dBTechnologies has announced the release of the new A2Net proprietary digital audio and control protocol along with the first two products that will utilize A2Net, the new Control24A controller and ACU-1 card. The announcement was made at the recent 2025 ISE Show in Barcelona.
A2Net is an evolutionary concept born out of the company’s RDNet protocol. It introduces the ability to transport up to four channels of high-resolution digital audio and RDnet control data though a single cable, replacing the need for bulky cabling and complex, more expensive third-party networking protocols. A2Net is designed to streamline and make operations instantaneous without the need for advanced IT knowledge.
It’s a “point to point” protocol consisting of controllers such as the Control24A and receivers such as the ACU-1 card, enabling transmission of high-quality signal by eliminating loss caused by conversions from the mixer output to the loudspeakers.
The Control 24A is the first dBTechnologies controller native to A2Net networks and extends the established control functionalities of RDNet, offering the possibility to now embed up to four channels of digital audio and RDNET management over a single Cat-5 cable. Each Control 24A unit can manage up to 64 speakers equipped with A2Net cards, fully integrating with the AuroraNet software. Connection to the control interface (Mac/ Windows compatible) is possible via USB-C or TCP/IP network through a EtherCON connector.
On the rear panel, there are four XLR connectors that can be used as four analog audio inputs or 4 AES/EBU digital audio inputs. Two XLR outputs for AES/EBU digital audio allow a second or more Control24A units to be linked. Control24A units are equipped with two Cat-5 outputs using the A2Net protocol.
Control24A’s 1.54-inch e-paper display provides access to essential unit information such as IP address, the number of connected loudspeakers, and individual unit status. Even without power, configuration information for the TCP/IP control network remains visible. Control24A also offers a redundant powering capability.
The ACU-1 card enables the implementation of the A2Net protocol with loudspeakers equipped with DIGIPRO G4 amplifiers. The protocol uses the analog inputs and outputs present on the loudspeakers as redundancy for the digital audio signal to help protect the entire system from potential failures or interruptions. A2Net’s “True Bypass” function between loudspeakers is designed to guarantee that in the event of a power failure to one or more loudspeakers, the audio signal continues to flow without interruption.
Every component in a dBTechnologies loudspeaker system integrates with the A2Net protocol; It is compatible with the entire Digipro G4 amp module line via the ACU-1 card, as well as with native dBTechnologies RDNet devices, supporting hybrid configurations with systems equipped with either or both, RDNet and A2Net protocol. A2Net is controlled with the AURORA Net software, allowing monitoring and control capabilities of all loudspeaker parameters, input selections, and redundancy needs.
