Blades are the intelligent building blocks of the WheatNet IP audio network.
Forming a dynamic, distributed network, each Blade has onboard intelligence to control the whole system by itself. During initial set up, one of the Blades in the system is automatically selected to be Route Master, which gathers all of the information from the other Blades, control surfaces, and PCs that belong to the system and redistributes all of this information back to every Blade. Every Blade is fully capable of running the entire system at any moment, providing a depth of backup and redundancy that is limited only by the number of Blades in the system.
Furthermore, I/O Blade 4s include AoIP routing, audio tools and intelligence for everything from routing sources/destinations, mixing sounds and processing feeds, to turning mics on or off, controlling consoles and triggering mix-minus presets by show, location or talent.
Blades come in analog, digital or analog/digital I/O versions and are available for specialty uses such as for MADI or HD/SDI applications (See SPECIAL USE I/O BLADES). Fourth generation Blade 4s are fully AES67 compliant for interoperability with a wide range of AES67 networks and devices and support SMPTE ST 2110, including the NMOS discovery standard for AES67 and next generation television networks.
This fourth generation I/O unit for the WheatNet IP audio network combines key studio elements into one rack unit for audio processing, audio codecs, mixing, routing, control and operating system in one native AoIP environment. Typically included are optional Opus, MP3 and AAC codecs for streaming audio between locations; two 8×2 stereo utility mixers for online mixing or segueing between feeds; routable stereo processor with parametric equalizer, compressor and limiter for spot processing of incoming or outgoing audio; and 12 universal logic ports plus 128 software LIO ports for controlling studio elements and events — all routable through the network. Typically, Blade 4s have built-in OS for running apps and customized scripts for specialized software, metering apps and virtual interfaces, and can be ordered with add-ons such as dual audio clip players enhanced to play compressed or uncompressed audio files.
Similar to fourth gen Blades, third generation Blade 3s feature two 8×2 stereo utility mixers; routable stereo processor with parametric equalizer, compressor, and limiter; and logic ports for flexible control and routing, among other features.
Wheatstone Blade 4
11” full color high resolution front panel LED display
4K rear panel HDMI video output on most Blade 4 types
Front and rear panel utility USB jack
Rear panel dual NIC capability
Dual failsafe power supply capability (optional)
Blades can do things that mere I/O nodes can’t because of their embedded tools that make routable utilities such as audio mixing and processing possible. But what does that mean to you? For starters, it means faster, better and easier ways of doing broadcast. Here are some practical ways you can put Blades to use in your station.
I/O Blades combine intelligent routing, control and tools such as audio processing, utility mixers and audio codecs into one rack unit.
Each Blade has two 8×2 utility mixers that can be configured to accomplish many diverse tasks. These internal mixers are full featured and include panning, channel ON/OFF, fader levels, and access to any source signal in the system. They also include full ACI (Automation Control Interface), allowing remote control, ducking, auto fade, channel on/off, levels, source assign, etc.
Each Blade has a stereo multiband processor with the following: 4-band parametric equalizer, 3-way crossovers, 3 compressors, 3 limiters, and a final lookahead limiter. This is a “routable processor,” meaning it is not limited to the local I/O on the Blade – it can be considered a network resource.
Each Blade has its own intelligence/operating system that allows it to be a powerful standalone router, be part of a larger system, or control the entire routing system. Each Blade stores the configuration of the entire network. A network of Blades does not require outside control from third-party software running on a PC. Blade 4 offers updated CPU and GPU graphics acceleration for running customized scripts and specialized software, metering apps and virtual interfaces directly from the unit.
Create any number of salvos and macros useful for routing and triggering events. These are preprogrammed events or a series of switched events that can happen within a Blade or throughout an entire WheatNet IP network of Blades.
Stream audio from remote venues or home studios into the studio operation as needed using optional OPUS audio codecs, routable in native AoIP. No additional studio hardware required.
Any audio input can route to any or all outputs. Send any GPI to multiple GIO’s or marry GPIO’s to an audio source and have it follow that source through the system. All through one RJ45 connector for each device.
