An overview of the DirectOut ANDIAMO converter (MADI, Dante, Ravenna)
It’s fair to say that DirectOut have carved out something of a niche for themselves in the live sound market in recent years. Whilst the German pro audio manufacturer’s range is equally suited for use in recording studios, it’s their advanced, ‘live sound-friendly’ technological developments like the EARS™ and FastSRC™ technologies which have really made the brand a standout choice for high-profile live music tours.
It’s the flagship PRODIGY Series that no doubt takes centre-stage in the current lineup – however DirectOut continues to offer additional high-quality problem-solvers, like the innovative EXBOX Series (which have been playing a vital role in ‘mission-critical’ playback rigs over the past decade), alongside the acclaimed ANDIAMO Series of AD/DA converters.
Now into its third generation, Directout’s 32-channel converters are available in three different versions – with options for integration with AoIP systems via Dante or Ravenna/AES67, as well as point-to-point digital connectivity courtesy of MADI. Let’s delve into what makes the new Directout ANDIAMO the perfect choice for professional live music recording and playback systems.
High-End Sound
With A-D and D-A converters lifted from the high-end PRODIGY Series, the 3rd gen ANDIAMO offers live engineers the same premium sound quality and rugged reliability in a more affordable package.
With 32 channels of analogue I/O (via D-Sub25) in only 1RU, the ANDIAMO provides straight-forward AD/DA in a smaller, space-saving and more cost-effective design.
For existing PRODIGY users, the ANDIAMO also offers the perfect breakout or additional end-point for larger systems – without sacrificing the exceptional sound quality.
Future-proof Connectivity: MADI, Dante or Ravenna
The DirectOut ANDIAMO is available in three different versions, covering three of the most commonly used digital audio formats found in live sound and broadcast audio (with a fourth version planned to support users of Waves SoundGrid).
MADI
The base model features two sets of MADI I/O, which can be used individually or for running a redundant backup, for a total distribution of 128 channels (or 64 when used for redundancy). Note that DirectOut sells its SFPs separately, with options for MADI optical (LC connectors) or coaxial BNC (on mini-BNC connectors).
Dante
The ANDIAMO Dante version immediately slots into the latest audio workflows courtesy of Audinate’s popular AoIP format. Arguably the most popular AoIP format to date, Dante opens up a world of possibilities for sending and receiving high-quality audio around networked systems via standard Cat5e or Cat6 cabling, with minimal latency, and providing further versatility for large-scale music and broadcast productions.
The ANDIAMO Dante features 64 channels of Dante I/O are via 2 x Ethernet ports, and also offers format conversion between Dante and MADI – acting as a bridge between MADI and Dante gear – and offering a route for MADI-equipped consoles and other rack gear to be used in a Dante network.
Ravenna
Alternatively, the ANDIAMO Ravenna variant provides Ravenna/AES67 connectivity up to 128 channels. Like the Dante version, the ANDIAMO Ravenna can also be used for MADI conversion, again providing a route for audio from MADI devices to appear on an AoIP network.
Whilst it’s primarily been targeted at the professional broadcast market, Ravenna is also suitable for deployment in other pro sectors like live sound and fixed installations, and even larger recording studios and post-production houses.
The DirectOut ANDIAMO features 32 analogue ins and 32 analogue outs; 2 x MADI I/O via SFPs; a network MGMT connection for control;
plus 2 x Ethernet connections for Dante or Ravenna; 2 x PSUs and WordClock I/O on BNC.
Redundancy: Ensuring Reliability
Reliability is of course critical in the demanding environments of professional audio, and it’s surely the number one concern for professional live sound engineers. A number of the DirectOut team members continue to themselves be involved in live sound – as such, the ANDIAMO has been designed to solve real-world problems faced by live and broadcast engineers.
A key factor of its design is therefore redundancy, with dual temperate-monitored power supplies to ensure uninterrupted operation during a live show, and the ability to mirror each of the digital connections to provide backup audio signals.
