DirectOut Technologies ANDIAMO

A highly-specified 32-channel A-D/D-A converter for interfacing analogue audio with MADI, Dante™ or Ravenna digital domains, ANDIAMO’s features include per-channel routing, eight summing busses, and DirectOut’s EARS™ redundancy switching.

Main feature set:

32-channel, bi-directional analogue-to-MADI interface
Additional Ravenna (128 channels) or Dante™ (64 channels) audio network capability may be specified at time of order
Internal matrix for routing of all inputs and outputs, by port/bank or per-channel
Bank selection of MADI and AoIP channels 1 to 32 or 33 to 64
Inputs may be freely assigned to any of eight internal summing busses
EARS™ redundancy switching can maintain glitch-free output in the event of momentary interruptions or even complete failure of the digital signal
Supports 56/64 channel, 48k/96k frame and S/MUX 2/4 FS MADI standards
Supports 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 and 192 kHz sample rates
Audio signal paths derived from PRODIGY range for high sonic quality
Comprehensive front panel LED display of per-channel signal activity and primary unit settings
Main unit functions can be set from front panel
Dedicated network port for remote control by globcon freeware, allowing greatly enhanced functionality
Dual RJ45 network ports for primary/secondary AoIP connection
Dual MADI ports: empty SFP carriers; each may be fitted with an optical (multi- or single-mode) or coaxial cartridge
Sync options: internal, MADI, network audio or external wordclock
Wordclock output, follows sync source selection
Dual redundant and independently switched power supplies
1U 19” rack-mounting unit

Need more? The DirectOut PRODIGY range of modular processors offer conversion between multiple audio formats, flexible signal routing, a wide range of DSP options (EQ, dynamics, loudness control, etc.), sample rate conversion, additional redundancy features and further remote control options.

Main feature set

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The third generation of DirectOut Technologies’ ANDIAMO retains the primary functions of previous versions, while adding additional features and improved audio quality.

Occupying only 1U of rack space, ANDIAMO simultaneously provides 32 channels of analogue-to-digital conversion and 32 channels of digital-to-analogue conversion. The base digital format is MADI; compatibility with Dante™ or Ravenna audio networks may be added by specifying the appropriate internal interface at time of order. Like all DirectOut products, considerable attention to operational resilience has been paid, and numerous features supporting redundant and fail-safe working are standard.

An internal matrix allows fully flexible routing of any input to any output. Eight “floating” summing buses are also available; each can be freely assigned to any combination of inputs to allow mixing of inputs to be performed. Level control of each analogue input and output is provided. Standard maximum level is +24 dBu = 0 dBFS; alternatives of +15 dBu or +18 dBu may be specified at the time of order.

ANDIAMO is compatible with the free globcon control software application. globcon is highly recommended by DirectOut Technologies, as it provides an intuitive graphic representation of all signal paths within the unit, and allows internal routing to be easily set up and stored for future recall. All other unit parameters and settings are also accessible via globcon.

An important redundancy feature of ANDIAMO is the inclusion of DirectOut’s EARS™ system. EARS (Enhanced Automatic Redundancy System) uses a proprietary Buffer Loop Detection System (BLDS™) to constantly monitor the digital input selected as the primary source. If any interruption to the feed is detected, a seamless switchover to a nominated secondary source is made. EARS is applicable to dual MADI inputs, but also to the dual network inputs; an important aspect here is that the primary and secondary sources do not need to use the same digital format.

ANDIAMO’s front panel has signal LEDs for each analogue input and output; these use variable brightness to indicate the channel’s signal level, extinguishing if the level falls below -80 dBFS. Each input channel has a second, red LED, indicating 0.5 dB below clipping. A simple two-button menu system allows basic unit configuration (sample rate, clock source, etc.) to be set from the front panel.

All ANDIAMO connectivity is on the rear panel. Analogue inputs and outputs are presented on Dsub25 connectors, wired to the common “Tascam” standard. The MADI interface is in the form of two empty SFP carriers; these may be fitted with optical (multi- or single-mode) or coaxial cartridges to suit the user’s requirements, and allow redundant (primary/secondary) operation with automatic switchover. Suitable SFP transceivers are available from DirectOut – please enquire. Two RJ45 connectors are provided for connection to Dante™ or Ravenna audio networks, again with redundant operation if needed; the Ravenna interface is compliant with ST 2022-7’s redundant operation standards. A third RJ45 port permits connection to a LAN for device management via the free-to-use globcon application. Two BNC sockets for wordclock input and output complete the rear panel connectivity.

In common with all DirectOut audio interfaces, ANDIAMO has two universal power supplies with independently fused IEC inputs and AC switches..