Audio and control data is transferred using
the Ethernet frame format over switched
media in a network constructed from
standardized structured cabling.
Hydra I/O boxes providing fixed or
configurable I/O may be connected onto
the network, providing remotely located
sources and destinations that can be used
by any or all mixing consoles.
The Hydra Audio Network fabric is
constructed using low-cost off-the-
shelf hardware. The network topology
is similar to that of an office LAN, being
created out of a central Gigabit switch
with connections to each mixing console
and Hydra I/O box, in a star formation.
Connections may be made with Category
5e UTP, up to 90 metres, or with optical
fiber, up to 10 kilometres.
HyDRA TECHNOLOgy
Hardware
There are many commercially available
Gigabit switches, repeaters and media
converters that can be used to build
the network, however some proprietary
hardware is required to interface the
consoles and Hydra I/O boxes to the
network.
The diagram below shows a console
and racks connected to a network via a
Wide Area Bulk Card and Hydra Gigabit
interface unit. 3 Hydra I/O boxes and
2 modular Hydra I/O boxes are also
shown, each with up to 96 inputs/outputs
available to any console on the network.
Network Editor
For a network to be truly useful, it must be
easy to use and maintain. The system’s
control software constantly monitors
the network, performing essential
administration functions, leaving the
user free to creatively exploit network
resources as easily as if they were locally
connected.
Connections to the modular Hydra I/O box are via RJ45 connectors on the
front of the unit’s processor module. As this is a copper interface, when
using fiber cabling, it is necessary for media converters to be used between
the Gigabit switch and the modular Hydra I/O boxes.
Power
Fault
hp Procurve
Switch 2824
Wide Area Bulk Card
DSP & Digital I/O Rack
Audio &
Control Data
from WAB
Console’s PC
Gigabit Switch
Modular Hydra I/O Box
Modular Hydra I/O Box
To another console
on the network
GIG-E
GIG-E
GIG-E
Alpha Control Surface
The connection between the Digital
I/O Rack and the Gigabit Interface
Unit allows up to 128 channels to
be carried in both directions, via
cabling up to 5 metres (16.5 feet)
long.
Control
from
Console
POWER FAN FAIL
Hydra Gigabit Interface Unit
3051-30-2A3
Hydra Network
Interface Hardware
Hydra
07/09/07
J Cunningham
Title:
Project:
Issue date:
Drawn:
Calrec Audio Ltd
Nutclough Mill
Hebden Bridge
West Yorkshire
HX7 8EZ
Tel: 01422 842159
Fax: 01422 845244
www.calrec.com
enquiries@calrec.com
© Calrec Audio Ltd
All Rights Reserved
Control &
Display from/to
PC
MS CF / MD
USB
Power
Power
Reset
I O
DVD ROM
HDD
USB
USB
GIG-E
Choose either Fibre or Copper Connection
1000 Base T
1000 Base SX (Multimode Fibre)
1000 Base LX (Single Mode Fibre)
1000 Base LH (Long Haul Fibre)
(Please note that for fibre connections,
media converters must be used
between the Gigabit switch and the
Modular Hydra I/O Boxes)
GIG-E
GIG-E
GIG-E
Hydra I/O Box
Hydra I/O Box
Hydra I/O Box
The console’s Network Editor consists of
a set of screens for :
Configuration of modular Hydra I/O
•
boxes
Offline editing of Hydra I/O and
•
Audio Network
Status representation of all devices
•
on the network
Utility for forcing ownership to be
•
dropped
The Network Editor can be run
independently of the Front End (console
application), allowing the modular Hydra
I/O boxes and audio network to be
configured offline. During this time, any
operations which require a console are
disabled.
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