As building installations grow ever more complex in a world of rapidly advancing communication systems, the realm of Networked Audio has grown to encompass an enormous range of hardware. Whilst much of this hardware is manufactured under the badge of pro audio, there are sizable offerings from the world of telecommunications and general IT networking brands. As these manufacturing behemoths compete against one another over scalability and agility of deployment, one key aspect is often left by the wayside: audio quality.
Not so with NST Audio, whose exceptional approach to digital and analogue audio quality have carved them a valuable niche in the world of networking for live sound and fixed installation.
Established in the UK in 2014, NST Audio now appear across the globe from Prague to Vietnam; their distinctive approach to sonic definition and clarity making them major considerations in many high-end integrations, as Dan Cartman, NST Audio’s Managing Director, explains:
“Where we diverge from other major install brands is our approach to sound quality. This focus has opened doors for us that might not have been available to those only manufacturing corporate-oriented hardware. NST gear is finding its way into installs where high quality audio is a must. Some spaces, such as top-tier cinema setups, require truly high-end audio, and this is where NST’s strengths really become apparent. We continue to develop in this direction, with audio quality as our primary focus.”
Solutions from NST Audio
D48X / ID48X Matrix Signal Processor
The third generation of NST’s matrix signal processor, the D48X is a 4-input/8-output matrix system with DSP and digital I/O. Featuring Audiophile-grade AD/DA converter chipsets, and available in both a standard and installation (ID48X) version, the D48X offers a comprehensive mix of quality and flexibility. With inputs and outputs switchable in channel pairs between analogue or AES/EBU, USB-C front panel connectivity with Ethernet bridging, and a dual Ethernet port switch in every unit, the D48X offers a myriad of flexible connection options for system integration.
VMX88 Audio Installation Processor
The VMX88 is an audio installation processor that combines an analogue 8-in/8-out installation system with 8-in/8-out Dante capabilities. Crafted using the latest generation of NST DSP technology, the VMX88 brings no-compromise audio performance to Dante-networked audio installations, offering all the benefits of NST’s live sound filters and dynamics algorithms in an installation product.
VM016 Audio Installation Processor
The VM016 is an audio installation processor featuring 16 Dante network inputs, a 16×16 matrix mixer and 16 analogue outputs. This configuration enables any Dante networked inputs to be routed to any analogue output channel. Designed using NST second-generation DSP architecture, the VMO16 marries excellent sonic performance with agile control over Dante networked audio setups.
VR1 PoE Remote Control Panel
NST Audio’s VR1 wall panel units allow for intuitive remote control of NST system parameters. The VR1 can be easily set-up to allow control of one or more NST Audio processors connected to the same network as the wall panel. The VR1 allows multiple pages of custom remote access, including channel and matrix gains, preset recall and routing and channel mutes. The VR1 features a customisable full colour 128 x 128 pixel LCD display, which allows all pages to be labelled by the installer, providing users with a clear and easy to use wall control. Multiple VR1s can be used on the same network to control multiple processors.
D-Net Software
D-Net is NST Audio’s feature-rich DSP control software, compatible with PC, Mac and iPad. D-Net provides full control over signal processing, routing and configuration of multiple NST devices, giving installers and engineers complete control of NST systems over Ethernet or Wifi. D-Net includes the ability to set up systems offline and store/load presets and preset libraries, and includes many advanced tools for device linking, storing/loading of system snapshots, selective locking of device control panels, and much more.
From major concert venues to ground-breaking interactive exhibits, from broadcast houses to houses of worship, night clubs, schools and much else besides, instances of NST Audio being spotted out in the wild appear to be ever-increasing- a sure sign that plenty of integration professionals remain audiophiles at heart.
NST Audio are now distributed in Australia by Group Technologies. Click here to read the article.
