XMF

The MADI Interface Card for NEXUS Base Devices

The XMF MADI card provides a simple, powerful solution for connecting a NEXUS system to MADI equipment anywhere.

The XMF plug-in card is ideal for exchanging many channels with external MADI-capable devices. Up to 64 channels can be received and transmitted. The board supports 56 and 64 channel MADI formats and automatically detects incoming audio streams. The XMF card also supports legacy mode, where the MADI connection works at twice the sampling rate, i.e. up to 96 kHz, but half the number of channels. In transparent mode, AES additional data can be transferred and read out and are available for further use by the user. For example, they can be output to an XTI board anywhere else in the network or displayed in the NEXUS operating program.

The XMF card can also receive compressed or encoded audio signals on MADI channels and transmit them transparently over the NEXUS network. It is certified by Dolby Laboratories for the transmission of Dolby-E. Optionally, sample rate converters for 64 channels are available, which can be assigned either completely to the inputs or outputs or 32 channels each of both inputs and outputs.

Each XMF board has a BNC input, a BNC output and an SFP port that can be equipped with the SFP module required for each application so that a wide range of scenarios with both single-mode and multi-mode fiber optic cables is supported.

Combined version with BNC input, BNC output and LC optical connection

The board has both BNC and optical LC connectors via which the Madi signal can be fed into the base unit. The preferred input can be selected in the operating software; in automatic mode, the module automatically recognizes which connection is used.

Adjustable digital gain in the inputs

The input signals can be amplified or reduced with a digital gain adjustable in 1dB steps.

Transmission of Dolby E signals

The XMF board is certified by Dolby Laboratories, Inc. to transmit Dolby E signals.

Optional sample rate converter

Optional sample rate converters can be supplied for the XMF card, which can be optionally assigned to the inputs or outputs.

Support of MADI legacy audio at 96 kHz

MADI data streams in legacy format can also be received and sent without any problems. By halving the number of channels, the sampling rate can be doubled.

Evaluation of additional data in the MADI data stream

The following additional data contained in the MADI data stream are evaluated by the XMF card the first four bytes of the channel status such as format, emphasis, lock, etc. and the channel parameters (on/off, A/B, validity).

Automatic detection of the number of channels in the MADI data stream

When evaluating the MADI additional data, the number of received channels is automatically recognized.

In the studio application feeding of multi-channel audio, e.g. from effect racks

It is becoming increasingly common for external digital devices to support mixing consoles with effects. The MADI standard has proven itself in both studio and live operation. Well-known companies offer hardware solutions that use this format and have found an easy way to integrate their systems into the NEXUS network in the XMF card. Examples include the Waves Soundgrid system and the Universal Audio Live Rack with its electrical and optical MADI interfaces for real-time audio effects.

Connection of DAWs or other multi-channel feed systems

Shows and events are often supported with feeds from DAWs or other playback systems. Integrating such multi-channel audio sources into NEXUS-based production is easy with the XMF-MADI interface. Multiple MADI connections can be seamlessly integrated and the channels, including status information, can be routed on the NEXUS network. With the same interface, e.g. DirectOut or other audio signals for recording can be sent on the return channel.

Multi-channel recording from the NEXUS network

Recordings are common at events and productions, whether as quality assurance or for follow-up in any form. For example: A concert is mixed with a Stage Tec console, microphones and line sources are connected to NEXUS base units on stage. In addition to the Star Router, which contains the audio processors of the mixing console, there is also a NEXUS base unit with audio outputs, which is intended for transferring the mix to the system technician, inputs for feeders and talkback microphones. There is also an XMF board that supports a DAW or mobile recording device that can be powered by any audio channel on the NEXUS network: unprocessed input signals, mixer signals from a freely selectable direct-out point, summing, etc. MADI is an excellent multi-channel interface with 64 audio channels per line for such purposes, because any audio signals from the NEXUS network can be converted into a MADI data stream and additionally provided with status information.

