The Studio Wiring Solution from128
601 Holiday
Heron DCT
riveSTE· Lo118
gan •TFranklin,ownship, TN
NJ 037067
8085
856/4+1
67-(615)8000 ·763-3033
856/467-30• 4answers@angryaudio.com
4 Fax · sales@radiosystems.com
w
ww.radiosystems.com•·www.studiohub.com
www.studiohub.com
www.angryaudio.com

The StudioHub+ Primer®

is most of all a CAT-5 wiring system (because CAT-5 can handle every type ofbroadcast signal). And, it’s a shielded CAT-5 system because that improvescross-talk numbers to exceptionally low, (almost immeasurably low,) levels.

StudioHub+ has also adopted RJ-45’s as its lead connector because RJ-45’s are small,dense, dependable and inexpensive.

Almost every piece of StudioHub+ connects via RJ-45’s and wires with CAT-5.
RJ45 Pinout T568B
Standard

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

c
c c
c c

c

c

c

c c c

c

c

Wh

c

c

c c

c

c c
c c

Note that StudioHub+ utilizes three of the unused CAT-5 wires
to add power (+/- 15 volts) so that it can optionally power inline devices like headphone and “MatchJack” balancing amplifiers.

cc c
cc c
c cc

RJ-45 Pins 110 Pins Ethernet
1
3
TR+
2
4
TRR+
3
5
6
6
Rn/c
5
1
4
2
n/c
7
7
n/c
n/c
8
8
Shield9x
x
Shield10

ccc cc cc

Color Pair
Wht/Org
Org/Wht
Wht/Grn
Grn/Wht
Wht/Blu
Blu/Wht
Wht/Brn
Brn/Wht
Wht/Slt
Slt/WhtcStudioHub+ Pinout Chart
ChannelL+ / AES+
L- / AESR+
Rnc
GND
15V15V+
ShieldShieldc cc c cc cc cc ccc cc c
cc cc c c c cc cc cc c
cc ccc cc c c cc cc cc c
cc c c cc c cc cc cc cc cc cc
c c c cc cc cc c cc cc c
c cc cc c c cc
cc
c
c
c

With these simple common components, StudioHub+ has
implemented a wiring standard that conforms to 568B(the most common Ethernet wiring protocol.) In StudioHub+
this standard looks like this:

Bro
Wh
w
Gre
ite
Wh
/Bro n/Wh
e
Blu
ite
Wh
Ora
ite
/Blu n/Wh
e
wn
ite
nge
15V
ite
/Gre /Whit
e n
15V
/W
/O
+
Re G
en
c
ran
hit
ND
R+
e L
ge
-/
L+
AES
/A
ES+
-

ite

As far as technology, that’s about it. StudioHub+ doesn’t multiplex signals or add points of failure with lotsof active devices. It’s just a wiring system and interface standard for broadcast and pro-audio.

There are, however, lots of hubs (wiring blocks), adapters and cables to make it easy tointerface, and ideally, plug and play any piece of gear.

First off, adapters, “dongles” and breakout boxes convert gear with XLR, 1/4”
“ D” or other high-density connecters to RJ-45 connectivity. StudioHub+
provides hundreds of these converter/adapters and more are put on-line weekly.

Adapters plug into the StudioHub+ system via any length of pre-made shielded patch cord.
Generally, every signal gets its own cable so that sources can be easily replugged
and routed. But, StudioHub+ also uses 25-pair CAT-5 cable for high-density
inter-studio tie lines. These cables use RJ-21, 50 pin telephone style connectors.
All the adapters and cables work with any type of signal whether it’s analog,
digital or data (Ethernet).

Finally, select one of a dozen different types of hubs or breakout boxes to cross connect the wires
from source to destination. Some hubs are optimized to work as console harness breakouts, while others are better suited for studio tie-line interconnection.

