An active speaker for any commercial or residential application

June 5, 2024 - We work in the most connected spaces in the world — every aspect of our lives now exists somewhere on a network. From sharing content to collaborating, we operate in a universe of connected devices.

That, of course, also applies to the AV tools we use. Crestron has been focused on refining and expanding its line of DM NVX® AV-over-IP solutions since its introduction in 2017, working to ensure there are options for every potential need.

In short, almost every AV device has found its way onto a network — including loudspeakers.

Crestron is proud to introduce the new Audio-over-IP Saros® Speaker, a powerful audio solution for your existing network. These connected peripherals, built on DM NVX AV-over-IP technology, make it possible to power, configure, update, monitor, and control these speakers remotely, all while extending the reach of your audio.

Key Benefits

The speaker includes a world of benefits beyond the ability to “live” on the network:

• It can achieve longer signal distances over a network without sacrificing sound quality.
• Its footprint offers wider sound dispersion with fewer speakers than competing devices.
• It is a powered speaker — the onboard amplifier eliminates the need for any additional amps.
• An active speaker, the Saros® IC4A audio-over-IP device is capable of driving three passive Saros IC4P speakers, completing a four-speaker setup.
• It is driven via PoE+ — everything the speakers need can be delivered via a single network cable, making installation a breeze.
• It delivers high-performance, low-latency audio with DSP processing.
• It is compatible with AES67 (Dante® audio networking through AES67 compatibility mode) and therefore seamlessly integrates with Crestron AV-over-IP devices like our DM NVX Video Encoders and Decoders and our DM NAX® Audio Edge Devices.
• From a dollar-per-channel perspective, this is our most affordable and convenient way to extend DM NAX audio-over-IP to a new area by coupling one active Saros speaker with three passive counterparts.

AS PART OF THE CRESTRON ECOSYSTEM, THE NEW SAROS AV-OVER-IP SPEAKER PROVIDES INCREDIBLE AUDIO FOR ANY CONFERENCE ROOM, CLASSROOM, RESIDENTIAL, OR BACKGROUND MUSIC APPLICATION

One Powered Speaker Can Drive Three More

Another terrific benefit: The active model — the IC4A — can drive three more compatible passive Saros IC4P speakers, creating a cost-effective way to deliver audio via standard network cable to four speakers in a zone, all configured with an intuitive web-based user interface. This efficient powered speaker delivers 20W of output, and there’s even an onboard DSP to help tune every speaker in the chain, so the audio’s perfect for any space in an organization. The powered speakers are compatible with XIO Cloud® technology operations management platform for remote monitoring and management, too.

Because their sonic footprint is large, no external amps are needed, and one powered speaker can power three more passive devices, it’s easy to see how effective a cost-saving solution these are.

Scalable and Flexible

The Saros passive speakers offer the same outstanding audio quality as their powered siblings. They include both standard terminal block inputs and RJ45 connections to link to the IC4A active model. This makes them a perfect option for deployments where you need to mix and match powered speakers and those wired to an amplifier. The whole line is designed for maximum flexibility and limitless scalability for any installation.

No matter how one configures passive and active models, they’re perfect for:

• Workspace applications, including conference rooms, training facilities, cafeterias, and lobbies.
• Educational deployments, such as classrooms, lecture halls, training rooms, and common areas.
• Government installations that need wide audio coverage, such as town halls.
• Retail spaces, providing ambient sound or music to shops, bars, restaurants — name it.
• Hospitality applications, including common areas, conference rooms, even fitness spaces.
• Residential applications where you want to extend your audio-over-IP network.