Renkus-Heinz, one of the leading manufacturers of loudspeakers for the installed-sound market, has announced a new line of networked, self-powered loudspeakers, the Sygma Series, featuring Cirrus Logic Inc.’s CobraNet networked digital audio technology at NSCA. By providing audio signal processing within individual speakers rather than remote system processors, Cirrus Logic’s CS4961XX CobraNet integrated circuits allow the speakers to leverage the flexibility and adaptability that CobraNet audio networks offer.

The Sygma Series of loudspeakers utilize CobraNet’s Ethernet foundation to carry uncompressed high-definition digital audio, control and status monitoring information, which simplifies the wiring and management of the various audio signals traveling the network. CobraNet technology forms the basis of the Renkus-Heinz Audio Operations Network (RHAON) Technology. CobraNet technology, which is available through Cirrus Logic’s CobraNet integrated circuits (ICs) and module solutions, is the professional and commercial audio industry’s leading solution for distributing digital audio over Ethernet networks.

“For our Sygma Series of products and the RHAON technology, Renkus Heinz turned to CobraNet technology because of its unique ability to converge pro digital audio with real-time control and status traffic,” said Ralph Heinz, senior vice president, Renkus-Heinz. “Cirrus Logic provided excellent support, which was a critical factor to our ability to deliver these leading-edge products to the installed sound market.”

With the CobraNet CS4961XX ICs, Cirrus Logic customers such as Renkus-Heinz benefit from an unmatched combination of superior features and extraordinary value. CobraNet technology allows for uncompressed, pro quality audio transport to co-exist with standard data traffic over standard Ethernet networks, maintaining audio quality over long distances with naturally easy audio network management compared to traditional analog or point-to-point digital networks. For example, CobraNet technology enables bi-directional audio, monitoring and control, and the ability to customize audio content over every loudspeaker within a network. The CobraNet line includes IC and module products providing high-definition audio transport and optional local audio signal processing, further empowering networked audio devices.