Then we have DirectOut’s renowned Enhanced Automatic Redundancy Switching (EARS™), which continuously monitors the digital inputs for errors. If an error is detected, the system swiftly switches to the backup inputs, ensuring continuous audio playback at all times – exactly what’s needed for live music and live TV broadcasts!
A/B switching with the EXBOX.CTRL-MD (A/B Selector)
For engineers who prefer to have a physical ‘kill’ switch when managing audio signals, a perfect optional extra for the ANDIAMO is the EXBOX.CTRL-MD.
Developed by Frodes Entertainment Technology, this rugged and tour-ready accessory allows engineers to physically switch between redundant digital streams like MADI and Dante.
Originally designed for the EXBOX.MD – but now fully compatible with the ANDIAMO – the EXBOX.CTRL-MD’s illuminated top panel glows green or red, making it easy to identify the active audio path, and reducing the risk of errors.
What’s more, the EXBOX.CTRL-MD’s capability to connect multiple units in parallel further enhances a system’s redundancy, making it an indispensable tool for live sound engineers who demand precision and reliability in live audio environments.
globcon: Streamlined Control and Monitoring
Alongside reliability, easy device control – and a way to keep everything organised – are arguably next on the list of demands in live sound production.
With this in mind, DirectOut developed their comprehensive globcon software, providing users with software remote control for the ANDIAMO and other DirectOut devices, along with a centralised controller for managing larger setups involving more complex devices like the PRODIGY.
Signal routing, summing busses, and level controls can be managed from a Mac or PC via the MGMT port, and the software allows multiple users to connect and collaborate.
Two methods of signal routing are available – “Bank Routing” which allows for routing of the analogue and digital I/Os from the front panel, and “Matrix Mode” which enables single-channel routing, and is managed via a routing matrix in globcon.
Full remote control via globcon is achieved using the previously mentioned management network port, while the ANDIAMO’s basic functions are also accessible at the front panel.
Clocking and Breakout Boxes
Selectable clock sources, including word clock, MADI input, network audio, or internal clock, provide further customization options to suit the specific needs of each production.
The ANDIAMO offers several options for clocking – PTP (Precision Time Protocol), Word Clock / Video, MADI input, or via its internal clock generator.
Additionally, DirectOut offers a range of optional breakout boxes for analogue and digital I/O, to extend the coverage of the ANDIAMO (and PRODIGY Series).
Equipped with XLR or BNC connectors on the front panel (and DSUB-25 connectors on the rear), audio signals are carried passively between the front and back, with angle brackets also allowing for mounting the devices on the back of an ANDIAMO or PRODIGY unit.
Where Legacy Meets Innovation
Keeping in line with the ever-evolving landscape of professional live sound, DirectOut has updated the ANDIAMO Series to include the latest AoIP formats, whilst the powerful control offered by globcon makes managing the devices easier than ever before.
MADI connectivity allows engineers to continue using the ‘tried and true’ method of point-to-point digital systems – as well as method of incorporating older devices into audio network systems – whilst on the analogue side, the pristine sound quality offered by the PRODIGY Series can be had at a lower price-point.
As such, the third-generation DirectOut ANDIAMO provides a high-quality, rock-solid solution for pro audio engineers operating in live sound, broadcast or even studio recording, and is testament to DirectOut’s claim of ‘legacy evolved’.
See the full range of DirectOut devices
About DirectOut
DirectOut GmbH was founded in 2008 by a team of professional sound engineers headed up by Stephan Flock. Headquartered in Mittweida, Germany, the company specialises in developing pro audio connectivity, networking and bridging solutions for broadcast, studio, live and installed sound applications.
The DirectOut Prodigy Series has toured with globally succesful artists including Coldplay, Lewis Capaldi and Three Doors Down, as well high-profile televised events such as Eurovision and several worldwide sporting events.