MOTU AVB Switch - Professional Network Switch for Audio and Video
The MOTU AVB Switch is the heart of any modern networked audio system, designed for professionals seeking reliability, low latency, and simplified setup. This 1 Gigabit switch sets the standard for Audio Video Bridging (AVB) networking, an Ethernet extension specifically designed for synchronized, real-time audio and video transmission. Unlike conventional Ethernet networks, an AVB network using the MOTU AVB Switch guarantees quality of service by reserving the necessary bandwidth so your audio and video streams never experience interruptions, latency, or dropouts, regardless of additional network traffic.
With five dedicated AVB ports, you can connect multiple MOTU audio interfaces (such as the 1248, 8M, or 16A models), mixers, microphone preamps, or even other AVB switches to massively and easily expand your system. Additionally, it features a sixth standard Ethernet port for connecting a computer, Wi-Fi router, or accessing the internet, seamlessly integrating your professional audio network with your existing network infrastructure. Its plug-and-play operation eliminates the need for advanced networking knowledge; simply connect your compatible devices, and the system will automatically manage discovery, synchronization, and bandwidth.
Main features
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Professional AVB Connectivity: It has five 1 Gigabit AVB ports for interconnecting compatible audio and video devices, allowing the creation of complex, high-performance networks.
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Standard Ethernet Port: Includes an additional port for connecting to standard Ethernet networks, facilitating internet access, Wi-Fi control, or connecting non-AVB computers.
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Plug-and-Play Operation: The switch automatically detects and configures connected AVB devices. No IT expertise is required to set up a functional and stable audio network.
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High-Precision Synchronization: Ensures precise clock synchronization at the nanosecond level across the entire network, an essential requirement for multitrack recording and professional audio playback without phase issues.
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High Channel Capacity: 1 Gigabit operation allows simultaneous transmission of hundreds of audio channels over the network with extremely low latency, ideal for studio and live applications.
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Robust Construction: Designed with a sturdy metal chassis, it is built to withstand the demands of touring, live performances, or daily studio use.
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Standard Cabling: Uses standard CAT-5e or CAT-6 Ethernet cables up to 100 meters, offering an economical, accessible and flexible cabling solution.
Benefits for audio professionals
The MOTU AVB Switch transforms the way you work with audio and video, offering decisive advantages over traditional solutions. The most important is absolute reliability ; by reserving bandwidth, it eliminates clicks, dropouts, and variable latency that can ruin a recording or live performance. Simplified cabling is another key benefit, replacing heavy and expensive analog or digital cables with a single, lightweight network cable. This not only reduces costs and clutter but also greatly speeds up setup and teardown times. Finally, the system's scalability allows your studio or live setup to grow with your needs. Adding more channels or expanding connectivity to other rooms is as simple as adding a new interface and another switch to the network.
Use cases
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Recording Studios: Interconnect the control room, recording room, and ISO booths with a single network, allowing multiple audio interfaces and preamps to function as a single, cohesive, low-latency system.
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Live Sound and Touring: Send hundreds of channels from the stage to the FOH console and monitors with a single Ethernet cable, eliminating complex and cumbersome analog cables and ensuring a clean, interference-free signal.
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Fixed Installations: Ideal for theaters, auditoriums, convention centers and places of worship, where high-quality audio needs to be distributed reliably and centrally to multiple zones.
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Audio and Video Post-Production: Ensure perfect and stable synchronization between audio and video workstations, crucial for efficient post-production workflows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a networking expert to use the MOTU AVB Switch?
No. For most configurations, the system is plug-and-play. The switch automatically manages the bandwidth and settings of connected AVB devices without requiring manual intervention.
Can I connect my computer or router directly to any port?
The switch has one dedicated port (labeled "Ethernet") designed for connecting standard, non-AVB devices, such as computers or routers. The other five ports are optimized for AVB devices.
What is AVB and why is it superior to a regular Ethernet network for audio?
AVB (Audio Video Bridging) is a set of IEEE standards that allows an Ethernet network to reserve a portion of its bandwidth for audio and video traffic. This ensures uninterrupted transmission with predictable synchronization and latency, something a standard Ethernet network cannot guarantee.
Does this switch work with AVB equipment from other brands?
Yes. Because it is compatible with the IEEE 802.1 AVB standard, the MOTU AVB Switch can work with any third-party audio or video device that is also AVB-compatible.
Project description
This 1 Gigabit AVB network switch is designed for professional audio and video applications. It features six RJ-45 ports: five compliant with the IEEE 802.1 AVB standard and one standard Ethernet port for connecting to conventional networks. It offers plug-and-play operation, automatic bandwidth management, and nanosecond-precise network synchronization. It supports CAT-5e or CAT-6 cabling up to 100 meters in length. The chassis is constructed of metal for enhanced durability.
