Mongoose Network Audio RouterThe Mongoose and its Tracker software work with Rane’s Remotes Audio Devices (RADs) and your CobraNet network to deliver digital audio to the “last mile” of installations – between the equipment room/rack and remote spaces. OK, it’s not a mile, it’s actually 150 meters (492 feet to those in Liberia, Myanmar and the USA).
The Mongoose’s 32-by-32 digital audio matrix router receives its first 16 audio channels from up to eight RADs via the eight rear panel 8P8C (RJ-45) Remote Audio Device ports. The second 16 matrix input channels can come from two eight-channel CobraNet receive (Rx) Bundles via standard CobraNet Primary and Secondary/backup ports. The 32 matrix router outputs transmit 16 channels to eight RADs and 16 more channels to two CobraNet transmit (Tx) Bundles.
A family of RAD models connect to the Mongoose. Each converts analog audio to or from 24-bit, 48 kHz digital audio. Shielded CAT 5e cable and termination transport four digital audio channels – two channels in each direction – as well as power, ground and a communications channel via Rane’s proprietary RAD Network. Status indicators are at the RAD signal entry points, at the front and back of the Mongoose, and in Mongoose Tracker software.
Download Mongoose Tracker Installer 2.3 for Windows. Click 'Run' to install. Internet connection required.
This product has not been tested to the current CE requirements and is not available in markets requiring CE compliance.
Think about your last: auditorium, church, hotel, theater, stadium, convention center, campus, bar, restaurant, club. Rane’s Mongoose and RADs solve problems you likely encountered if you ran analog audio between remote rooms and equipment racks.
Problem 1: Transmit & receive a small number of audio channels (2-6) to multiple, scattered locations.
Solution 1: Mongoose & Remote Audio Devices (RADs).
Problem 2: Conduit is expensive & multiple independent runs are needed for: mic, line, speaker, computer data, AC power...
Solution 2: Mongoose & RADs’ digital CAT 5 solution eliminates or greatly reduces mic & line conduit costs, labor, troubleshooting... Some jobs may permit using the computer/data conduit, cable, labor and terminations!
Problem 3: Analog termination requires either stripping & screwing down each wire (for Euroblocks) or soldering each wire and assembling the connector (XLR, TRS or RCA).
Solution 3: RAD Network CAT 5 cables are quick and easy to terminate using standard 8P8C (RJ-45) connectors.
Problem 4: Analog twisted-pair (mic/line) cable is costly & requires 1 cable per channel.
Solution 4: RADs digitizes audio at each wall location, transporting 4 channels (2 in each direction) on a single, less expensive CAT 5 cable.
Problem 5: Analog cable & devices (MP3/CD players, satellite receivers, laptops) are prone to ground loops, electromagnetic interference (EMI), hum, buzz, noise...
Solution 5: RAD Network audio is uncompressed, 24-bit, 48 kHz digital, run over differentially balanced CAT 5.
Problem 6: Long analog cables beyond 12 feet (3.6 meters) require isolation transformers. And if you require low frequencies, large transformers are required.
Solution 6: RADs support a 492 foot (150 meter) long digital RAD Network that provides ±45 volt common mode rejection without isolation transformers.
Problem 7: Testing analog audio wall connections is lots of work for installers.
Solution 7: RADs’ indicators immediately self-test CAT 5 connectivity.
Problem 8: Analog wiring mistakes & broken cables in distant rooms are difficult to troubleshoot.
Solution 8: Both ends of RAD Network cables & the Mongoose Tracker software indicate and inform installers about any and all wiring mishaps.
Problem 9: Fork lifts that meet XLR wall plates at high velocities equals a service call.
Solution 9: Maintenance staff can order and replace RADs without a contractor or a PC.
Problem 10: There are no signal or overload indicators, or “the cable’s good” indicators on analog XLR plates.
Solution 10: RADs have all these – and they dim with the light level in the room.
Analog runs are replaced with digital runs. This is suitable for point-to-point (tie lines), splitter, or mic preamp to line output in an easily configurable “set-&-forget” matrix.
RAD network cable distance maximum is 150 meters, so use this configuration when more than eight RADs are needed, or if the RADs are more than 150 meters apart (add a second Mongoose on the network to increase the total distance between RADs).
The Mongoose is directly connected to any CobraNet device port.
The Mongoose is connected to the CobraNet device through the network. Audio may travel in either or both directions depending on RAD choices.
Using the Mongoose Tracker, you configure each Mongoose RAD port with the RAD model that connects to it. You also configure various settings for each RAD, for the Mongoose itself, and for the CobraNet network. One of the key configuration tasks is to set up the audio routing for your Mongoose system. You do this using the audio routing matrix that appears in the Mongoose Tracker’s main window. Simply click a crosspoint to attach input to output, between RADs and CobraNet Channels. You can send the signal to one or more of the following:
In addition to configuring the Mongoose components and the audio routing, the software is a valuable tool for troubleshooting any issues that may arise. Although you can determine a lot from the hardware status indicators, the software provides more detail, allowing you to drill down and pinpoint the problem with greater accuracy.
Mongoose’s rear panel Ethernet port provides direct or network connection to a computer running Mongoose Tracker software. Inexpert users are assured easy network communications with Zeroconf (Link-local/mDNS) and DHCP support. Gone are the days of installers requiring intricate IP knowledge. Yet, facility network managers can configure Mongoose like any other IP network device. The Ethernet port also supports Auto MDI/MDIX which automatically detects and permits either an Ethernet crossover cable (included) or a standard Ethernet cable to be used when directly connecting to a computer.
Microsoft Windows XP (Service Pack 2 or 3) or Vista (32-or 64-bit) or 7 or 8 (32-or 64-bit). Computer must have an available Ethernet port. Note: Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 SP 1 is required. The Mongoose Tracker installer will automatically install this if required, but will increase download time.
Mongoose Tracker Version 2.3 (2M web installer, internet connection required) Mongoose Tracker Version 2.3 (155M single file download)
Mongoose Data Sheet including all compatible RADs (3M) Introducing Mongoose [simplified] (1.4M) Design Manual (8M) Installation Manual [included with Mongoose] (3M) Mongoose Poster with all RADs in a Cobranet System (5M) Decora dimensions for custom RAD mounting (100k) Cable Outlook: Is it time to move to shielded category cable? SVC 7-13 (400k)Each unit is shipped with the Mongoose Installation Manual containing Safety and Compliance information, Declaration of Conformity, and Rane's 2+ Year Warranty information.
RAD Labels Template: black text on white or ivory paper for Microsoft Word® RAD Labels Template: white text on black for Microsoft Word®
Online Mongoose Tracker Help
Mongoose front panel graphic
Mongoose rear panel graphic
Mongoose Tracker screen
Individual graphics for each RAD are available here
Mongoose front DWG