View source for CobraNet

{{short description|Real-time professional audio over an Ethernet LAN}}

{{Infobox AoE
| name = CobraNet
| logo = [[File:CobraNet logo.svg|200px]]
| caption = CobraNet logo
| manufacturer = [[Cirrus Logic]]
| date = {{start date and age|1996}}
| switchable = Yes
| routable = No
| 10meg = No
| 100meg = yes
| latency = {{frac|1|1|3}} [[Millisecond|ms]]<ref name="AES">{{cite web |title=Best Practices in Network Audio |publisher=Audio Engineering Society |year=2009 |url=http://www.aes.org/technical/documents/AESTD1003V1.pdf |accessdate=2010-05-05}}</ref>
| maxchannels = 64
| samplingrate = 96 [[kHz]]<ref name="AES"/>
| bitdepth = 24 bits
}}

'''CobraNet''' is a combination of software, hardware, and [[network protocol]]s designed to deliver [[Audio data compression|uncompressed]], multi-channel, [[Latency (audio)|low-latency]] [[digital audio]] over a standard [[Ethernet]] network. Developed in the 1990s, CobraNet is widely regarded as the first commercially successful [[audio over Ethernet|audio-over-Ethernet]] implementation.<ref>{{Citation
| last = Karagosian
| first = Michael
| title = Following the Digital Audio Chain
| year = 2004
| url = http://mkpe.com/publications/theme_parks_&_systems/digitalaudiochain.php
| accessdate = 2007-03-19 }}</ref><ref>{{citation
|title=The back of the net |publisher=ProAudio-Central
|date=2 August 2010
|accessdate=2010-08-17
|url=http://www.proaudio-central.com/Publications/Pro-Audio-Asia/Technology/856-/The-back-of-the-net
|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120226042520/http://www.proaudio-central.com/Publications/Pro-Audio-Asia/Technology/856-/The-back-of-the-net
|archivedate=2012-02-26}}</ref>

CobraNet was designed for and is primarily used in large commercial audio installations such as convention centers, stadiums, airports, theme parks, and concert halls. It has applications where a large number of audio channels must be transmitted over long distances or to multiple locations.<ref name="Ballou2015">{{cite book|author=Glen Ballou|title=Handbook for Sound Engineers|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=t__vBgAAQBAJ&pg=PA1421|date=5 March 2015|publisher=CRC Press|isbn=978-1-135-01666-1|page=1421}}</ref>

CobraNet is an alternative to [[analog audio]], which suffers from signal degradation over long cable runs due to [[electromagnetic interference]], high-frequency [[attenuation]], and [[voltage drop]]. Additionally, the use of digital [[multiplexing]] allows audio to be transmitted using less cabling than analog audio.<ref name="FroehlichKent1995">{{cite book|author1=Fritz E. Froehlich|author2=Allen Kent|title=The Froehlich/Kent Encyclopedia of Telecommunications: Volume 10 - Introduction to Computer Networking to Methods for Usability Engineering in Equipment Design|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bmLcd6KZBwwC&pg=PA300|date=28 March 1995|publisher=CRC Press|isbn=978-0-8247-2908-0|page=300}}</ref>

==History==
CobraNet was developed in 1996 by [[Boulder, Colorado]]-based Peak Audio. Initial demonstrations were of a 10&nbsp;Mbit/s point-to-point system with limited channel capacity. The first permanent installation of CobraNet in this early form was to provide background music throughout [[Disney's Animal Kingdom]] theme park.<ref>{{Citation
| last = Karagosian
| first = Michael
| title = How Theme Parks Work (Part 3:Networks)
| year = 2006
| url = http://www.mkpe.com/theme_parks/networks.php
| accessdate = 2007-03-19 }}</ref> The first commercial use of CobraNet was during the [[halftime show]] at [[Super Bowl XXXI]] in 1997.<ref>{{Citation
| last = Audio Networking
| title = AARC-NET, Audio Networking Made Simple
| year = 2009
| url = http://www.arrakis-systems.com/aarcnet.html
| archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20110707163231/http://www.arrakis-systems.com/aarcnet.html
| archivedate=2011-07-07 }}</ref>

