Cadac X16 - Manual (Page 5)

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Revision MM2006-1 X16 MADI Merge Unit
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the X16 MADI Merge Unit from Cadac
Electronics plc.
The Cadac X16 is a 1U rack mount unit capable of receiving up to
four optical MADI (Multitrack Audio Digital Interface) streams from
Cadac’s M16 Remote Controlled Microphone Amplifiers, or other
devices. Each MADI stream received from an M16 consists of 16 re-
quired audio channels (Ch1 - Ch16). The X16 combines these chan-
nels in order to provide a single combined MADI output stream, in
both optical and coaxial formats. This output stream can comprise of
a maximum of 64 channels at 48kHz sampling frequency, or 32
channels at 96kHz sampling frequency.
The X16 is designed to operate in Standard and Extended MADI
modes, enabling both 56/28 and 64/32 channel operation.
Output connectivity is provided in the form of four paired MADI out-
puts. Each pair comprising both optical (SC) and coaxial (BNC) in-
terfaces. The X16 is therefore capable of providing up to eight MADI
output streams derived from the combination of the 4 x 16 channels
sourced from Cadac M16 or other systems. This provides the func-
tionality of an 8-way MADI distribution system.
By offering multiple MADI outputs, the X16 becomes the heart of a
centralised digital distribution system. In the case of an M16/X16 Re-
mote Mic-Pre/Stage Rack system, it provides a powerful digital au-
dio distribution system, enabling multiple microphone sources to be
routed throughout a fixed installation or live venue completely within
the digital domain from a single 1U rack mount enclosure.
An additional mode enables the X16 to operate independently of Ca-
dac M16 units, providing up to four 1 in/2 out MADI distribution am-
plifiers. This feature enables four independent optical MADI streams
(of up to 64 channels each) to be made available on both an optical
and coaxial output connector, and is an ideal choice for any space
conscious installation requiring multiple MADI interface conversions
or additional routing capability.
Finally, the X16 incorporates a very practical wordclock distribution
system. Not only can the X16 slave to an external wordclock sync
source, it also incorporates a very stable temperature compensated
inbuilt wordclock generator, enabling the X16 to become the word-
clock master in a digital audio system. Four additional wordclock
outputs are also provided as standard, to enable the distribution of
stable and buffered sync sources in a star topology. This avoids the
need to daisy-chain wordclock signals from device to device.
We trust that the Cadac X16 will bring many years of satisfaction and
thank you for your patronage.
The Cadac team