THE #1 AV NEWS PUBLICATION. PERIOD.

Lode Audio Debuts LA4-D Music Server at ISE 2018

Lode Audio is using ISE in Amsterdam to debut the flagship LA4-D music server. Features include:

  • Per zone outputs: one coaxial SPDIF, optical SPDIF, analog stereo RCA pair;
  • Analog outputs use 32-bit Burr Brown DACs;
  • All outputs are simultaneously active for every zone, offering highly flexible installation options;
  • Volume pass-through feature enable the control of third-party amps via Lode apps (requires control system integration with amplifier and Lode);
  • Reduced power consumption from 35W to 15W without compromising on CPU power;
  • Same single billet milled chassis with new feet design to better sit on a shelf;
  • New front panel “LED off” feature when not required.

The LA4-D joins the existing LA4 and LA1 music servers which each offer analog RCA outputs for use in systems where only those outputs are required.

Built on Lode Audio’s patented LodeNet, all Lode Audio products can be used as a stand-alone unit or integrated with other Lode Audio products to offer up to 64 zones without the need for complicated network components. Thanks to Lode’s audio over IP protocol LodeNet, this is all achieved without the issues of interference, latency and outages experienced by many wireless-based audio systems. Whether being used in residential, commercial, hospitality or marine, Lode Audio offers the ideal music server for any application.

Developed over a four-year period, the Lode Audio music server range is built around the company’s patented LodeNet audio distribution protocol.  LodeNet is a low-latency digital matrix that offers up to 64 zones of groupable audio streams (each with Apple Airplay compatibility) for synchronous playback without the need of a hardware matrix. Lode Audio products automatically log on to the LodeNet matrix as soon as they are powered up, therefore requiring very little setup other than selecting and signing into any of the integrated market-leading music streaming providers, whereby one login gives access to every zone within the system.

Lode Audio products are controlled by the company’s proprietary IP protocol, removing any of the conflicts and time delays associated with more traditional UPnP-based devices. Offering full wireless control via iOS and Android apps, control latency is negligible, whilst full browse control, super-quick cover art population, gesture swipe, single/grouped room control and full room lock control (allowing the user to see and control only one chosen room within a larger system natively) are standard. Significantly, the app has been designed to integrate seamlessly with third-party apps, offering full app-in-app functionality, enhancing the user experience.

Unlike other audio server products already available, Lode Audio products also offer total integration with third-party automation platforms. The latest Crestron Media Player driver, Control 4 driver update and Command Fusion integration driver offer extended features, including dynamic browse and queue functions, as well as cover-art integration with a quick response time of background image change when tracks are skipped.
 
To enhance reliability and reduce physical and electrical noise, all Lode Audio products have fan-less designs.  With the scourge of all CI products housed within equipment racks being heat dissipation, Lode Audio products are built in the UK to medical-grade specifications and feature chassis honed from single billets of aluminum for perfect heat distribution.

With the Lode Audio product range, installers finally have a dedicated music source that has been built for the application yet will deliver the performance desired by even the most ardent audiophiles and music enthusiasts.

Here are the details.

Top