What is Network Audio? - CIE-Group

As we progress further into the integrated world of AVIT, network audio is becoming increasingly prevalent and developing as the new standard for professional audio and distributed sound. But what is network audio and how does it work? HowtoAV talks to AVIXA audio expert Chuck Espinoza for all the answers...

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Network Audio System.

What is network audio?

Network audio - otherwise known as Audio-over-IP (Audio Visual Over Internet Protocol) - in simple terms is the transporting of digital audio signals via LAN or WAN over an IP network/the internet.

How does a network audio system work?

Instead of loudspeakers using the daisy chain wire method of a conventional analog audio system, each IP speaker can be its advanced audio system. Having its advanced audio system built into each speaker means you can control and monitor over a digital audio signal over a standard Ethernet network. Network speakers also have in-built advanced signal processing to produce high-quality audio. The speakers also have their own energy source using Power-over-Ethernet (PoE).

Example of an Audio-over-IP System Diagram:

In commercial audio, analogue speakers are referred to as 70v/100v line or high impedance speaker systems. A 100v line system distributes analogue audio signal to a chain of passive speakers.

How does audio-over-IP differ from traditional analog audio?

Analogue and network audio are similar in their applications (such as background music, public address, safety warning systems, etc.), but there are a number of differences between the two systems, such as:

• Cost per individual unit, compared with the cost of a complete installed system
• Cable infrastructure
• Distance limitations of signal transmission
• Control and zoning capabilities
• Remote access, control, and servicing
• Integration with third-party systems

There are many more limitations to low impedance and traditional analog audio compared to network audio. For example, traditional analog audio is relatively limited to a single building; it is complex and involved to install the infrastructure for a site-wide campus system - and impossible to achieve the 'world-wide' system distribution network audio is capable of. Whereas with network audio, once you have converted it into Ethernet packets, the audio can be sent anywhere in the world! Essentially, an Ethernet packet can go anywhere an email can go. Therefore, this makes network audio a lot more functional for large projects as it adds flexibility. Audio-over-IP also cuts down on infrastructure costs as there is less copper needed; instead, you can send audio signals via standard ethernet cable infrastructure.

What are the benefits of network audio?

• You can easily increase signal transmission distance.

• You can use existing standard ethernet cable infrastructure.

• Reduced materials costs.

• Offers more flexibility to a system with zone control.

• Offers remote access and services.

What to consider before choosing Audio-over-IP systems:

• Network audio systems are IP based with open API’s. This means the functionality is distributed in the system using management software – each device is controlled over the network. Functionalities such as scheduled announcements are done using software. A benefit of network audio systems is that it can integrate easily with other IP-based systems e.g., security systems, access control, etc. However, as network speakers are a high-quality audio system in themselves, they are more expensive than analogue speakers. Therefore, the cost of a network audio system would need to be compared to a total analogue system including the rack and all equipment that would be needed to complete the end goal.

• When using Audio-over-IP systems, there are no limitations with zoning speakers because there is no physical speaker wiring needed. Each speaker can be part of multiple zones and it has flexibility to add/remove speakers individually. Also, as it is powered using PoE with the same cable that connects them – this eliminates the need to run electrical cables. Each speaker does need an Ethernet connection; however, the consolidation of equipment and cables to just Ethernet simplifies the maintenance. It also reduces the time and cost of installing and configuration as well as ensuring standardization.

• In network audio, having the ability to use IP-based health monitoring/configuration of a complete system means you get notified immediately of any problems and have the tools to take immediate actions.

Is designing a network audio system different from an analog audio system?

Designing an Audio-over-IP system is not completely different from a traditional audio system. The only main difference is the back-end electronics are slightly different to incorporate the network side as well. In both types of audio systems, it all involves physics and you have vibrations that must be transduced through a microphone, sent down a cable, and processed. Once processed, there is new engineering, making calculations to ensure the network is not saturated. For example, how much bandwidth does that take up? How much will I put on the network? Once all this is calculated, you must convert it back into an audio signal - then into an amplifier. This then goes back to the physics similar to traditional audio, for example, how loud does it need to be to overcome ambient noise? How much coverage do you have? etc.

In short - you need to know the 'old' principles of designing an audio system, but now you must incorporate the network side too.

Has the relationship between IT professionals and AV installers improved?

At the start of network audio systems, communication with the IT department when installing an audio system was a new and sometimes difficult thing. However, because audio/video now living on the network has become the 'norm', this has changed the AV installer and IT professionals dynamic.

One of the main jobs for an IT professional is to make sure the network is secure and of course, the network has to remain up. Therefore, if they are not aware of what is running on their network, this can jeopardize it. So knowing this and having more knowledge on the network side can better prepare AV installers to work with IT managers. For example, ensuring there is enough bandwidth, headroom, or Virtual LANs that can be set up ahead of time.

Preparing and working ahead with the IT manager is important, instead of just turning up and asking to plug the system in without prior consultation with the IT manager as this could be detrimental to both security and uptime.

It all depends on what your circumstances are and what in the long term will provide the best value for your money using network or analogue audio.

