Radial Engineering Catapult Rack TX Cat 5 Passive Analog Audio Snake (Transmitter)

Radial Engineering Catapult TX Overview

Transmitting up to 12 channels of balanced analog audio for venues, studios, and touring rigs, the Catapult Rack TX from Radial Engineering is designed for use with the Catapult Rack RX receiver (available separately) to create a passive audio distribution system. The Catapult Rack TX features 12 XLRF inputs and six robust RJ45 etherCON outputs. Ideal for leveraging existing Ethernet wiring in locations, this audio snake makes complex cable runs easier.

The straight-wire passive operation avoids the need for taking up extra power slots in a rack and ensures pristine, ultralow-noise operation. For even further noise suppression, handy ground-lift switches are provided per output, eliminating hum from grounding loops. The 1 RU chassis is made from solid steel for rugged and dependable performance. The metal rack ears are also reversible, offering flexibility for an optimal configuration in any rack setup.

Analog Audio over Cat 5 Wiring

The Catapult Rack TX acts like a typical multichannel analog audio snake, allowing 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 cables, which are 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.

One Rack Space, Three 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 is built to handle the toughest pro touring environments, and like all Catapult modules, it includes 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.

The Catapult Family

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 1 RU rackspace. With a wide variety of modules available, you can customize your stage or recording studio setup to suit any application.

EAN: 676101046454