www.radialeng.com ® True to the Music™ Catapult ™ 4-Channel Audio Snake User Guide Radial Engineering Ltd. 1588 Kebet Way, Port Coquitlam British Columbia, Canada, V3C 5M5 Tel: 604-942-1001 • Fax: 604-942-1010 Email: info@radialeng.
Radial® Catapult™ User Guide Table of Contents Page Catapult Features..........................................................................1 Transformer Options......................................................................2 Six Models Available......................................................................3 Introduction....................................................................................4 Making Connections..................................................................
True to the Music ® CATAPULT FEATURES 2 3 1 1. INPUT: XLR-F inputs used to connect a mic, instrument or mixer to pass the signal to the RX module. 2. THRU: XLR-M thru wired in parallel with the option of mic or linelevel transformer isolation. 3. HANDLE: Protective steel handle makes it easy to pick-up and drop wherever needed. 4 5 6 7 4. LIFT: Lifts the Cat 5 cable ground path to help eliminate troublesome ground loop noise. 5.
True to the Music ® TRANSFORMER ISOLATION MODELS MIC TRANSFORMER: TX4M and RX4M modules are transformer isolated at the XLR outputs and at the Ethernet THRU connector to create a mic level split for stage and studio use. LINE TRANSFORMER: TX4L and RX4L modules are transformer isolated at the XLR outputs and at the Ethernet THRU connector to provide line level isolation to eliminate hum and buzz. Radial Engineering Ltd.
True to the Music ® SIX MODELS AVAILABLE There are six models available with three input and three output modules. Input modules have four XLR female inputs and four XLR male thru-puts. Output modules have two sets of four XLR male outputs. Connection between modules is done using standard RJ45 Ethernet connectors.
True to the Music ® INTRODUCTION In its simplest form, the Catapult is a modular system that lets you drive four analog audio channels over a single Cat 5 shielded cable. (Note the cable must be shielded in order for phantom power to pass.) Where the Catapult differs from other sub-snakes is that each end features a heavy duty steel box (the input or output modules) which can be ordered with or without transformers.
True to the Music ® MAKING CONNECTIONS As with all audio systems, it is good to turn your audio system off or turn system levels down to zero before making connections. This will avoid connection or power-up transients from damaging more sensitive components such as tweeters. Using standard TX4 and RX4 (non-isolated) modules To use the Catapult in the simplest form, connect the TX4 and the RX4 together using Cat 5 or Cat 6 cable.
True to the Music ® Using Mic Level TX4M and RX4M isolated modules These modules are typically employed when splitting a mic signal between two mixers. Although the transformers may be ordered inside either the transmit TX4M or receive RX4M boxes, these are usually put inside the transmit box as this affords greater flexibility. For instance, you may be doing a gig where your stage mics need to be sent to a monitor mixer by the stage, as well as a distant front-of-house mixing console.
True to the Music ® Using Line Level TX4L and RX4L isolated modules As described above, transformers eliminate noise. These problems are often most predominant in situations where the two connection points are distanced from each other. In these setups, the electrical circuits are often on different power legs which can sometimes cause noise to enter the PA system. Isolating the signal allows the audio to pass while blocking the stray DC voltages that can disrupt the system.
True to the Music ® APPLICATIONS The following are some of the various setups that are available using different combinations of Catapult modules. 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.
True to the Music ® 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. Isolated Out Isolated Out Using the Catapult as a line isolator The Catapult TX4L 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.
True to the Music ® 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! Room 1 Room 2 Cat 5 Wall Plate 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.
True to the Music ® SPECIFICATIONS* TX4 - RX4 Audio circuit type: Frequency response: Total harmonic distortion: Dynamic range: Gain: Maximum Input: Minimum load impedance: Common mode rejection: Passive splitter 7Hz ~ 20KHz 0.0005% @ 1kHz 140dB 0db/-0.8dB +35dBu 100 ohms >103dB TX4L - RX4L Audio circuit type: Frequency response: Total harmonic distortion: Dynamic range: Gain: Maximum Input: Minimum load impedance: Common mode rejection: Passive line splitter, transformer based 7Hz ~ 20KHz 0.
THREE YEAR TRANSFERABLE LIMITED WARRANTY RADIAL ENGINEERING LTD. (“Radial”) warrants this product to be free from defects in material and workmanship and will remedy any such defects free of charge according to the terms of this warranty. Radial will repair or replace (at its option) any defective component(s) of this product (excluding finish and wear and tear on components under normal use) for a period of three (3) years from the original date of purchase.