Connections between different NEXUS networks

It is possible for two separate NEXUS networks to exchange audio channels, but it is not possible to merge them, such as temporary scenarios such as support for studio production by an OB truck or collaboration between several OB vans during an event. Even permanent installations, such as 96kHz for recording and 48kHz for sound reinforcement and broadcasting, require separate NEXUS systems
; in these situations where separate NEXUS networks are required to exchange audio channels, this can easily be done via MADI lines. The integrated sampling rate converters ensure optimum connectivity even in asynchronous operation.

Connections

XMF_4

1 x 4TE

BNC

MADI

Input

BNC

MADI

Output

SPF

MADI

bidirectional

Technical specifications

Characteristics

	All relevant specifications comply with the following standards:
	AES 10-1991 (ANSI S4.43-1991), AES 10id-1995; AES 10-2008
Data formats	MADI; transparent routing of compressed audio, Dolby E certified
Data rate	125 Mbits
Sample rates	44,1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88,2 kHz, 96 kHz
Audio data	24-bit
Latency	RX < 3 samples TX = 2 samples

Outputs

Configuration	Format conversion, transparent forwarding of all MADI-format user bits
Number of channels	1…64 (1…32 @ 96 kHz)
Optical	(e.g. SPM-3102WG module) LC, 1310 nm, 62.5/125 μm, -19...-12 dBm
Electrical	BNC port; differential output, galvanic isolation; output impedance: 75 ohm (typ.)

Inputs

Number of channels	1 - 64 (1 - 32 in 96-kHz mode)
Optical	(e.g. SPM-3102WG module) LC, 1310 nm, 62.5/125 μm, –19...–12 dBm
Electrical	BNC port; differential input, galvanic isolation; input impedance: 75 ohm (typ.)

Cable lengths

Optical LC	Multi mode: 2 km (max., depends on module and fiber); Single mode: 100 km (max., depends on module and fiber)
Electric BNC	50 m (max., recommended)

Operation conditions

Temperature range	0° C to +50° C
Max humidity	max. 90 %, non-condensing

Storage conditions

Temperature range	–35° C to +70° C
Max humidity	max. 90 %, non-condensing

Power supply

Voltage	+4,75…5,25 V
Current	400 mA (without SRCs); 1250 mA (with SRCs)

Mechanical data

Weight

0.25 kg, 0.27 kg (with SRCs)

NEXUS / NEXUS Star Technical specifications

XMF Technical specifications

Analogue Audio Components

XAD+

The XAD+ board is designed for connecting analog signal sources with line levels. The board offers eight inputs, is available with different connectors and uses the patented TrueMatch converter for outstanding audio values.

XDA+

The XDA+ board is intended for connecting devices that require an analog line level at the input. The board has eight outputs, is available with different connectors and offers outstanding audio values.

XMICplus

The XMIC+ microphone input board features eight TrueMatch® 32-bit converters, each with a 4-channel active microphone splitter. Each of the channels has separate gain control, adjustable impact sound filters and a phase inverter and works in a permanent self-monitoring and self-calibration.

HXAD

HXAD NEXUS cards offer eight analog stereo line inputs (16 audio channels). Versions with D-Sub or RJ45 connectors are available, which are particularly suitable for applications that require small sizes with high audio quality at the same time.

HXDA

The HXDA board is designed for the output of analog, 2-channel signals with line level. With 16 audio channels on only 4HP, it is suitable for fixed installations requiring a large number of output channels, for example.

Digital Audio Components

HXETR

The small size with a high number of AES3 inputs and outputs makes the HXETR cards ideal for applications where many external devices have to be connected to a NEXUS system via AES/EBU signals in the smallest of spaces. 8 inputs and 8 outputs together make 32 audio channels.

XETR

The XETR AES/EBU boards combine four 2-channel digital inputs and four 2-channel digital outputs on one NEXUS board. Versions with only inputs and outputs are available; versions with XLR or BNC connections offer great structural flexibility.

XDIP

The XDIP card establishes the connection between Dante and NEXUS networks. With four Ethernet ports, it operates as a switch and supports redundant Dante connections.

XDED

The XDED board series is designed as Dolby-E and Dolby-D input board for the NEXUS system. It supports all features provided in the Dolby specifications and supplements them with useful options such as auxiliary sync generation to allow limited operation even if video sync is missing.

