up to 128 sources to 128 destinations. The modular design of the Q256-AES/AA allows additional input and output modules to be installed in to the router at anytime in blocks of 32. AES and analog audio modules can be mixed in any combination within the same frame. As the analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion is handled by the input and output modules any input can be routed to any output regardless of its format type.
Control: The Q256-AES/AA routers require an external control system that operates alongside its internal controller. The external controller can be either the SC-500A or SC-1000. The SC-500A is a simple non-redundant system controller suitable for non-critical installation while the SC-1000 is a comprehensive fully redundant system controller suitable for all critical on-air installations. The SC-1000 should always be used when 100% redundancy protection is required. The System Controller handles the management of the router as well as optionally providing additional redundancy features. It's an expandable platform that supervises all of the communication and interface requirements of the Q256-AES/AA router and its control panels.
Remote Control Panel: Any panel(s) from the entire range of Quartz remote control panels can be used with the Q256-AES/AA router connected via Q-Link and the System Controller.
External third party control: The Q256-AES/AA router can be remotely controlled via an external third party control device, such as an automation system, when connected to the routers serial port. Some automation systems have the ability to connect directly to the Q256-AES/AA while others connect via the System controller.
Router Expansion: The Q256-AES/AA router can be expanded by installing extra plug-in modules into a part-populated router frame or adding additional frames to provide a routing matrix up to 1024x1024. The Q256-AES/AA router is scaled in steps of 32 from 32x32 through to 256x256 in a single 16RU frame and up to 1024x1024 by using multiple frames.
Power Supply: The power supplies for the Q256-AES/AA are internal. Both 8RU and 16RU frame can be fitted with an optional redundant power supply configuration with separate AC power inlets and alarm outputs.
Feature Summary
Sample Rate Conversion: Sample Rate Conversion (SRC) allows the Q256-AES/AA router to accept audio input sample rates of 32KHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz and 96kHz. On each input these sample rates are then converted to the chosen internal sample rate of 48kHz or 96kHz, before being switched to the required output destination. The use of SRC removes the complexity normally associated with systems routing multiple audio sample rates.
Soft Switching: Audio clicks can sometimes be experienced when switching between audio sources with an asynchronous or synchronous audio router. The soft switching technology used in the Q256-AES/AA router is able to predict these occasions and smooth out the audio transition for a guaranteed click- free switch. Soft switching requires a valid reference input to be present at all times.
Wild Shuffling: The Q256-AES/AA router also features Wild Shuffling allowing any input audio track to be selected with any other input audio track and routed to the same output destination.
Balanced and Unbalanced AES audio: The modular nature of the Q256-AES/AA router enables simultaneous support for a combination of both AES balanced (D50) and unbalanced (BNC) inputs and outputs.
Monitoring and Diagnostics: An important feature of the design is the integral monitoring and diagnostic facilities which allows the signal to be monitored at the inputs and at the outputs of the router. The monitoring is available externally or can be processed internally. In addition there is comprehensive monitoring of the power supplies and cooling fans. The monitoring and diagnostics can be controlled and the resulting data accessed through a serial or Ethernet port.
Specifications
| Configuration | |
|---|---|
| Inputs | Selectable in blocks of 32 |
| Outputs | Selectable in blocks of 32 |
| Audio Input | |
|---|---|
| Sampling Rates | 32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 96kHz |
| Balanced Version | |
| Standard | AES3-2003 |
| Signal Level | 0.2-7V p-p |
| Impedance | 110Ω ±20% |
| DC on Input | ±50V (transformer coupled) |
| Connectors | D50 female carrying 16 signals |
| Unbalanced Version | |
| Standard | SMPTE 276M |
| Impedance | 75Ω |
| Return Loss | 25dB, 0.1 - 6.0kHz |
| Connectors | BNC per IEC 60269-8 Amendment 2 |
| Audio Output | |
|---|---|
| Balanced Version | |
| Standard | AES3-2003 |
| Signal Level | 2-5V p-p |
| Impedance | 110Ω (transformer coupled) |
| DC Isolation | ±50V |
| Rise/Fall Time | 3.5-10ns |
| Connectors | D50 female carrying 16 signals |
| Unbalanced Version | |
| Standard | SMPTE 276M |
| Signal Level | 1.0V p-p ±50% |
| Impedance | 75Ω |
| Return Loss | 25dB, 0.1 - 6.0kHz |
| Jitter | Conforms to ANSI S4.40 - 1992 |
| Connectors | BNC per IEC 60269-8 Amendment 2 |
| Control | |
|---|---|
| Q-Link to remote panels | 4x 75Ω video cable 500m (1600 ft) max. length |
| Serial RS232/422 | 3x D9 female |
| Maintenance | RS232 D9 female |
| Ethernet | 2x RJ45, 100BaseT, TCP/IP |
| Monitoring | Input monitoring, Output monitoring |
| Electrical | |
|---|---|
| Supply | Auto ranging 100-240V AC 50/60Hz |
| Power consumption | |
| 8U | 1000 watts |
| 16U | 1700 watts |
| Backup | Option with alarm output |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Height | |
| 8U | 355mm (14") |
| 16U | 710mm (28") |
| Width | 19" rack mount |
| Depth | 485mm (19" nom.) |
| Weight | |
| 8U | 50kg |
| 16U | 100kg |
| Operating Temperature | 0 - 40°C |
| Specification Maintained | 10 - 30°C |
| Ventilation | Ventilation, fan cooled. Right to left, as viewed from front of unit |
Ordering Information
| Q256-032032-AA | Q256 32x32 Analog Audio Router |
|---|---|
| Q256-032032-AESB | Q256 32x32 Balanced Digital Audio Router |
| Q256-032032-AESU | Q256 32x32 Unbalanced Digital Audio Router |
| Ordering Options | |
|---|---|
| +2PS | Redundant Power Supply |
| +FU | Redundant Controller Module |
| +SM | System monitor module |
| Accessories | |
|---|---|
| Q256-IP32-AESU | 32 unbalanced digital audio inputs |
| Q256-IP32-AESB | 32 balanced digital audio inputs |
| Q256-OP32-AESU | 32 unbalanced digital audio outputs |
| Q256-OP32-AESB | 32 balanced digital audio outputs |
| Control Panels | Enhance the function and usability of this router with a variety of control panels |