Neutrik Introduces Locking USB Type-C Cables and True Outdoor Protection Connectors

Neutrik AG just launched the new mediaCON product family, promoted at recent shows like IBC in Amsterdam and AES New York. The new mediaCON series notably includes a robust, lockable USB Type-C cables and panel sockets, with all components designed for data rates up to 10 GB/s (USB 3.1), 100 W power and 10,000 mating cycles. No news yet of corresponding Thunderbolt 3 cables. But Neutrik also introduced the new TOP (True Outdoor Protection) series for all-weather applications, including etherCON, power and XLR connectors.

Neutrik is certainly one of the most recognized audio brands among audio professionals all over the world and the company has made previous inroads in wireless audio products to diversify from its established connectivity business. Now, Neutrik surprises us with an expansion into audio networking. The new Neutrik NA2-IO-DLINE Dante Interface was designed in direct response to current market needs.

Io Audio Technologies, a division of Knight Electronics, Inc., has developed a family of heavy-duty CAT5e and CAT6 Ethernet cables addressing the needs of the working musician and professional sound technician in today's audio networking environments. The Professional Series Shielded CAT5e and CAT6 etherCON cables are designed for solid digital audio connections such as digital snakes, AES50, & MADI or lighting protocols like DMX512 and ARTNET.

Radial Engineering announced the Radial Catapult is now shipping. Part of a series of new audio distribution products designed by the Canadian company to address new wireless and wired applications, announced at the end of 2015, the Catapult is a 4-channel audio snake that allows sending analog and AES digital audio signals over standard Cat 5 shielded twisted pair cable.

Mackie was one of the first manufacturers to actually have success with iPad controlled digital audio mixers (DL1608 and DL806) and the subsequent rack-mount networked-controlled wireless mixing concept (DL32R). Now Mackie unveiled a bold new solution at NAMM 2016 with the AXIS modular digital mixing system, combining the DL32R, iPads, and the all-new DC16 control surface. A combination greater than the sum of parts.

Following the Venue systems, which enabled Avid to get a strong foothold on the live sound market, the company has introduced a new compact modular system for that market built on audio video bridging (AVB) standards. Avid has always been …