The MA400 SIP Opus codec will debut at the 2019 NAB Show next April 6-11. The latest solution of Barix is “ideal for remote contribution links” and “combines high-quality, open audio format with SIP negotiation in a cost-effective and compact solution”, according to the press release. The codec is built on the IPAM 400 audio module and features an analog, microphone-level input and line-level output.

The MA400 encodes and decodes audio using the open standard Opus codec, a royalty-free audio compression format that is frequently used for interactive speech and music transmission over the Internet. The Opus format is being used recently in different audio applications including VoIP, in-game chat, audio conferencing and remote live music performances. In addition, the MA400 provides SIP functionality to establish seamless link across SIP-compatible radio, telephone or other communication systems.

Reto Brader, CEO of Barix, talks about the latest technology of the brand: “Advanced broadcasters are moving away from static setups to SIP-based link establishment, particularly for remote contribution back to the studio such as from sporting events. That’s where the MA400 SIP Opus Codec comes in, establishing the connection through dial-up and then encoding and decoding the audio signal. It combines our extensive broadcast expertise with our background in SIP-based telephony products and the bandwidth efficiency of Opus, enabling easy, high-quality audio links to and from the studio. Our Exstreamer family continues to be the solution of choice for static studio-to-transmitter (STL) applications, but for SIP-based remote broadcast links the MA400 SIP Opus Codec is perfect.”