The Sonifex AVN-CU4-RAV is a highly configurable 4-person commentary unit that expands on the AVN-CU2-RAV platform to deliver a powerful, flexible, and intuitive solution for larger professional broadcast and live-commentary teams. It integrates seamlessly with modern Ravenna/AES67 AoIP workflows while also supporting extensive analog and AES3 connectivity for hybrid installations.
The AVN-CU4-RAV provides four locking XLR mic/line inputs, each with +48V phantom power indication and a wide, adjustable gain range, along with four stereo headphone outputs on locking 1/4" jack sockets—ideal for operation by three or four commentators.
Dual redundant network ports are provided on both RJ45 (PoE+) using Neutrik EtherCON and SFP cages for long-distance fiber connections. Stream setup is performed via ANEMAN, with detailed configuration available through the built-in web GUI.
- 12 push-button rotary encoders for level and pan
- 24 total key-cap buttons, including:
- 4 × On-Air buttons
- 4 × Page buttons (2 per display half)
- 4 × Cough buttons
- 8 × Talkback buttons (up to 4 per user)
- 3 × User-programmable buttons
- Two large TFT color displays
- 8 pages of 6 encoder positions (48 total)
Each rotary encoder includes a color-coded meter section showing channel name, detailed level metering, and left/right panning. Colors can be assigned to quickly identify source groups, making headphone and source selection intuitive.
A fully featured web GUI mirrors the front panel, allowing remote operation, live metering, encoder configuration, lock-out modes, and rapid recall of configuration files.
- On-Air control for each commentator position
- Dedicated Cough buttons to take commentators off-air
- Up to 4 talkback buses supporting AoIP, analog, or AES digital connections
- User-assignable buttons controlling GPO, VGPIO, relays, events, or routing actions
- Page switching to access up to 8 encoder sets for inputs, outputs, talkback sources, or mix points
- Lock-out modes for all buttons and encoders for simplified operation by talent
- 4 × analog line inputs on locking XLR jacks
- 6 × analog line outputs on XLR plugs
- 1 × RJ45 AES3 stereo input
- 1 × RJ45 AES3 stereo output
These I/O points may be assigned as program inputs, talkback inputs, mic outputs (line level), PA outputs, zone outputs, or talkback outputs, and can also serve as insert or exit points into the AoIP network.
GPIO capabilities include 10 configurable GPIO on a 15-way D-type connector and 1 switched changeover output, with VGPIO enabling event-driven interaction between multiple AVN-CU units.
Dual redundant network ports are provided on both RJ45 (PoE+) and SFP cages.
- Power over Ethernet+ (PoE+) via dual Neutrik EtherCON connectors
- 4-pin XLR 12 VDC input
- AC mains input via IEC inlet with universal supply
The illuminated Sonifex logo indicates power status, while front-panel LEDs show network clock, AoIP Primary/Secondary link status, PoE health, and AC/DC activity.