Radial Engineering Catapult TX4M

Radial Catapult TX4M is a 4-Channel Passive Microphone Transmitter designed to send balanced microphone signals over a single Cat 5/6 cable. Thanks to isolation transformers, it guarantees a clean and stable signal, reducing noise and ground loops, an ideal tool in installations, studios and professional live applications.

Notable features

• Sends analog or AES digital audio signals over Cat 5/6 cable
• Can work within existing networks
• Possibility of direct wiring or isolated signal splitting
• Transmits four AES signals (eight audio channels)

Catapult is a 4-channel audio snake that allows analog and digital AES audio signals to be sent over standard twisted-pair shielded Cat 5 or Cat 6 cable. This allows stage technicians to take advantage of the relatively low cost of this readily available cable for snake returns or for carrying balanced audio channels on large stages, and for system installers it allows them to take advantage of pre-wired networks to connect one room to another.

Catapult is available in 6 configurations and offers a choice of 3 input modules and 3 output modules. Each input module has 4 XLR inputs, 4 XLR thru-puts along with 2 Neutrik Ethercon outputs to connect Cat 5 cable to the desired output module. These have Ethercon-type RJ45 input and thru-put, as well as two sets of XLR outputs. Modules can be ordered without transformers for sub-snake or transmit AES audio signals; with microphone isolation transformers for signal splitting between FOH, monitor or recording system; with line-level isolation transformers to eliminate system noise. A ground lift switch on each terminal allows the Ethernet cable to be connected, eliminating noise and hum caused by ground loops.

As with all Radial products, Catapult is ideal for touring use due to its construction of rugged 14-gauge steel and powder coating that will keep it intact for years. Inside, a two-sided PCB was used to mount the connectors and transformers doubling the solder joints for maximum durability.