Rackmount Cat 5 Analog Audio Distribution
The Catapult Rack is a passive audio snake that allows you to send or receive 12 channels of analog audio over standard Cat 5 or Cat 6 Ethernet cables.
- Distribute 12 channels of balanced audio over three Cat 5 cable lines
- Easily combines with any other Radial Catapult modules
- Robust steel enclosure and locking Neutrik etherCON connectors
- Reversible rack ears for optimal configuration with any setup
Analog audio over Cat 5 wiring
The Catapult Rack TX and RX act like a typical multi-channel analog audio snake; they allow you to send mic or line-level signals from one location to another without signal loss, noise, or interference, and without any digital audio conversion needed. What makes the Catapult system unique is that it utilizes Cat 5 Ethernet cable, which is widely available, lightweight, and economical. Simply connect one shielded Cat 5 cable for every four channels of audio and deliver it to any other Radial Catapult module – it will utilize the analog conductors in the cable to deliver four balanced audio lines to any destination.
1 Rackspace, 3 times the channel count
The Catapult Rack units operate like three modules in one chassis. Since each Cat 5 Ethernet cable can carry four channels, the 12 XLRs on each Catapult Rack are split into three banks, each with their own noise-eliminating ground lift switch and RJ45 Ethernet jacks on the rear panel. You can use three Ethernet cables to connect all 12 channels to a single location, or split them off to any of the Radial Catapult stage boxes, providing you with a fully customizable audio snake system that can connect multiple destinations at once and even include transformer isolation where needed.
Rugged and flexible
The Catapult Rack TX and RX are built to handle the toughest pro touring environments, and like all Catapult modules they include Neutrik etherCON RJ45 connectors. These allow you to use compatible cables with a protective metal shell around the Ethernet connector that protects against accidental disconnection while also preventing damage to the RJ45 plug itself. Another useful feature on the Catapult Rack is the addition of reversible rack ears, which can be mounted on either side of the chassis, so you can have the XLRS or the Ethernet connections facing outwards as necessary.
Straight-wire passive operation
Catapult Rack modules require no power to operate, and since they keep the signal in the analog realm, no digital conversion is necessary. Straight-wire connection from each bank of XLRs to the RJ45 connector on a Cat 5 cable ensures that your audio passes through without coloration or distortion.
Catapult Rack Applications
Using the Catapult Rack TX with the Catapult Rack RX
The Catapult Rack makes it easy to feed 12 channels of analog audio over just three economical Cat 5 cables. Leave your bulky, heavy and expensive multichannel audio snakes at home for your next gig.
Create stage zones with the Catapult Rack
Set the Catapult Rack RX at your PA console and place three compact Catapult Mini TX units at different zones on stage. This cuts down on cable clutter across the stage and streamlines your setups and teardowns.
Add flexibility with the Catapult TX4
Combining the Catapult Rack RX with Catapult TX4 stage boxes adds flexibility to match any setup. The TX4 features both male and female XLR connectors so they can be used for sends or returns, or the XLR thru connectors can feed a monitor console.
Using the Catapult Rack TX with Isolated Catapult Modules
Send audio to three separate zones by using the Catapult Rack TX and the transformer-isolated Catapult RX4L modules together as a return snake. The isolated outputs allow you to send audio to multiple power amps for example without the need to worry about ground loop noise.
All Radial Catapult modules are compatible with each other and sold individually, so you can select whichever combination best suits your needs. The Catapult Mini RX and TX can be used together as a pair, creating a compact 4-channel audio snake. However, if you prefer to have a stage box to plug microphones into, but want a compact breakout cable that fits in the case with the mixer, combine the Catapult TX4 with the Catapult Mini RX. With the addition of the Catapult Rack units, you can also incorporate equipment racks into your setups for greater flexibility, with each rack unit essentially functioning as three 4-channel modules in a 1RU rackspace. With a wide variety of modules available, you can customize your stage or recording studio setup to suit any application.
Videos
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How to connect analog audio through cat 5 ethernet with the Radial Catapult
Related Products
Catapult Rack Resources
- Model:
- TX
- RX
- Part No:
- R800 8039 00
- R800 8040 00
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