Neutrik Xirium Pro Wireless Audio Solution
By Richard Forte
Neutrik , the company best known as the industry leader in connector technology , has managed to cut out the “ middleman ” and gone wireless with its newest contribution to the pro audio market .
Overview Xirium Pro is a dual-channel , modular , and expandable wireless audio system that offers an alternative to long cable runs and format converters . A single system consists of two base station units – one for transmitting and one for receiving . Each base station can accommodate any of four different module types : line level analog , AES / EBU , Dante , or Repeater . All modules are equipped with a rechargeable lithium ion battery capable of powering the module for up to 10 hours as well as being able to run on mains .
All of the modules are completely compatible with one another , making it possible to use an AES / EBU transmit module at one end and have it converted into line level analog L / R output at the receiver module . In addition , one base station can transmit from one format to an unlimited number of receivers using different output modules . With a range of up to 1 km line of sight , this is an excellent way to overcome the 100 m limitation of Dante over Cat-5E and deliver two channels of Dante audio from any input module . Unlike conventional wireless systems operating at 2.4 GHz , Xirium Pro uses Neutrik ' s proprietary Digital Wireless Audio protocol ( DiWA ) over the 5 GHz band to deliver uncompressed 24-bit / 48 kHz line level audio with a linear response from 20 Hz to 20 kHz . The audio quality is absolutely pristine .
In Use I was recently given the opportunity to test the dual channel analog modules at a golf course gala fundraiser . The event was held in two separate rooms , each with its own stage and entertainment . To save space and reduce clutter , each stage was equipped with a wireless mixer and controlled by an iPad . The challenge was to migrate the audience from one room to the next by shifting the sound source from system A to system B midway through the performance . This could have been done easily with two 150- ft . XLR cables had it not been for the numerous thresholds and open floor space the cables would ’ ve had to cross . With a clear line of sight from Stage A to the entrance of the second room , I was easily able to transmit the mix from Stage A to the receiver module connected to Stage B . Not only did I avoid having to lay cable and cable mats ,
I also prevent- ed any possibility of ground hum by avoiding the physical cable connection between the two independent sound systems running off of separate power .
The Xirium Pro system performed flawlessly and the quality was indistinguishable from that of a digital snake . This is clearly a superior solution to standard cable runs , especially in demanding installations like on a golf course green where a feed needs to be sent to the clubhouse a great distance away and the cables need to be invisible , or to send audio to delay zones at outdoor concerts .
Given the system ’ s need for line of sight to work properly , each base station is equipped with a mounting bracket that can be used to attach it to a mast or truss to get above the heads of an audience and establish direct line of sight to the receiver unit . Where terrain or other obstacles are in the way , a receiver base station can be equipped with a repeater module to go around corners and complete the link . A repeater can also be used as a range extender for distances exceeding 1 km . In addition , when multiple repeaters are used , the receiver can act as a true diversity receiver and switch between the repeaters and transmitter automatically to select the strongest signal .
Summary For more demanding jobs with greater channel counts , up to five separate systems can be
run simultaneously for a total of 10 discrete channels , and the entire network can then be linked , functions monitored , and parameters like transmission power and delay controlled via an easy-to-use iOS or Android app . Syncing the two units for my simple stereo application was as easy as connecting a Bluetooth earpiece to a smartphone . Push one button on each of the base stations and the two units link together . Absolute child ’ s play !
With an analog input to analog output latency of 3.6 msec ., these units are fast enough for any professional audio application and particularly well suited for driving delay towers . With Xirium Pro ’ s rugged build quality , ease of use , and versatility , this system would be a very powerful addition to any professional AV company or live sound provider ’ s inventory .
Richard Forte , the principal of Forte Sound , is an independent audio engineer based in Montreal . Having toured internationally for over 35 years , he specializes in providing ultra-compact , high-performance digital audio mixing and recording equipment for live musical events and concert tours . For more information , visit www . fortesound . com .
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