Stage Tec already has AoIP capability by using Audinate's Dante system in conjunction with the NEXUS routing system but the incorporation of AES67 means it will be able to be part of a wider IP network involving units running on the RAVENNA protocol.  AES67 acts as an interconnection between different AoIP formats and is regarded as a key element in building large networks for big broadcast and live sound productions where many different brands and types of equipment are involved.

The DirectOut MONTONE.42 is a MADI (Multichannel Audio Digital Interface, formally designated as AES10) to AoIP bridge. It works specifically with the RAVENNA open protocol but has AES compliance, enabling it to work with devices running other AoIP formats. The MONTONE.42 features four MADI ports and two gigabit network connections.

Commenting on the collaboration between the two companies, Dr Helmut Jahne, managing director and co-founder of Stage Tec, says, "With the integration of the DirectOut AES67 platform we add another audio interface to our products, further increasing our range of supported audio formats. In taking this step we ready ourselves for the future demands in the increasing number of IP based production sites. Our goal is to have our products ready for interoperability, not just on the audio side, but also on the control side. Therefore we [will] focus on protocols like AES70, NMOS-IS04 as well as SMPTE 2110 -30/31 in the near future."

Stephan Flock, chief technology officer of DirectOut, adds, "As an early adopter of RAVENNA and long-term supporter of AES67, we are happy to provide our AES67 hardware to those who want to add a powerful AoIP interface to their products. We are thrilled to support a renowned company as Stage Tec with our technology, helping them to implement and develop new networked audio solutions."