INTRODUCTION TO RHAON
Your digitally controlled RHAON empowered loudspeaker system.
RHAON
RHAON (“rayon”), the Renkus-Heinz Audio Operations Network, is the first practical system to combine digital audio distri-
bution with precise control and supervision of self-powered loudspeakers. RHAON uses standard Ethernet hardware,
advanced CobraNet technology and on-board DSP (digital signal processing) to turn self-powered Renkus-Heinz loud-
speakers from “black boxes” into “smart boxes” that can respond to user input in real time.
Multi-dimensional RHAON technology lets you:
• Connect multiple loudspeakers with multiple channels of high quality digital audio via CobraNet; identify CobraNet
devices and link them using an intuitive point-and-click interface.
• Control every RHAON-Empowered loudspeaker on the network, including Iconyx and IC Live steerable arrays and their
beams. A computer running Windows-based RHAON software gives you password-protected access to the powerful
DSP inside each RHAON hardware module.
• Supervise the entire system’s operation and performance over the network using RHAON software. Supervise mode
includes logging and operator alert functions.
You can use all three RHAON modes, or any combination of them. For instance, each RHAON hardware module has dual
analog inputs and a serial digital audio input (often called an AES/EBU input) along with redundant Ethernet connections.
Important Information
Your RHAON-Empowered Loudspeaker’s amplifier stores all onboard DSP settings, including the input source selection, in
non-volatile memory. Analog Input 1 has been pre-selected at the factory so you can use the loudspeaker as an ordinary
self-powered loudspeaker. Just connect a line level audio signal to the Analog Input 1, connect the AC power and turn the
loudspeaker on. This input is always available for testing the loudspeaker and amplifier, regardless of the programmed
input settings.
You will need a computer with a NIC (Network Interface Card) and Windows-based RHAON software to change the input
selection or any of the other DSP settings. Once your DSP settings are stored in the loudspeaker’s non-volatile memory,
the computer can be disconnected from the network. A computer is needed only when you want to change the settings or
when you want to use the supervise feature.
Renkus-Heinz engineering has programmed the onboard DSP to optimize the loudspeaker’s performance and to ensure
its safe operation. If you ever need to replace the loudspeaker amplifier, replace it only with another unit that has been fac-
tory programmed for the same loudspeaker. Contact our Technical Support Department for details and assistance.
Access Control Note
RHAON systems feature several levels of password-protected access control to prevent inadvertent or unauthorized
changes of the control settings. Even when you connect a computer running RHAON software, you may be denied access
to some or all of the Connect and Control mode functions, depending on how the access control system is configured. For
further information on password protection refer to page 40 of this manual or contact the person responsible for the setup
and tuning or commissioning of your system.
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Users Manual
