Introduction – FiberPlex VIM-1032 User Manual
Page 7

5
Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of a Light Viper 1832 fiber optic audio snake—a lightweight, flexible breakthrough for professional sound
production.
Light Viper products are designed, engineered and manufactured by FiberPlex, experts in fiber optics with decades of experience. Our work
in audio and data communications products is known in US government applications worldwide. Light Viper products,
combine our pioneering technology with the highest standards in audio engineering.
The Light Viper
You have purchased the LightViper 1832 system, a 32 x 8 Fiber Optic Transport System (FTS) that has the function, look and feel of a
traditional copper snake; however instead of a heavy multi‐conductor cable the Light Viper snake features a lightweight, flexible fiber built to
“ruggedized” military standards.
The Fiber Advantage
Fiber optics offer many advantages over copper:
Transmits light rather than electrons
Transmission over greater distances (more than 11⁄4 mile)
Complete electrical isolation
Immunity to RFI and EMI
Eliminates ground loop problems
Can be routed overhead, through walls, or underground
Avoids foot traffic while maintaining aesthetics
Functional Considerations
Although the Light Viper 1832 looks essentially the same as a traditional, passive snake, it is an active device. Because of this, there are some
aspects of this new technology that require some slightly different thinking:
The Light Viper 1832 requires AC Power at both the Stage Box and the Mixer Unit(s)
Phantom Power is delivered from the Stage Box, NOT the console
The snake has three selectable gain settings and a clip indicator at each input on the Stage Box
All inputs exit the snake (at the Mixer Box) at Line Level
DI boxes are not necessary in most cases
Input and Output flexibility may eliminate the need for some of your outboard gear
The LightViper VIM‐1832 is an active device, therefore do not attempt to connect intercom into the returns
The returns in the VIS‐1832 cannot be “turned around” to provide 40 sends one way as with a traditional copper
snake, as the electronics for the returns are contained in the VIM‐1832.