ProAV

dBTechnologies A2Net: A Protocol that Redefines Digital Audio Transport and Control

Miami Beach, FL – February 14, 2025 – dBTechnologies revealed the new proprietary digital audio and control protocol, A2Net at the ISE show in Barcelona. This is a tandem release with the first two products that will utilize A2Net, the new Control24A controller and the new ACU-1 card. 

A2Net is an evolutionary concept born out of the dBTechnologies proprietary RDNet protocol.  The A2Net protocol introduces the ability to transport up to four channels of high-resolution digital audio and RDnet control data though a SINGLE cable, replacing the need for bulky cabling and complex and pricey 3rd party networking protocols. Distinguished by its simplicity in use, the A2Net protocol allows users to dive into the world of native digital audio, streamlining and making operations instantaneous without the need for advanced IT knowledge.

A2Net is a ‘point to point’ protocol consisting of controllers such as the Control24A, and receivers such as the ACU-1 card enabling digital audio transmission of the highest quality signal by eliminating any loss caused by conversions from the mixer output to the speakers. The result is flawless sound capable of reproducing every nuance and detail with extreme accuracy.

The Control 24A is the first dBTechnologies controller native to A2NET networks and extends the established control functionalities of RDNet, offering the possibility to now embed up to four channels of high-resolution digital audio and RDNET management over a single CAT-5 cable.

Each Control 24A unit can manage up to 64 speakers equipped with A2Net cards, fully integrating with the AuroraNet software.  Connection to the control interface (Mac/ Windows compatible) is possible via USB-C or TCP/IP network through a EtherCON connector. On the rear panel, there are 4 XLR connectors that can be used as 4 analog audio inputs or 4 AES/EBU digital audio inputs.  Two XLR outputs for AES/EBU digital audio allow a second or more Control24A units to be linked.  Control24A units are equipped with two CAT-5 outputs using the A2Net protocol.

Control24A’s 1.54” e-paper display provides quick access to essential unit information such as IP address, the number of connected speakers, and individual unit status. Even without power, configuration information for the TCP/IP control network remains visible.  Control24A also offers a redundant powering capability.

The ACU-1 card enables the implementation of the A2NET protocol on speakers equipped with DIGIPRO G4 amplifiers.

The A2Net protocol provides maximum reliability through the system architecture which uses the analog inputs and outputs present on the speakers as redundancy for the digital audio signal, protecting the entire setup from potential failures or interruptions. The A2Net’s ‘True Bypass’ function between speakers guarantees that in the event of a power failure to one or more speakers, the audio signal continues to flow without interruption.


Every component in a dBTechnologies loudspeaker system integrates with the A2Net protocol; It is compatible with the entire Digipro G4 amp module line via the ACU-1 card, as well as with native dBTechnologies RDNet devices, fully supporting hybrid configurations with systems equipped with either or both, RDNet and A2Net protocol.

A2Net is controlled with the AURORA Net software, allowing monitoring and control capabilities of all speaker parameters, input selections, and redundancy needs- precisely and intuitively.

A2Net and Control24A are officially shipping worldwide on February 28.


A2Net Highlights

  • DIGITAL AUDIO TRANSMISSION

  • PERFECT INTEGRATION AND BACKWARDS COMPATIBILITY

  • IMMEDIATE AND INTUITIVE SINGLE-CABLE SETUP

  • AUDIO SYSTEM RELIABILITY

  • MANAGEMENT VIA AURORA NET

  • TRUE BYPASS FUNCTION TO PREVENT FAILURES

  • ADVANCED CONTROL WITH CONTROL24A

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Control24A  Highlights

  • MASTER CONTROL INTERFACE FOR A2NET NETWORKS

  • 4-CHANNEL ANALOG AUDIO INPUTS OR 2-CHANNEL AES/EBU INPUTS (W. AUTOMATIC DETECTION)

  • COMPATIBLE WITH RDNET CONTROL, FOR NON-A2NET PRODUCTS

  • CONTROLS UP TO 64 SPEAKERS WITH ACU-1 CARDS

  • COMPACT ½ 19” RACK DESIGN

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ACU-1 Highlights

A2NET PROTOCOL ON SPEAKERS EQUIPPED WITH DIGIPRO G4


Founded in 1990, dBTechnologies is a leading global manufacturer of professional audio equipment. Renowned for its innovation, reliability, and superior sound quality, the company offers smart solutions for live sound, installations, and broadcast environments worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, dBTechnologies continues to push the boundaries of audio technology.

 

For more information on the A2Net Protocol and Accessories, please visit: https://www.dbtechnologies.com/en/products/software-controller/a2net

2023 Audio Biz Roadshow Recap

For the 2nd year in a row, Audio Biz hosted a multi-day trade show and training event with many of our top-notch brand partners!

Check out this brief overview of the event and the photo gallery at the bottom of this page!

We kicked off the Roadshow on March 6th in Chicago and proceeded to travel to Madison, Milwaukee, Detroit, & Grand Rapids.

Each location featured product demos, training workshops, and classes worth CTS credit renewals. With us were representatives directly from the manufacturer to show the newest and most noteworthy products, teach classes, and answer any and all questions.

