Content matters, but having the right technology is crucial for bringing any plan to life.
he perfect studio counterpart to ACCESS portable units, and also a dependable point-to-point codec, ACCESS Rack is a full-featured IP audio codec that offers unparalleled reliability. ACCESS works over a range of connections, including Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and 3G/4G networks. And with CrossLock and BRIC Technology, the most sophisticated network management technology on the market, ACCESS is able to handle even the rockiest data connections.
The 1U 19” rack mount ACCESS features balanced stereo XLR inputs and outputs, AES I/O on XLR, Ethernet port, POTS modem, multiple USB ports, and serial and contact closure ports. ACCESS Rack can be directly controlled with a keyboard or mouse, a USB touch screen monitor, or driven with a standard web browser.
IP Networks
IP networks are available virtually everywhere. ACCESS Rack offers several ways to get connected. You can use the integrated Ethernet ports to connect to wired DSL or broadband cable IP networks. ACCESS Rack has a built-in POTS/PSTN modem for use on legacy analog phone lines.
CrossLock
Quite simply the most advanced network management tool on the market today, CrossLock gives users the ability to manage and bond multiple data connections together simultaneously. When a new network is introduced, Crosslock will immediately evaluate how much bandwidth is available, while factoring in latency and jitter information, and combine the two connections to take advantage of all available bandwidth. More than just combining networks, CrossLock can also monitor each data connection individually and, when necessary, apply appropriate error correction, recovery, or concealment techniques.
HotSwap
HotSwap allows users to back up studio-to-transmitter links (STL) or other dedicated links with a wireless modem.
HotSwap lets users select a network that will only be engaged if the primary network fails. The system will warn of this status with a contact closure, and automatically fallback to the primary once it’s restored. Fall-over to backup happens in a matter of seconds, and fallback is seamless.
For ACCESS codecs, any supported modem can be used as a back-up.
HotSwap is included in firmware version 4.3, which is available now.
User Interface
ACCESS Rack is controlled with an easy-to-use browser based interface. Using any Flash-enabled browser, you can log-in from anywhere to manage settings, adjust controls, and monitor connections.
Codec Commander
Codec Commander provides the same control capability as the existing web interface, but doesn’t use Adobe Flash, making it a good alternative for users who are concerned about frequent updates and security risks.
Codec Commander is a Microsoft Windows™ application you can use to control your audio codec. You can manage your connections, check statistics, view audio metering, adjust audio profiles or change system settings.
App Compatibility
ACCESS Rack is compatible with smartphone applications, including Linphone and Luci Live. Connect to your codec from your smartphone quickly and easily for easy drop-ins and spontaneous remotes.
ACCESS Rack is also compatible with FieldTap. A free application for iOS and Android, FieldTap makes it simple to connect with the touch of a button. Plus, FieldTap is compatible with all other Comrex IP audio codecs.
Switchboard TS
Comrex Switchboard is a feature that allows users to bypass common IP networking snags (like private LANs and firewalls) by routing data through a private server maintained by Comrex.
Switchboard within the hardware codec enables the following functions:
Comrex audio codecs can sync with a cloud based server and deliver status information
Comrex audio codecs can determine their public IP address and the type of any NAT-style router ahead of the codec, and display that information to the user
Comrex audio codecs can display presence, status, NAT info and IP addresses of other codecs within the same fleet
Comrex audio codecs can share this information with codecs outside the fleet (Shares)
Comrex audio codecs can take instruction from the server on how best to traverse NATs when placing a call between two codecs
Switchboard TS is included in the purchase of any ACCESS codec.
