Crest Audio Offers Audio and Control on One Cable

Crest Audio is showing NexSys 4, the latest generation of the company's amplifier control system. Operating across a standard Ethernet network, NexSys 4 allows delivery of 100BT Ethernet based amplifier control and/or CobraNet digital audio straight to the amplifier.

The new CKi Series of power processing amplifiers is the latest addition to Crest Audio's extensive range of contracting amplifiers, which includes the CKS, CKV and CKX lines. CKi amplifiers are designed to be used in conjunction with NexSys 4 to offer an unparalleled level of network control, monitoring and audio distribution.

Fitted with the new NxEthernet module, the CKi amplifier becomes a node on a standard TCP/IP network, providing legendary NexSys control and monitoring. The addition of the NxCobraNet module allows digital audio data to be carried via the same Ethernet cable as the control information.

Other new features of NexSys 4 include multiple points of control, audio return of the amplifier's output over Ethernet (for monitoring purposes), an XLR style locking Ethernet connector (Ethercon by Neutrik) and NexSys software control via MediaMatrrix. In addition, NexSys 4 permits real time load monitoring, using program audio to monitor the state of loudspeaker drivers connected to CKi amplifiers.

NexSys 4 adds these new features to the existing capabilities of the NexSys amplifier control system, which include gain control, sequential power switching, and extensive amplifier monitoring including input and output level, DC and thermal protect, IGM and Clip status, power state, AC power monitoring, heatsink temperature, audio return and offline load monitoring.