Radial Engineering Catapult Cat 5 Analog Audio Distribution

4-Channel Cat 5 Audio Snake

The Catapult is a passive audio snake that allows you to send four channels of analog audio over standard Cat 5 or Cat 6 Ethernet cable.

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 utilises 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.

Utilise 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

Any pair of Transmit and Receive units across the full Catapult range will be compatible with one another. The standard Catapult also includes some additional model variations, for creating a custom snake designed for your unique application. If you need transformer isolation to prevent hum and buzz when splitting audio signals, the TX4L and RX4L have line level isolation transformers for splitting playback tracks or outputs to amp racks. Meanwhile the TX4M and RX4M can be employed when splitting mic signals on stage.

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 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 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 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.

Features:

• Send four channels of analog audio over a single Cat 5/6 cable
• Works with a building’s existing cable infrastructure
• Choice of direct-wired or transformer isolated splits
• Economical Cat 5/6 cable replaces bulky multi-channel audio snakes

TX4 / RX4 Specifications

The Catapult TX4 and RX4 are four-channel audio snakes that allow you to send analog and AES digital audio signals over standard Cat 5 shielded twisted pair cable. This allows for the use of existing Cat 5 or Cat 6 cable infrastructure to connect audio signals from one part of a building to another, or to run sub-snakes over long distances with inexpensive and lightweight cable. The TX4 has four XLR-F inputs and four XLR-M outputs, while the RX4 has two sets of four XLR-M outputs. Both units feature an RJ45 type Ethercon input and thru-put, and include ground lifts to help eliminate buzz and hum caused by ground loops. Their rugged design, exceptionally flat frequency response, and low noise make the TX4 and RX4 excellent options for transmitting analog or AES audio in critical situations.

TX4L / RX4L Specifications

The Catapult TX4L and RX4L are four-channel line level splitters and isolators that allow you to split four audio channels and transmit them over a single standard cat5 shielded twisted pair cable. This allows you to split line level signals between three different destinations, either on stage or using a buildings existing Cat 5 or Cat 6 cabling to route the signal. Each unit features line level isolation transformers which help to eliminate buzz and hum caused by ground loops, saving hours of troubleshooting. The TX4L has four XLR-F inputs and four isolated XLR-M outputs, while the RX4L has four direct XLR-M outputs and four isolated XLR-M outputs. Both units feature RJ45 type Ethercon connections with ground lift switches.

TX4M / RX4M Specifications

The Catapult TX4M and RX4M are four-channel mic level splitters and isolators that allow you to split four mic feeds and transmit them over a single standard cat5 shielded twisted pair cable. This allows you to split mics to three different locations; such as front-of-house, monitors, and a recording device. Mic level isolation transformers in both units keep each destination isolated from the others, eliminating problems that arise from ground loops such as buzz and hum. The TX4M has four XLR-F inputs and four isolated XLR-M outputs, while the RX4M has four direct XLR-M outputs and four isolated XLR-M outputs. Both units feature RJ45 type Ethercon connections with ground lift switches. Phantom power can be provided to the mics via the direct outputs, so long as a shielded Cat 5 cable is used.

Catapult System User Manual