CobraNet was first introduced as an interoperable standard in collaboration with manufacturer [[QSC Audio Products]]. QSC was the first to license the technology from Peak Audio and marketed it under the RAVE brand. At this point CobraNet had graduated to [[fast Ethernet]] and used a unique collision avoidance technique<ref>{{cite patent
 | country = US
 | number = 5761430
 | status = patent
 | title = Media access control for isochronous data packets in carrier sensing multiple access systems
}}</ref> to carry up to 64 channels per Ethernet [[collision domain]].

CobraNet was subsequently enhanced to support and eventually require a [[switched Ethernet]] network. An [[SNMP]] agent was added for remote control and monitoring. Support for higher [[Sampling rate|sample rates]], increased bit resolutions and lowered latency capabilities were later introduced in an incremental and backward-compatible manner.

In May 2001, [[Cirrus Logic]] announced that it had acquired the assets of Peak Audio.<ref name="Doering">{{Citation
| last = Doering
| first = Christian
| title = Fiber in the Whole (House): Cirrus Logic Buys Peak Audio
| year = 2001
| url = http://www1.prosoundweb.com/industrybiz/biz_news/5_01_biz_news/cirrus.shtml
| accessdate = 2009-11-30 
|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080103213841/http://www.prosoundweb.com/industrybiz/biz_news/5_01_biz_news/cirrus.shtml
|archivedate=2008-01-03}}</ref><ref name=SEC10Q>{{cite web|title=FORM 10-Q FOR QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 29, 2001|url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/772406/000095013401508424/d91953e10-q.txt|website=Securities and Exchange Commission|publisher=United States Government|accessdate=26 December 2015}}</ref> Leveraging Cirrus DSP technology, a low-cost [[System-on-a-chip|SoC]] implementation of CobraNet was developed and marketed.

==Advantages and disadvantages==

===Advantages===
Using CobraNet and fast Ethernet, 64 channels of uncompressed digital audio are carried through a single [[category 5 cable]]. Using [[Gigabit Ethernet|gigabit]] or [[fiber optic]] Ethernet variants, the cost of cabling per audio channel is reduced further compared to the fast Ethernet implementation. CobraNet data can coexist with data traffic over existing Ethernet networks so a single network infrastructure can serve audio distribution and other networking needs.<ref name="ethernet">{{Citation | last = Cirrus Logic | title = Ethernet Overview | url = http://www.cobranet.info/support/design/ethernet_overview | accessdate = 2009-12-01 }}</ref><ref name="faq12">{{Citation | last = Cirrus Logic | title = CobraNet FAQ, Question 12 | url = http://www.cobranet.info/support/faq#Q12 | accessdate = 2009-12-01 }}</ref>

Audio routing can be changed at any time with network commands, and does not require rewiring.<ref name="manual"/>

Audio is transmitted in [[Digital data|digital]] form, and provides reduced susceptibility to [[electromagnetic interference]], [[crosstalk]], coloration, and [[attenuation]] owing to cable [[Cable theory|impedance]].<ref name="distribution">{{cite web
  | last = Gross
  | first = Kevin
  | title = Digital Audio Distribution Systems
  | url = http://www.cobranet.info/support/design/digital_audio_distrib
  | accessdate = 2009-12-01 }}</ref><ref name="renkus">{{cite web
  | author = Renkus Heinz, Inc.
  | title = Renkus-Heinz ST Series
  | url = http://www.renkus-heinz.com/pdf_ads/CobraNetWeb.pdf
  | page = 4
  | accessdate = 2009-12-01 
  |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715173617/http://www.renkus-heinz.com/pdf_ads/CobraNetWeb.pdf
  |archivedate=2011-07-15}}</ref>