That’s it! Now you understand the simple reasons why StudioHub+
is the first and only wiring solution for all your studio connectivity.

manufactured by:• Fax (856) 467-3044
Holiday
CTTownship,
STE 118New• Franklin,
TN 37067• +1(615) 763-3033
601 Heron128
Drive• LoganJersey 08085• (856)467-8000
answers@angryaudio.com•
www.angryaudio.com•
www.studiohub.com
www.studiohub.com
www.radiosystems.com

The StudioHub+ integrated analog/digital wiring solution

Radio Systems
From Angry
Audio

StudioHub+ is designed to be the broadcast industry’s first prewired cabling system for
digital ready operation. With CAT-5 rated shielded twisted pair cables, StudioHub+
efficiently routes both analog and digital signals throughout a facility. StudioHub+ features
pre-made source cables for all types of studio gear and quick-connect blocks andperipheral amplifiers to easily harness all studio gear together.
On-site wiring time is dramatically reduced due to the true plug and play nature ofStudioHub+. Every system component quick connects with RJ-45 jacks, and all peripheralproducts are phantom powered with the built in “DC-link” system.
StudioHub+ also features numerous accessories that are all engineered to plug and playwith the StudioHub+ system. These “spoke” products include the “MatchJack” balancing
amplifiers, mic pre-amp, headphone amp and various switching and adapter plates. All
these accessories are manufactured to fit conveniently into industry standard wall plates,
connect instantly via shielded RJ-45 connectors, and phantom power using extra pairs in
the CAT-5 cables. The 44 position, front panel normalled patch panel included in the line
also features front and rear panel RJ-45 quick connector jacks.
The inspiration to develop the product came from Angry
Audio’s experience
Radio Systems’
experienceinin
providing turnkey installations. StudioHub+ was developed to dramatically decrease theinstallation hours required on site, freeing up precious time for trouble shooting andunexpected tasks. StudioHub+ saves time by emulating the very efficient computer
network wiring systems and architecture. And, by adopting CAT-5 standards, StudioHub+
gains the tremendous added benefit of making studios 100% digital ready.

128
CT STE
118 • Township,
Franklin, TN
601Holiday
Heron Drive· Logan
NJ3706708085+1 (615)· 763-3033• answers@angryaudio.com
856/467-8000
856/467-3044
Fax · sales@radiosystems.com
www.radiosystems.com· www.studiohub.com
www.angryaudio.com• www.studiohub.com

A Technical Explanation of the Radio
approach.
AngrySystems’
Audio’s “StudioHub+”“StudioHub” approach.
CAT-5 wiring for analog and digital signals in broadcast applications:
Overview
The StudioHub+ product makes extensive use of shielded twisted pair (STP) CAT-5 compliant cablethroughout its design and implementation. In conjunction with companion termination and active amplifiercomponents (used where needed to condition the audio), these integrated StudioHub+ products provide aconvenient and technically sound method to wire and intermix analog and digital signals in a broadcast
facility.
STP cable, widely used in the computer industry, was selected for this new cross-platform application due
to its characteristic:
•
•
•
•
•

110-ohm impedance and low capacitance range
excellent performance at audio frequencies
wide bandwidth for data transmission
low cost and wide availability
wide range of connector and cable management systems

CAT-5 for digital audio data transmission
A 1997 report, entitled “Review of Cables for AES/EBU Digital Audio Signals” conducted by the BBC
Research and Development Department, concluded that CAT-5 shielded twisted audio pair cable “offered
the highest performance of all the cables tested here.”1 Their tests included coaxial cables and special
cables specifically designed for digital audio, but they preferred CAT-5 cables for their overall flexibility
and applicability in mixed data applications and consistent performance.
Category 5 cables perform well for digital audio applications because they are engineered to havecharacteristic impedance of 110 ohms, and more importantly, extremely low capacitance (in the 12 pF/ft
range). This yields the fastest transmission speeds and lowest signal reflection resulting in the best highfrequency response and lowest error rates.
CAT-5 cables are engineered for data rates up to 100 Mb/sec (100 baseT networks). Since AES/EBU
signals have a bandwidth of about 3 Mb/sec (depending on sample rate), they operate well within thecables’ guaranteed performance parameters, with dependable error-free transmission at lengths up to 920
meters (over ½ mile).

