ACCESS MultiRack
A rackmount IP audio multi-codec, capable of five full-duplex IP audio codec connections
Product Overview
For users who need to run multiple IP codecs at once, Comrex has created ACCESS MultiRack. ACCESS MultiRack is equivalent to five codecs, contained within a sleek 1RU chassis.
ACCESS MultiRack is compatible with the entire family of Comrex IP audio codecs as well as the Comrex FieldTap smartphone app. ACCESS MultiRack features AES67-compatible I/O on all five codecs, along with AES3 and analog I/O on the first codec.
Questions? Reach out to our sales team!
Contact an authorized Comrex dealer for pricing and availability.
Features
- Codec #1 has AES67, AES3 and Analog audio I/O
- Codecs #2-5 have AES67 I/O only
- Allows for multiple full-duplex connections to ACCESS or BRIC-Link units
- HTML5-based user interface
- CrossLock for secure and stable broadcasting
- Switchboard for easier connectivity
- Compatible with all Comrex IP audio codec models
- EBU 3326/SIP mode for third-party compatibility
- Free firmware updates
- Top-notch technical support (English & Spanish)
- 100% designed & built in the USA at our facility in Devens, Mass.
- One year manufacturer’s warranty
- Compatible with Gagl – a new audio service that turns your codec into a hub for up to five guests (optional subscription)
- Fleet Commander for controlling your Comrex IP audio codec fleet (optional add-on)
- HotSwap mode to set up a secondary backup cellular network (modem sold separately)
CrossLock
Quite simply the most advanced network management tool on the market today, CrossLock gives users the ability to manage and bond multiple data connections together simultaneously. When a new network is introduced, CrossLock will immediately evaluate how much bandwidth is available, while factoring in latency and jitter information, and combine the two connections to take advantage of all available bandwidth. More than just combining networks, CrossLock can also monitor each data connection individually and, when necessary, apply appropriate error correction, recovery, or concealment techniques. CrossLock can also work in redundancy mode in where it sends two identical streams over each network.
Learn more about CrossLock
Switchboard TS
Comrex Switchboard is a feature that allows users to bypass common IP networking snags (like private LANs and firewalls) by routing data through a private server maintained by Comrex.
Switchboard within the hardware codec enables the following functions:
- Comrex codecs can sync with a cloud based server and deliver status information
- Comrex codecs can determine their public IP address and the type of any NAT-style router ahead of the codec, and display that information to the user
- Comrex codecs can display presence, status, NAT info and IP addresses of other codecs within the same fleet
- Comrex codecs can share this information with codecs outside the fleet (Shares)
- Comrex codecs can take instruction from the server on how best to traverse NATs when placing a call between two codecs
Switchboard TS is included in the purchase of any ACCESS codec.
Learn more about Switchboard TS
Configuration & Control
MultiRack is controlled with an easy-to-use browser based interface. Using any HTML5-enabled browser, you can log-in from anywhere to manage settings, adjust controls, and monitor connections. The page displays connection status, extensive network diagnostics, and audio level meters for remote monitoring. From any location, users are able to configure profiles for various connections with point-and-click connection commands.
In addition to the web GUI, Codec Commander is a Windows-based application you can use to control your audio codec. You can manage connections, check statistics, view audio metering, adjust audio profiles or change system settings.
Codec Commander is free to download and use. For controlling multiple Comrex IP audio codecs once, check out Fleet Commander (paid upgrade).
App Compatibility
ACCESS is compatible with FieldTap. A free application for iOS and Android, FieldTap makes it simple to connect with the touch of a button. Plus, FieldTap is compatible with all other Comrex IP audio codecs.
Learn more about FieldTap
HotSwap for Cellular Backup
HotSwap allows users to back up studio-to-transmitter links (STL) or other dedicated links with a wireless modem. For ACCESS codecs like MultiRack, any supported modem can be used as a back-up.
HotSwap lets users select a network that will only be engaged if the primary network fails. The system will warn of this status with a contact closure, and automatically fallback to the primary once it’s restored. Fall-over to backup happens in a matter of seconds, and fallback is seamless.
