At the International Broadcast Equipment Exhibition (Inter BEE), Roland Systems Group introduced the RSS S-0808 Digital Snake.

This 8-input, 8-output snake sports a compact, lightweight design that supports multiple power options, including battery-powered, embedded-powered over REAC (Roland Ethernet Audio Communication), and power over Ethernet (PoE). The inputs have remote controllable preamps; phantom-power; 24-bit, 96 kHz A/D conversion; and your choice of XLR, TRS line, and high-impedance capability, to reduce the need for direct boxes.

The S-0808's versatility of power and input choices make it ideal for location sound, festivals, stage boxes, remote broadcasting and other portable applications, according to the manufacturer.

You can transfer both audio and power over a Cat5e cable using the RSS S-4000D Splitter and Power Distributor or the new S-4000M REAC Merge Unit. The S-4000M not only powers up to four S-0808 units but also enables the merging of all connected inputs and outputs into one REAC stream, which allows for distribution of 8 x 8 I/O units in a variety of locations or where AC power is either not available or inconvenient to run.

Pair two together for a complete point-to-point 8 x 8 snake system, or use one as a stage input box with any RSS V-Mixer. The digital snake comes with a side-mounting adapter plate, which enables IDX V-Mount or Anton Bauer Gold Mount battery systems to be attached to the side to power the S-0808. For more information, please visit Roland Systems Group online.