Radial Catapult CAT5 Audio Snake Solution

The Catapult is a passive audio snake that allows you to send four channels of analog audio over standard Cat 5 or Cat 6 Ethernet cable.

What makes the Catapult system unique is that it utilizes Cat 5 Ethernet cable, which is widely available, lightweight, and economical. Simply connect a shielded Cat 5 cable between any two Catapult modules and they will use the analog conductors in the cable to deliver four balanced audio lines to any destination.

Radial has a number of options available in the range to cater for various applications.

Features

• Send four channels of analog audio over a single Cat 5/6 cable
• Works with a building’s existing cable infrastructure
• Choice of direct-wired or transformer isolated splits
• Economical Cat 5/6 cable replaces bulky multi-channel audio snakes

Straight-wire passive operation

Catapult modules require no power to operate, and since they keep the signal in the analog realm, no digital conversion is necessary. Straight-wire connection from the XLRs to the RJ45 connector on a Cat 5 cable ensures that your audio passes through without coloration or distortion.

Utilize pre-existing cable installations

As many buildings are already pre-wired for Cat 5, you can take advantage of this to transmit audio between distant rooms without the need to install or supply new cabling. This eliminates the need for bulky and expensive multi-channel audio cable, and allows contractors to benefit from installed network cable and easily connect from one room to another.

Mix & Match to add transformer isolation

Any pair of Transmit and Receive units across the full Catapult range will be compatible with one another. The standard Catapult also includes some additional model variations, for creating a custom snake designed for your unique application. If you need transformer isolation to prevent hum and buzz when splitting audio signals, the TX4L and RX4L have line level isolation transformers for splitting playback tracks or outputs to amp racks. Meanwhile the TX4M and RX4M can be employed when splitting mic signals on stage.

All Radial Catapult modules are compatible with each other and sold individually, so you can select whichever combination best suits your needs. The Catapult Mini RX and TX can be used together as a pair, creating a compact 4-channel audio snake. However, if you prefer to have a stage box to plug microphones into, but want a compact breakout cable that fits in the case with the mixer, combine the Catapult TX4 with the Catapult Mini RX. With the addition of the Catapult Rack units, you can also incorporate equipment racks into your setups for greater flexibility, with each rack unit essentially functioning as three 4-channel modules in a 1RU rackspace. With a wide variety of modules available, you can customize your stage or recording studio setup to suit any application.