AEQ Broadcast Phoenix Lite

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AEQ also has an app called Phoenix Lite that allows the user to establish a full-duplex audio connection between an AEQ Phoenix (located back at the studio) or other N/ACIP compatible codecs, and an iPhone (and soon Android). It comes with a wide variety of algorithms: M2, AAC, AAC-HE, AAC-HEV2, G.711, G.722, and ULCC, running on speeds between 44.1 and 384kb/s. It also simultaneous records and plays audio, and can playback files in the midst of live audio transmission (the classic wrap-around).

Using a small portable codec

Many of the same players that made equipment based on POTS codecs are now making replacements for that legacy equipment - replacing the phone line part with Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or cell network connections.

Musicam Road Warrior

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Perhaps you're just warming up to the idea of IP for remotes, and you're not ready to give up ISDN just yet; in that case you might consider the Road Warrior from Musicam. Not only does the Road Warrior have an Ethernet port, but a built-in ISDN terminal adaptor as well. IP and ISDN can be used simultaneously if desired. This device supports MPEG1/2 LayerII/III, G711/G722, PCM, AAC (optional), and Apt-x (optional). Road Warrior comes in two versions: LC, which has two mic/line inputs and another line level in; or the XL, which has four mic/line level inputs. Both have line-level balanced auxiliary outs in addition to headphone outs: two for LX, four for XL. The XL has a USB port for a 3G modem. The IP codec has a test tool that allows the user to check the bandwidth, delay and jitter in the IP connection, so that the user can optimize the streaming parameters, such as the jitter buffer depth, and frame size. While the setup can be saved as a pre-set, the device is completely configurable via its built-in Web interface as well. The studio end of this link would be another Musicam device, such as the Suprima.

Barix Exstreamer 1000

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Another brand that is become familiar to more and more broadcast engineers is Barix. While Barix sells separate encoders and decoders (Instreamer and Exstreamer respectively) they also offer a full-duplex unit known as the Exstreamer 1000. This device features both analog and AES ins/outs along with contact closures (four relays in both directions). You would make use of the Exstreamer 1000 with a separate mixing system; so if you have a tried and true remote mixer that you can't live without, this may be the way to go. It's important to note that the configuration of the device must be done with a Web browser, so make sure you have something that can run a browser while you are in the field.

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