Use of Ethernet by CobraNet offers many [[high availability]] features such as [[Spanning Tree Protocol]], [[link aggregation]], and [[network management]]. For critical applications, CobraNet devices can be wired with redundant connections to the network. In this configuration, if one CobraNet device, cable, or Ethernet switch fails, the other takes over almost immediately.<ref name="yamahaintro">{{cite web
  | author = Yamaha System Solutions
  | title = An introduction to networked audio
  | publisher =
  | year = 2006
  | url = http://www.yamahaproaudio.com/downloads/documents/data/white_papers/networkedaudio_introduction_en.pdf
  | page = 7
  | accessdate = 2009-12-01 
  |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111003222458/http://www.yamahaproaudio.com/downloads/documents/data/white_papers/networkedaudio_introduction_en.pdf
  |archivedate=2011-10-03}}</ref><ref name="yamahasystemdesign">{{cite web
  | author = Yamaha System Solutions
  | title = Networked audio system design with CobraNet
  | year = 2006
  | url = http://www.cobranet.info/sites/default/files/YamahaWP_-_Networked_audio_system_design_with_CobraNet_012607.pdf
  | page = 4
  | accessdate = 2009-12-01 }}</ref>

===Disadvantages===
Delays over the CobraNet transmission medium itself are at least {{frac|1|1|3}} [[milliseconds]]<ref group=note>CobraNet supports three latency modes: {{frac|1|1|3}}, {{frac|2|2|3}} and {{frac|5|1|3}}&nbsp;ms. See {{slink||Latency}} for details.</ref> per network traversal. For some applications, these delays can be unacceptable – especially when combined with further delays resulting from [[Speed of sound|propagation time]], [[digital signal processing]] and the conversions between [[Digital-to-analog converter|analog]] and [[Analog-to-digital converter|digital]].

Licensing the technology or purchasing the required CobraNet interfaces, which encode and decode the CobraNet signal, can be expensive.

==Transmission==
[[File:Cobranet blockdiagram.jpg|thumb|right|350px|Simple block diagram of an audio system employing CobraNet technology. Red lines indicate [[Analog signal|analog]] [[sound|audio]] [[signals]], while green lines indicate standard [[Ethernet]] signals.]]

CobraNet is transmitted using standard Ethernet packets. Instead of using [[TCP/IP]] packets, CobraNet transfers data using [[data link layer]] packets, which travel quickly through [[Ethernet hub|hubs]], [[Network bridge|bridges]] and [[Network switch|switches]], and are not as susceptible to the latency and [[Quality of service|QoS]] problems commonly found in [[streaming]] protocols using a higher [[transport layer]]. However, since CobraNet does not use [[IP protocol]], its packets cannot travel through [[Router (computing)|routers]], and therefore it is limited to use on a [[LAN]]; CobraNet cannot be used over the Internet. The network over which CobraNet is transmitted must be able to operate at a minimum of {{nowrap|100 Mbit/s}}. All CobraNet packets are identified with a unique [[EtherType|Ethernet protocol identifier]] (0x8819) assigned to Cirrus Logic.<ref name="manual">{{cite web
  | author = Cirrus Logic, Inc.
  | title = CobraNet Programmer's Reference
  | version = 2.5
  | publisher =
  | date = February 2006
  | url = http://www.cirrus.com/en/pubs/manual/CobraNet_Programmer_Manual_PM25.pdf
  | pages = 7–27
  | accessdate = 2009-11-30 }}</ref>

CobraNet is not designed to work over wireless networks. Bandwidth and reliability issues associated with typical [[802.11]] wireless networks tend to cause frequent dropouts and errors.<ref name="faq13">{{Citation | last = Cirrus Logic | title = CobraNet FAQ, Question 13 | url = http://www.cobranet.info/support/faq#Q13 | accessdate = 2009-11-30 }}</ref> However, wireless communication of CobraNet data can be accomplished reliably using lasers.<ref name="laser">{{cite web
  | title = Whirlwind E-Beam Laser
  | url = http://whirlwindusa.com/catalog/digital-audio-networking/e-beam-laser/ebeam
  | accessdate = 2010-09-18}}</ref>

