NexLink
All Biamp Nexia processors include a NexLink bus to allow multiple Nexias to share audio signals with one another. This article describes the basics of the NexLink connection between Nexia components.
You must always have the Nexia control network ports connected via a switch so the Nexia units can share control data between devices.
NexLink basics
NexLink cables only carry audio data, they do not carry control data or IP traffic.
The NexLink ports do not have IP addresses and cannot be routed through a switch, hub, or other network device. To connect one Nexia to other Nexias and to a computer for programming and control purposes you will need to connect the Ethernet port to a switch.
NexLink is a proprietary digital audio transport stream over straight-through shielded CAT-5 cabling, with a maximum recommended length of 5 meters (15 feet) per cable. You cannot use crossover cables with NexLink. Using shielded cable is important as it connects the ground plane of the Nexias for digital audio data transfer.
NexLink only functions between Nexia components.
Implementation in software
When multiple Nexia devices are placed in the layout, NexLink blocks become available for routing digital audio between linked devices. As NexLink blocks are placed into the layout, a dialog box appears for establishing links between specific devices.
A device can transmit up to sixteen channels of digital audio to any other single device in the system. A device can also receive up to sixteen channels of digital audio from any other single device in the system.
NexLink is always represented in the layout as two separate blocks, one for output connections (from transmitting device) and one for input connections (to receiving device).
Cabling
When using NexLink, it is recommended that you always connect NexLink cables between both of the Send and Recieve ports of your devices, even if you are only sending information across in one direction.
Up to four Nexia devices may be linked together to share digital audio signals.
Tx (Transmit) on one Nexia device is connected to Rx (Receive) on the next device. You defined the transmit and receive devices in the Nexlink block creation.
Signals received by one device may be mixed and processed as desired, then passed on to another device, using a separate set of NexLink blocks. NexLink transmissions are unidirectional, however, signals will pass through other devices to reach the destination device. A complete circuit may be created between devices by connecting the final device back to the first.
Link status
Once your system is online, double-click on each NexLink In block to see the status of that NexLink connection. Be sure the cables are fully seated in the connections.
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System is offline |
System online, bad connection |
System online, all OK |
Block identification
To determine which NexLink block is which y
ou need to go to Tools > Options > Display and ensure that "Display device assignment" is checked.
Next look at the blocks themselves. In the upper left hand corner is a number that corresponds to the Device ID of the unit it is assigned to. In the lower left hand corner is the object code number of the NexLink blocks. The object code number will be the same for each member of a paired set.
Introduction to NexLink video
Basic programming for NexLink video