CAT –5 cable for analog signal transmission
In a recent article, Steve Lampen, a senior audio video specialist for Beldin Wire & Cable writes, “Digitalaudio cables make the absolute best analog cables. You can go farther with flatter frequency response thanwith any cable designed for analog”.2 This is because due to it’s characteristic low capacitance, data cableis designed to transmit data at high velocity and wide bandwidths. At audio frequencies, thesecharacteristics will yield exceptionally flat frequency response, even over very long cable lengths.
Shielded twisted pair cable is specified for use in the StudioHub product to negate the effects of RFI in highRF environments and to avoid any possible crosstalk between cables in multi-cable bundles. While there isa potential for signal cross coupling between pairs in the same cable, the use of good modern design
electronically balanced circuits (especially at the terminating end) reduces this interference to negligible
Angry Systems
Audio havelevels. Tests conducted by Radio
havemeasured
measuredmaximum
maximumcrosstalkcrosstalkatat–102dB,–102dB,20-20
20-20kHz,kHz,
measured along a 200’ length of CAT-5 cable, into a balanced termination with a CMRR of 85 dB. An“average” quality balanced circuit with 50 dB of CMRR yeilded –90db with the same test parameters.3
Finally, the use of a digital capable cable is recommended for facilities even where no digital audio circuits
are currently contemplated due to the low cost and ease of future digital conversion. In addition, by
adopting the uniform use of a “multi-platform” cable, facility planning is simplified because any building
cable may be readily employed at any time for analog, digital or data (LAN) applications.
Other CAT-5 cable features as utilized by the StudioHub+ System
Standard CAT-5 cable features four tightly twisted pairs (8 wires total); two of which are utilized forbalanced left and right audio by the StudioHub+ wiring architecture.
Two of the unused wires, plus a third ground wire are employed for the “DC power link system”
which conducts +/- 15 volts through the cabling to remotely power various system auxiliary amplifiers andaccessories. These “spoke “ products include miniature matching and pre-amplifiers to conveniently
convert source equipment with consumer style unbalanced and low-level audio inputs and outputs to the
pro standards required for use with the StudioHub+ product. The “power link” approach provides phantom
style powering of remote devises, eliminating the clutter and noise associated with multiple AC power
supplies and “wall-wart” solutions.
Future applications for the additional pairs made available via the use of CAT-5 cabling will include theintroduction of RS-485 serial control signaling for “smart” spoke devises such as routing switchers andintercom signaling systems.
1– Tests conducted by D. G. Kirby, BBC Research and Development Department, and published in a paper titled“Twisted-pair cables for AES/EBU Digital Audio Signals” presented at the 1994 AES International convention,
Amsterdam.

2- published in Radio World Magazine’s “Wired for Sound” section, Feb 15 1999

3
– Tests set up utilized a carefully constructed differentially balanced driver and receiver on two different and adjacentcable pairs. Receivers were adjusted to provide precisely 85 and 50 dB CMRR. All measurements made with Audio
Precision “System One” analyzer.

128
CT STE
118 Township,• Franklin, TN
37067
601 Holiday
Heron Drive· Logan
NJ 08085+1(615)763-3033•
answers@angryaudio.com
856/467-8000 · 856/467-3044 Fax · sales@radiosystems.com
www.angryaudio.com •· www.studiohub.com
www.radiosystems.com
www.studiohub.com

Q&A about the New StudioHub+ Wiring Solution
Angry Systems
Audiofrom Radio

Radio Audio’s
Systems’new
newStudioHub+
StudioHub+interconnect
interconnectproductproductisisa aradical
radicalapproach
approachtotostudiostudiowiring
wiringbecause
becauseit ituses
uses
Angry
CAT-5 cable and connectors. While standard in the data industry, CAT-5 cabling technology is not usuallyemployed to conduct audio signals. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers on how and why
we took this approach.

What is StudioHub+?
It’s a wiring system made up of pre-made patch cables, RJ-45 connectors special connecting blocks, andcompanion amplifiers that are all designed to plug together easily and work together in any studio. Because
StudioHub+ uses CAT-5 data cable it works equally well for analog and digital studio wiring.

What is Category-5 wiring?
This cable meets an industry standard for shielded twisted pairs (STP) called TIA/EIA 568B, which
specifies attenuation, crosstalk and bandwidth performance (among others) all the way up to 100 MHz. It’s
used for almost every computer network system installed today. The CAT-5 cable used in Studio-Hub
consists of 4 tightly twisted pairs, surrounded by one common foil shield, drain wire and plastic insulation.

But you can’t use computer cable for audio wiring - can you?
Actually, the tightly twisted pairs in CAT-5 cable work great at audio frequencies. That’s because the low
capacitance performance specifications required of data cables result in razor flat frequency response ataudio bandwidth. It’s now becoming generally accepted that “digital audio” wire makes the best analog
cable.

Are those little RJ-45 phone connectors any good for audio?
It’s true that we’re not used to seeing these connectors used for audio – but they do a great job handling
most of our high-speed critical data communications in broadcast and throughout the data world. The RJ-45
connectors used in StudioHub+ are the very best available with 50 um gold plated and long-life rated springcontacts. And, StudioHub+ gets a lot of mileage out of the very dense (8 conductors plus shield) populationof pins in this small connector.

