4-channel Cat 5 Audio Snake
The Radial Catapult™ is a 4-channel audio snake that lets you send analog or AES digital audio signals over standard Cat 5 or Cat 6 shielded twisted pair cable. This allows stage techs to take advantage of the relatively low cost of this abundantly available cable for return snakes or for transporting balanced audio across a large stage. For the system contractor, the Catapult lets you take advantage of pre-wired networks to connect audio from one room to another.
As with all Radial products, the Catapult is constructed with solid 14-gauge steel to handle the rigors of live touring and is finished in a powder-coat finish to keep your Catapult looking good for years! Inside, a two-sided PCB is used to mount the connectors and transformers doubling up the solder joints for maximum durability.
- Send analog audio or digital AES signals over Cat 5/6 cable
- Works within a building’s existing cable infrastructure
- Choice of direct-wired or isolated splits
- Transmits four AES signals (eight audio channels)
ANALOG AUDIO OVER CAT 5 WIRING
The Catapult TX4 and RX4 act like a typical four-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 a shielded Cat 5 cable between any two Catapult modules and they will use the analog conductors in the cable to deliver four balanced audio lines to any destination.
STRAIGHT-WIRE PASSIVE OPERATION
Catapult 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 the XLRs to the RJ45 connector on a Cat 5 cable ensures that your audio passes through without coloration or distortion.
UTILIZE PRE-EXISTING CABLE INSTALLATIONS
As many buildings are already pre-wired for Cat 5, you can take advantage of this to transmit audio between distant rooms without the need to install or supply new cabling. This eliminates the need for bulky and expensive multi-channel audio cable, and allows contractors to benefit from installed network cable and easily connect from one room to another.
MIX & MATCH TO ADD TRANSFORMER ISOLATION
All of the Radial Catapult modules are compatible with each other, and each is sold individually, so you can select whichever combination best suits your needs. The Catapult RX4 and TX4 can be used together as a pair, creating a 4-channel audio snake. However, if you need transformer isolation to prevent hum and buzz when splitting audio signals, two additional models of Catapults are available. The TX4L and RX4L have line level isolation transformers for splitting playback tracks or outputs to amp racks, while the TX4M and RX4M can be employed when splitting mic signals on stage. Use any combination of these six models, along with the compact Catapult Mini RX and TX to create a custom snake designed for your unique application.
CATAPULT APPLICATIONS
USING THE CATAPULT AS A RETURN SNAKE
The Catapult is the perfect return snake for corporate events where you need to run a couple of lines back to the stage and monitors. Use the RX4L line isolation module to eliminate ground loops.
USING THE CATAPULT AS A SUB SNAKE ON STAGE
Cleaning up the stage while lowering the set-up times have become essential components in production. Use the Catapult at the front of the stage or next to the amps to create zones for quick deployment.
USING THE CATAPULT AS A 4-CHANNEL MIC SPLITTER
Use the Catapult TX4M to split the mics between the monitor desk and front of house with Eclipse transformer isolation to deliver a noise-free signal, saving hours of tedious trouble shooting.
USING THE CATAPULT AS A LINE ISOLATOR
The Catapult RX4L is the perfect 4-channel line isolator. Simply connect it in line with any line audio device to eliminate hum and buzz caused by ground loops.
USING THE CATAPULT TO NETWORK AUDIO
Use the pre-existing Cat 5 or Cat 6 wiring in the building to network audio from one room through the walls to another. The XLR connections at each end make it easy!
RUN FOUR AES SIGNALS ACROSS CAT 5 CABLE PLATFORM
110 Ohm AES signals can easily travel across Cat 5 and Cat 6 Ethernet cable. Connect to the four Catapult TX4 XLRs for eight channels of audio for remote recording.
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