Overview of Radial Catapult RX4M Cat5 Snake for Mic-Level Routing (Receiver)
Designed for use with the TX4M, the Radial Engineering Catapult RX4M is a snake which accepts four channels of mic-level signal over Cat5/Cat6 cables, and routes them into the eight XLR jacks provided. Four of the XLR channels are direct outputs, while the other four are isolated. The unit is useful in live-sound reinforcement applications, as it allows live sound stage techs to use relatively affordable cable to secure quality audio connections around large stages and venues. It’s also suitable for system contractors who can utilize the Catapult with pre-wired networks to move audio throughout disparate rooms. The Catapult RX4M gives you 2 banks of XLR channels, each sporting four channels. Phantom power can be provided over the direct outputs (so long as a shielded Cat5/Cat6 cable is used), while the mic-level isolation provided helps in eliminating noise issues that can arise from ground loops. You’ll also note the two RJ45-type etherCON connections. One is a multi-channel input, for use with the TX4M on the transmission end. The other is a throughput, and can be implementing in routing signal to additional Catapults. With three different destination pathways possible via the XLR banks and the etherCON throughput, you can split audio to multiple sources, if that's your desire. A ground-lift switch helps eliminate any noise issues on the Cat5/Cat6 line, while a steel handle provides easy transport, and four bumpers protect the Ethernet jacks and ground-lift switch from wear and tear.
The Catapult TX4 and RX4 act like a typical four-channel analog audio snake; they allow you to send mic or line-level signals from one location to another without signal loss, noise, or interference, and without any digital audio conversion needed. What makes the Catapult system unique is that it utilizes Cat 5 Ethernet cable, which is widely available, lightweight, and economical. Simply connect a shielded Cat 5 cable between any two Catapult modules and they will use the analog conductors in the cable to deliver four balanced audio lines to any destination.
Catapult modules require no power to operate, and since they keep the signal in the analog realm, no digital conversion is necessary. Straight-wire connection from the XLRs to the RJ45 connector on a Cat 5 cable ensures that your audio passes through without coloration or distortion.
As many buildings are already pre-wired for Cat 5, you can take advantage of this to transmit audio between distant rooms without the need to install or supply new cabling. This eliminates the need for bulky and expensive multi-channel audio cable, and allows contractors to benefit from installed network cable and easily connect from one room to another.
All of the Radial Catapult modules are compatible with each other, and each is sold individually, so you can select whichever combination best suits your needs. The Catapult RX4 and TX4 can be used together as a pair, creating a 4-channel audio snake. However, if you need transformer isolation to prevent hum and buzz when splitting audio signals, two additional models of Catapults are available. The TX4L and RX4L have line level isolation transformers for splitting playback tracks or outputs to amp racks, while the TX4M and RX4M can be employed when splitting mic signals on stage. Use any combination of these six models, along with the compact Catapult Mini RX and TX to create a custom snake designed for your unique application.
Features:
- Send four channels of analog audio over a single Cat 5/6 cable
- Works with a building’s existing cable infrastructure
- Choice of direct-wired or transformer isolated splits
- Economical Cat 5/6 cable replaces bulky multi-channel audio snakes
Music City Canada is an authorized reseller for Radial products. Purchases are backed with full manufacturer warranty in Canada. All orders ship from our Canadian warehouse.