When sensing silence due to an emergency or in the event an operator error, Blades can take the automation system directly to air or use an internal clip player to play music and ads until normal operation is restored. Every single audio output channel can be programmed with silence detection and automatic switch-over function.
This Blade feature can be useful for callers, codecs, networks, remote broadcasts and live talk shows that require a mix-minus. You can create a predetermined back haul, IFB feed or mix-minus for each device based on its location in the system or on a fader. If you have a shared resource connected to your system, such as a codec, the software will “automagically” give the proper return feed to the codec based on its destination.
Any stereo signal sent to a mono output is automatically summed. If you route a stereo source or stereo mix to a mono destination such as hybrid or codec, the system will automatically “sum” the left and right channels together.
Blades can take any stereo AES/EBU or analog input or output and split it into two mono channels.
This allows the user to calibrate the input level for each source or destination. There is also balance control on every stereo input and output.
Blade 3s are AES67 compatible. Blade 4s are AES67 compliant, from .125 ms to 5 ms packets, for a wide range of interoperability with other AES67 devices and networks. Blade 4s also support SMPTE ST 2110, including the NMOS discovery standard for AES67 and next generation television networks.
Blades take native analog, microphone, AES/EBU, SPDIF, AOIP, MADI, SDI and AES67. Once any type of audio is ingested into the WheatNet-IP network, any type of audio input can be converted to any other type of output. Example: analog to digital, AES to IP, MADI to AES67, mics to AoIP, etc.
Optional built-in audio clip player(s) can be used to put emergency audio on the air. The files are managed in Navigator software where you can organize the playlist, and trigger playback with a logic port. Silence or LIO can trigger this playback or it can be manually controlled from Navigator.
Each Blade is equipped with RJ45 connectors to provide 12 Universal Logic Ports which can be individually designated during set up as inputs or outputs. These ports are used to interface the various external switches, indicators, and control functions you need. In addition, Blades include 128 software logic ports to interface with software switches, indicators, and control functions throughout the system.
This logging app tracks universal and software logic activity throughout the system and shows the user when any input comes into the system and when it is sent, via multicast, across the network and to the output. A comprehensive Sort Section and Activity Visualizer let the user see a detailed view of what happened in the system.
When a base connection is made, up to ten additional connections can be made. This significantly helps streamline studio routing, phone and codec selection.
ACI is part of the “tool box” in every Blade that allows full control functions such as routing, ducking, panning, full logic control, mixing and silence detection. Each Blade supports up to 20 ACI connections that can be used with devices like Talent Stations, GP panels, etc. ACI also enables control of third-party technology partners such as automation systems and codec equipment.
Blades work well with the ScreenBuilder toolset for creating virtual screens and scripting new capabilities for panels, metering and more. Combining the power of ScreenBuilder with Blade routing, logic and intelligence results in fast, custom interfaces for unique workflows.
SNMP is an established standard that is used in Blades for managing network traffic, devices and events. Blades have MIB files with data points used by SNMP for monitoring as well as alerting if a particular port is dropping packets or if a device is heating up and about to fail. SNMP management gives you centralized monitoring over large as well as small WheatNet IP installations and lets you configure alarms and set thresholds for alerting you if a problem occurs.
Individually adjustable buffering compensates for jitter on remote connection.
Blade 4 can run separate applications directly on the Blade in addition to WheatNet-IP. ScreenBuilder and MeterApp are currently supported, with more to come.
Custom configurable system meter/monitoring, simplified salvo controls and enhanced logic display for faster system navigation.
Left: The above shows a mono source being routed to both stereo and mono destinations in a Blade. (Two dots indicate a stereo or dual channel connection. A single dot indicates it’s a mono to mono connection.)
Right: The above shows a stereo source being routed to mono destinations.
Blades include SNMP agent software for centralized monitoring of all Blades in a large distributed network. You can configure alarms and set thresholds in order to be notified should a problem occur and therefore respond with quick corrective actions through e-mail, SMS, traps and executing custom scripts. SNMP is part of the internet protocol suite defined by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). Network management systems use SNMP to monitor network-attached devices (such as Blades) for conditions that may require action by the end user.