And to bring in all the gear, we packed a 53ft semi-truck to the brim!

A special thank you to all attendees, brand partners, and the Audio Biz team for making this a successful event this year! If you missed it, be on the lookout for more events to come in the near future!

2023 Roadshow: Audio Biz is Hitting the Road!

Audio Biz is hitting the road with our brand partners for another BIG training and trade show event!

In just 1 week from today, Audio Biz will kick off the event in Chicago and Milwaukee!

Join us this year in 4 different locations for training workshops, live product demos, and classes worth CTS credit renewals. (Register Here)


Along with new product demos, this year's roadshow will feature training sessions with presenters directly from the manufacturer. You will receive the most accurate and up to date product information along with CTS credit where applicable!

Audio Biz University - Classes Include:

  • Shure - RF Basics, RF Troubleshooting, WWB Basics, Intro to RF Coordination, MXA920 Tips & Tricks

  • Allen & Heath - Designing with AHM-DSP, Mixing Tips and Tricks, Monitors and Personal Monitoring Tips and Tricks, Compression Demystified

  • Draper, Inc - How to Design A Projection System

  • Chauvet - ChamSys Programing with MagicQ Basic-Intermediate

  • Salamander - Designing Comfortable and Efficient Meeting Spaces

  • EAW - Adaptive Technology / Resolution

  • Listen Technologies -  Assisted Listening and ADA Compliance

  • dB Technologies -  Line Array System Design and Deployment

  • Pliant Technologies - Intro to Wireless Coms

  • Audio Biz -  Basics of Lighting Design for Install, Networking for AV

Come out and network with the manufacturers, other AV specialists, dealers, and end users in your area. Feel free to invite others!

See you on the road!

The Biz Beat: Sept, Oct, Nov, 2022

Every now and then, your heart skips a Beat. And every now and then, we do too.

Here’s a quick overview of what went on during September, October, and November at Audio Biz to get that beat back in rhythm again.


Shure came out with some exciting new products and updates.

  • Shure UniPlex Cardioid Lavalier Microphone - the perfect solution for speaking situations when rejection of sound from stage noise, an audience, or close-proximity presenters is called for.

  • Shure AD600 Axient® Digital Spectrum Manager - delivers real-time, wide-band spectrum scanning and monitoring from 174 MHz to 2.0 GHz, spectrum analysis, and frequency coordination in a single rack unit.

  • Stem Ecosystem Firmware Update 2.5 - improves the installation and setup experience of Stem solutions and the reliability of products already in the field as well as substantial improvements in acoustical performance and audio quality.


Chamsys and Chauvet Professional made their mark.


Liberty launched an entire new family of HDMI cables.


And SKB showed off their injection molding skills.

And introduced the iSeries 2421-7 Custom 24” iMac Case and the iSeries 1813-7 RODECaster Pro II Case.


Plus, We hosted and attended an event or two..

  • Heartland Business Systems Innovate 2022

  • AVI Live 2022

  • Pearl Technology, Technology Showcase

  • MxU Live Tour 2022

  • Audio Biz Michigan Shure Trainings (Grand Rapids & Detroit)

  • Clearwing Shure Wireless Bootcamp & Fall Demo Day

  • AES, NAB, & LDI


We just wanted to add how thankful we are for all of you and we hope your holiday season is filled with happiness and joy!


And just as a heads up, it’s not too late to take advantage of some of the hottest holiday sales from Shure, Allen & Heath, and Tascam!

Contact us for more details and don’t forget to follow us on social media to get all the important updates in real time. See you in 2023!

NAMM and InfoComm 2022 Recap

From New products, trainings, awards, and more, Here’s a “Biz Eye VIEW” OF all the Exciting takeaways from The NAMM Show and InfoComm this year.

We kicked off the first week of June by leaving the humidity of the Midwest and landed ourselves in sunny California! Our first stops included factory tours with SKB and Hosa, as well as meetings with many of our brand partners where our very own Redbeard was awarded with the A&H Bulldog and the dB Technologies Top Gun Maverick Awards. A big and well deserved “Congrats” went out to him for his extensive knowledge and hard work this year!

Once The NAMM Show was in full swing that Friday, we spent our time demoing this year’s hottest new gear, networking with our customers, and giving tours of our brand partners’ booths.

By the time Sunday rolled around, we packed up our bags again and hopped on a flight to the beautiful (and scorching hot!) Las Vegas where we attended trainings at Chauvet’s Experience Center and had meetings with some more partners including LEA, Salamander Designs, and Listen Technologies. Once the trade show floor opened in the Las Vegas Convention Center, we were back at it networking, giving tours, and demoing gear (one of us clocked over 50 miles of walking over the two tradeshow runs!).

To say we had an absolute blast on and off the tradeshow floor would be an understatement, and we can’t wait until both of these shows kick off next year again.

Here’s a glance at some of the newest and best products that were highlighted at this year’s shows from our brand partners:

(Click the bold words for links to learn more about each product.)

INNOVOX AUDIO