The Pro Tools | MTRX MADI Module is a daughter board with empty SFP cages that enables you to choose optical or coaxial MADI I/O for the Pro Tools MTRX base unit.
The MTRX MADI Module is a small-format daughter board that fits underneath the MTRX motherboard. Its connectors appear in the Optical I/O slot on the MTRX base unit, making it an integral part of the MTRX chassis. The MTRX MADI module has two latching SFP (small-form-factor plug-able) cages for MADI optical (LC) or coaxial (mini-BNC) SFP transceivers, giving you the ability to transmit up to 128 channels of MADI audio with dual SFP transceivers.
Pro Tools | MTRX MADI Module – Just the Facts:
- Daughter board adds up to 128 channels of MADI I/O to the MTRX base unit
- Accepts two 64-channel, bi-directional small form-factor plug-able (SFP) transceivers
- Add optical I/O via Lucent Connectors (LC) or mini-BNC for compatibility with Pro Tools | HD MADI interface
Pro Tools | MTRX MADI Module – Under the Hood
MADI Module or Dual MADI I/O Option Card
The MTRX MADI Module enables he Pro Tools | MTRX base unit to transmit and receive up to 64 bi-directional audio channels via MADI, while freeing up the expansion slots for other types of I/O, including MADI. The MADI module connectors appear in the MTRX base unit in the optical I/O slot above the DigiLink connectors. The Dual MADI I/O option card is a full-length PCIe card that fits into one or more of the eight expansion slots on the MTRX rear panel.
Understanding MADI wavelength and light sources
Wavelength – There are three common wavelengths used for optical fiber transmissions; 850 nm, 1300 nm, and 1500 nm. The first two are commonly used for multi-mode MADI cards. 850 nm, which uses 100BASE-SX cable, is a lower cost alternative due to the use of short wavelength optics, which are significantly less expense than the long wavelength options used in 100BASE-FX. Maximum cable runs for 850 nm wavelength are approximately 1,000 ft., whereas 1300 nm wavelength allows cable runs up to 6,600 ft.
Light source: LEDs are a more cost-effective light source, whereas laser is more powerful, operate at faster speeds, capable of transmitting light more accurately over longer distances. Naturally, laser light sources are more expensive.
SFP transceivers available for the MTRX MADI Module:
- MTRX SFP/LC – Optical module multi-mode 1300 nm, Laser
- MTRX SFP/LC – Optical module multi-mode 1300 nm, low output LED
- MTRX SFP/LC – Optical module multi-mode 850 nm, low output LED
- MTRX SFP – Coax MADI transceiver HD mini-BNC