AEQ SOLARIS

AEQ SOLARIS – High-Density Multi-Channel Codec

Overview: The AEQ SOLARIS is a high-density multi-channel audio codec designed for a variety of broadcast applications, including multiple STL (Studio-to-Transmitter Link) connections and remote contributions. It offers scalability and flexibility, allowing users to start with eight bidirectional stereo channels and expand up to 64 channels in a single 1RU 19-inch rack unit.

Key Features:

• Scalability:
  • Initial configuration supports 8 bidirectional stereo channels.
  • Expandable in increments of 8 channels, up to 64 channels.
• Audio I/O:
  • Utilizes IP for audio input/output via Dante (AES-67 compatible).
  • Redundancy support with an additional Ethernet port.
• Audio Encoding Algorithms:
  • Standard: Opus (various flavors), G.722, G.711, and uncompressed PCM (16-bit).
  • Optional: Multiple MPEG-4 AAC modes and apt-X.
• Communication Protocols:
  • SIP (server-based or serverless) and RTP.
  • Smart RTP protocol simplifies connections using DDNS.
• Control and Diagnostics:
  • Remote control via a web interface.
  • Diagnostics tools include Syslog, SNMP, CPU load, and memory usage.
  • Planned integration with ControlPhoenix for unified control with other AEQ devices.
  • API available for third-party integration.
  • SNMP server for remote monitoring of status and alarms.

Technical Specifications:

• Network Interfaces:
  • 5 Ethernet 1000 base-T ports (LAN1 to LAN5) for control, redundant WAN, and Dante network redundancy.
  • Dual redundant AC power supplies for reliability.
• Audio Specifications:
  • Local audio through IP (AES67 or Dante formats), Fs = 48kHz.
  • Max THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) in encoding and decoding linear audio loop.
  • Configurable latency for Dante: 2, 3, 4, 5, and 10ms.
  • Frequency response: +/- 0.2dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz (depending on the encoding algorithm).
• Connectivity:
  • Analog and digital audio inputs/outputs can be achieved using external IP devices like AEQ Netbox AoIP interfaces, consoles, or matrices.
  • The AEQ NETBOX 32AD provides 8 analog and digital stereo AES/EBU inputs and outputs.

Additional Features:

• Web Solaris Application:
  • Comprehensive configuration and control tool.
  • General status overview, communication indicators, and VU meters.
  • “Phone-book” for quick destination identification.
  • Presets for saving and applying configuration settings.
• Control Phoenix Application:
  • Integration with AEQ audio codecs for unified control.
  • Devices appear as individual entities based on the number of licensed channels (8 to 64).
• Audio Contributions:
  • Supports multiple-unicast on RTP mode for delivering the same stream to multiple destinations.
  • Free SIP server offered by AEQ, with optional SIP Relay server for audio relay services.

Installation and Virtualization:

• Can be installed on commercial servers and virtualized as part of a “docker” in high-performance shared servers.

Summary: The AEQ SOLARIS is a robust and scalable audio codec solution designed for high-density multi-channel audio applications in broadcast environments. Its flexibility, extensive audio encoding options, and comprehensive control and diagnostics features make it a versatile choice for professional audio distribution and contribution.