===Channels and bundles===
CobraNet data is organized into channels and bundles. A typical CobraNet signal can contain up to 4&nbsp;bundles of audio traveling in each direction, for a total of 8&nbsp;bundles per device. Each bundle houses up to 8&nbsp;channels of [[sampling rate|48 kHz]], [[Audio bit depth|20-bit]] audio, for a total capacity of 64&nbsp;channels. CobraNet is somewhat scalable, in that channel capacity increases when 16-bit audio is used, and channel capacity decreases when 24-bit audio is used. The number of channels allowed per bundle is limited by the 1,500-byte Ethernet [[Maximum transmission unit|MTU]].<ref name="manual"/>

There are three types of bundles: multicast, unicast, and private:<ref name="manual"/>
* '''Multicast bundles''' are sent from one CobraNet device to all other CobraNet devices in the network using [[Multicast address#Ethernet|Ethernet multicast addressing]]. Each CobraNet device individually determines if it will use the bundle or discard it. Therefore, multicast bundles are more bandwidth-intensive than other bundle types. Bundle numbers 1–255 are reserved for multicast bundles.
* '''Unicast bundles''' are sent from one CobraNet device to any other device or devices configured to receive the bundle number. Unicast bundles are much more efficient because network switches route them only to devices which actually want to receive them. Despite their name, unicast bundles may still be sent to multiple devices, either by transmitting multiple copies of the audio data or using multicast addressing. Bundle numbers 256–65279 are reserved for unicast bundles.
* '''Private bundles''' may be sent with unicast or multicast addressing. Bundle numbers 65280–65535 are reserved for private bundles. Private bundle numbers are paired with the [[MAC address]] of the device that transmits them. To receive a private bundle, both the bundle number and the MAC address of the transmitter must be specified. Because 256 private bundles available to each transmitter, there is no limit on the total number private bundles on a network.

As long as multicast bundles are used sparingly, it is virtually impossible to exceed the bandwidth of a 100&nbsp;Mbit network with CobraNet data. However, there are limitations to the maximum number of bundles that can be sent on a network, since the [[Cobranet#Synchronization|conductor]] must include data in its beat packets for every bundle on the network, and the beat packet is limited to 1,500&nbsp;bytes. If each device is transmitting one bundle, there may be up to 184&nbsp;transmitters active simultaneously (for a total of 184 bundles). If each device is transmitting four bundles, then only 105 transmitters can be active, although they would be producing a total of 421 active bundles. The use of private bundles does not require any additional data in the beat packet, so these network limitations can be sidestepped by using private bundles.<ref name="faq28">{{Citation | last = Cirrus Logic | title = CobraNet FAQ, Question 28 | url = http://www.cobranet.info/support/faq#Q28 | accessdate = 2009-11-30 }}</ref>

===Synchronization===
The CobraNet network is synchronized to a single CobraNet device known as the ''conductor''. A ''conductor priority'' can be configured to influence the selection of the conductor. Among devices with the same conductor priority, the first to establish itself on the network becomes is elected conductor. All other devices are known as ''performers''. In the event that the conductor fails, another CobraNet device will be chosen to become the conductor within milliseconds. CobraNet cannot function without a conductor.<ref name="faq24">{{Citation | last = Cirrus Logic | title = CobraNet FAQ, Question 24 | url = http://www.cobranet.info/support/faq#Q24 | accessdate = 2009-11-30 }}</ref>

