Radial Engineering CATapult RX4, CATapult RX4L, CATapult RX4M, CATapult TX4M, CATAPULT-TX4 User's Guide

®

True to the Music™

™

Catapult

4-Channel Audio Snake

User Guide

Radial Engineering Ltd.
1588 Kebet Way, Port Coquitlam
British Columbia, Canada, V3C 5M5
Tel: [phone] • Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

www.radialeng.com

Radial® Catapult™ User Guide

Table of Contents Page

Catapult Features .........................................................................1

Transformer Options .....................................................................2

Six Models Available .....................................................................3

Introduction ...................................................................................4

Making Connections .....................................................................5

Using TX4M & RX4M ...................................................................6

Using TX4L & RX4L ......................................................................7

Applications ............................................................................ 8-10

Block Diagram ............................................................................11

Specications .............................................................................12

Warranty .......................................................................Back cover

Thank you for investing in the Radial Catapult™ modular snake,
a Cat 5 mini snake and isolation system that is designed to clean
up the stage, simplify setups and take advantage of pre-existing

wire infrastructure networks. We are condent that once you

become familiar with the functionality, you will soon expand your
selection of modules to come up with many creative uses.

As with all new products, please take a few minutes to read
through this manual in order to familiarize yourself with the
various modules so that you can take full advantage of their

functionality. If, after you have done your homework, you nd

yourself asking questions, please visit the Catapult FAQ page
as this is where we post questions and answers from users

along with updates. If afterwards, you still nd yourself with more

questions, feel free to send us a note at [e-mail] and
we will do our very best to reply in short order.

Now get ready to snake along those cables with more expediency
than ever before!

®

True to the Music

CATAPULT FEATURES

2

3

1

1. INPUT: XLR-F inputs used to connect a mic, instrument or mixer to
pass the signal to the RX module.

2. THRU: XLR-M thru wired in parallel with the option of mic or line­level transformer isolation.

3. HANDLE: Protective steel handle makes it easy to pick-up and drop
wherever needed.

4 5 6 7

4. LIFT: Lifts the Cat 5 cable ground path to help eliminate troublesome
ground loop noise.

5. IN/OUT: Standard Ethernet connection for shielded Cat 5 cable
depending on the model used to send/receive audio from Catapult
modules.

6. THRU: Parallel connection from XLR outputs used to feed additional
Catapult modules.

7. BUMPER: Used to protect the Ethernet connectors and ground lift
switch from damage.

Radial Engineering Ltd.

1

Catapult™ Audio Snake

®

True to the Music

TRANSFORMER ISOLATION MODELS

MIC TRANSFORMER: TX4M and RX4M modules are transformer

isolated at the XLR outputs and at the Ethernet THRU connector to
create a mic level split for stage and studio use.

LINE TRANSFORMER: TX4L and RX4L modules are transformer
isolated at the XLR outputs and at the Ethernet THRU connector to
provide line level isolation to eliminate hum and buzz.

Radial Engineering Ltd.

2

Catapult™ Audio Snake

®

True to the Music

SIX MODELS AVAILABLE

There are six models available with three input and three output modules.
Input modules have four XLR female inputs and four XLR male thru-puts.
Output modules have two sets of four XLR male outputs. Connection
between modules is done using standard RJ45 Ethernet connectors.

TX4 - Transmit with 4 XLR ins and 4 XLR outs

Part # R800 8022

RX4 - Receive with 8 XLR outs
Part # R800 8025

TX4M - Transmit 4 ins & 4 mic-level isolated outs
Part # R800 8023

RX4M - Receive 4 outs & 4 mic-level isolated outs
Part # R800 8026

TX4L - Transmit 4 ins & 4 line-level isolated outs
Part # R800 8024

RX4L - Receive 4 outs & 4 line-level isolated outs
Part # R800 8027

Radial Engineering Ltd.

3

Catapult™ Audio Snake

®

True to the Music

INTRODUCTION

In its simplest form, the Catapult is a modular system that lets you drive
four analog audio channels over a single Cat 5 shielded cable. (Note the
cable must be shielded in order for phantom power to pass.) Where the
Catapult differs from other sub-snakes is that each end features a heavy
duty steel box (the input or output modules) which can be ordered with

or without transformers. Transformers benet by allowing you to split or

isolate the signal to eliminate hum and buzz caused by ground loops.

Module inputs and outputs employ common 3-pin XLRs that are wired
to the AES standard with pin-1 ground, pin-2 (+) and pin-3 (-). For added
connectivity, the modules are equipped with two sets of XLRs that enable
greater routing options. This enables a transformer-equipped module
to be used as a stand-alone isolator. A choice of transformers enables
the Catapult to be used for either mic level (-30dB) or line level (+4dB)
applications.

