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K8 Rackmount Family User Manual
K8 Series Overview
K8 is a digital audio distribution system. It allows for the transport of 16 digital audio signals over a single Category 5 cable
along with control data. The audio signal travels in one direction only, from the input device to the output device. Control
data is bi-directional.
The K8-AESI16 is a K8 input device allowing either 8 or 16 audio channels (4 or 8 AES3 signals) to be placed onto the K8
bus.
Quick Start Information
K8 devices are factory configured to begin passing audio immediately after powered up in the simple case where 8 input
channels are sent to 8 output channels. More complex settings and configurations are possible if desired by using the K8
terminal control protocol. For example, configuring an 8 channel output device to select channels 9-16 instead of 1-8 is
done using the K8 terminal control protocol.
Rear Panel Description
RS 485
INPUT 8
INPUT 7
INPUT 1
INPUT 2
INPUT 4
INPUT 3
INPUT 5
INPUT 6
Wink
CONFIG
OK
AC IN
100-240V AC, 50-60Hz
Max. Power Consumption 20Watts
Made in Germany
2
1
K8 OUT
1-3: TERM, 4: OFF=8chn, ON=16chn
K8-AESI16 Rear Panel
RS 485
Remote control connector for PC or external control system connection.
CONFIG
The first three
DIP switch positions are used to terminate the device when only one of the two
output ports are being used. The device is terminated when the switch is set to ON. Switches 1,2,
3 must be set the same way, either to ON or OFF!
The 4
th
DIP switch selects between 8 and 16 channel mode. ON sets 8 channels. OFF sets 16
channels.
K8 OUT 1 and 2
K8 digital audio bus outputs. Each one contains the same audio and control data and each one is
capable of driving a 200 meter line. When only one output is used the termination switch must be
set to ON.
OK LED
The OK LED glows when the device is powered on and the local processor is functioning.
Wink LED
Light blinks when turned on by remote control software. This light may be used to confirm that a
device is being remote controlled.
INPUT 1-8
Digital audio input connectors for the AES3 signal standard.
Front Panel Description
OK
OK
OK
OK
OK
OK
OK
OK
POWER
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
1
AES3 AUDIO INPUT
K8 DIGITAL AUDIO DISTRIBUTION
K8- AESI16
INPUT
K8-AES16 Front Panel
Power LED
The Power LED is illuminated when the device is plugged in and the rear power switch is turned on.
INPUT OK
The Input OK LED glows when a valid AES3 signal is detected on that input connector.