===Packets===
Four main types of packet are used in the transmission and synchronization of CobraNet:<ref name="manual"/>
* '''Beat packets'''&nbsp;– the conductor outputs a beat packet to all other CobraNet devices on the network at a rate of 750&nbsp;packets per second. All other CobraNet devices on the network synchronize their audio clock and their data transmissions to the beat packet. The beat packet contains network operating parameters, clock data and transmission permissions for multicast and unicast bundles.
* '''Audio packets'''&nbsp;– also known as ''[[Isochronous data transmission|isochronous]] data packets'', these packets are sent out by all CobraNet devices after they receive a beat packet. At standard latency settings, one audio packet is sent for each beat packet received, and each audio packet includes 64 [[Audio samples|samples]] of audio data per channel. At lower latency settings, audio packets may be sent twice or four times for each beat packet received. Bundles do not share packets; separate packets are sent in sequence for each bundle transmitted from the same device.
* '''Reservation packets'''&nbsp;– these packets are transmitted as needed or typically once per second at minimum. Their function is to control bandwidth allocation, initiate connections between CobraNet devices, and monitor the status of CobraNet devices.
* '''Serial bridge packets'''&nbsp;– [[Asynchronous serial communication|asynchronous serial data]] may be sent between CobraNet devices on the same network. Many standard asynchronous serial formats are supported, including [[RS-232]], [[RS-422]], [[RS-485]] and [[MIDI]].

===Latency===
The buffering and transmission of audio data in Ethernet packets typically incurs a delay of 256&nbsp;samples or {{frac|5|1|3}}&nbsp;milliseconds. Additional delays are introduced through [[analog-to-digital]] and [[digital-to-analog conversion]]. Latency can be reduced by sending smaller packets more often. In most cases, the programmer can choose the desired CobraNet latency for a particular CobraNet device ({{frac|5|1|3}}, {{frac|2|2|3}}, or {{frac|1|1|3}}&nbsp;milliseconds).<ref name="manual"/> However, reducing audio latency has consequences:

* Reducing latency requires more processing by the CobraNet interface and may reduce channel capacity.
* Reducing latency places additional demands on network performance, and may not be possible in some network configurations if the [[Packet transfer delay|forwarding delay]] is too high.
* Since reducing latency means sending smaller packets more often, higher resolution (i.e. 96&nbsp;kHz, 24-bit) audio channels can be sent per bundle without exceeding the 1,500-byte payload limit for Ethernet packets.<ref name="manual"/>

{| class="wikitable" style="margin:auto;"
|-
! rowspan="2" | Latency
! colspan="6" | Channels per bundle
|-
| 16-bit, 48&nbsp;kHz
| 20-bit, 48&nbsp;kHz
| 24-bit, 48&nbsp;kHz
| 16-bit, 96&nbsp;kHz
| 20-bit, 96&nbsp;kHz
| 24-bit, 96&nbsp;kHz
|- style="text-align:center;"
|{{frac|5|1|3}} ms
|8
|8
|7
|5
|4
|3
|- style="text-align:center;"
|{{frac|2|2|3}} ms
|8
|8
|8
|8
|8
|7
|- style="text-align:center;"
|{{frac|1|1|3}} ms
|8
|8
|8
|8
|8
|8
|}

