The next stage in the Lode Audio product road map, which has already seen the LA4 4-zone music server receive wide acclaim from installers and users alike, the LA1 is 1U tall and 9 ½ "wide (two units can fit side-by-side in a 19" rack) features high-end DACs capable of high-resolution audio playback, compatibility with the leading music streaming services including TIDAL and full integration into automation control platforms such as Creston, AMX, Control4 and RTI.
Built on Lode Audio's patented LodeNet, the LA1 can be used as a stand-alone unit in a single-source multiroom audio system/dedicated Hi-Fi system or integrated with other Lode Audio products (LodeNet supports up to 64 zones per installation). Thanks to the secure protocol of LodeNet, this is all achieved without the issues of interference, latency and outages experienced by many wireless-based audio systems. Whether being used in residential, commercial, hospitality or marine, the LA1 is the ideal music server for any application.
Crucial to the success of any CI product is reliability and control. Developed over a four-year period, the Lode Audio music server range is built around the company's patented LodeNet audio distribution protocol. LodeNet is a low-latency digital matrix that offers up to 64 zones of groupable audio (each with Apple Airplay compatibility) for synchronous playback without the need of a hardware matrix. Lode Audio products automatically log on to the LodeNet matrix as soon as they are powered up, therefore requiring very little set up other than selecting and signing into any of the integrated market-leading music streaming providers, whereby one login gives access to every zone within the system.
Lode Audio products are controlled by the company's proprietary IP protocol, removing any of the conflicts and time delays associated with more traditional UPnP-based devices. Offering full wireless control via iOS and Android apps, control latency is negligible, whilst full browse control, super-quick cover art population, gesture swipe, single/grouped room control and full lock control (allowing the user to control volume, track forward/back and play/pause when their device locks or times out) are standard.
Unlike other audio server products already available, Lode Audio products also offer total integration with third-party automation platforms. With drivers already available for Crestron, AMX, Control 4 and RTi, features include dynamic browse and queue functions, as well as cover-art integration with a quick response time of background image change when tracks are skipped.
(Jim Evans)
