The Radial Catapult is a professional 4-channel Cat 5 analog audio snake designed to transmit four channels of balanced analog audio over a standard Cat 5 or Cat 6 Ethernet cable.

It provides a lightweight, economical, and flexible alternative to traditional multi-channel audio snakes. The Catapult allows audio signals to be transported between different locations without converting the analog signal to digital, making it suitable for live sound, corporate events, recording studios, installations, and professional AV applications.

The Catapult system uses the existing balanced conductors within a shielded Cat 5 or Cat 6 cable to carry four channels of analog audio between compatible transmitter and receiver modules.

Key Features

• 4-channel analog audio snake system
• Transmits analog audio over Cat 5 or Cat 6 cable
• Supports four balanced audio channels
• Uses standard Ethernet cabling infrastructure
• Passive operation with no external power required
• No digital audio conversion required
• Maintains the analog audio signal path
• Straight-wire passive design
• Helps reduce the need for bulky multi-channel audio cables
• Lightweight and economical cabling solution
• Suitable for mic-level and line-level audio
• XLR connections for professional audio equipment
• Compatible transmitter and receiver modules
• Available with direct-wired or transformer-isolated configurations
• Suitable for long-distance audio connections
• Ideal for stage and studio applications
• Useful for corporate AV installations
• Can utilize existing Cat 5/6 building infrastructure
• Flexible modular system
• Modules can be mixed and matched for different applications

Analog Audio Over Cat 5/6

The Catapult TX4 and RX4 modules function like a traditional four-channel analog audio snake, allowing audio signals to be transported from one location to another using Cat 5 or Cat 6 cable.

The system uses the analog conductors within the Ethernet cable to carry four balanced audio lines. Since the audio remains in the analog domain, no digital conversion is required.

This provides a simple method for connecting audio equipment located in different rooms, on different parts of a stage, or at different points within an event or installation.

Passive Straight-Wire Operation

The Catapult is designed for passive operation, meaning that the modules do not require an external power supply.

The signal path provides a straightforward connection between the XLR connectors and the RJ45 connector, allowing the analog audio signal to pass through without unnecessary processing or digital conversion.

This makes the Catapult easy to deploy and suitable for professional applications where quick setup and reliable signal transmission are important.

Use Existing Cat 5/6 Cabling

One of the major advantages of the Catapult system is its ability to use pre-existing Cat 5 or Cat 6 cable installations.

Many commercial buildings, conference facilities, schools, studios, and event spaces already have Ethernet cabling installed. The Catapult can take advantage of this existing infrastructure to transport analog audio between rooms or locations.

This can reduce the need for additional dedicated multi-channel audio cabling and simplify permanent or temporary AV installations.

Direct-Wired and Transformer-Isolated Options

The Catapult family offers different module configurations to suit various audio applications.

Standard Catapult modules provide direct-wired analog connections, while optional transformer-isolated models can be used when additional isolation is required.

The TX4L and RX4L models provide line-level isolation for applications such as playback systems and amplifier racks. The TX4M and RX4M models are designed for microphone-level applications where transformer isolation can help reduce hum and buzz when splitting signals.

Compatible Modular System

Catapult modules are designed to work together across the Catapult product family.

Transmit and receive units can be selected according to the requirements of a particular audio system. This allows users to create a customized analog audio snake configuration for stages, studios, corporate events, installations, and production environments.

The system also includes compact Catapult Mini units and rack-mounted solutions for larger installations.

Applications

The Radial Catapult is suitable for many professional audio applications, including:

• Live sound systems
• Stage sub-snake applications
• Corporate events
• Conference rooms
• Meeting rooms
• Audio-video installations
• Recording studios
• Broadcast environments
• Event production
• Professional PA systems
• Monitor systems
• Front-of-house systems
• Amplifier racks
• Audio distribution
• Permanent AV installations
• Temporary event setups
• Multi-room audio systems
• Educational facilities
• House of worship applications

Catapult as a Return Snake

The Catapult can be used as a return snake for corporate events and live productions.

It allows multiple audio lines to be sent between the stage and monitor or other equipment locations using a single Cat 5/6 cable. When required, an RX4L line isolation module can provide transformer isolation to help reduce ground-loop problems.

Catapult as a 4-Channel Microphone Splitter

The Catapult TX4M can be used for microphone splitting applications, such as sending microphone signals to both the monitor console and front-of-house console.

Transformer isolation can help provide clean and reliable signal distribution while reducing potential noise and ground-loop issues.

Catapult as a Stage Sub-Snake

The Catapult is useful as a stage sub-snake, helping organize connections at different locations on a stage.

Using Cat 5/6 cable instead of bulky multi-channel audio cable can simplify setup, reduce cable clutter, and make equipment deployment more efficient.

Catapult as a Line Isolator

The RX4L can function as a four-channel line-level isolator.

It can be placed in the audio signal path to help eliminate unwanted hum and buzz associated with ground loops, making it useful for playback systems, amplifier racks, and other line-level audio applications.

Networking Audio Between Rooms

The Catapult can take advantage of existing Cat 5 or Cat 6 cabling within a building to transport analog audio between rooms.

For example, audio can be sent from a conference room, presentation area, studio, or control room to another location using existing network cable infrastructure.

The XLR connections at each end provide convenient integration with professional audio equipment.

AES Signal Applications

The Catapult can also be used to transport 110-ohm AES signals across Cat 5 or Cat 6 cable.

This allows compatible Catapult configurations to carry multiple AES audio signals over the Ethernet cable platform, providing additional flexibility for remote recording and digital audio distribution applications.

Flexible System Configuration

All Radial Catapult modules are designed to be compatible with each other and are available individually, allowing users to select the appropriate combination for their specific application.

The Catapult Mini TX and RX can be paired to create a compact four-channel audio snake. The Catapult TX4 can also be combined with a Catapult Mini RX for applications requiring a stage box and compact breakout configuration.

For larger systems, Catapult Rack units provide additional channel capacity in a rack-mounted format.

Benefits of the Catapult System

• Reduces the need for bulky analog snake cables
• Makes use of economical Cat 5/6 cable
• Simplifies audio system installation
• Provides four analog channels per connection
• No external power required
• No digital conversion
• Flexible module selection
• Supports direct and isolated configurations
• Suitable for temporary and permanent installations
• Helps reduce cable weight and setup complexity
• Compatible with existing Cat 5/6 infrastructure

Product Specifications

Product Name: Radial Catapult
Product Type: 4-Channel Cat 5 Analog Audio Snake
Audio Channels: 4
Cable Type: Cat 5 / Cat 6
Signal Type: Analog Audio
Operation: Passive
Digital Conversion: Not Required
Audio Connections: XLR / RJ45
Signal Support: Mic Level / Line Level
Isolation Options: Available with compatible Catapult modules
Applications: Live Sound, Studio, AV Installation, Events, Corporate Audio

Why Choose the Radial Catapult?

The Radial Catapult provides a practical and cost-effective way to transport four channels of analog audio using standard Cat 5 or Cat 6 cable. Its passive design eliminates the need for external power and keeps the audio signal in the analog domain.

With direct-wired and transformer-isolated module options, flexible transmitter and receiver configurations, and compatibility with existing cable infrastructure, the Catapult can be adapted for a wide range of professional audio applications.

It is an ideal solution for live sound engineers, AV integrators, event production companies, recording studios, contractors, and installation professionals looking for a lightweight and flexible alternative to traditional multi-channel audio snakes.