If you want multiple/flexible zoning functionalities as well as having system health monitoring and easy integration to other systems – network audio is the best option for you. Looking at the flexibility and total cost of ownership of network audio usually outweighs the initial hardware investment.

If you have already invested in analogue audio devices but require network audio flexibility, you can use something like the Axis audio bridge and Axis network audio amplifier to migrate from analogue to network audio. This means you can keep your existing analogue audio system and still reap the benefits of network audio.

Want help with your next Network Audio system design?

CIE is one of the UK's leading and most innovative professional AV distributors and is widely accepted as the experts in commercial sound system design and supply. Our professional system design team provides a unique AV system architecture service for installers and integrators to help you deliver the best in public address, background music, and professional AV systems.

If you would like to discuss your next Audio-over-IP system or would like more information on the latest IP audio products, please call our team today on T. 0115 9770075 or email us now.

For more Videowall Controller information, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

Comparing analogue and network audio systems

It is difficult knowing if you should replace an analogue system, especially when you have spent a lot on the equipment. To complicate matters further, you can now combine existing analogue audio systems with network audio devices.

So before you decide to discard the analogue system installed - weigh out all the pros and cons of both digital and analogue. This will help you decide which solution is best for you.

How do analogue systems work?

Analogue and network audio are similar in their use cases. They differ, however, in how they are:

• built and designed
• administrated
• system maintenance is both planned and executed

In commercial audio, analogue speakers are referred to as 70v/100v line or high impedance speaker systems. A 100v line system distributes analogue audio signals to a chain of passive speakers.

The basic components of analogue audio are:

• Audio source
• Amplifier
• Tone Controller
• Speaker wire
• Speakers that can receive signals

The speakers are run off a single amplifier in a 'daisy chain' formation where the speaker runs from one speaker to the next.

What to consider before choosing analogue audio systems:

• The features and functionality are implemented in the central rack. Except for amplifiers, special equipment is needed for storing pre-recorded announcements, scheduling of the announcements, background music streaming, tone control, and integration with other systems e.g., VoIP telephony systems. All of this means the majority of the cost for analogue systems is in the rack equipment and configuration. However, for a more simple use case, it can be affordable. It is only when there are more complex needs that the cost increases.

• Analogue speakers are often cheap and use 'daisy chain' wiring. However, it is crucial, for example, zoning different areas, the initial design is correct as an analogue system is complex and inflexible if changes are needed.

• It is very difficult to monitor potential issues with an analogue speaker system. With long speaker wire runs, the only solution is to check the whole speaker line.

How do network audio systems work?

A network audio system is very different from an analogue system. Instead of speakers using the daisy chain wire method, each speaker has its advanced audio system. Having its advanced audio system in each speaker means you can control and monitor over a digital audio signal over an Ethernet network. The speakers also have inbuilt advanced signal processing this produces high-quality audio. The speakers also have their energy source using Power-over-Ethernet (PoE).

What to consider before choosing network audio systems:

• Network audio systems are IP based with open API’s. This means the functionality is distributed in the system using management software – each device is controlled over the network. Functionalities such as scheduled announcements are done using software. A benefit of network audio systems is that it can integrate easily with other IP-based systems e.g., security systems, access control, etc. However, as network speakers are a high-quality audio system in themselves, they are more expensive than analogue speakers. Therefore, the cost of a network audio system would need to be compared to a total analogue system including the rack and all equipment that would be needed to complete the end goal.

• When you use network audio systems, there are no limitations with zoning speakers because there is no physical speaker wiring needed. Each speaker can be part of multiple zones and it has flexibility to add/remove speakers individually. Also, as it is powered using PoE connected by the same cable – this eliminates the need to run electrical cables. Each speaker does need an Ethernet connection; however, the consolidation of equipment and cables to just Ethernet simplifies the maintenance. It also reduces time and cost of installing and configuration as well as ensuring standardization.

• In network audio, having the ability to use IP-based health monitoring/configuration of a complete system means you get notified immediately of any problems and have the tools to take immediate actions.

Which is best for me – analogue or network audio?

It all comes down to your circumstances and what in the long term will provide the best value for your money using network or analogue audio.

If you want multiple/flexible zoning functionalities as well as having system health monitoring and easy integration to other systems – network audio is the best option for you. Looking at the flexibility and total cost of ownership of network audio usually outweighs the initial hardware investment.

If you have already invested in analogue audio devices but require network audio flexibility, there is hope! Using the Axis audio bridge and Axis network audio amplifier you can migrate from analogue to network audio. This means you can keep your existing analogue audio system and reap the benefits of network audio.

Want help with your next Audio system design?

CIE is one of the UK's leading and most innovative professional AV distributors and is widely accepted as the experts in commercial sound system design and supply. Our professional system design team provides a unique AV system architecture service for installers and integrators to help you deliver the best in public address, background music, and professional AV systems.

If you would like to discuss your next AV system or would like more information on the latest analogue and IP audio products, please call our team today on T. 0115 9770075 or email us now.

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