FiberPlex VRK-1832 - Manual (Page 4)

Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of a LightViper™ VRK‐1832 (VIS‐1832) fiber optic audio snake head; a
lightweight, flexible breakthrough for professional sound production.
LightViper™ products are designed, engineered and manufactured by FiberPlex Technologies, LLC ‐ experts in
fiber optics with decades of experience. Our work in audio and data communications products is known in US
government applications worldwide. LightViper™ products combine our fiber optic technology with the
highest standards in audio engineering.
The VRK‐1832
You have purchased the LightViper™ 1832 system, a 32 x 8 Fiber Optic Transport System that has the function,
look and feel of a traditional copper snake. Instead of traditional heavy multi‐conductor copper cable,
LightViper™ fiber optic systems utilize lightweight, flexible, military tactical grade fiber‐optic cable or duplex
PVC and plenum rated fiber for installation use.
The Fiber Advantage
Fiber optics offer many advantages over copper:

Transmits light rather than electrons

Transmission over greater distances (more than 20 Km)

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
The LightViper™ VRK‐1832 is an active device. Because of this, there are some aspects of this new technology
that require some slightly different thinking:

The LightViper™ VRK‐1832 system requires AC Power at both the Stage (VRK‐1832) and the console (VIM‐1832)

The VRK‐1832 system contains 32 microphone preamplifiers. In order to provide a transparent user experience,
coarse gain is set using a 3 position switch at each input. Fine gain setting can be done at the input trim of the
console for analog, or via digital attenuation for a digital console.

All analog outputs are at Line Level

Input and Output flexibility may eliminate the need for some of your outboard gear such as direct boxes.

The LightViper™ VRK‐1832 is an active device, therefore do not attempt to connect intercom into the returns

The returns in the VRK‐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 VRK‐1832.