The K8 digital audio distribution system transports professional quality audio across a facility over standard category 5 cable. It can be used for simple point-to-point connections or can form a distribution backbone for sending up to 16 audio channels to multiple remote locations.

The K8-AI8 offers the ability to take 8 analog audio signals and encode them onto the K8 system.  Up to a total of two K8-AI8 units may be stacked to provide a total capacity of 16 audio channels on a single category 5 cable.

The system is fast to implement and requires no configuration. It is easily connected together with up to 200 meter lengths of category 5 cable. For advanced applications the entire system may be controlled and monitored from a single connection via RS-485 or optionally with Ethernet or USB adaptors.

The K8 bus has a total analog in to analog out latency of 0.5ms making it useable in both distributed and live performance settings.

Applikations

	For large paging and background music applications pull a single category 5 cable out to each remote amplifier location or daisy chain from one amplifier room to the next. All locations have access to 16 channels of digital audio without concern over ground loops or induced noise.
	Use K8 as a mini snake for sending audio feeds from an auditorium out a remote broadcast truck.
	Mount a K8 device in a cluster of powered speakers and drive the entire cluster with a single category 5 cable.
	Use K8 as a digital snake between the mixing console and the amplifier racks. Put another K8 branch and output device on stage to drive the stage monitors.
	Distribute central background music and paging out to individual venue systems in cruise ships, entertainment facilities, convention centers, schools and conference facilities.

	8 Channel digital audio over Cat5
	8 Analog inputs, stackable to max of 16
	Drives (2) each 200 meter K8 cabling legs
	Extremely low latency
	Level trims for professional and consumer inputs
	3-LED input level meters
	Device identification LED
	Input overload LED
	Embedded RS-485 control port

K+H K8-AI8 Rear View (click for zoom)

Electrical
Frequency Response	20 Hz - 22 kHz,
Signal to Noise Ratio	> 100 dBA
Input	Balanced analogue audio, XLR-1/4" female combo connector x 8
Input Level	+22 dBu peak -10 dbV to +4 dBu nominal input level
Output	Two K8 bus outputs, each drives 200 meters
Control	RS-485, DB-9 female connector, open published protocol, 38400 Baud, 8 Data, 1 Stop, No Parity
Optional	USB adaptor
Optional	Ethernet adaptor
Termination Switch	4-position DIP
Digital Audio Format	48 kHz sampling rate, 24 bit, proprietary
Latency	1/2 millisecond worst case, analogue in to analogue out
Front Panel Indicators	Power, signal present, signal nominal level, signal peak level
Rear Panel Indicators	OK, wink
Power Requirements	100 - 240 Volts, 50 - 60 Hz, 15 Watts IEC power cord and connector
Mechanical
Dimensions	EIA Standard 19” Rackmount, 1.75" high, 8" deep
Weight	3.2 kg (7 lbs)
Operating Temperature Range	0 - 70°C (32 - 160°F)