Each unit takes a miniscule amount of rack space - just 2U (19inches) each. The difference between them is that the Legato 48M features a built-in mixer for increased flexibility. Both units are controllable with powerful user-friendly Windows 2000 or XP software.
The basic configuration of both units is a 16 input/16 output audio switching matrix. The matrix of the A48 can be enlarged considerably by adding 16 input / 16 output expansion cards, providing up to 48 inputs/ 48 outputs all contained within the 2U rack unit. The A48M can also be expanded to 32 inputs/16 outputs or 16 inputs/ 32outputs.
With its built-in mixer, the A48M provides the flexibility to route one or several inputs (sources) to one or several outputs (destinations). Inputs are mixed with with a fixed 0dB gain to the assigned outputs.
The routers both feature high input noise rejection and electronically fully balanced inputs and outputs using eight channel industry standard D-Sub25 connectors (Tascam DA88 style). All leads are connected to the rear panels and the routers are controlled from front-end PC software using standard RS232, 422 or an Ethernet computer port. You can easily customise operation to suit using the Ethernet communication protocol.
Operating with the powerful Windows based system, the main window features an x/y grid, where connections are made and broken simply by pointing and double clicking.
Software features also include the naming of inputs and outputs, saving and restoring complex routing configurations to and from disk, macro definition/execution facilities and more.
If either router is controlled through an Ethernet port, an internal web server can be used to perform basic operations. Alternatively, an external SNMP-based application can control the system with full control of user locks, multi router macro execution and label editing.
(Chris Henry)