It may seem from the ''Latency vs. Channels per bundle'' table that more information can be sent at a lower latency. However, that is not the case. More channels can be sent per bundle, but fewer bundles can be processed simultaneously by one device. So, while eight 24-bit, 96&nbsp;kHz channels can be sent in one bundle at {{frac|1|1|3}} ms latency, due to processing constraints, the CobraNet device may only be able to send and receive one bundle instead of the usual four. The bundle capacity of CobraNet devices are unique to the particular device and are not always the same. The ''Channels per bundle vs. test case latencies'' table illustrates the bundle capacity for a [[Biamp Systems|Biamp]] AudiaFLEX-CM DSP device. The Rx and Tx columns indicate the absolute maximum number of channels that can be received or transmitted. The Rx/Tx column represents the maximum number of channels that can be received and transmitted simultaneously.<ref>{{cite web|author=Biamp Systems |title=Audia Operation Manual |date=2007-02-14 |url=http://www.biamp.com/audiaflex.php?act=log&dlid=18&type=prod&tid=3 |format=PDF |page=128 |accessdate=2009-11-30 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707232625/http://www.biamp.com/audiaflex.php?act=log&dlid=18&type=prod&tid=3 |archivedate=July 7, 2011 }}</ref>
{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto;"
|-
! rowspan="2" | Channels per bundle
! colspan="3" | {{frac|1|1|3}} ms latency
! colspan="3" | {{frac|2|2|3}} ms latency
! colspan="3" | {{frac|5|1|3}} ms latency
|- style="text-align:center;"
| Rx
| Tx
| Rx/Tx
| Rx
| Tx
| Rx/Tx
| Rx
| Tx
| Rx/Tx
|- style="text-align:center;"
|8
|32
|32
|32/32
|32
|32
|32/32
|32
|32
|16/16
|- style="text-align:center;"
|7
|32
|32
|32/32
|32
|32
|29/29
|28
|32
|14/15
|- style="text-align:center;"
|6
|32
|32
|32/32
|32
|32
|29/29
|24
|32
|12/13
|- style="text-align:center;"
|5
|32
|32
|32/32
|32
|32
|25/27
|21
|32
|12/13
|- style="text-align:center;"
|4
|32
|32
|32/32
|32
|32
|24/24
|20
|28
|12/12
|- style="text-align:center;"
|3
|32
|32
|32/32
|32
|32
|20/21
|15
|24
|9/11
|- style="text-align:center;"
|2
|32
|32
|28/29
|27
|32
|16/16
|12
|18
|6/7
|- style="text-align:center;"
|1
|16
|16
|16/16
|16
|16
|9/10
|7
|10
|4/4
|}

==Hardware and software==
<!-- Missing image removed: [[File:CobranetBreakout.jpg|thumb|right|250px|A CobraNet input module for Renkus-Heinz loudspeakers.]] -->

===CobraNet network cards===
CobraNet interfaces come in several varieties, some of which can support more channels than others. Additionally, CobraNet interfaces have two Ethernet ports labelled "primary" and "secondary". Only the primary Ethernet port needs to be connected, but if both ports are connected the latter acts as a [[fail-safe]]. Careful network design and topology which takes advantage of this feature can provide extremely high reliability in critical applications.<ref name="yamahaintro"/><ref name="yamahasystemdesign"/>

The typical CobraNet interfaces provided by Cirrus Logic are the CM-1 and the CM-2:<ref>{{Citation
| last = Cirrus Logic
| title = CobraNet Networked Digital Audio
| url = http://www.cirrus.com/en/products/pro/techs/T9.html
| accessdate = 2007-03-19
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070205002828/http://www.cirrus.com/en/products/pro/techs/T9.html
| archive-date = 2007-02-05
| url-status = dead
}}</ref>
* '''CM-1'''&nbsp;– the standard CobraNet card, provides 32 in and 32 out audio channels.
* '''CM-2'''&nbsp;– compact, low-power, lower cost design provides 8 or 16 audio channels.
Both cards are designed to be added to audio products by the manufacturer.

===Software===
Cirrus Logic provides a software application known as CobraCAD, which assists in the design of the network on which the CobraNet system will run. It helps to identify if there are too many routers between two CobraNet devices, if a certain latency is possible given the network configuration and other tasks. However, Cirrus Logic does not provide software to manipulate their hardware. In fact, in the simplest of cases, no software is required by the end user. For instance, a simple [[breakout box]] which converts a CobraNet signal to eight analog audio signals would require little or no configuration by the end user apart from possibly selecting the bundle number.<ref name="whirlwind-ci8m">{{cite web
  | author = Whirlwind
  | title = CI8M user manual
  | url = http://whirlwindusa.com/media/uploads/ci8mmanual.pdf
  | page = 1
  | accessdate = 2010-09-18}}</ref> If configuration is required (for example, in a DSP box with integrated CobraNet I/O), then the manufacturer of the device typically supplies proprietary software for that purpose. {{Citation needed|date = December 2015}}