Audio Routing and Control
Route any audio input to any output or all outputs. Send one GPI to multiple GPOs or marry GPIOs to an audio source and have them follow that source through the system. All Blades in the network live on a simple crosspoint matrix.
Left: The above shows a mono source being routed to both stereo and mono destinations in a Blade. (Two dots indicate a stereo or dual channel connection. A single dot indicates it’s a mono to mono connection.)
Right: The above shows a stereo source being routed to mono destinations.
Automation On One Cable
One cable is all it takes to integrate your automation system with a network of Blades. WheatNet IP audio drivers replace expensive sound cards, GPIO cards and external switches.
Unlimited Salvos or Macros
Each I/O Blade can store hundreds of customized salvos, which can be useful for assigning feeds to codecs or hybrids and switching between studios. Group any audio source, logic and destination together that can be triggered by event or time.
Monitor Devices with SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol)
Blades include SNMP agent software for centralized monitoring of all Blades in a large distributed network. You can configure alarms and set thresholds in order to be notified should a problem occur and therefore respond with quick corrective actions through e-mail, SMS, traps and executing custom scripts. SNMP is part of the internet protocol suite defined by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). Network management systems use SNMP to monitor network-attached devices (such as Blades) for conditions that may require action by the end user.
I/O Blades combine intelligent routing, control and tools such as audio processing, utility mixers and audio codecs into one rack unit.
Two 8×2 Utility Mixers
Each Blade has two 8×2 utility mixers that can be configured to accomplish many diverse tasks. These internal mixers are full featured and include panning, channel ON/OFF, fader levels, and access to any source signal in the system. They also include full ACI (Automation Control Interface), allowing remote control, ducking, auto fade, channel on/off, levels, source assign, etc.
Stereo Audio Processing Tools
Each Blade has a stereo multiband processor with the following: 4-band parametric equalizer, 3-way crossovers, 3 compressors, 3 limiters, and a final lookahead limiter. This is a “routable processor,” meaning it is not limited to the local I/O on the Blade – it can be considered a network resource.
Onboard Intelligent OS
Each Blade has its own intelligence/operating system that allows it to be a powerful standalone router, be part of a larger system, or control the entire routing system. Each Blade stores the configuration of the entire network. A network of Blades does not require outside control from third-party software running on a PC. Blade 4 offers updated CPU and GPU graphics acceleration for running customized scripts and specialized software, metering apps and virtual interfaces directly from the unit.
Salvos/Macros
Create any number of salvos and macros useful for routing and triggering events. These are preprogrammed events or a series of switched events that can happen within a Blade or throughout an entire WheatNet IP network of Blades.
Audio Codecs (Blade 4)
Stream audio from remote venues or home studios into the studio operation as needed using optional OPUS audio codecs, routable in native AoIP. No additional studio hardware required.
Audio & Control Routing Matrix
Any audio input can route to any or all outputs. Send any GPI to multiple GIO’s or marry GPIO’s to an audio source and have it follow that source through the system. All through one RJ45 connector for each device.
Silence Detection
When sensing silence due to an emergency or in the event an operator error, Blades can take the automation system directly to air or use an internal clip player to play music and ads until normal operation is restored. Every single audio output channel can be programmed with silence detection and automatic switch-over function.
Associated Connections
This Blade feature can be useful for callers, codecs, networks, remote broadcasts and live talk shows that require a mix-minus. You can create a predetermined back haul, IFB feed or mix-minus for each device based on its location in the system or on a fader. If you have a shared resource connected to your system, such as a codec, the software will “automagically” give the proper return feed to the codec based on its destination.
Auto Mono Summing
Any stereo signal sent to a mono output is automatically summed. If you route a stereo source or stereo mix to a mono destination such as hybrid or codec, the system will automatically “sum” the left and right channels together.
Signal Splitting
Blades can take any stereo AES/EBU or analog input or output and split it into two mono channels.
