Axel Technology - FOX 3

The FOX 3 plays a special role in a broadcast chain: it does more than simply detect a loss of signal; it combines, within a single chassis, the functions required to maintain audio continuity. This fully digital platform combines a silence detector, switcher and ChangeOver, format conversion and an FM tuner, with an architecture designed to adapt to different broadcast infrastructures.

Its routing system allows available sources to be directed to different outputs via its A/D and D/A converters. The FOX 3 supports a particularly wide range of signals, including one analogue stereo input, two AES/EBU inputs, two MPX inputs, two IP streams and an internal audio player. An optional Dante interface adds two network-based stereo inputs and two outputs, with support for AES67 and SMPTE ST 2110-30.

The ChangeOver function allows you to set priorities between the various sources and to switch over automatically in the event of a signal loss. Should all external sources become unavailable, the built-in player can take over using a playlist stored on the microSD card. A hardware bypass circuit also helps to maintain audio presence and programme continuity.

The FOX 3 also features tools for monitoring and maintenance. Its web server allows access to settings from a computer, tablet or smartphone, whilst SNMP facilitates its integration into a monitoring infrastructure. Alarms can be transmitted via GPO, SNMP Trap or HTTP. A logging function records eight selected parameters – chosen from a total of 88 internal parameters – every second, for a period of up to one year.

On the front panel, the 480 × 128 colour TFT display shows signal levels and operating information, whilst a TRS headphone output allows you to monitor both the original and processed signals. The built-in test signal generator can feed the physical outputs to facilitate checking the audio chain.