PRODUCTS
Calrec's Hydra audio networking system provides a powerful network for sharing of I/O resources and control data between Calrec digital mixing consoles.
Hydra is designed for use in television and radio production studios and outside broadcast vehicles.
Using gigabit Ethernet fabric, the highest speed network fabric commonly available, Hydra offers a clear evolutionary path. Very high bandwidth and a scalable, flexible architecture allows the networking system to be tailored precisely to the requirements of each installation.
In addition, remote I/O units, with up to 96 inputs or outputs, analogue or digital, may be connected onto the same network, providing remotely located sources and destinations that can be used by any or all mixing consoles.
The Hydra audio networking system uses proven technology and provides the scope for 100% redundancy. Control of the network is remarkably user-friendly as it is a natural and logical extension of the existing operational screens used by Calrec's current range of digital consoles.
Founded on key principles of preceding Ethernet technologies, gigabit Ethernet provides a data rate of 1000 Mbps over copper or optical fibre. Data is transferred using the Ethernet frame format over switched media in a network constructed from standardised structured cabling.
The Hydra audio network fabric is constructed using off-the-shelf hardware. The network topology is similar to that of an office LAN, being created out of a central switch with connections to each mixing console in a star formation. Connections may be made with Category 5 UTP in multiples of up to 90 metres, or with optical fibre to several kilometres.
