1572 Chapter 43
of the eight traditional party line channels. Fourteen
pre-programmed configurations may be stored and
recalled on the fly. All cabling is standard low capaci-
tance shielded microphone audio wiring.
The standard analog wiring format provides wide
audio bandwidth and easy connection over standard
four-wire audio and data circuits. It allows station-
to-matrix communication through repeaters and over
satellite links, ISDN circuits, and fiber optic systems.
The fully digital format uses only a single pair of
wires that carry data plus digitized audio, simplifying
installation. Additionally, digital audio cannot be tapped
by unauthorized persons, it offers total noise immunity
from external sources. The wiring is easy, it permits
standard punch-block connection techniques using
existing unshielded multipair telco or CAT 5 wiring.
The digital matrix system differs from Party Line in
several areas. In addition to party line conversations,
one may also conduct private point-to-point conversa-
tions between the panels. Through intuitive program-
ming, members of the groups may be changed at will.
This system easily integrates telephones, two-way
radios, line-level audio in/out, voice over IP, GPIs, and
relays, which allows incoming and outgoing telephone
calls to be routed to particular panels or groups. Matrix
systems are well suited for dynamic broadcast environ-
ments where IBF audio feeds must change quickly. A
wireless intercom is easily integrated and can be treated
as another panel depending on the wireless version in
use. The connections between the mainframe and
control panels are standard nonshielded Cat 5 or 6
cables. A digital matrix system by Clear-Com is shown
in Fig. 43-14.
Matrix systems use crosspoint and CPU circuitry.
The mainframe serves as the central interconnection
point for the control stations, interface modules, power
supplies, the configuration computer, and external audio
and control equipment. All signals, digital and analog,
are processed in the mainframe and routed according to
the current software configuration program.
The CPU operates the frames and control all of the
system data communications. Crosspoint electronics
contain microprocessors that communicate with the
CPU and with the stations. The crosspoint circuitry
supports individual ports that can connect to stations,
interfaces, or to analog four-wire circuits and devices.
Interface circuitry couples the master system to
external four-wire circuits providing the proper isola-Figure 43-12. Four-channel, two-wire party line system. Courtesy Clear-Com Communication Systems.DIRECTORDRESSING ROOM 1FOUR CHANNEL MAIN STATIONCHANNELCHANNEL BPRODUCER4 CHANNEL REMOTE STATIONCHANNELCHANNEL ACONNECT VIA WALL PLATESSINGLE CHANNEL
BELTPACK
CONNECT VIA WALL PLATES IN CATWALKLIGHTINFLOOR CREWAUDICONNECT VIA WALL PLATESTWO CHANNEL REMOTE STATIONCHANNEL C
CHANNEL ATWO
CHANNELBELTPACKCHANNEL CBOX OFFICECHANNELPIT DRESSING ROOM 2
WALLMOUNTED
STATIONTWO CHANNEL REMOTE STATIONLIGHTINFLOOR CREW CHANNEL A CHANNEL BLIGHTINGAUDIOCHANNEL A CHANNEL BF 3-PIN M 6-PINYC-366-PIN XLR3-PIN XLR3-PIN XLR3-PIN XLR3-PIN XLR 3-PIN XLR3-PIN XLR3-PIN XLR3-PIN XLR3-PIN XLR3-PIN XLR3-PIN XLR3-PIN XLR3-PIN XLR3-PIN XLR 3-PIN XLR3-PIN XLR3-PIN XLRSTAGECHANNEL CCHANNEL AWALLMOUNTED
STATIONWALLMOUNTED
STATIONWALLMOUNTED
STATION