AEQ Solaris - Scalable Multiple Stereo Audiocodec for IP networks with up to 64 channels with DANTE

AEQ Solaris Audio gateway: Multiple Audiocodec for IP networks Full duplex,

with DANTE / AES67 connectivity

Scalable Multiple Stereo Audiocodec

It can be purchased with 8 bi-directional stereo channels, and upgraded in groups of 8 channels, reaching up to 64 channels - all in a single 1U 19" rack form factor. 

Control and encoding algorithms

The unit can be remotely controlled using a Web interface allowing for complete configuration and operation of the unit, and a set of diagnostics tools are included, such as Syslog, SNMP, CPU load and memory usage, etc.

Audio encoding algorithms for all kind of uses, including legacy G.722 and G.711, plus uncompressed PCM audio (16 bit), OPUS, several MPEG-4 AAC modes and apt-X.

Scalable Multiple Stereo Audiocodec with IP connectivity. Between 8 and 64 independent stereo / dual / mono connections to di­fferent destinations. SOLARIS entry level is 8 channels but can be increased through licensing as required and up to 64 channels.

AoIP connectivity for local audio. The device is provided with local audio connectivity through IP in AES67 / DANTE formats. If conversion to analogue or digital audio is required, this can be accomplished through external IP devices with connection to these formats, such as AEQ Netbox AoIP interfaces, consoles or matrices.

5 network ports: they allow for traffic control, encoded audio (WAN) and local audio I/O separation through AES67/DANTE IP and DANTE network redundancy.

Encoding algorithms for any need and use. Apart from the recommended OPUS algorithm, and the uncompressed PCM format, it incorporates the G711 and G722 algorithms to communicate with VoIP devices. For special uses, AAC and apt-X encoding algorithms are optionally available for SOLARIS.

Control via Web-browser and other applications.

SOLARIS is controlled through a web interface. Also, in order to achieve united control with other AEQ audio codecs, it can be controlled from the Phoenix Control software. An API is also available to integrate it with orchestrators and third-party applications.

Can be installed on generic servers and is virtualizable.

SOLARIS is provided as a piece of hardware equipment in 1RU rack format, optimized for its function. To fulfill the requirements of some corporations, it can also be installed as an application on a commercial server. It can even be virtualizable and be part of a “docker” created in a high-performance shared server.

Exclusive connection tools. Using AEQ audio codecs, you get advantage of the Smart RTP communications protocol that simplifies your connections, even though DDNS, (Dynamic domain name service) that allows connections without the need to know destination IP addresses - even if dynamic.

Compatible with most audio codecs from other manufacturers. Supports SIP and the most commonly used encoding algorithms, including those in the N/ACIP EBU Tech3326 recommendation.

Free SIP server available offered by AEQ. An optional SIP Relay server is also o­ffered to facilitate the transporting of audio through an audio relay service.

Advantages over IP. Adaptive bu­ffer to absorb the network jitter. DHCP, automatic configuration of connection parameters. Audio contributions to di­fferent destinations using multiple-unicast.

SOLARIS can be monitored remotely. It includes SNMP server allowing for monitoring status and alarms remotely, through any standard SNMP client.

Reliability. Dual, redundant AC power supply.

Back panel - The back of the device has five network ports (LAN1…LAN5) and two AC power supplies. The local audio inputs and outputs connects with other audio devices through the AoIP Multichannel Network connectivity using AES67 / Dante TM Protocol.

WEB SOLARIS APPLICATION This is a SOLARIS´ specific configuration and control tool. General status: View of the global status of each of the audio codecs (8 to 64 depending on the version). At the left, there is a button (green to establish, and red to finalize the communication). Next, indicators are provided informing about the communication itself: call type (RTP, Direct SIP, Proxy SIP), call status, used algorithm used, SIP user (if applicable), remote destination and, finally, activity indicators and VU meters.

“Phone-book” or Contact list: Allows to quickly identify destinations that can be previously registered through either manual entry or imported from a file.

Presets: Allows operator to save configuration details for of each channel, quickly apply changes to any equipment configuration parameter or a group of these at any moment.

Other tools: configuration of installation values such as IP ports settings, local AoIP AES67 / Dante channels, maintenance, diagnostic, user management, etc.

CONTROL PHOENIX APPLICATION For common control with other AEQ audiocodecs, SOLARIS can be registe[1]red in the Control Phoenix application. It will then appear as individual devices corresponding to the number of licensed channels, i.e. between 8 and 64.

Technical characteristics

LOCAL INPUTS AND OUTPUTS IP audio input/output: one stereo DANTE / AES 67 input and stereo associated to every activated channel (standard configuration: 8 channels with 8 stereo input outputs). Expansions are available through licensing of 8 channels at a time, up to a maximum of 64 bidirectional channels with Dante redundancy on two of the SOLARIS' five RJ45 1Gbps Ethernet ports.

Analog and digital audio inputs / outputs: If conversion to analogue or digital audio is required, this has to be accomplished through external IP devices with connection to these formats, such as AEQ Netbox AoIP interfaces, consoles or matrices.

AEQ NETBOX 32AD: Interface with 8 analog and digital stereo AES/EBU inputs and outputs, provides complete analog or digital connectivity for to a standard SOLARIS

AUDIO SPECIFICATIONS

• Local audio through IP AES67 or Dante formats. Fs=48kHz.

• Maximum THD (encoding and decoding linear audio loop):

• Max Latency congurable for Dante: 2, 3, 4, 5 and 10ms.

• Frequency response (+/- 0.2dB): up to 20 Hz- 20 KHz, depending on the encoding algorithm.

COMMUNICATION INTERFACES

• 5 Ethernet 1000 base T ports (LAN1 .. LAN5) for combined or separated control, redundant WAN and Dante (primary and secondary), etc.

 • Possibility of routing several WANs. (Avoid joining primary and secondary DANTE networks together).

• RJ45 connector.

OTHER FEATURES

• Multiple-unicast on RTP mode: allows for the delivery of the same stream to multiple di­fferent destinations (according to the encoding algorithm).

• SIP. Possibility of working with or without SIP server.

• Diagnostic by means of SNMP and Syslog.