NEUTRIK NKXA-12 XIRIUM ANTENNA CABLE SMA - SMA, S04262D, 12m

Xirium is a digital wireless system designed to replace analogue audio cables in situations where it may be difficult or inappropriate to run a cable, but where a stable connection and audio quality must be maintained. The system is suitable for conferences, live events and music performance and offers a solution for venues where cables are difficult to hide and trip hazards must be avoided including churches, historic buildings, museums, hotels and colleges.

Operating in the license-exempt 5GHz frequency band, the system can send or receive up to eight channels of uncompressed, studio quality, 24 bit, 48 kHz audio with only 3.4 milliseconds latency per circuit. Neutrik's in-house designed DIWA (Digital Wireless Audio) transmit and receive protocol, together with patented FEC forward error correction, results in robust, noise-free operation, even in the presence of heavy local RF traffic. To maximise RF coverage, the diversity antenna system can be augmented with optional, directional antennas. The system is designed for line of sight operation.

A single TRX base station forms the hub of the wireless LAN network and provides four audio channels which can be either transmit or receive, or a combination of both, for example two transmit and two receive. A second TRX base station may be linked, doubling the channel capacity of the system to eight. The additional TRX acts as a slave and mirrors the channel configuration of the master so, for example, if six transmitters and two receivers are required, each TRX unit would be set for 3 transmitters and 1 receiver.

Front panel controls comprise a power switch, a set of control keys, and LED indicators for each of the four independent channels. A single socket is positioned at either end of the panel to accommodate the two diversity whip antennas. Bolt-on hardware is supplied with the TRX unit so it may be rack mounted if required.

On the rear, there is a balanced input, using an XLR and 6.35mm, 3-pole jack combination connector, and an balanced XLR output for each channel. Power from the external 12V DC PSU is supplied via a male XLR4 connector. The output of channel 1, 2 or 3 may be directly connected to the input of the adjacent, higher numbered channel, for example one to two, three to four. The connection is made by a 'Link' switch and is the equivalent of using an XLR patch cable; the connection is made in the analogue domain. It allows the re-broadcasting of a 'transmitted' audio signal (a microphone for example) to a 'receiver' driving the input of a remote mixing console or powered loudspeaker. To send the microphone signal to more than one 'receiver', an XLR splitter cable should be used.

A single RJ45 socket provides connection for a computer running 'Xirium Configurator' software, included on the installation and set-up CD, to provide advanced control of various system parameters.

TRX base stations are supplied with two, half-wave dipole antennae which may be replaced with optional, directional, higher gain (10dBi or 14dBi) antennas, which can be positioned at height to increase transmission range. Linking cables are available in two lengths for each remote antenna type. A Canford 76-309 stand adapter allows the antennas to be fitted on top of a microphone stand.

Transmitters and receivers are available in two versions. The lightweight TX transmitter and RX receiver have internal antennas. They are powered by four AA batteries or an external power supply. Vertical and horizontal clip-on, rubber, mounts offer a quick method of fixing to microphone or loudspeaker stands respectively.

The metal-cased TX-T and RX-T touring versions use an external power supply and are supplied with a whip antenna, which may be replaced with an optional, directional, higher-gain version. The audio specifications of both versions are identical. Mounting is facilitated by an M10 screw hole which is suitable for use with truss clamps.

During set up, each channel of the TRX base station operates as either a transmitter or receiver when it is 'associated' with a remote transmitter or receiver. This is donesimply by pressing the 'Link' key on the base-station, then powering up the selected remote unit. Once associated (indicated by the RX or TX 'Association' LED), the status of the remote unit's battery and other parameters can be monitored from the TRX base station.

TX and TX-T transmitters accept microphone, instrument and line-level sources via a combination 3-pin XLR and 3-pole, 6.35mm connector. Gain settings are controlled from the TRX base station and are adjusted in 8dB steps, or 1dB steps if a laptop is connected running XIRIUM Configurator software. Audio level monitoring is provided by the three-colour LED next to the 'Gain Up/Down' buttons.

The transmitter case houses a 3-way switch that selects 48V phantom power and activates the 6.35mm jack, high-impedance input. LEDs indicate muting, phantom power and high impedance status.

RX and RX-T receivers supply balanced, line-level audio, with a maximum output of 16dBu. Output is set at unity gain and is suitable for driving powered loudspeakers. Up to three receivers can be synced or 'associated' with each of the four channels of a TRX base station, giving a maximum of twelve line-level, analogue, audio outputs - useful for press conferences and other situations requiring multiple, high-quality audio feeds. The number of outputs can be increased by adding a second TRX base station.

The Xirium TRX base station automatically selects the best available channel and, once transmission is established, denies use of that channel to other RF traffic. Channel numbers may be overridden if a particular frequency is preferred.

Spare power supplies are available for all the range.

An aluminium Xirium system case is available for carrying 1x TRX base station and 4x NX1TX transmitters or NX1RX receivers and associated power supplies. Canford code 28-7234.

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