The Pharos Designer RIO A (Remote Input Output Audio) device provides a convenient and scalable way to add audio integration to your Pharos Designer system.
The RIO A is supported with Pharos Designer controllers running v2.8 or later.
Flexibility built-in
The RIO A has an audio input, supporting linear timecode or up to 30 band spectrum analysis, as well as a MIDI input and output. Each device can be placed where it is needed and connected to Pharos Designer controllers over an Ethernet network.
Pharos Designer Remote Devices can be used with the full range of Pharos Designer Controllers, providing additional functionality
The RIO A can send out and receive MIDI commands and messages, configured through the free Pharos Designer 2 software
Keep your playback in sync with a wider system via Timecode, supporting formats: Film24, EBU25, NTSC30, SMPTE30 and generic
Synchronise your lights to Timecode or audio with the RIO A
Features
Designer Trigger
Timing is everything. Whatever the stimulus, Designer Trigger can handle it. You can control your lighting with responsive, reactive programming. Designer Trigger is a rules engine that uses conditional logic and a broad range of interfaces and protocols. Send and receive any command, to and from any system. Conditional logic is supported, along with a powerful built-in scripting language for unlimited flexibility. Read more
Audio Response
The stereo balanced line level audio input supports auto or manual gain (adjustable in software). The spectrum analysis is configurable from 3 to 30 bands on each channel, and triggers can be set on the instantaneous or peak level of any band or the overall volume. Up to four simultaneous audio inputs are supported with multiple RIO A units.
Timecode
The audio input can also be configured to receive linear timecode on either channel. The format is auto-detected and supported formats are 24fps (film), 25fps (EBU), 29.97fps (NTSC) & 30fps (SMPTE). MIDI Time Code (MTC) can also be received via the MIDI Input. A software fly-wheel with error correction and jump support ensures smooth but responsive timecode playback. Up to 12 simultaneous Timecode inputs are supported with multiple RIO A units.
Scalable
Up to 200 Remote Devices can be combined with one or more Pharos Designer controllers on the same network to build the ideal system for your installation. Each RIO is easily addressed using a convenient thumb wheel. Whether one controller or many, it’s all easily programmed using our Designer 2 software. Read more
MIDI
Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) is a standard serial protocol commonly used to link musical instruments and synthesizers – but it is also used for show control and MIDI Time Code. The RIO A provides both an input and output on standard 5-pin DIN connectors.
Power-over-Ethernet
As a PoE device, the RIO A can be placed at any remote location and only needs a single Ethernet cable that provides both power and data.
Installer Friendly
Made for permanent installation, with installer-friendly 0.200” (5.08mm) plug-in rising clamp terminals, a rugged, compact enclosure, and easy DIN-rail mounting.
Remote Devices allow the fully scalable Pharos Designer system to be tailored to the needs of each individual project
Total Reliability
Designed for 24/7 operation and total reliability. Designed and manufactured in the UK, with a 5 year warranty.
Audio
The audio input can also be configured to receive linear timecode on either channel.
Spectrum Analysis
The spectrum analysis is configurable from 3 to 30 bands on each channel, and triggers can be set on either instantaneous or peak level.
Stereo
The stereo balanced line level audio input supports auto or manual gain (adjustable in software).
TECHNICAL INFORMATION & DOWNLOADS
RIO A Datasheet
Click on the link below to download the datasheet.
Download Software
Download the latest version of our Designer software.
Comparison Chart
See and compare features and specs of all our products.
Capabilities
Audio In
Volume level and up to 30 band spectrum analysis per channel, including peak decay rate control and manual or automatic gain
Maximum four audio inputs per system
Timecode
Timecode support via MIDI (MTC) or either audio channel (LTC)
User configurable fly-wheel, error correction routines and jump support
Maximum 12 Timecode inputs per system
Linear Timecode (LTC)
Format auto-detection with support for 24fps (film), 25fps (EBU), 29.97fps (NTSC) & 30fps (SMPTE)
MIDI
Input and Output of freely configurable Short messages (Notes), MIDI Show Control or Extended Messages using convenient message composer or MIDI Time Code (MTC) input
Interfaces
Ethernet
RJ45 socket for 10/100Base-TX Ethernet with Link/Data LEDs; Fixed IP or DHCP; Power-over-Ethernet (PoE)
Audio In
Stereo balanced line level (0dBV) *
MIDI In & Out
Standard 5-pin DIN
* Install-friendly 0.200″ (5.08mm) plug in rising clamp connectors (included)
System Limits
Remote Device system limit count includes all RIO, EDN, TPS and BPS in project.
In Project
Maximum 200 remote devices across multiple controllers in a single Pharos Designer project.
Specifications
Certifications
CE compliant, UKCA compliant, ETL/cETL listed
Power
PoE (IEEE802.3af, Class 1), 1.5W typical
Required
Configuration
Pharos Designer 2.8 or later
Addressing
By rotary selector switch
Temperature
0°C to 50°C (32°F to 122°F)
Humidity
10-50% relative, non-condensing
Ingress
IP40
Physical
4 unit wide DIN rail mounting enclosure (DIN43880 / EN60715 (35/7.5 rail))
7.2 x 9 x 5.8 cm (2.8 x 3.5 x 2.3 in)
0.3 kg (0.7 lbs)
Shipping
20 x 15 x 12 cm (8 x 6 x 5 in)
0.5 kg (1.1 lbs)
Recovery
Hardware watchdog and recessed reset button
Warranty
5 years
Order Code & Variants
RIO A
Designer Remote Audio Input Device (Stereo Audio in, LTC, MIDI in and out)
Pharos Designer Controller required