TX4 - Transmitter

RX4 - Receiver

Lifting the ground

Each catapult module is equipped with a ground
lift switch. Set this in the ‘out’ position. Once
connected, if you hear noise, try lifting the ground
at one end or the other. It is usually best to lift the
ground at the transmit end as it will generally be
connected to a microphone whereas the receive
end will be connected to an electronic device
such as a mixer that is properly grounded to the
electrical system for safety. However, lifting the
ground will disconnect phantom power, which
means that condenser mics or active DI boxes
will not work.

Radial Engineering Ltd.

4

GND Lift

Catapult™ Audio Snake

®

True to the Music

MAKING CONNECTIONS

As with all audio systems, it is good to turn your audio system off or
turn system levels down to zero before making connections. This will
avoid connection or power-up transients from damaging more sensitive
components such as tweeters.

Using standard TX4 and RX4 (non-isolated) modules

To use the Catapult in the simplest form, connect the TX4 and the RX4
together using Cat 5 or Cat 6 cable. In order to pass 48V phantom power
to feed your condenser mics or active direct boxes, the cable must
have a shield. If you are transmitting line level signals, the shield is not

required due to the twisted pair conguration, but it will still be benecial

as shielded cables are less susceptible to noise. As the twisted pairs are
tightly wound together in a compact jacket, it’s a good idea to send similar
level signals together over the same wire as this will reduce crosstalk
from higher signal levels (such as +4dB line levels) polluting lower output
signals (such as -30dB mic levels). TX and RX modules are equipped
with two sets of XLRs to enable greater connectivity. This is basically a
simple Y-jack that can be handy in certain situations.

Radial Engineering Ltd.

Cat 5

5

Catapult™ Audio Snake

®

True to the Music

Using Mic Level TX4M and RX4M isolated modules

These modules are typically employed when splitting a mic signal
between two mixers. Although the transformers may be ordered inside
either the transmit TX4M or receive RX4M boxes, these are usually put

inside the transmit box as this affords greater exibility.

For instance, you may be doing a gig where your stage mics need to be
sent to a monitor mixer by the stage, as well as a distant front-of-house
mixing console. The TX4M would allow you to directly connect your
microphones to the FOH console so it can provide phantom power, while
high-performance Eclipse transformers keep the monitor mixer isolated
and prevent ground loops.

You can also use the same TX4M module to isolate the microphones
to feed a separate recording system. Transformers are truly amazing
devices that surprisingly come in handy in all types of situations.

MIXER / FOH

TX4M

MIXER /

MONITOR

Radial Engineering Ltd.

Cat 5

Direct Out

RX4M

Isolated OutIsolated Out

RECORDER

6

Catapult™ Audio Snake

®

True to the Music

Using Line Level TX4L and RX4L isolated modules

As described above, transformers eliminate noise. These problems are
often most predominant in situations where the two connection points
are distanced from each other. In these setups, the electrical circuits are
often on different power legs which can sometimes cause noise to enter
the PA system. Isolating the signal allows the audio to pass while blocking
the stray DC voltages that can disrupt the system.

Line level isolators are usually positioned at the receive end (RX4L) of the

system as this generally affords greater exibility. If using the Catapult as

a return snake for monitors or from a crossover, isolating the stage from
the front-of-house (FOH) can save hours of trouble shooting!

Simply connect the output from your console to the Catapult and the
isolated outputs to your amp racks or powered speakers. The Eclipse
transformers inside are capable of handling up to 15dB without distortion.
If you like, you can use the non-isolated outputs to feed another piece of
equipment such as a recorder.

Transformer Isolation

FOH MIXER

breaks electrical

ground loop

POWER AMPS

TX4L

Radial Engineering Ltd.

Cat 5

Isolated Out

RX4L

Direct Out

RECORDER

7

Catapult™ Audio Snake

®

True to the Music

APPLICATIONS

The following are some of the various setups that are available using
different combinations of Catapult modules.

Using the Catapult as a return snake

The Catapult is the perfect return snake for corporate events where you
need to run a couple of lines back to the stage and monitors. Use the RX4L
line isolation module to eliminate ground loops.

Isolated Out

Direct Out

Using the Catapult as a sub snake on stage

Cleaning up the stage while reducing the set-up times has become es­sential in production. Use the Catapult at the front of the stage or next to
the amps to create zones for quick deployment.

Rackmount

Snake

Radial Engineering Ltd.

8

Catapult™ Audio Snake

®

True to the Music

Using the Catapult as a 4-channel mic splitter

Use the Catapult TX4M to split the mics between the monitor desk and
front-of-house with Eclipse transformer isolation to deliver a noise-free
signal, saving hours of tedious trouble shooting.

Isolated Out

Isolated Out

Using the Catapult as a line isolator

The Catapult TX4L is the perfect 4-channel line isolator. Simply connect
it in line with any line audio device to eliminate hum and buzz caused by
ground loops.

