In a significant development in the audio networking world, Barix is set to launch its first native Dante hardware solution at the Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2024 event.
This announcement comes six months after the company revealed its plans to integrate wide and local area networking more closely through Dante technology.
IP Former TPA400 Native Dante: Features and Capabilities
The latest offering from Barix is the IP Former TPA400 Native Dante decoder/amplifier, distinguished for its cost-effectiveness and ultra-low-latency audio delivery. It allows for synchronized audio playback across multiple endpoints. Barix is scheduled to showcase this technology at their stand (7C400) at the Fira Barcelona Gran Via from January 30 to February 2.
Evolution from the Original IP Former TPA400
Originally, the IP Former TPA400 was designed to convert legacy speakers into IP speakers. This transformation was made possible by connecting the compact device to any loudspeaker. It includes an IP network interface, an audio stream decoder, and an amplifier front-end suitable for two- to eight-ohm speakers, supported by Power over Ethernet (PoE) for efficient installation. The original device features Barix IPAC firmware, which provides five priority ports, allowing users to connect multiple audio sources and prioritize them in a hierarchical manner, ideal for paging and public address systems that also stream background music.
Enhanced Synchronous Playback and Simplified Configuration
The IP Former TPA400 Native Dante is engineered to receive a single-channel Dante stream and play it with an end-to-end latency of only ten milliseconds. This capability ensures reliable synchronous playback over various locations. The configuration process is simplified through direct routing via the Dante Controller, and the device’s Dante-specific firmware allows easy integration with various audio systems. This makes the hardware suitable for extensive installations such as corporate campuses, educational institutions, and hospitality venues like hotels and resorts.
Statement from Barix CEO
Reto Brader, CEO of Barix, emphasized the ease of configuration and compatibility with various audio systems offered by their Dante hardware solution. He highlighted the product’s alignment with global industry standards and its adaptability in different scenarios, including PoE Dante speakers. The native Dante IP Former is presented as a fully compliant, PoE-powered mini-amplifier that can convert any speaker into a Dante Speaker with minimal latency and cost.
Additional Innovations and Applications
Barix will also demonstrate the integration of the original IP Former TPA400 with other Barix hardware devices. These devices can bridge two Dante networks using SIP connectivity and other protocols like RTP and InformaCast. The Barix IPAC firmware facilitates audio bridging between various protocols.
Simplifying Dante System Interconnections
Barix has developed a method for the unidirectional and bidirectional interconnection of two Dante systems. This is achieved using Barix IPAC hardware devices (Exstreamer M400, Exstreamer MPA400, Annuncicom MPI400, IP Former TPA400) to support SIP-based WAN bridging. This approach offers a simpler, cost-effective solution that eliminates the need for analog-to-Dante conversion in bridging networks, allowing SIP calls to be fed directly to Dante networks. This new application will be introduced to an international audience at ISE 2024.
News source: https://www.barix.com/