===Devices===

One type of device that integrates CobraNet is the audio [[Digital signal processor|DSP]]. As self-powered speakers became more common, Cobranet was frequently used to distribute the audio signal from the DSP.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Jarrell|first1=Will|title=AUDIO NETWORKING: THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS|url=http://www.churchproduction.com/story/main/audio_networking_the_latest_developments|website=Church Production|publisher=Production Media, Inc|accessdate=2015-12-28|date=2012-06-08}}</ref> These devices typically receive audio from CobraNet (and often from other digital or analog sources simultaneously), and process the audio using digital filters and effects (for example, volume control, [[Equalization (audio)|EQ]], [[Audio level compression|compression]], [[Delay (audio effect)|delay]], [[Audio crossover|crossovers]], etc.) and then output the audio via CobraNet (or other digital or analog outputs).<ref>{{cite book|last1=Sigismondi|first1=Gino|title=Selection and Operation of Audio Signal Processors|date=2003|publisher=SHURE|page=6|url=https://engineering.purdue.edu/ece103/References/audio_signal_processors.pdf|accessdate=2016-01-05}}</ref> Some DSPs even have an integral [[telephone hybrid]], and can incorporate CobraNet and other sources into a [[teleconferencing]] application.<ref>{{cite press release|title=BIAMP SYSTEMS INTRODUCES AUDIAVOIP|url=http://biamp.com/about/news_detail.aspx?id=262|publisher = Biamp Systems|accessdate=2015-12-28|date=2012-06-13}}</ref>

[[Amplifier]]s with integrated CobraNet help keep the signal chain digital for a longer span. Amplifiers with CobraNet inputs may also have limited DSP and network monitoring capabilities.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Liles|first1=Bennett|title=Technology Showcase: Networked Power Amplifiers|url=http://www.svconline.com/news/news/technology-showcase-networked-power-amplifiers/366797|website=Sound & Video Contractor|publisher=NewBay Media, LLC|accessdate=2015-12-28|date=2007-03-01}}</ref>

[[Loudspeaker]]s with integrated CobraNet help keep the signal chain digital for an even longer span. In a typical [[unpowered speaker]] application, the amplifier would be housed far away from the speaker, and a long speaker cable (analog) would be run between the speaker and the amplifier. The speaker cable would be subject to interference and signal loss from electrical resistance. However, a [[powered speaker]], powered by an electrical cable and fitted with integrated CobraNet inputs, eliminates the speaker cable and replaces it with a network cable.<ref name="distribution"/><ref name="renkus"/> Since a speaker will only use one audio channel out of the bundle, many speakers with CobraNet will also have a number of analog outputs for the rest of the channels in the bundle, which is useful in speaker cluster applications.{{Original research inline|date=December 2015}}

Many digital [[mixing console]]s are available with optional CobraNet interfaces for increased channel capacity and reduced cabling.{{Citation needed|date = December 2015}}