XDEE

The XDEE board series is designed as Dolby-E output board for the NEXUS system. It supports all features provided in the Dolby specifications and supplements them with useful options such as auxiliary sync generation to allow limited operation even if video sync is missing.

XER

The XER card is the digital gateway to the NEXUS world by receiving and evaluating AES/EBU data streams. A pragmatic operating concept ensures pleasant handling.

XER-M

The XER-M module is intended for connecting digital microphones.

XET

For individual requirements the card is offered with a variety of connector types: XLR, BNC, Cinch and optical TOSLINK; versions with RJ 45 and D-Sub connectors allow all signal lines to be routed together via the respective connector in an installation-friendly manner.

XAF

With an XAF card it is possible to integrate devices with a Toslink optical port in 8-channel ADAT format into a NEXUS network. The card has an input and an output and processes a total of 16 audio channels.

XMF

The XMF MADI card provides a simple, powerful solution for connecting a NEXUS system to MADI equipment anywhere.

XSDI

With the XSDI card, audio signals can be extracted from a digital SDI video data stream, replaced and simultaneously embedded again.

XHDI

With the XHDI card, audio signals can be extracted from an HDSDI digital video stream, replaced and simultaneously embedded again.

XTF

With the XTF card, Stage Tec provides an I/O card that supports the TASCAM multi-track format. With eight input and eight output audio channels and an optional sample rate converter, the board supports high-quality signal transfer between the NEXUS network and connected TASCAM devices.

XFIP

With the XFIP card it is possible to connect AoIP networks to the NEXUS system.

DSPs- & Controllers Component

System Components

NEXUS Star Components

RCX

The RCX card is the central unit in the NEXUS Star Router. It manages the device and provides the internal matrix with 4,096 x 4,096 crosspoints. External control systems can be connected to the NEXUS network via various interfaces. The RCX card can be redundantly equipped, which is what the safety concept of the NEXUS system is all about.

RFOC

The RFOC card is the counterpart to the XFOC network cards in NEXUS base devices. Standard SFP modules allow the very flexible integration of the Star Router into NEXUS networks of any topology. Due to the high switching capacity of the Star Routers, RFOC cards can be used to form a star point in the network, via which many basic devices can be connected to each other centrally.

RMF

The RMF MADI card is the consistent scaling of the XMF MADI card for NEXUS base devices. As a router card, it allows up to four MADI universes to be integrated into a NEXUS network. The four ports, both BNC and SFP ports for LC-duplex fiber optics, are connected directly to the matrix of the Star Router and can be routed from there system-wide.

RSYNC

The RSYNC board supports special applications that require a larger number of different sync inputs and/or outputs. Among them is a BNC input for video genlock or blackburst, which supports both bi-level and tri-level sync.

RMC

The RMC card is the heart of every AURUS or CRESCENDO mixer. It handles every single operation, manages the mixer projects and controls the entire data exchange between the console interface, the NEXUS network and the DSP cards assigned to the console. Up to two mixing console surfaces can be connected to one RMC card. In addition, there are connections for time code, MIDI and other controls such as RAS.

RMCQ

The RMCQ card is the heart of the new AVATUS IP mixing consoles from Stage Tec. It handles every single operation, manages the mixer projects and controls the entire data exchange between the console interface, the NEXUS network and the DSP cards assigned to the console.

RMDQ

The RMD cards form the scalable DSP of the first generation for Stage Tec's large digital mixing consoles of the AURUS and CRESCENDO families. As development progressed, they were replaced by the RMDQ card generation.

RIF67

With the RIF67 card it is possible to connect up to eight AoIP networks to a NEXUS system. AES67 and Ravenna are supported. The RIF67 cards are available in four versions: with 2, 4, 6 or 8 active ports. A total of 256 audio channels can be output in IP streams. Depending on the expansion level of the board, 8 channels (RIF67-1) down to 2 channels (RIF67-4) can be bundled per stream.

Base Units

Optical Multiplexer

AVATUS	Analogue-Audio-Components
AURUS platinum	Digital-Audio-Components
CRESCENDO platinum	DSPs- & Controllers-Component
AURATUS platinum	System-Components
ON AIR flex	NEXUS Star-Components
	Base Units
	OMUX Optical Multiplexer