HotSwap is included in firmware v4.3 and higher. Visit the MultiRack support page for current firmware. Contact the techies with any questions.
Learn more about HotSwap
Accessories
NEW! Gagl
Gagl is a cloud-based remote contribution service that allows up to five users to send and receive audio from their smartphones or laptops. That audio is Gagl’d (if more than one user) and delivered to a Comrex IP codec (like MultiRack).
Gagl is a great way to get guests on the air from anywhere, easily.
More on Gagl
Gagl is now available! Sign up directly on our website by visiting the Gagl web page.
Gagl subscriptions are $35.00 USD per month (or save $70.00 on a Gagl annual subscription with a code from a Comrex audio dealer or from us directly).
Free 14-day trial available with all new subscriptions.
Fleet Commander
Fleet Commander is a Windows-based application for controlling multiple Comrex IP audio codecs simultaneously. Rather than logging into each codec individually and juggling a desktop full of tabs, Fleet Commander puts you in control of your codec fleet through one unified interface.
This easy-to-use tool contains all of the functionality of the web-based interface plus a few extra features like active metering and the ability to copy peers and profiles between codecs, making it a MUST-have for busy broadcast engineers.
More on Fleet Commander
Fleet Commander is available as a one-time purchase of a license key per computer. Contact a Comrex audio dealer to purchase a Fleet Commander license today.
Comrex Connect Modems
The Comrex Connect Modem is designed to support the unique needs of remote broadcasters. A high-powered, industrial strength 4G/LTE modem outfitted with a high-gain antenna, the Connect Modem is more powerful than most USB data modems available on the market, to handle the heavy data load of IP broadcast.
Learn more about Comrex Connect Modems
Contact a Comrex audio dealer to purchase a Connect Modem and be sure to specify which variety: US (for use with Verizon or AT&T networks), International (for use outside the US) or CJ (for use in China, Japan, Taiwan, Korea & Brazil). No Connect Modem mounting hardware needed for use with ACCESS MultiRack.
A note about contact closures & serial data
ACCESS MultiRack includes connectors on the back to supply contact closure and serial data to the first codec instance only. In order to deliver contact closures and serial data for codec instances 2-5, an accessory is required, and found here (for contact closures) and here (for serial data).
Please note that we do NOT sell these accessories directly. You can purchase them from retailers like Digikey, Newegg, Amazon, Mouser, etc.
Specifications
Audio Connections:
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Balanced XLR line-level audio inputs – 0dBu nominal, +20dBu peak
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Balanced XLR line-level audio outputs – 0dBu nominal, +20dBu peak
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AES3 XLR Digital audio input
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AES3 XLR Digital audio output
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Analog/AES3 switch only on input
Audio Levels
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Audio input level: 0 dBu nominal, +20dBu peak
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Audio output level: 0 dBu nominal, +20dBu peak
Other Connections
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2x Ethernet Ports: 1000 baseT
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Contact Closures: DB-9 male (contact closure cable sold separately)
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Serial Port: DB-9 female
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Power: 3 conductor IEC
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2x USB
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HDMI
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DisplayPort
Power and Physical
- Internal Supply: 120/240 VAC 60/50 Hz 50 Watts
- Size: 1U Rack – 19″ W x 9″ D x 1.75″ H (48.25 cm x 22.86 cm x 4.5 cm)
- Weight: 9 lbs (4 kg)
Testimonials
Midwest Sports Provides Premium Service with ACCESS MultiRack
“Most of our systems are Dante-based, and the interoperability between Dante and AES67 has cut down on our need for external converters and bridges for devices. When you’re flying with a handful of Pelican cases, the more you can cut down on space, the better. ACCESS MultiRack has enabled us to reduce our logistics costs, and we can provide more connectivity to the networks we work with.”
Versatility Of ACCESS Keeps Walmart Radio Flexible
“Having used this gear for a year, I think it’s one of the best upgrades we’ve ever made. It was essential during the pandemic. We could connect from home, and I could also log into the user interface remotely if there was ever an issue.”
More Info
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