Revox Voxnet: Multi-user system
High-end audio system for the whole home
More than 30 years of Multiroom experience and a passion for great sound have all gone into the new audio system from Revox. Voxnet stands for creating excellent sound quality throughout the house, with the simplest operation. With Voxnet, the Swiss audio specialists have defined a new, Ethernet-based standard in entertainment electronics. In addition, the Revox developers can implement new future technologies in this flexible audio system at any time, which means that it will be possible to integrate many new audio services into the Voxnet system, going forward.
The new audio system doesn't just distribute music and sound throughout several rooms. Thanks to the creation of individual user profiles, Voxnet knows who last listened to what and the corresponding station favourites and playlists can be called at the press of a button. Operation is child's play: over a Smartphone or tablet App, with a wall-mounted operating panel or traditionally, through an infrared remote control. Audio streaming services such as Spotify or Deezer, products such as an Apple TV or Chromecast can be integrated by the user into the Voxnet system. Even the sound from the television can be heard in several rooms at the same time so that when you go to the fridge to fetch a beer, you won't miss a goal being scored. Voxnet is also ideally suited for use in hotel rooms or in conference or meeting rooms, as well as for private use.
Keeping the music in sync
One highlight of the Voxnet system is the perfect synchronisation of music in CD-quality being played in several rooms, not just in reduced MP3 or FLAC data formats. This is an important point not just in open-plan living concepts but also with events that spill out of the house into the garden. The music can originate from the central Voxnet server or through traditional audio inputs.
Television sound and online services
Televisions or CD players from most manufacturers can also be integrated in the Voxnet world and the sound can be played in several rooms. Music services from the Internet are played over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, through Apple TV or the Gira Bluetooth docking station, for example. Thanks to the Voxnet system's sensitive inputs, the music from online streaming services such as Deezer or Spotify starts playing automatically from the speakers in the room, form the Smartphone or tablet.
If video content from the iPad via Apple TV or from the Android tablet via Chromecast is being played on the television, Voxnet registers the fact and starts to play the corresponding sound, without any further operator steps being needed. Practical add-on functions: some televisions can be controlled through IP commands and can therefore be addressed directly over Voxnet. In this case, the basic television functions can be carried out through the Revox wall-mounted panel, the Revox remote control or the Revox Apps.
Simple operating concept
The Voxnet operating concept is based on Revox's years of experience in the Multiroom world. Alongside mobile devices or the remote, it is still possible to control the system through the tried-and-tested wall-mounted panels, easily and intuitively, thanks to the small number of buttons. Aesthetically,, the components are integrated in the Gira switch design and therefore perfectly match to other wall-mounted switches. With just a single press of a button, the music that was last listened to by any one of several persons can be called up, because each key has one person's profile assigned and is labelled accordingly.
A further innovation is the option of a long or a short button press. For example, a short press can start your favourite music playing in the room while a long press can activate the music in several rooms. The labelling and assignment of the buttons is done through the Gira labelling service. Another clever option: you are not just limited to controlling the room that you are in at the time. You can for example, also switch off the music in the kids' bedroom from the lounge during the evening.
Technical networking basics
The basis for Voxnet is an Ethernet network. The central communication unit is the Voxnet server. This is installed on a Synology NAS and as such, can also be used as a music archive. All services and licences run on the server. There should be a 1 Gbps LAN connection from the Voxnet server to the switch and from there to the individual rooms. A Voxnet 219 amplifier is then installed in each room, which the speakers are connected to.
The Voxnet 219 amplifier has a high-quality audio output with 2 x 50 watts sinus output performance. Through the integrated digital signal processor, the output signal can be adjusted to the Revox speakers and their positioning in the room, to achieve the best possible sound experience. The individual Voxnet components are linked through the network connection. In addition, the Voxnet 219 also has a trigger input/output, a digital coax input, a digital optical input, an analogue audio Line In input as well as the connection option for an external infrared receiver that can be used, for example, for connecting a Revox wall-mounted operation panel.
Simple configuration through web interface
Voxnet is customised to meet individual requirements though a web browser based configurator. Names can be assigned to rooms, sources or triggers to facilitate later handling. Configuration and programming is done through a PC or tablet using comprehensive Voxnet text commands. Functions can easily be copied and then modified as required. Special rights can also be assigned to individual users. In this way, the kids will not be able to start the music in the office or hotel guests' rights can be kept strictly separated from each other. The complete configuration can be exported, saved and if required, re-imported.
Voxnet text
Voxnet text is used to create commands that are sent via TCP/IP to the Voxnet system and that can be used to control the amplifier and/or its triggers. There are individual commands or command sequences that can be sent over the traditional trigger input or via infrared, with up to 64 IR commands per room. Sensitive triggers also recognise if there is a signal on one of the three audio inputs and then automatically switch over accordingly.
Connecting the traditional Revox world with Voxnet
Existing Revox products, such as the M100 or the M51 and of course speakers and wall-mounted panels can be linked elegantly into the new Voxnet. The devices are simply connected to the Voxnet 219. This underlines once again Revox's claim to the longevity of their products.
Technical data:
Voxnet 219 amplifier
Power: 2 x 50 Watt RMS
Frequency range: 20 Hz to 20000 kHz
Harmonic distortion typical 0,025%
Headphone output
Trigger In 5-48V AC or DC
Trigger Out 12V DC max, 80 mA
Dimensions: 44 x 218 x 255 mm
Weight: 1,9 kg
I/O module
optical data format 16,20,24 bit PCM - SPDIFF up to 96 kHz
coaxialdata format 16,20,24 bit PCM - SPDIFF up to192 kHz
Photo captions:
Revox Voxnet 1:
Voxnet is a premium-class multi-user system. On demand, the individual music follows from room to room throughout the house.
Revox Voxnet 2:
The music plays completely synchronously in each room in best CD quality - invisible Revox speakers, installed behind plaster, provide for the sound.
Revox Voxnet 3:
Or installation speakers from Revox installed discreetly in ceiling or wall.
Revox Voxnet 218 1:
The Voxnet system can be controlled over Revox wall control units, matching the Gira switch range, over the Revox remote control...
Revox Voxnet Spotify:
...or over the smartphone and tablet. As soon as you start music from streaming apps, it will be played back over the speakers thanks to Voxnet.
Revox Voxnet 219 1,2,3:
The Revox Voxnet 219 amplifier provides a premium audio output with 2 x 50 Watt Sinus output rating.
Revox Voxnet 219 I/O module:
The Voxnet I/O module serves as interface for classic audio products such as TV, CD player up to Apple TV.
Photos: REVOX
You will find text and image material in a digital format at www.revox.de, under Company/Press.
– 1 –