What use do you make of the 8 wires in the StudioHub+ cable?
Two pairs are used for left and right audio, one pair for DC, and the fourth pair for data.

What’s the DC pair for?
This is one of the most innovative features of StudioHub+. When any system active component (headphone
amp, mic pre-amp, matching amplifier, etc.) is plugged into StudioHub+, it powers-up automatically like aphantom powered mic. +/- 15 volts DC is centrally provided by the “Hub” connecting block.

Is CAT-5 cable OK to use for AES/EBU digital signals?
Actually, CAT-5 turns out to be one of the best cables to use for digital audio signals. In tests conducted by
the BBC Research and Development Department on cable for AES/EBU signals, CAT-5 shielded twisted
audio pair cable “offered the highest performance of all the cables tested here.1” And, these BBC tests
found that performance was excellent all the way out to 970 meters of cable (over ½ mile).
1– Tests conducted by D.G. Kirby, BBC Research and Development Department, and published in a paper titled “Twisted-pair cables
for AES/EBU Digital Audio Signals” presented at the 1994 AES International convention, Amsterdam

Is CAT-5 cabling OK for digital audio signals?
Category-5 wiring was developed for high-speed data delivery. Actually, the 3 Mb/sec bandwidth of mostof today’s digital audio equipment is a cakewalk for category 5 cable, which is rated for 100 Mb/sec
networks. But as the bandwidth requirements for digital audio signals increase (some systems now
contemplate 96 kHz sampling rates,) a high velocity cabling system will be critical.

Why does the StudioHub+ system use CAT-5 cable with an overall shield?
The entire StudioHub+ system is shielded for the best performance in high RF environments and for theelimination of any possible crosstalk between cables in multi-cable bundles. Shielded cables also provide
the very best data performance.

Is CAT-5 wiring 110 ohm?
Yes. Well, technically, most CAT-5 cables are rated at 100 ohms. This is fine because the AES
specification for AES/EBU impedance is +/- 20%, (or 88 to 120 ohms.) Actually, it is the capacitance ofthe cable, not the impedance, that has a much greater effect on digital and audio performance. And CAT-5
cables are all very low capacitance - 30 pf or lower.

But I thought that audio circuits were supposed to be 600 ohms.
Audio circuits using CAT-5 cable are 600 ohms (or whatever the impedance is of the source equipment).
That’s because with any audio circuit the impedance is fully determined by the souse and terminating gear– not the wire. At audio frequencies, any cable would have to be over 2 miles long (a quarter wavelength at
20 kHz) to have any effect on the impedance.

Shouldn’t I use one of the new 110-ohm digital audio cables for my digital sources?
Those cables are fine if you want to follow a more traditional wiring model for your digital equipment(XLR connectors, one cable per source, etc.) or if you want to replace one circuit at a time. StudioHub isdesigned more as a complete wiring system solution for efficiently re-wiring a whole studio or complete
new facility.

Is there any crosstalk between the pairs in the CAT-5 cable?
As long as your circuits are balanced, there is almost no left/right crosstalk inside the cable. Tests
Angry Systems
Aduio measured
conducted by Radiomeasuredgreater
greaterthan
than102
102dBdBofofseparation
separationbetween
betweenpairs
pairsatat2020toto20kHz
20kHzinina a200’ run of cable using a quality balanced input circuit (85dB of common mode rejection). Even with an
only fair quality balanced input circuit (50 dB of CMRR), separation was still greater than 90 dB.

So, must all the audio and digital signals used with StudioHub+ be balanced?
Yes, or crosstalk will degrade. That’s why we provide the “MatchJack” balancing amplifiers and otherintegrated system pre-amplifiers. AES/EBU digital audio signals are balanced right out of the box, andrequire no conditioning.

I’m not building a digital studio now – why use a “digital ready” system?
Because you never know when you’ll have to convert some or all of your source gear to digital. StudioHub+
avoids the cost, hassles, and down time of pulling new cable. And even if you never utilize any digitalaudio equipment, StudioHub+ cables between studios can be used for LAN and for any other dataapplications.

128
HolidayCT
STE 118• Franklin,
37067
601
Heron
Drive
· LoganTownship,
NJTN
08085
+1 (615)763-3033 • answers@angryaudio.com
856/467-8000· 856/467-3044
Fax · sales@radiosystems.com
www.radiosystems.com· •www.studiohub.com
www.angryaudio.com
www.studiohub.com