AEQ has released the Phoenix Venus 4 and its advanced version the Venus 4+. These audio codecs for point-to-
point links feature IP connectivity and two simultaneous, bidirectional stereo transmissions. According to AEQ, they also feature SIP protocol and EBU N/ACIP standard, as well as OPUS algorithms (configuration support and remote control tools).
The supplier also offers a version with 48 volt DC power supplies and optional Dante/AES 67 IP local audio inputs and outputs.
The Venus 4 is available in two hardware versions — one with a front panel control (the 4+) as well as a more basic version with network and communications status indicators (the 4). AEQ says both versions have balanced analog inputs and outputs on XLR connectors and dedicated AES/EBU digital I/O connectors. This is in addition to a triple network port, a dual RS232 auxiliary data link and a redundant power supply.
Both the configuration and basic operation functions are controlled through AEQ’s ControlPhoenix management software, which, according to the company, “allows us to work with it as if we were in front of a front control panel, choosing encoding modes, connection modes and establishing or terminating calls.”