QSC Audio RAVE 161, RAVE 81, RAVE 160, RAVE 188, RAVE 88, RAVE 80 II.NetworkDesign, Channel routing

Channel routing

A RAVE network handles routing in groups of eight audio channels, and each group of eight transmitted on the network makes up one network channel. Each RAVE device handles two network channels—two sent, two received, or one of each. For example, a RAVE 161 unit, with 16 analog audio inputs, represents two transmitted groups, and thus two separate network channels; one comprises audio channels 1 through 8—the other, channels 9 through 16.

Similarly, a RAVE 80, with eight AES3 digital outputs, represents two receiving groups (each AES3 channel carries two audio channels). Either one can be configured to receive any network channel—even the same one, if you needed what would essentially be a digital “Y” cable.

A RAVE device that both sends and receives, such as the RAVE 188 (eight analog inputs and 8 analog outputs) or RAVE 88 (4 AES3 inputs and 4 AES3 outputs), transmits one network channel and can receive another. It can receive the same network channel that it transmits, but only if it is connected to a hub or another unit, on a valid network.

Behind a removable cover on the front panel of a RAVE unit are four hexadecimal rotary switches for selecting the network channels of the device’s two groups. The two switches on the left set the address of the device’s first group (channels 1 through 8 on the RAVE 80, 81, 160, and 161; inputs 1 through 8 on the RAVE 88 and 188), while the two on the right set the address of the device’s second group (channels 8 through 16 on the RAVE 80, 81, 160, and 161; outputs 1 through 8 on the RAVE 88 and 188). Detailed instructions on setting network channel numbers follow later in the Operation chapter.

II.NetworkDesign

There are several ways to configure a RAVE network, from very simple to relatively complex. The number of RAVE units in the network, where they are located, and your future expansion plans will determine what net topology would be best. The same techniques you would use in designing a conventional 100-Mbps Fast Ethernet will assist you in designing a RAVE network.

RAVE units can use unshielded twisted pair wiring, but it must be at leastCategory 5 (or CAT-5, for short) quality. Anything less may cause unreliable operation of the network, if it runs at all. Fortunately, most new Ethernet cable installations in buildings use Category 5 cable.

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