Sound Devices Astral Opto I/O Expansion Box for ARX32 (1 RU)

Designed for high-channel-count, live-sound applications, the Sound Devices Astral Opto serves as a compact, 1 RU screw-on expansion box for the Astal ARX32, effectively addressing the need for increased connectivity in high-demand scenarios. Its primary addition is Optocore support, enabling seamless integration with an Optocore network to provide native audio connectivity to a DiGiCo mixing console.

Supplementing the Optocore connectivity, the Astral Opto offers essential redundancy through a full set of analog and AES72 digital audio outputs, two extra MADI outputs, 16 flexible GPIO I/O, and fully redundant AC mains, ensuring robust and reliable performance for complex live-sound productions requiring numerous channels.

At a Glance

• Adds 2 native Optocore audio loops for outputting up to 32 RX channels to DigiCo consoles.
• Equipped with HMA Optocore connectors.
• Dual BNC connectors for outputting 48 or 96 KHz MADI. Hi-Speed and SMUX 96 KHz MADI streams are supported.
• BNC connector for inputing Wordclock sync reference for the MADI outputs.
• 8 RJ45 connectors for up to 32 channels of analog mic/line outputs.
• 4 RJ45 connectors for up to 32 channels of AES72 digital audio output.
• Adds 16 user-configurable GPIO connectors.
• Adds a fully redundant AC Mains supply that can power both the Astral Opto and ARX32.

Optocore I/O

• Optocore audio output channels are hardwired to receiver channels (i.e. RX1 to Optocore Out 1, RX2 to Optocore Out 2, RX3 to Optocore Out 3, etc.

When Connected to the A20-SuperNexus

• Power is shared between both units. Either is capable of powering the entire assembly. Both can be connected to power for redundancy.
• Control of the Astral Opto is from the ARX32 menus.