Gain Control on Every Input & Output
This allows the user to calibrate the input level for each source or destination. There is also balance control on every stereo input and output.
AES67, SMPTE ST 2110 with NMOS
Blade 3s are AES67 compatible. Blade 4s are AES67 compliant, from .125 ms to 5 ms packets, for a wide range of interoperability with other AES67 devices and networks. Blade 4s also support SMPTE ST 2110, including the NMOS discovery standard for AES67 and next generation television networks.
Virtually All Audio Formats
Blades take native analog, microphone, AES/EBU, SPDIF, AOIP, MADI, SDI and AES67. Once any type of audio is ingested into the WheatNet-IP network, any type of audio input can be converted to any other type of output. Example: analog to digital, AES to IP, MADI to AES67, mics to AoIP, etc.
Built-in Audio Clip Player
Optional built-in audio clip player(s) can be used to put emergency audio on the air. The files are managed in Navigator software where you can organize the playlist, and trigger playback with a logic port. Silence or LIO can trigger this playback or it can be manually controlled from Navigator.
12 Universal GPI/O Ports plus 128 Software Logic Ports
Each Blade is equipped with RJ45 connectors to provide 12 Universal Logic Ports which can be individually designated during set up as inputs or outputs. These ports are used to interface the various external switches, indicators, and control functions you need. In addition, Blades include 128 software logic ports to interface with software switches, indicators, and control functions throughout the system.
LIO/SLIO Logging
This logging app tracks universal and software logic activity throughout the system and shows the user when any input comes into the system and when it is sent, via multicast, across the network and to the output. A comprehensive Sort Section and Activity Visualizer let the user see a detailed view of what happened in the system.
When a base connection is made, up to ten additional connections can be made. This significantly helps streamline studio routing, phone and codec selection.
Automation Control Interface (ACI)
ACI is part of the “tool box” in every Blade that allows full control functions such as routing, ducking, panning, full logic control, mixing and silence detection. Each Blade supports up to 20 ACI connections that can be used with devices like Talent Stations, GP panels, etc. ACI also enables control of third-party technology partners such as automation systems and codec equipment.
ScreenBuilder
Blades work well with the ScreenBuilder toolset for creating virtual screens and scripting new capabilities for panels, metering and more. Combining the power of ScreenBuilder with Blade routing, logic and intelligence results in fast, custom interfaces for unique workflows.
SNMP Management
SNMP is an established standard that is used in Blades for managing network traffic, devices and events. Blades have MIB files with data points used by SNMP for monitoring as well as alerting if a particular port is dropping packets or if a device is heating up and about to fail. SNMP management gives you centralized monitoring over large as well as small WheatNet IP installations and lets you configure alarms and set thresholds for alerting you if a problem occurs.
Variable Buffering (Blade 4)
Individually adjustable buffering compensates for jitter on remote connection.
Application Manager (Blade 4)
Blade 4 can run separate applications directly on the Blade in addition to WheatNet-IP. ScreenBuilder and MeterApp are currently supported, with more to come.
Enhanced Navigation Software (Blade 4)
Custom configurable system meter/monitoring, simplified salvo controls and enhanced logic display for faster system navigation.
This single-rackspace unit supplies redundant DC power to up to four Blades. Each unit connects via multiplin connector to the failsafe unit. Cables are included.
This Software Plugin provides the optional audio clip player in BLADEs with clip list management and one hour of storage.
If you have a Wheatstone, Audioarts, or VoxPro product, you’re an important member of the Wheatstone family and we want to hear from you, whether you have questions or need technical support, we are here for you.
Company
600 Industrial Dr.
New Bern, NC 28562 USA
Main office +1 (252) 638-7000
Fax main office +1 (252) 637-1285
We are open Monday through Friday,
8:30 AM to 8:30 PM EST
Company
600 Industrial Dr.
New Bern, NC 28562 USA
Main office +1 (252) 638-7000
Fax main office +1 (252) 637-1285
We are open Monday through Friday,
9:00 AM to 5:30 PM EST