Cantar X3 & Octopack with integrated Hydra
Cantar X3 & Octopack with integrated Hydra
Lectrosonics Octopack with integrated Hydra
Lectrosonics Octopack with integrated Hydra
All RF receivers overview & Wisycom dual receiver specific screen
All RF receivers overview & Wisycom dual receiver specific screen
Audio Ltd, Sennheiser, Lectrosonics specific screens & scan screen
Audio Ltd, Sennheiser, Lectrosonics specific screens & scan screen
Hydra is a complete connection and control system available in two developments: a set including a USB connection hub and four individual SuperSlots, or an electronic board that can be integrated into the Lectrosonics Octopack or the PSC Six Pack.

The system allows you to monitor and set up up to sixteen RF receivers (eight dual receivers to be precise) on the wide Cantar LCD display. That's highly appreciated when considering the extreme smallness of the RF receivers displays, Wisycom for sure, also Lectrosonics and Audio Limited A10!

DC Audiovisuel has therefore modified its Octopacks to integrate a Hydra board and accept compatible receivers, namely: Audio Limited A10-RX, Lectrosonics SRc, Sennheiser EK 6042 and Wisycom MCR42.

Cantar firmware version must be at least 2.78. The connection requires a USB-B connector on the right side of the Octopack, a USB-A on the Cantar. Receivers overview screen is accessed with the SHIFT+F1 button shortcut (SHIFT is Blue button on Cantar X3), once all the receivers are in place and the USB connection is established.

This first overview screen shows on its left the power status of the multicoupler (and of the USB hub if used). On the right, for each of the 16 receivers: related transmitter's status, both antennas signal intensity on two bar graphs (only one for Lectrosonics), RF frequency, transmitter's internal battery percentage, audio signal level (except Audio Limited), manufacturer's brand (as a logo).

Shortcuts F1 to F4 (for receivers 1 to 4) or SHIFT+F1 to SHIFT+F4 (for receivers 5 to 8) lead to individual dual receivers screens. Shortcut F1 is then used to cycle through all dual receivers screens.

Depending on the receiver model, for each, are displayed: both antennas RF intensity on two vumeters (only one for Lectrosonics both antennas), audio level on a single vumeter (doesn't work for Audio Limited), receiver's name (except for Lectrosonics) and manufacturer's logo, RF band, RF channel number, RF sub-channel, RF frequency, Cantar input to which the receiver's audio output is assigned, modulation type (analog or digital) for dual output receivers, maximum transmitter's gain, transmitter's battery alert level (in percent except for Lectrosonics in Volt), transmitter's battery level on bar graph and in percent (in Volt for Lectrosonics). Wisycom also displays each receiver's name, squelch setting, expander setting, line level or AES level.

So, every possible transmitter settings are displayed on the Cantar display.

Each non graphic value (especially channel, frequency, mode and transmitter's gain) can be modified (in TEST and PPR only) by browsing the fields with the Cantar up/down buttons and entering the field with the OK button. Incrementing is done with the left/right buttons.

Finally, rather than on the tiny receiver displays, frequencies scanning can be done for each receiver on the Cantar display with the F4 button.

Integrated system, all receivers accessible on a single wide, clear and complete display, the Aaton Digital Hydra combined with the Lectrosonics Octopack is this must have that will quickly become essential for complete RF setup, whether on sound cart or on the shoulder!

Hydra integrated Octopack is now available for rent and for sale from DC Audiovisuel.
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