QSC Audio RAVE 80 - Manual (Page 7)

6
Channel routing
A RAVE network handles routing in groups of eight audio channels, and each group of eight transmitted on the
network makes up one network channel. Each RAVE device handles two network channels—two sent, two
received, or one of each. For example, a RAVE 161 unit, with 16 analog audio inputs, represents two transmitted
groups, and thus two separate network channels; one comprises audio channels 1 through 8—the other, channels
9 through 16.
Similarly, a RAVE 80, with eight AES3 digital outputs, represents two receiving groups (each AES3 channel carries
two audio channels). Either one can be configured to receive any network channel—even the same one, if you
needed what would essentially be a digital “Y” cable.
A RAVE device that both sends and receives, such as the RAVE 188 (eight analog inputs and 8 analog outputs)
or RAVE 88 (4 AES3 inputs and 4 AES3 outputs), transmits one network channel and can receive another. It can
receive the same network channel that it transmits, but only if it is connected to a hub or another unit, on a valid
network.
Behind a removable cover on the front panel of a RAVE unit are four hexadecimal rotary switches for selecting
the network channels of the device’s two groups. The two switches on the left set the address of the device’s
first group (channels 1 through 8 on the RAVE 80, 81, 160, and 161; inputs 1 through 8 on the RAVE 88 and 188),
while the two on the right set the address of the device’s second group (channels 8 through 16 on the RAVE 80,
81, 160, and 161; outputs 1 through 8 on the RAVE 88 and 188). Detailed instructions on setting network channel
numbers follow later in the Operation chapter.
II. Network Design
There are several ways to configure a RAVE network, from very simple to relatively complex. The number of RAVE
units in the network, where they are located, and your future expansion plans will determine what net topology
would be best. The same techniques you would use in designing a conventional 100-Mbps Fast Ethernet will assist
you in designing a RAVE network.
RAVE units can use unshielded twisted pair wiring, but it must be at least Category 5 (or CAT-5, for short) quality.
Anything less may cause unreliable operation of the network, if it runs at all. Fortunately, most new Ethernet
cable installations in buildings use Category 5 cable.