===Manufacturers===
Manufacturers who wish to integrate CobraNet connectivity into their devices either license the technology or purchase CobraNet interface modules or chips from Cirrus Logic.<ref name=licensee>{{cite web|title=Get Connected by CobraNet|url=http://www.cobranet.info/support/licensee|website=cobranet.info|publisher=Cirrus Logic|accessdate=2015-12-28}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Pro audio manufacturers continue licensing migration to CobraNet|url=http://www.tvtechnology.com/audio-etc./0193/pro-audio-manufacturers-continue-licensing-migration-to-cobranet/229240|website=tvtechnology.com|publisher=NewBay Media, LLC|accessdate=2015-12-28|date=2007-01-25}}</ref><ref name="Bailey2001">{{cite book|author=Andy Bailey|title=Network Technology for Digital Audio|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TlTslKEFpkIC&pg=PA157|year=2001|publisher=Taylor & Francis|isbn=978-0-240-51588-5|page=156}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release
 | title = Renkus-Heinz Adopts Cirrus Logic's CS4961XX CobraNet ICs to Drive New Series of Powered Loudspeakers
 | publisher = Business Wire 
 | date = 2007-03-15
 | url = http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20070315005235/en/Renkus-Heinz-Adopts-Cirrus-Logics-CS4961XX-CobraNet-ICs
 | access-date = 2015-12-28}}</ref> Many audio equipment manufacturers have included CobraNet in their products. Below is a partial list:<ref>{{Citation
| last = Cirrus Logic
| title = CobraNet Community
| url = http://www.cobranet.info/community/manufacturer | accessdate = 2009-11-30 }}</ref><ref name="IAAPA">{{cite journal|title= Audio Systems—it's Not Just Speakers and Wires Anymore |journal=Funworld|author=Jody Van Meter|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BlEsAQAAMAAJ|accessdate=17 December 2015|volume= 18|date=May 2002|publisher=[[International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions]]|quote=In 1996, Peavey Electronics, QSC Audio Products Inc., and Rane Corporation became the first licensees of CobraNet. Since then, many other manufacturers worldwide have begun to offer CobraNet compliant equipment (for a full list of CobraNet manufacturers, visit www.peakaudio.com/CobraNet/index.htm).}}</ref>
{{div col|colwidth=22em}}
* Biamp Systems<ref name="Doering"/> 
* [[Bose Corporation]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://worldwide.bose.com/pro/en/web/pm_8500_8500n/page.html?term=expansion_card&view=component |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130118112739/http://worldwide.bose.com/pro/en/web/pm_8500_8500n/page.html?term=expansion_card&view=component |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-01-18 |title=PowerMatch CobraNet card |publisher=[[Bose Corporation]] |accessdate=2012-07-01 }}</ref>
* [[dbx, Inc.|dbx]]
* [[Crest Audio]]
* [[Crown International]]
* [[D&R|D&R Electronica]]
* [[Dolby Laboratories]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Dolby® Lake® Processor System Manual|url=http://www.dolby.com/uploadedFiles/Assets/US/Doc/Professional/Dolby_Lake_Processor_System_Manual.pdf|publisher=Dolby Laboratories, Inc.|accessdate=22 December 2015|page=38}}</ref>
* [[Eastern Acoustic Works|EAW]]
* [[Electro-Voice]]
* [[JBL]]
* [[Lab.gruppen]]
* [[Mackie (company)|Mackie]]
* [[Midas Consoles]]
* [[Peavey Electronics|Peavey]] MediaMatrix
* [[QSC Audio Products]]<ref>{{citation |title=QSC debuts the DXP digital expansion processor at CinemaCon |date=2012-04-24 |url=http://www.filmjournal.com/filmjournal/content_display/news-and-features/news/digital-cinema/e3ie0c04bd1a97fdf52b8de0c600c47c2db |accessdate=2012-07-01}}</ref><ref>{{citation |url=http://www.fohonline.com/newgear/6556-q-sys-ccn32-cobranet-audio-io-card-now-available.html |title=Q-Sys CCN32 CobraNet Audio I/O Card Now Available |date=March 2012 |accessdate=2012-07-01}}</ref><ref>{{citation |url=http://www.inavateonthenet.net/article/44918/QSC-bolsters-Q-Sys-with-controller-and-I-O-card.aspx |title=QSC BOLSTERS Q-SYS WITH CONTROLLER AND I/O CARD |date=2011-09-14 |accessdate=2012-07-01 |publisher=InAVate |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208181216/http://www.inavateonthenet.net/article/44918/QSC-bolsters-Q-Sys-with-controller-and-I-O-card.aspx |archive-date=2015-12-08 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* Rane <ref name="IAAPA"/>
* [[Renkus-Heinz]]
* [[Soundcraft]]
* [[Symetrix]]
* [[Yamaha Corporation]]
{{div col end}}

== See also ==
* [[Audio Contribution over IP]]
* [[EtherSound]]
* [[Dante (networking)|Dante]]

==Notes==
{{reflist|group=note}}

==References==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
* {{official website|http://www.cobranet.info}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20100921081936/http://www.atterotech.com/what-is-cobranet/cobranet-faq/ CobraNet overview, usage and Frequently Asked Questions]

{{Digital audio and video protocols}}

[[Category:Digital audio]]
[[Category:Audio network protocols]]
[[Category:Ethernet]]