Power Amps

Isolated Out

Crossover

Radial Engineering Ltd.

9

Catapult™ Audio Snake

®

True to the Music

Using the Catapult to network audio

Use the pre-existing Cat 5 or Cat 6 wiring in the building to network audio
from one room through the walls to another. The XLR connections at each
end make it easy!

Room 1 Room 2

Cat 5 Wall Plate

Run four AES signals across Cat 5 cable platform

110 Ohm AES signals can easily travel across Cat 5 and Cat 6 Ethernet
cable. Connect to the four Catapult TX4 XLRs for eight channels of audio
for remote recording.

Shielded CAT 5

A/D Converter Audio Interface

Radial Engineering Ltd.

10

Catapult™ Audio Snake

®

BLOCK DIAGRAM*

TX4

True to the Music

RX4

* Subject to change without notice.

Radial Engineering Ltd.

11

Catapult™ Audio Snake

®

True to the Music

SPECIFICATIONS*

TX4 - RX4

Audio circuit type: Passive splitter
Frequency response: 7Hz ~ 20KHz
Total harmonic distortion: 0.0005% @ 1kHz
Dynamic range: 140dB
Gain: 0db/-0.8dB
Maximum Input: +35dBu
Minimum load impedance: 100 ohms
Common mode rejection: >103dB

TX4L - RX4L

Audio circuit type: Passive line splitter, transformer based
Frequency response: 7Hz ~ 20KHz
Total harmonic distortion: 0.0007% @ 1kHz
Dynamic range: 140dB
Gain: 0db/-5.7dB
Maximum Input: +35dBu
Minimum load impedance: 100 ohms
Common mode rejection: >113dB

TX4M - RX4M

Audio circuit type: Passive mic splitter, transformer based
Frequency response: 7Hz ~ 20KHz
Total harmonic distortion: 0.001%
Dynamic range: 140dB
Maximum Input: +35dBu
Minimum load impedance: 100 ohms
Intermodulation distortion: 0.003%
Common mode rejection: >113dB

Features

Handle: Makes it easy to move your catapult
Ground lift: Disconnects ground on RJ45 connector

General

Construction: 14-gauge steel chassis & outer shell
Size: L: 8” x W: 4.5” x H: 2”
Weight: 2.6 lbs
Warranty: Radial 3-year, transferable

* Subject to change without notice.

Radial Engineering Ltd.

12

Catapult™ Audio Snake

THREE YEAR TRANSFERABLE LIMITED WARRANTY

RADIAL ENGINEERING LTD. (“Radial”) warrants this product to be free from defects in
material and workmanship and will remedy any such defects free of charge according
to the terms of this warranty. Radial will repair or replace (at its option) any defective

component(s) of this product (excluding nish and wear and tear on components under

normal use) for a period of three (3) years from the original date of purchase. In the event
that a particular product is no longer available, Radial reserves the right to replace the
product with a similar product of equal or greater value. In the unlikely event that a defect
is uncovered, please call 604-942-1001 or email [e-mail] to obtain a RA

number (Return Authorization number) before the 3 year warranty period expires. The

product must be returned prepaid in the original shipping container (or equivalent) to
Radial or to an authorized Radial repair centre and you must assume the risk of loss or
damage. A copy of the original invoice showing date of purchase and the dealer name
must accompany any request for work to be performed under this limited and transferable
warranty. This warranty shall not apply if the product has been damaged due to abuse,

misuse, misapplication, accident or as a result of service or modication by any other than

an authorized Radial repair center.

THERE ARE NO EXPRESSED WARRANTIES OTHER THAN THOSE ON THE FACE
HEREOF AND DESCRIBED ABOVE. NO WARRANTIES WHETHER EXPRESSED
OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE SHALL EXTEND
BEYOND THE RESPECTIVE WARRANTY PERIOD DESCRIBED ABOVE OF THREE
YEARS. RADIAL SHALL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE OR LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL,
INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOSS ARISING FROM THE USE
OF THIS PRODUCT. THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, AND

YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS, WHICH MAY VARY DEPENDING ON WHERE
YOU LIVE AND WHERE THE PRODUCT WAS PURCHASED.

To meet the requirements of California Proposition 65, it is our responsibility to inform you of the following:

WARNING: This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.

Please take proper care when handling and consult local government regulations before discarding.

All trademarks belong to their respective owners. All references to these are for example only and are
not associated with Radial.

®

www.radialeng.com

Radial Engineering Ltd.
1588 Kebet Way, Port Coquitlam, British Columbia, V3C 5M5

Tel: [phone] • Fax: [phone] • Email: [e-mail]

Radial® Catapult™ User Guide - Part #: R870 1006 00 / 05-2016
Copyright 2016 Radial Engineering Ltd. All rights reserved.

Specications and appearance subject to change without notice.